Night Ranger

Chapter 217: Assassin Alliance

p>The Holy Maiden walked over from the desert, two Bai clansmen silently following behind her.

Scimitar Fighters.

The scimitar skills of the Bai clansmen were known throughout the entire continent. Scimitar Fighter was also one of the defining classes of the Bai clansmen, just like the Sha’s Battle Gunner.

The two Scimitar Fighters were each holding someone.

They seemed to be prisoners.

They looked sturdy, but they were now covered with cuts and bruises and their mouths were sealed with rubber tape.

The Holy Maiden stopped on the outskirts of Kassemuir and looked at the people gathered. At the same time, guards from Kassemuir also came to welcome them.

“I already found the White Deer’s murderers. It was these two adventurers.”

“As a punishment, I’ll will execute these two people in front of all the outsiders.”

The guards nodded.

Everyone moved away, forming a circle.

Many people from the small town watched the scene.

Marvin instinctively felt something wrong.

He pulled Isabelle’s small hand and lightly retreated, escaping to a place where that Holy Maiden’s line of sight couldn’t reach.

This Holy Maiden gave him a strange feeling.

Usually, the Bai Clan’s Holy Maiden served the White Deer Holy Spirit, and she would seldomly roam around in front of everyone. It would usually be the Bai clansmen’s priest who would step forward in public.

Even if the matter was this big, there was no need to make an appearance, was there?

As Marvin was hesitating, a burst of cheers could be heard from the crowd.

Obviously, those sturdy guys had already been beheaded.

Blood splashed on the ground.

The fury of the Bai clansmen had been lessened and the Holy Maiden suggested removing the state of martial law on Kassemuir.

Groups began to enter the small town one after the other.

The Holy Maiden glanced at the crowd.

Afterwards, she entered the town with small steps and soon disappeared from everyone’s sight.

…

For the travellers, what happened might have just been a brief interlude.

But for Marvin, this was a major event.

People killing White Deers… This meant that the White Deer Cave was about to open. ‘Should I join the fray?’

If by any chance he was considered the murderer by the White Deer Holy Spirit, that would certainly be extremely unlucky. But what if he took advantage of the fight between the White Deer Holy Spirit and the murderer to get to that treasure first?

To be honest, Marvin was a bit tempted, but he still had to weigh the risks and the benefits.

‘Forget it. This thing feels a bit strange, and I still have to deal with my matters first.’

Marvin no longer hesitated. He waited until the Holy Maiden disappeared from sight before entering the small town.

…

Kassemuir, the brightest Pearl of the Saint Desert.

The most unique buildings of the Bai clansmen were built in this place, specialized cottages built to resist sandstorms, giving the impression of being in a different country.

Each region in Feinan had their own customs. Even if they were both in the south, the desert area felt very different from the East Coast.

The women here were wearing veils, and were usually tightly covered. This was common among the Bai clansmen.

But they did not reject foreigners’ strange clothings. Kassemuir was regarded as a forgiving town, unlike some extreme areas in the Saint Desert where outsiders were viewed as fiends.

Marvin brought Isabelle throughout Kassemuir. The two first went to replenish their supplies of food and water.

After walking in the desert for so many days, the young girl was truly exhausted. He let her rest for a day.

The next morning, Marvin carried Isabelle to an alley in the west side of the small town.

At the end of the alley was a small workshop apparently dealing some handicrafts.

The workshop owner was a one-eyed middle-aged man that everyone called One-Eyed Byrd.

“Want to purchase White Deer pottery?” The middle-aged man glanced at the two visitors and called out according to the usual practice.

All kinds of pottery were spread in the room.

Isabelle got interested.

The pottery had all kinds of styles of White Deers, and the decorations were also diverse. This kind of artwork was very rare in the East Coast. It was usually used to carry water, but of course, the ornamental value was a lot higher.

“Do you like those?” Marvin saw curiosity and longing in the eyes of the little girl for the first time.

“If you like them, then pick one.”

One-Eyed Byrd indifferently said, “One Wizard gold.”

Isabelle’s eyes instantly widened, she began to strongly shake her head.

