<p>Chapter Fifty-Four: The Upcoming Fourth Meeting with the Witch</p>
<p>“Eh, eh?”</p>
<p>Lady Violet pointed at herself, looking a bit dazed and cute.</p>
<p>As Shaya nodded, a hint of surprise and longing appeared in her eyes, but it was quickly suppressed by the heavy reality.</p>
<p>After a moment of silence, she glanced at Shaya and then looked down at her delicate white hands, giving a soft sigh.</p>
<p>She smiled and said, “Alright, Mr. Cain, I’m glad you can say that… but it’s getting late, you should go.”</p>
<p>She gently tucked her smooth long hair behind her ear.</p>
<p>At that moment, Lady Violet’s smile was incredibly tranquil and gentle.</p>
<p>“Why?” Shaya retracted his hand and gazed at her lovely face, “Don’t you want to escape this cage?”</p>
<p>“Are you suggesting that I elope with you?”</p>
<p>In the darkness, Lady Violet’s dewy eyes trembled slightly, as if silently asking Shaya.</p>
<p>“If you think so, you can.”</p>
<p>Shaya paused and spoke.</p>
<p>The main goal was still to sabotage the “Sun” plan; rescuing her from this quagmire was secondary.</p>
<p>But Shaya was never a cold person, especially since he was a boy who preferred eating fruits, like honeydew and such.</p>
<p>In fact, there had already been signs when he first went to the Abyss Palace. He was influenced by the witch’s murmurs, and under that tree, he saw the gentle elder sister-like figure of the witch.</p>
<p>Upon hearing Shaya’s response, Lady Violet blushed.</p>
<p>She looked up, gazing at Shaya, and stammered, “I already have a husband and daughter…”</p>
<p>“And besides, in the book ‘Jane Eyre,’ didn’t the female protagonist also reject Rochester’s elopement proposal?”</p>
<p>Lady Violet gently wrung her hands together, gathering her courage to speak.</p>
<p>After saying that, she seemed to have exhausted all her strength, her delicate shoulders relaxing.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, her young-looking face, despite being over thirty, flushed slightly, as if she had just drunk a cup of honey wine.</p>
<p>For a traditional woman in a medieval setting, being able to say the words “elope” took immense courage.</p>
<p>Shaya couldn’t help but smile.</p>
<p>The book is something… I personally copied by hand, and you’re using characters from it to refute me?</p>
<p>“Since you like ‘Jane Eyre,’ then you must be able to grasp the core message of my book,” Shaya shook his head, “From start to finish, I encourage women reading this book to pursue love bravely, to dare to rebel against the existing order.”</p>
<p>“But why do you linger in place, hesitant?”</p>
<p>Lady Violet was taken aback, then deeply bowed her head.</p>
<p>After a long time, she softly said, “But they, they won’t let me go…”</p>
<p>“Who?” </p>
<p>Noticing Lady Violet’s hesitance, Shaya asked.</p>
<p>“My husband, and that Black Mask.”</p>
<p>Lady Violet pondered and responded.</p>
<p>“That’s easy to handle, just a moment,” Shaya snapped his fingers and then vanished from the spot, “You pack your things first, wait for me to come back.”</p>
<p>Lady Violet stared blankly at the place he disappeared.</p>
<p>Could it be that he is…?</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>As the ball was nearing its end, the vast majority of people had already danced two dances. Only the heroine of this banquet, Selly, was still bored, leaning against the railing on the second floor, chin resting on her hand, gazing at the main entrance.</p>
<p>Ignoring all the unusual glances, she, wearing a white angel mask, gritted her teeth and thought about a certain unreliable fellow.</p>
<p>No one had ever dared to treat her this way throughout her life!</p>
<p>Filled with resentment, Selly raised her glass and “gulped” down half a glass of wine, already feeling tipsy.</p>
<p>She looked down at the fifth prince, who was embracing his tenth partner of the night in the hall below. She sneered but said nothing.</p>
<p>It was nothing more than a political marriage devoid of any emotion; both parties could play however they wanted, that was just the way it had always been.</p>
<p>Although it seemed that the other party was somewhat eager for her body, Selly would not allow that foolish prince to touch her even once.</p>
<p>After a while, the fifth prince, sweating but in good spirits, walked upstairs and stood beside Selly.</p>
<p>“You’re my fiancée, and although you didn’t dance the first dance with me, as for the finale, shouldn’t you give me the pleasure of letting the guests see?”</p>
<p>The young blonde man smiled.</p>
<p>Selly looked at his outstretched hand and said nothing.</p>
<p>At the same time, a feeling of disgust and loathing rose in her heart.</p>
