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nIn a lavish private chamber, Marquise Laxus and his trusted advisor, Sir Martis, sat together discussing the latest court gossip.

nThey had heard whispers about Count Maximus, a lowly mage who turned part of his barren territory into fertile fields.

nThe Marquise was intrigued, but skeptical. “Do you think this is possible, Martis? How could a weak mage do something that powerful?”

nMartis scratched his chin thoughtfully. “It is hard to say, my lord. But if the rumors are true, then this is certainly something we should investigate.”

nLaxus nodded in agreement. “We cannot let such power go unchecked. I want you to find out everything you can about Count Maximus and how he does what he does.”

nMartis bowed his head respectfully. “Of course, my lord. Should I make inquiries among our people, or seek outside help?”

nThe Marquise considered for a moment before answering. “I don’t want to risk anyone in our court being responsible for this. Seek outside help, and be discreet.”

nMartis nodded solemnly. “As you wish, my lord. I will begin my investigation immediately.”

nAfter several days, it was confirmed that the once barren land had indeed become arable. However, how it is accomplished remains a mystery.

nExcited by the news, the Marquise Laxus hastily summoned his trusted aide, Martis, to his private chamber and ordered him to hire an assassin to capture Maximus.

nSeveral days later, Martis informed the Marquise that he had successfully hired an assassin named Lucas, a notorious peak tier 3 Earth Knight that is skilled in assassination techniques.

nAs the Marquise Laxus eagerly awaited news of Maximus’ capture, his mind was consumed with the potential benefits that could come from possessing the power to transform barren land into fertile fields.

nRestlessly pacing in his chambers, Laxus constantly asked his aides for any news or updates from the hired assassin.

nHe believed that only he was capable of possessing that knowledge and power to change the world.

n…

nLucas, the hired assassin of Marquise Laxus, had finally infiltrated Moonshadow CIty.

nAs he walked down the busy streets, he was taken aback by the liveliness of the city.

nThe markets were bustling with people, and the stalls were lined with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.

nLucas couldn’t resist the mouth-watering aromas and decided to buy some food to blend in with the locals.

nAs he munched on some roasted meat, he carefully observed his surroundings, gathering information about his target.

nHe had learned that Count Maximus was a young mage who had recently become a count due to the death of his father.

nAccording to the news he knew his target only had the strength of apprentice magician years ago.

nEven if his strength grew he can only be an official mage at most.

nLucas walked down the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, but he was always on guard.

nHe knew that he couldn’t afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment.

nAfter all, he was a stranger in a foreign land, and the people of the city were wary of outsiders.

nAs he ate, Lucas made his way toward the Count’s castle, hoping to gather more information.

nHe was surprised to find that the castle was heavily guarded, and getting past the guards would be no easy feat.

nHe watched from a distance, observing the movements of the guards, hoping to find a weakness that he could exploit.

nAs the day turned into night, Lucas realized that going into the castle was difficult and would cause a commotion.

nWhich he didn’t like. He could only bid his time waiting for the best chance to capture his target.

n…

nMaximus sat in his secret room, watching the various screens displaying the city under his protection.

nThe whole city was full of magical sensors that completed an array, that can detect and analyze any suspicious activity within the city.

nGuardian’s Eye Array (Tier 0): This array creates a network of magical sensors throughout the city, granting the ability to detect any unauthorized or suspicious magical activity, and can detect up to tier 3 magic activity. Price 700𝗈𝗏𝔩xt.𝑪𝒪𝑀

nThe is a more advanced formation array that can both defend and attack unfortunately it’s too expensive.

nAs he observed the screens, he noticed a flashing red signal indicating the presence of a suspicious individual who had entered the city.

nIntrigued, he directed his attention to locate the source of the alert and identified a distinct magic signature that stood out from the others.

nIn this city, individuals, whether powerful or not, typically displayed their magic signatures in the open.

nHowever, this man’s magic signature appeared unusually concentrated, as if he intended to blend in with ordinary people and conceal his true identity.

nHe watched as the screens followed the stranger’s movements, observing as he bought food from street vendors, walking throughout the city as if surveying.

nDespite the man’s attempts to blend in, his magic signature was instantly recognized by the array database.

nDespite not being sure if the man came for him.

nHe could not risk this stranger endangering him or his people.

nMaximus reached for a crystal-like device and spoke to Edwin, the head guard.

nCrystal Resonator (Tier 0): A crystal device designed for communication. By channeling magical energy through it, users can transmit their voices through a short distance with other resonators. Price 60

n“Lure him to the location,” he said, his voice steady and emotionless.

nAs he gave the information about the other party.

nThe guards understood the gravity of his command and went out to find the stranger.

nLucas, the assassin, had no idea that he had already been exposed, but Maximus knew that it was only a matter of time before he became suspicious.

nAs he plans for the next action, Maximus felt a sense of excitement.

n…

nThe assassin Lucas had been wandering the streets of the city for days, gathering information about his target.

nHe had been surprised by the liveliness of the city, with people bustling around and food stalls lining the streets.

nHe had even indulged in some of the local delicacies but had remained vigilant looking for opportunities to capture his target.

nFinally, he received a message from one of his eyeliners that Maximus was going out of the castle.

nIt was a secluded area on the outskirts of the city, a place where few were allowed to go.

nLucas made his way there, taking care to remain hidden and undetected.

nAs he approached the location, he noticed that it was guarded by several of Maximus’ men.

nLucas knew that this would be a tricky situation, but he was confident in his skills.

nHe waited until nightfall, then made his move.

nHe silently knocked out the guards one by one, moving quickly and quietly.

nAs he made his way closer to the building, he could see Maximus through a corner, walking leisurely and seemingly unaware of his presence.

nLucas prepared himself to strike, drawing his weapon and stepping forward.

nBut as he moved, something strange happened. He stumbled, his movements becoming sluggish and uncoordinated.

nHe felt weak, as though his body was no longer responding to his commands.

nHe tried to fight it, but it was too late. Lucas fell to the ground, completely paralyzed.

nParalysis Pulse Array (Tier 2): This array emits a focused pulse of magical energy within a 2-meter radius, causing paralysis up to tier 3 being. Price 5,000

nAnyone caught within its range is immobilized for a short duration, rendering them unable to move or react.

nMaximus approached him calmly, a smug smile appeared on his face. “You thought you could take me down?” he asked, his voice dripping with arrogance.

nLucas tried to speak, but he couldn’t even move his mouth. He was completely at Maximus’ mercy.

nWith a flick of his wrist, Maximus released the small magic formations that had been controlling Lucas.

nThe assassin gasped for air, his body once again under his control.

nMaximus then again switched the formation on.

nLucas lay on the ground, unable to move or speak, while Maximus played with the formation as if testing its effectiveness.

nSatisfied with the effects of the formation he bought.

nHe finally turned his attention towards this stranger.

nAfter an hour of torture finding no information about the mastermind behind the scene.

nMaximus grew impatient as he finally ended the life of this unknown assassin.

nLucas felt his life slipping away. He knew that he was dying, but he couldn’t even muster the strength to fight.

nIn the end, Lucas was just another casualty of Maximus’ growing influence.

nHe had underestimated the one he thought was a lowly mage and paid the ultimate price.

nMaximus, on the other hand, continued his days, making babies as his power and wealth grew with each passing day.

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