Though a girl from an impoverished household, she knew what a Wizard gold meant.

How could it be used to buy just good looking pottery?

She felt it wasn’t worth it.

But she was even more surprised by Marvin unhesitantly taking out a Wizard gold and handing it over.

“Pick one,” Marvin said while giving her a wink. “This isn’t just buying pottery, it’s a part of the tuition fees.”

Hearing this, One-Eyed Byrd suddenly raised his head and seriously looked at Isabelle.

The young girl was somewhat at a loss, so she looked at Marvin and ended up slowly nodding.

Since Lord Marvin already paid, she had to pick the best.

Then, she began to check through all of them, starting from the entrance. Her actions were very serious, spending a lot of time checking each piece of pottery before picking the one she liked the most.

This process took over 20 minutes.

During that time, Marvin and the one-eyed shopkeeper didn’t say a word.

Isabelle carefully held that pot. A leaping White Deer was painted on it.

“This one?” Marvin patted her head.

The young girl nodded. Some excitement could be seen in her eyes.

It was the first time someone gave her such a good-looking gift.

“Take good care of it,” Marvin faintly said, “We might not meet for a very long time.”

“There will be many things that you’ll have to face alone. Are you confident?”

Isabelle nodded.

Before they left, Marvin had already asked her opinion.

At that time, One-Eyed Byrd said, “Handing such a young girl to the Shadow Valley… That’s cruel.”

“Shadow Valley never lacked kids her age, did it?” Marvin looked at him.

“I need to take a look at the Alliance permit,” requested Byrd dully.

Marvin quietly took out his proof of identity.

“White River Valley’s Baron Marvin, so it turns out to be you.”

“Your reputation has spread around the desert recently.”

“I didn’t expect you to be even younger than I thought.” Byrd looked at Marvin with a surprised expression.

Marvin stayed silent. Rumors about him spread way too fast. The matter of borrowing a huge amount of money to develop new territory attracted countless eyes.

His original Overlord status was enough to make people spread news of his achievements. Now, Marvin was a well-known person throughout East Coast.

Many young men would take Marvin as an example, hoping to become a member of the main forces of the wilderness clearing army by training their martial skills.

Even if they couldn’t become new nobility, they could mix with vassal Knights.

It was said that the reward for Marvin not only included his Viscount title, but also the right to confer a title upon a subordinate.

The qualification to have two vassals.

But during this wilderness clearing campaign, Marvin didn’t rely too much on other people, so there weren’t many people he could choose from. So for now, he simply set it aside.

…

After they had a simple negotiation, Marvin finished the first formalities on behalf of Isabelle.

Next was going to the Shadow Valley.

Marvin wasn’t worried about this. One-Eyed Byrd naturally had his ways as an intermediary of the Assassin Alliance.

Soon, Byrd closed his handicraft shop and brought two camels from the backyard. He lead Marvin and Isabelle and left Kassemuir.

The three rode the camels westward. A long and endless chain of mountains soon appeared in the distance.

These mountains extended all the way across the middle of the Saint Desert, making this area’s terrain even more complicated.

Vegetation was sparse on the mountain range.

Two hours later, the group of three stood at the entrance of a valley.

Shadow Valley.

The Assassin Alliance’s Headquarters.

“Let’s go.” Byrd mumbled and rode his camel inside first.

Marvin and Isabelle followed closely behind.

After Byrd showed a pass, two black clothed men let him go through.

They advanced through the valley, looking at the pretty scenery on both sides.

They saw countless children entangled in a heated battle on the sandy dunes, fighting each other in desperate struggles.

Each of them was holding straight daggers.

Only one child was successful, while the rest died under the daggers.

This was the Apprentice Assassin’s test.

Marvin had also come here before.

As the South Wizard Alliance’s affiliated organization, the Assassin Alliance was a well-known Assassin nurturing spot. This place was an Assassin’s paradise. Regardless of what you wanted to advance to, they would satisfy your needs.

Phantom Assassin, Ace Assassin, Blood Assassin… Many Assassin advancements could be completed here.