<p>It was merely to showcase her as a tool to boast about in front of friends and guests, as if declaring “sovereignty.” Such a perception of being treated like an object made her feel quite uncomfortable.</p>
<p>But out of respect for the royal family, Selly raised her head, took a sip of wine, and refrained from voicing her anger.</p>
<p>Dancing was out of the question; the only thing she wanted to do right now was to hold Shaya down and beat him up to vent her feelings.</p>
<p>“Selly.”</p>
<p>Noticing that she was ignoring him, the fifth prince furrowed his brows and spoke with more emphasis.</p>
<p>Just then, he suddenly saw a strange light flash in Selly’s eyes.</p>
<p>The girl, who had originally been lazily leaning against the railing, blinked, braced herself against the railing to stand straight, and set her wine glass aside.</p>
<p>What suddenly energized her?</p>
<p>The fifth prince didn’t think much of it, believing she had come to her senses, and his frown relaxed as he said, “That’s right, this is…”</p>
<p>“My dance partner has arrived.”</p>
<p>Selly shot him a mocking glance and pointed towards the main entrance.</p>
<p>A young man wearing a black raven mask, tall and slender, was entering the banquet hall with a polite smile, appearing as if he hadn’t been late at all.</p>
<p>Then, Selly gently lifted the edge of her purple tassel long dress and walked down the circular staircase in her exquisite matching high heels, her diamond accessories swaying lightly as she walked.</p>
<p>Under everyone’s gaze, the boy in the black raven mask and the girl in the white angel mask slowly closed the distance.</p>
<p>Then the boy bowed slightly, like a true gentleman, extending his hand toward Selly.</p>
<p>“Sorry, beautiful princess, I’m late.”</p>
<p>Shaya gazed at the enchanting girl before him and praised.</p>
<p>“Princess? Hahaha, if others heard that, wouldn’t you be afraid they’d arrest us as a pair of scoundrels for treason?” </p>
<p>Selly covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, her little hand, painted with light purple nail polish, gently resting in Shaya’s warm palm before she stepped forward.</p>
<p>Shaya naturally wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her into an embrace: “Then forget it, I’m quite afraid of death.”</p>
<p>The music began to play.</p>
<p>With the melodious rhythm, they occasionally separated, sometimes held hands, paused, and circled around.</p>
<p>The purple tassel long dress swayed like waves, creating slight arcs that revealed a slender, white calf.</p>
<p>Their dance was so graceful that it gradually attracted everyone’s attention.</p>
<p>But lost in a wonderful atmosphere, the two ignored the stares of others.</p>
<p>Eventually, as the music reached a climax, Selly tilted her head back and gazed at Shaya’s charming face with a charm level of 15, her eyebrows trembling slightly.</p>
<p>In fact, that day in the Judgment Tower, she had spoken the truth.</p>
<p>She really was a bad woman, and indeed, at the moment Shaya leveled up, she felt a strong possessiveness toward him.</p>
<p>To mask a certain never-before-felt emotion within her, she had pretended to be strong and made the violent remark of “wanting to kill Shaya and keep him as a doll at home.”</p>
<p>Selly licked her dewy lips and softly said, “Are you thinking about kissing me?”</p>
<p>“No?”</p>
<p>Shaya blinked and answered honestly.</p>
<p>“But I want to kiss you.”</p>
<p>As soon as the words left her mouth, Selly suddenly stood on her tiptoes, her pink lips lightly pressed against Shaya’s in a fleeting touch, before pulling away immediately.</p>
<p>“Let’s die together with the bad woman!”</p>
<p>Selly smiled at Shaya, completely unconcerned about the consequences of her actions, and said in a sweet voice.</p>
<p>Moist, sweet.</p>
<p>It’s a pity it was too brief, leaving Shaya somewhat regretful.</p>
<p>So he thought for a moment and said, “Just now I was joking; I’m actually not afraid of dying at all.”</p>
<p>After saying this, Shaya lowered his head deeply.</p>
<p>The once cheerful Selly’s expression immediately froze.</p>
<p>Gasps filled the air.</p>
<p>“Smash!”</p>
<p>Somewhere on the second floor, the fifth prince watched the scene unfold in the dance hall, angrily shattering the glass in his hand.</p>
<p>Seconds later.</p>
<p>With satisfaction, Shaya gradually stopped his dance and released Selly, who was slightly out of breath.</p>
<p>The music also gradually dwindled.</p>
<p>The dance ended.</p>
<p>“Although I know you’re using me a bit, since you’ve accepted the interest, I won’t hold it against you,” Shaya smiled and said, “Moreover, how am I not using you too?”</p>
<p>“By the way, be careful of your fiancé; he’s not a good person.”</p>
<p>Shaya solemnly raised his head, gazing at the prince standing on the second floor.</p>
<p>The system labeled him with the striking red words “Villain.”</p>
<p>Having finally snapped back to reality from that deep kiss, Selly stood there, dazed, looking at Shaya.</p>
<p>At the same time, Count Violet, who had rushed over, appeared on the second floor.</p>
<p>This military-born count, at this moment, had removed his mask, frowning as he looked down at the audacious boy who dared to dishonor his daughter in public.</p>
<p>Shaya met his gaze and casually grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby server’s tray.</p>
<p>Then, he gently raised his glass toward Count Violet, silently mouthing words.</p>
<p>“BOOM!”</p>
<p>As soon as he finished speaking, the wine cellar of the estate erupted with towering flames!</p>
<p>At the altar, Shaya had found some deep red stones; these stones came from Tilius’s homeland and were highly conductive minerals of magic.</p>
<p>However, they had certain peculiar shortcomings.</p>
<p>For example, prolonged exposure to blood would cause them to explode.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Stop!”</p>
<p>With a shout, Shaya, who had just removed his mask, slowly turned around under the night sky.</p>
<p>After leaving the banquet hall, he smoothly returned to the back of the mansion.</p>
<p>The vast majority of the forces had been sent to put out the fire by the panicked Count Violet, while only the incoming Black Mask seemed to have sensed something unusual and followed him.</p>
<p>“You carry a familiar aura about you.”</p>
<p>The Black Mask was clearly a high-ranking member of the Night Shadow Association, exceptionally perceptive.</p>
<p>“Great Mage, Seven Rings.”</p>
<p>In the consciousness space, Miss Jin spoke up, seemingly not wanting to have a conversation with Shaya.</p>
<p>Shaya nodded and focused on the Black Mask.</p>
<p>“The incident at the altar has something to do with you, right?” The other party smiled sinisterly, “Although I’m not from the ‘Descent’ faction, this is part of the upper echelon’s plan, and you can’t just swagger out of here.”</p>
<p>“And those precious materials worth millions are probably on you, right?”</p>
<p>“Hehehe…”</p>
<p>The Black Mask chuckled, revealing a hint of murderous intent.</p>
<p>Although the materials were collected through cooperation between the upper organization and the Violet family, since the ritual had already been disrupted, the materials had entered “lost” status.</p>
<p>“Clang clang clang clang clang…”</p>
<p>Accompanied by a continuous sound, a series of scarlet rings of fire floated up behind him.</p>
<p>“What’s your code name?”</p>
<p>Shaya did not take a stance to retaliate but asked a rather peculiar question.</p>
<p>“Hehe, I’m the vice president of the Night Shadow Association, codename ‘Apollo’.” The Black Mask suddenly tightened his right hand, “What a strange last word.”</p>
<p>A crimson column of fire erupted like a tornado, soaring into the sky!</p>
<p>God Fire·Pillar of Heaven!</p>
<p>Fire magic reaching a full Seven Rings, as if a violent dragon, consumed the surrounding area, engulfing the boy’s frail and small figure in flames.</p>
<p>In an instant, the Black Mask sensed the life force of the other party being burned away and gradually dissipating.</p>
<p>For several seconds, the flames that swept across hundreds of meters of grass land, after turning everything into charred ashes, slowly extinguished.</p>
<p>“Hehe…”</p>
<p>The Black Mask shrugged.</p>
<p>That boy was now burned to nothing more than ashes, leaving only a gleaming dimensional ring that fell to the ground.</p>
<p>He didn’t think much of it and walked toward where the ring had dropped.</p>
<p>Then he bent down to pick it up.</p>
<p>“Thud—”</p>
<p>Before he could stand up, a cold power penetrated through his chest from his back.</p>
<p>In disbelief, he coughed up blood and slowly lowered his head.</p>
<p>In the place where his heart was, a large hand wrapped in black scales was gripping his still slightly beating heart.</p>
<p>“You, you’re not already…”</p>
<p>“That’s right, I was indeed killed.” Shaya crushed the heart, withdrawing his arm, “But who said a player with a cheat can’t revive?”</p>
<p>This guy, while possessing the strength of a Seven Ring Great Mage, seemed not particularly bright.</p>
<p>But that was normal; in the face of someone apparently weak like Shaya, who would remain on high alert?</p>
<p>Moreover, he had actually died once before the Black Mask and had dropped the ring on the ground as bait.</p>
<p>As for the revival point, Shaya had set it behind him while the Black Mask wasn’t paying attention.</p>
<p>No grand mage would want to be up close and personal with a transcendent knight who could instantly unleash double the power, especially when so close in distance.</p>
<p>That is the irrationality of a brute.</p>