Marvin also advanced to Phantom Assassin in this place before ultimately walking the road of the Ruler of the Night.

The group of three finally stopped in front of a dome-shaped building.

“We will go in. I’ll take her along to handle the procedures.”

“Since this is a candidate recommended by a noble of the Alliance, she can be excused from the first test and can directly become an Apprentice Assassin.”

“But I can’t guarantee that she will stay alive,” Byrd cautioned as he took a glance at Isabelle holding her pottery.

Marvin nodded.

“You can leave. The Shadow Valley isn’t too welcoming towards outsiders,” Byrd told Marvin. “If she dies, we will inform you.”

“Otherwise you can come see her once tomorrow.”

Marvin smiled. “We both know there is another case.”

Byrd looking at Marvin in mild surprise and mumbled, “Yeah… If she graduates early, that would be another case.”

“Anyways, leave, the guards won’t bear it for too long.”

He couldn’t have expected that Marvin would simply laugh and shake his head. “Bringing her here isn’t the only reason I came to the Shadow Valley.”

But his next words shocked all the people nearby.

“I want to participate in the King Assassin’s challenge.”

Chapter 218: King Assassin

p>”King Assassin’s challenge?”

One-Eyed Byrd checked Marvin out and couldn’t help but say, “If I’m not wrong, you should be a Ranger?”

Marvin nodded and casually replied, “Doesn’t the rule specify that every rogue class can participate?”

One-Eyed Byrd scratched his head, somewhat at a loss.

Rules are one thing, but it was actually the first time this kind of situation had happened.

A Ranger challenging the King Assassin’s challenge? This wasn’t an error?

A few military instructors in charge of training the Apprentice Assassins apparently heard the two’s conversation, and walked over.

They surrounded Marvin. And a few Scimitar Fighters in charge of the order also joined in the encirclement.

One of them, an extremely arrogant Bai Scimitar Fighter, said, “You want to participate in the King Assassin’s challenge?”

“You first have to ask my scimitar…”

However, he didn’t get to finish his words before Marvin made a move at lightning speed!

Shadow Step!

The distance between them shortened in an instant.

Marvin made a clean chop with his hand and the other painfully howled, dropping the scimitar.

At that time, Marvin took advantage of the opportunity.

Edge Snatch successful!

“Clang!” He slashed backwards at the other arm of the fighter!

The Scimitar Fighter’s complexion paled.

Marvin was really too fast. In that instant, none of them could even react before he finished his slash!

Thankfully, Marvin used the back of the weapon, or else that guy wouldn’t have been able to keep his arm.

“Shling!” The others all drew their weapons at the same time, coldly looking at Marvin.

The Scimitar in Marvin’s hand turned and returned to its owner as Marvin calmly asked, “Is this the way Bai clansmen meet a challenger?”

There seemed to be a leader among the military instructors. He looked at Byrd. “One-Eyed, this is the person you brought. Make a decision.”

Byrd shrugged. “According to the rules, Rangers are indeed qualified to participate in the King Assassin’s challenge.”

That military instructor sneered, “Good. In that case, let him participate.”

“I’ll personally be in charge of his first trial.”

Once these words were spoken, they all looked at Marvin with sympathy.

Even if Marvin’s quick move intimidated people, it was more or less a sneak attack. And that Scimitar Fighter he’d attacked was merely at the 2nd rank.

But this military instructor was a person of importance in the Shadow Valley. He was level 15, and had Master proficiency with his daggers. He would be able to promote to a 4th rank powerhouse at any time!

If he was in charge of the first trial, this random Ranger would definitely be hopeless.

Byrd faintly frowned and looked at Marvin.

Marvin said, quite relaxed, “Just follow the rules.”

…

King Assassin’s challenge.

This was a challenge with a long history. Ever since the Shadow Valley was founded, that place had welcomed challengers almost daily.

But these challengers were all Assassins.

Even if Rangers like Marvin were also rogues, they were in totally different worlds. After so many years, it could be considered the first time one attempted the King Assassin’s challenge.

That information spread across the Shadow Valley very quickly.