<p>“But you’re really a waste.”</p>
<p>Shaya glanced at the motionless experience bar and scoffed.</p>
<p>With his vision gradually dimming, Shaya lowered his head and removed the Black Mask from his face, as well as the ring from his hand.</p>
<p>He also had Miss Jin read his thoughts and memories.</p>
<p>This was a method displayed by her in Shaya’s sea of consciousness, and after reading the memories that he intentionally conveyed, she perfectly transformed into “Mevis.”</p>
<p>With everything completed, Shaya left without looking back, turning into a shadow and disappearing into the night.</p>
<p>The entire Violet Manor was thrown into chaos.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>After hearing a violent explosion, Lady Violet was suddenly filled with intense anxiety.</p>
<p>What is Mr. Cain doing…?</p>
<p>“He is already dead.”</p>
<p>A voice suddenly appeared in the bedroom.</p>
<p>Lady Violet quickly turned around, expecting to see the familiar figure of that handsome boy, but what greeted her was a man wearing a black mask.</p>
<p>“Pat—”</p>
<p>She froze for a moment, covering her mouth and stepping back a few paces before collapsing on the ground in despair.</p>
<p>“It’s my fault… I caused his death…”</p>
<p>Tears gradually filled Lady Violet’s beautiful eyes and gently slipped down her delicate cheeks.</p>
<p>Her gaze was filled with sorrow.</p>
<p>“Cough, cough, I was just joking, just joking.”</p>
<p>Seeing that he may have gone too far, Shaya quickly removed his mask.</p>
<p>“I’ve killed the Black Mask; your husband probably doesn’t care about you now and may not in the future either.”</p>
<p>“If you still don’t agree, I’m going to just carry you away!”</p>
<p>Shaya pretended to be fierce, clenching his fist.</p>
<p>Seeing Mr. Cain “revived,” Lady Violet quickly wiped her tears and smiled, somewhat shyly.</p>
<p>She didn’t suspect too much.</p>
<p>Because the strange boy’s words seemed to possess a natural power of persuasion.</p>
<p>“Then, then please carry me, Mr. Cain; I… I can’t walk well.”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>For the vast majority of people in the Violet Manor, including the Count himself, it was a very bad night.</p>
<p>But for Shaya, it was a wonderfully fruitful night.</p>
<p>Total spoils: ritual materials worth over a million gold coins, including Void Stones, memories of a Seven Ring Great Mage, a kiss from a beautiful girl, and a runaway literary woman in her prime.</p>
<p>Yes, the kind with ample assets.</p>
<p>Thus, he cheerfully sat in a magical device shop.</p>
<p>“So this is your reason for bringing other women back to my home?”</p>
<p>The white-haired loli in pajamas stood with one hand on her hip, staring at the young man as if he were a monster.</p>
<p>“Madam, I’ll leave her to you for now; I don’t feel secure about putting her somewhere else. I’ll come back to find you after dealing with recent matters.”</p>
<p>Shaya glanced at Lady Violet, who was holding hot tea not far away, and said to Octave.</p>
<p>“Hmph, unless you share some of those materials with me, then it’s not negotiable.”</p>
<p>This was the first time Octave had seen so many ritual materials, her crimson pupils glittering with a greedy light.</p>
<p>“Sure, part of it can offset the debt,” Shaya nodded in agreement, recalling the face of that old patron who left without payment last time.</p>
<p>“What do you think of this Void Stone?” </p>
<p>Looking at a stone about the size of half a fist, Octave inquired.</p>
<p>“Can you help me make it into a magical device used for teleportation to a specific location? You can take more materials as payment.”</p>
<p>Shaya thought for a moment and asked.</p>
<p>“Of course, I’m a noble bloodsucker! The strongest craftsman in the Royal Capital!” </p>
<p>The little loli placed her hands on her hips, proudly huffing.</p>
<p>“By the way, before production, leave enough powder for three rituals; I’ll need it soon.”</p>
<p>After estimating the remaining quantity of other materials in the base, Shaya said.</p>
<p>After destroying the “Sun” plan, he didn’t breathe a sigh of relief but rather felt an increasing sense of urgency.</p>
<p>If even a vice president of the subordinate organization like the Night Shadow Association possessed the power of a Great Mage, Shaya had only forcefully script-killed him relying on the strength of his knight’s body and the secrecy of his abilities.</p>
<p>It was hard to imagine just how terrifying the formal members of that organization would be.</p>
<p>So after obtaining the Void Stone, he immediately came here.</p>
<p>Not just to settle Lady Violet but for his own upgrade plan.</p>
<p>After a while, when Octave brought out three purified test tubes, Shaya tucked them into his pocket and then disappeared onto the streets as dawn broke.</p>
<p>“Eh, eh?”</p>
<p>Lady Violet pointed at herself, looking a bit dazed and cute.</p>
<p>As Shaya nodded, a hint of surprise and longing appeared in her eyes, but it was quickly suppressed by the heavy reality.</p>
<p>After a moment of silence, she glanced at Shaya and then looked down at her delicate white hands, giving a soft sigh.</p>
<p>She smiled and said, “Alright, Mr. Cain, I’m glad you can say that… but it’s getting late, you should go.”</p>
<p>She gently tucked her smooth long hair behind her ear.</p>
<p>At that moment, Lady Violet’s smile was incredibly tranquil and gentle.</p>
<p>“Why?” Shaya retracted his hand and gazed at her lovely face, “Don’t you want to escape this cage?”</p>
<p>“Are you suggesting that I elope with you?”</p>
<p>In the darkness, Lady Violet’s dewy eyes trembled slightly, as if silently asking Shaya.</p>
<p>“If you think so, you can.”</p>
<p>Shaya paused and spoke.</p>
<p>The main goal was still to sabotage the “Sun” plan; rescuing her from this quagmire was secondary.</p>
<p>But Shaya was never a cold person, especially since he was a boy who preferred eating fruits, like honeydew and such.</p>
<p>In fact, there had already been signs when he first went to the Abyss Palace. He was influenced by the witch’s murmurs, and under that tree, he saw the gentle elder sister-like figure of the witch.</p>
<p>Upon hearing Shaya’s response, Lady Violet blushed.</p>
<p>She looked up, gazing at Shaya, and stammered, “I already have a husband and daughter…”</p>
<p>“And besides, in the book ‘Jane Eyre,’ didn’t the female protagonist also reject Rochester’s elopement proposal?”</p>
<p>Lady Violet gently wrung her hands together, gathering her courage to speak.</p>
<p>After saying that, she seemed to have exhausted all her strength, her delicate shoulders relaxing.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, her young-looking face, despite being over thirty, flushed slightly, as if she had just drunk a cup of honey wine.</p>
<p>For a traditional woman in a medieval setting, being able to say the words “elope” took immense courage.</p>
<p>Shaya couldn’t help but smile.</p>
<p>The book is something… I personally copied by hand, and you’re using characters from it to refute me?</p>
<p>“Since you like ‘Jane Eyre,’ then you must be able to grasp the core message of my book,” Shaya shook his head, “From start to finish, I encourage women reading this book to pursue love bravely, to dare to rebel against the existing order.”</p>
<p>“But why do you linger in place, hesitant?”</p>
<p>Lady Violet was taken aback, then deeply bowed her head.</p>
<p>After a long time, she softly said, “But they, they won’t let me go…”</p>
<p>“Who?” </p>
<p>Noticing Lady Violet’s hesitance, Shaya asked.</p>
<p>“My husband, and that Black Mask.”</p>
<p>Lady Violet pondered and responded.</p>
<p>“That’s easy to handle, just a moment,” Shaya snapped his fingers and then vanished from the spot, “You pack your things first, wait for me to come back.”</p>
<p>Lady Violet stared blankly at the place he disappeared.</p>
<p>Could it be that he is…?</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>As the ball was nearing its end, the vast majority of people had already danced two dances. Only the heroine of this banquet, Selly, was still bored, leaning against the railing on the second floor, chin resting on her hand, gazing at the main entrance.</p>
<p>Ignoring all the unusual glances, she, wearing a white angel mask, gritted her teeth and thought about a certain unreliable fellow.</p>
<p>No one had ever dared to treat her this way throughout her life!</p>
<p>Filled with resentment, Selly raised her glass and “gulped” down half a glass of wine, already feeling tipsy.</p>
<p>She looked down at the fifth prince, who was embracing his tenth partner of the night in the hall below. She sneered but said nothing.</p>
<p>It was nothing more than a political marriage devoid of any emotion; both parties could play however they wanted, that was just the way it had always been.</p>
<p>Although it seemed that the other party was somewhat eager for her body, Selly would not allow that foolish prince to touch her even once.</p>
<p>After a while, the fifth prince, sweating but in good spirits, walked upstairs and stood beside Selly.</p>
<p>“You’re my fiancée, and although you didn’t dance the first dance with me, as for the finale, shouldn’t you give me the pleasure of letting the guests see?”</p>
<p>The young blonde man smiled.</p>
<p>Selly looked at his outstretched hand and said nothing.</p>
<p>At the same time, a feeling of disgust and loathing rose in her heart.</p>
<p>It was merely to showcase her as a tool to boast about in front of friends and guests, as if declaring “sovereignty.” Such a perception of being treated like an object made her feel quite uncomfortable.</p>
<p>But out of respect for the royal family, Selly raised her head, took a sip of wine, and refrained from voicing her anger.</p>
<p>Dancing was out of the question; the only thing she wanted to do right now was to hold Shaya down and beat him up to vent her feelings.</p>
<p>“Selly.”</p>
<p>Noticing that she was ignoring him, the fifth prince furrowed his brows and spoke with more emphasis.</p>
<p>Just then, he suddenly saw a strange light flash in Selly’s eyes.</p>
<p>The girl, who had originally been lazily leaning against the railing, blinked, braced herself against the railing to stand straight, and set her wine glass aside.</p>
<p>What suddenly energized her?</p>
<p>The fifth prince didn’t think much of it, believing she had come to her senses, and his frown relaxed as he said, “That’s right, this is…”</p>
<p>“My dance partner has arrived.”</p>
<p>Selly shot him a mocking glance and pointed towards the main entrance.</p>
<p>A young man wearing a black raven mask, tall and slender, was entering the banquet hall with a polite smile, appearing as if he hadn’t been late at all.</p>
<p>Then, Selly gently lifted the edge of her purple tassel long dress and walked down the circular staircase in her exquisite matching high heels, her diamond accessories swaying lightly as she walked.</p>
<p>Under everyone’s gaze, the boy in the black raven mask and the girl in the white angel mask slowly closed the distance.</p>
<p>Then the boy bowed slightly, like a true gentleman, extending his hand toward Selly.</p>
<p>“Sorry, beautiful princess, I’m late.”</p>
<p>Shaya gazed at the enchanting girl before him and praised.</p>
<p>“Princess? Hahaha, if others heard that, wouldn’t you be afraid they’d arrest us as a pair of scoundrels for treason?” </p>
<p>Selly covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, her little hand, painted with light purple nail polish, gently resting in Shaya’s warm palm before she stepped forward.</p>
<p>Shaya naturally wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her into an embrace: “Then forget it, I’m quite afraid of death.”</p>
<p>The music began to play.</p>
<p>With the melodious rhythm, they occasionally separated, sometimes held hands, paused, and circled around.</p>
<p>The purple tassel long dress swayed like waves, creating slight arcs that revealed a slender, white calf.</p>
<p>Their dance was so graceful that it gradually attracted everyone’s attention.</p>
<p>But lost in a wonderful atmosphere, the two ignored the stares of others.</p>
<p>Eventually, as the music reached a climax, Selly tilted her head back and gazed at Shaya’s charming face with a charm level of 15, her eyebrows trembling slightly.</p>
<p>In fact, that day in the Judgment Tower, she had spoken the truth.</p>
<p>She really was a bad woman, and indeed, at the moment Shaya leveled up, she felt a strong possessiveness toward him.</p>
<p>To mask a certain never-before-felt emotion within her, she had pretended to be strong and made the violent remark of “wanting to kill Shaya and keep him as a doll at home.”</p>
<p>Selly licked her dewy lips and softly said, “Are you thinking about kissing me?”</p>
<p>“No?”</p>
<p>Shaya blinked and answered honestly.</p>
<p>“But I want to kiss you.”</p>
<p>As soon as the words left her mouth, Selly suddenly stood on her tiptoes, her pink lips lightly pressed against Shaya’s in a fleeting touch, before pulling away immediately.</p>
<p>“Let’s die together with the bad woman!”</p>
<p>Selly smiled at Shaya, completely unconcerned about the consequences of her actions, and said in a sweet voice.</p>
<p>Moist, sweet.</p>
<p>It’s a pity it was too brief, leaving Shaya somewhat regretful.</p>
<p>So he thought for a moment and said, “Just now I was joking; I’m actually not afraid of dying at all.”</p>
<p>After saying this, Shaya lowered his head deeply.</p>
<p>The once cheerful Selly’s expression immediately froze.</p>
<p>Gasps filled the air.</p>
<p>“Smash!”</p>
<p>Somewhere on the second floor, the fifth prince watched the scene unfold in the dance hall, angrily shattering the glass in his hand.</p>
<p>Seconds later.</p>
<p>With satisfaction, Shaya gradually stopped his dance and released Selly, who was slightly out of breath.</p>
<p>The music also gradually dwindled.</p>
<p>The dance ended.</p>
<p>“Although I know you’re using me a bit, since you’ve accepted the interest, I won’t hold it against you,” Shaya smiled and said, “Moreover, how am I not using you too?”</p>
<p>“By the way, be careful of your fiancé; he’s not a good person.”</p>
<p>Shaya solemnly raised his head, gazing at the prince standing on the second floor.</p>
<p>The system labeled him with the striking red words “Villain.”</p>
<p>Having finally snapped back to reality from that deep kiss, Selly stood there, dazed, looking at Shaya.</p>
<p>At the same time, Count Violet, who had rushed over, appeared on the second floor.</p>
<p>This military-born count, at this moment, had removed his mask, frowning as he looked down at the audacious boy who dared to dishonor his daughter in public.</p>
<p>Shaya met his gaze and casually grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby server’s tray.</p>
<p>Then, he gently raised his glass toward Count Violet, silently mouthing words.</p>
<p>“BOOM!”</p>
<p>As soon as he finished speaking, the wine cellar of the estate erupted with towering flames!</p>
<p>At the altar, Shaya had found some deep red stones; these stones came from Tilius’s homeland and were highly conductive minerals of magic.</p>
<p>However, they had certain peculiar shortcomings.</p>
<p>For example, prolonged exposure to blood would cause them to explode.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Stop!”</p>
<p>With a shout, Shaya, who had just removed his mask, slowly turned around under the night sky.</p>
<p>After leaving the banquet hall, he smoothly returned to the back of the mansion.</p>
<p>The vast majority of the forces had been sent to put out the fire by the panicked Count Violet, while only the incoming Black Mask seemed to have sensed something unusual and followed him.</p>
<p>“You carry a familiar aura about you.”</p>
<p>The Black Mask was clearly a high-ranking member of the Night Shadow Association, exceptionally perceptive.</p>
<p>“Great Mage, Seven Rings.”</p>
<p>In the consciousness space, Miss Jin spoke up, seemingly not wanting to have a conversation with Shaya.</p>
<p>Shaya nodded and focused on the Black Mask.</p>
<p>“The incident at the altar has something to do with you, right?” The other party smiled sinisterly, “Although I’m not from the ‘Descent’ faction, this is part of the upper echelon’s plan, and you can’t just swagger out of here.”</p>
<p>“And those precious materials worth millions are probably on you, right?”</p>
<p>“Hehehe…”</p>
<p>The Black Mask chuckled, revealing a hint of murderous intent.</p>
<p>Although the materials were collected through cooperation between the upper organization and the Violet family, since the ritual had already been disrupted, the materials had entered “lost” status.</p>
<p>“Clang clang clang clang clang…”</p>
<p>Accompanied by a continuous sound, a series of scarlet rings of fire floated up behind him.</p>
<p>“What’s your code name?”</p>
<p>Shaya did not take a stance to retaliate but asked a rather peculiar question.</p>
<p>“Hehe, I’m the vice president of the Night Shadow Association, codename ‘Apollo’.” The Black Mask suddenly tightened his right hand, “What a strange last word.”</p>
<p>A crimson column of fire erupted like a tornado, soaring into the sky!</p>
<p>God Fire·Pillar of Heaven!</p>
<p>Fire magic reaching a full Seven Rings, as if a violent dragon, consumed the surrounding area, engulfing the boy’s frail and small figure in flames.</p>
<p>In an instant, the Black Mask sensed the life force of the other party being burned away and gradually dissipating.</p>
<p>For several seconds, the flames that swept across hundreds of meters of grass land, after turning everything into charred ashes, slowly extinguished.</p>
<p>“Hehe…”</p>
<p>The Black Mask shrugged.</p>
<p>That boy was now burned to nothing more than ashes, leaving only a gleaming dimensional ring that fell to the ground.</p>
<p>He didn’t think much of it and walked toward where the ring had dropped.</p>
<p>Then he bent down to pick it up.</p>
<p>“Thud—”</p>
<p>Before he could stand up, a cold power penetrated through his chest from his back.</p>
<p>In disbelief, he coughed up blood and slowly lowered his head.</p>
<p>In the place where his heart was, a large hand wrapped in black scales was gripping his still slightly beating heart.</p>
<p>“You, you’re not already…”</p>
<p>“That’s right, I was indeed killed.” Shaya crushed the heart, withdrawing his arm, “But who said a player with a cheat can’t revive?”</p>
<p>This guy, while possessing the strength of a Seven Ring Great Mage, seemed not particularly bright.</p>
<p>But that was normal; in the face of someone apparently weak like Shaya, who would remain on high alert?</p>
<p>Moreover, he had actually died once before the Black Mask and had dropped the ring on the ground as bait.</p>
<p>As for the revival point, Shaya had set it behind him while the Black Mask wasn’t paying attention.</p>
<p>No grand mage would want to be up close and personal with a transcendent knight who could instantly unleash double the power, especially when so close in distance.</p>
<p>That is the irrationality of a brute.</p>
<p>“But you’re really a waste.”</p>
<p>Shaya glanced at the motionless experience bar and scoffed.</p>
<p>With his vision gradually dimming, Shaya lowered his head and removed the Black Mask from his face, as well as the ring from his hand.</p>
<p>He also had Miss Jin read his thoughts and memories.</p>
<p>This was a method displayed by her in Shaya’s sea of consciousness, and after reading the memories that he intentionally conveyed, she perfectly transformed into “Mevis.”</p>
<p>With everything completed, Shaya left without looking back, turning into a shadow and disappearing into the night.</p>
<p>The entire Violet Manor was thrown into chaos.</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>After hearing a violent explosion, Lady Violet was suddenly filled with intense anxiety.</p>
<p>What is Mr. Cain doing…?</p>
<p>“He is already dead.”</p>
<p>A voice suddenly appeared in the bedroom.</p>
<p>Lady Violet quickly turned around, expecting to see the familiar figure of that handsome boy, but what greeted her was a man wearing a black mask.</p>
<p>“Pat—”</p>
<p>She froze for a moment, covering her mouth and stepping back a few paces before collapsing on the ground in despair.</p>
<p>“It’s my fault… I caused his death…”</p>
<p>Tears gradually filled Lady Violet’s beautiful eyes and gently slipped down her delicate cheeks.</p>
<p>Her gaze was filled with sorrow.</p>
<p>“Cough, cough, I was just joking, just joking.”</p>
<p>Seeing that he may have gone too far, Shaya quickly removed his mask.</p>
<p>“I’ve killed the Black Mask; your husband probably doesn’t care about you now and may not in the future either.”</p>
<p>“If you still don’t agree, I’m going to just carry you away!”</p>
<p>Shaya pretended to be fierce, clenching his fist.</p>
<p>Seeing Mr. Cain “revived,” Lady Violet quickly wiped her tears and smiled, somewhat shyly.</p>
<p>She didn’t suspect too much.</p>
<p>Because the strange boy’s words seemed to possess a natural power of persuasion.</p>
<p>“Then, then please carry me, Mr. Cain; I… I can’t walk well.”</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>For the vast majority of people in the Violet Manor, including the Count himself, it was a very bad night.</p>
<p>But for Shaya, it was a wonderfully fruitful night.</p>
<p>Total spoils: ritual materials worth over a million gold coins, including Void Stones, memories of a Seven Ring Great Mage, a kiss from a beautiful girl, and a runaway literary woman in her prime.</p>
<p>Yes, the kind with ample assets.</p>
<p>Thus, he cheerfully sat in a magical device shop.</p>
<p>“So this is your reason for bringing other women back to my home?”</p>
<p>The white-haired loli in pajamas stood with one hand on her hip, staring at the young man as if he were a monster.</p>
<p>“Madam, I’ll leave her to you for now; I don’t feel secure about putting her somewhere else. I’ll come back to find you after dealing with recent matters.”</p>
<p>Shaya glanced at Lady Violet, who was holding hot tea not far away, and said to Octave.</p>
<p>“Hmph, unless you share some of those materials with me, then it’s not negotiable.”</p>
<p>This was the first time Octave had seen so many ritual materials, her crimson pupils glittering with a greedy light.</p>
<p>“Sure, part of it can offset the debt,” Shaya nodded in agreement, recalling the face of that old patron who left without payment last time.</p>
<p>“What do you think of this Void Stone?” </p>
<p>Looking at a stone about the size of half a fist, Octave inquired.</p>
<p>“Can you help me make it into a magical device used for teleportation to a specific location? You can take more materials as payment.”</p>
<p>Shaya thought for a moment and asked.</p>
<p>“Of course, I’m a noble bloodsucker! The strongest craftsman in the Royal Capital!” </p>
<p>The little loli placed her hands on her hips, proudly huffing.</p>
<p>“By the way, before production, leave enough powder for three rituals; I’ll need it soon.”</p>
<p>After estimating the remaining quantity of other materials in the base, Shaya said.</p>
<p>After destroying the “Sun” plan, he didn’t breathe a sigh of relief but rather felt an increasing sense of urgency.</p>
<p>If even a vice president of the subordinate organization like the Night Shadow Association possessed the power of a Great Mage, Shaya had only forcefully script-killed him relying on the strength of his knight’s body and the secrecy of his abilities.</p>
<p>It was hard to imagine just how terrifying the formal members of that organization would be.</p>
<p>So after obtaining the Void Stone, he immediately came here.</p>
<p>Not just to settle Lady Violet but for his own upgrade plan.</p>
<p>After a while, when Octave brought out three purified test tubes, Shaya tucked them into his pocket and then disappeared onto the streets as dawn broke.</p>