All the people who had some free time came to watch.

This was a sort of invisible pressure on those that attempted the challenge.

But this challenge already included a test of the ability to react under high pressure in all kinds of situations.

As for Marvin, he disregarded the other people’s whispers. It wouldn’t be able to influence him!

‘If it wasn’t to get a hold of the [Dark Hole] pass, I wouldn’t feel like challenging the King Assassin’s challenge.’

‘I only have to accomplish two or more trials to obtain the Assassin Alliance’s acknowledgement and receive a pass.”

The Dark Hole was a secret path leading to the Underdark, the world under the surface.

Marvin had no interest in exploring the Underdark for the moment. But through the Dark Hole, he could find an underground river. By following this underground river he could directly cross the Saint Desert and arrive at Rocky Mountain.

Going there through the Underdark was a lot quicker, and what he lacked the most right now was time. As soon as he arrived at Rocky Mountain, his ultimate goal was to find a Source of Fire’s Order.

But he also recalled that the King Assassin’s challenge wasn’t without its own benefits.

He recalled that each winner could obtain a level in Straight Dagger mastery.

This ability might not look useful to Marvin, since after all, he was using curved daggers at the moment. But once he advanced to Ruler of the Night, if he had both Legend level Curved Dagger Mastery and Straight Dagger Mastery, then these two masteries would fuse and turn into a Legend level [Short Weapons Mastery].

At that time, he would be able to freely switch between Curved Daggers and Straight Daggers, the only prerequisite being that his hands needed to be fast enough, or else he would need an item for quick weapon switching.

Regardless, Marvin had to participate in the King Assassin’s challenge.

The entire challenge was split into many trials.

First was to defeat an Assassin of similar rank.

This was a comprehensive test of real combat ability.

Usually, more than 80% of the challengers would fail that first trial. The military instructors of the Assassin Alliance were all top class.

Like Marvin’s opponent, that guy named Youwen.

…

“Mister Marvin, when you are ready, please tear down that black cloth on your chest.”

In a wide open room, a staff member informed Marvin before slowly withdrawing.

Countless pairs of eyes were watching Marvin.

The latter showed no sign of moving.

Everyone waited impatiently, hissing sounds springing up all around.

Marvin’s eyes were still closed. Calmly feeling his surroundings.

This was the rule.

The challenge wouldn’t start unless the black cloth was torn off. Youwen couldn’t attack him.

An Assassin would actually be at a disadvantage against a Ranger in a straight confrontation. Rangers had the same outstanding dexterity, especially Dual Wielding Rangers, and the leather armor of the Assassin couldn’t resist the Ranger’s slashes.

But the King Assassin’s challenge wasn’t fair. Youwen entered the room before Marvin and already used Stealth, or maybe Hide. Who knew which corner he was in now.

He might instantly attack once Marvin tore off the black cloth!

Those clamoring spectators also helped Youwen by hindering Marvin’s perception.

At least, [Listen] wasn’t usable.

Marvin didn’t worry. He lightly pressed his right hand on the black cloth on his chest.

Everyone immediately became quiet.

But he didn’t tear it down. He only pressed against it and then slowly strolled around the room!

“Coward!”

“Hurry up!”

“How can this kind of trash be qualified to participate in the King Assassin’s challenge?”

The audience immediately began to curse.

Shadow Valley’s inhabitants originally didn’t have a good opinion of this Ranger challenger, and seeing Marvin acting like a scoundrel, they immediately couldn’t help but hurl abuse.

The reason was that, apart from weapons, Marvin couldn’t use any items. He could only rely on his own strength to get rid of the invisible Assassin.

Youwen’s stealth was very powerful, so Marvin couldn’t feel any trace of him.

Thankfully, Marvin had participated in the King Assassin’s challenge repeatedly, so he had plenty of experience about it.

Most opponents would choose to move slowly using [Stealth].

Based on his experience, Youwen should be keeping a distance of more or less six steps away from him. It would rarely be directly behind because this direction was the one people paid most attention to. It would also obviously not be the front, so it would usually be toward one of the sides.

‘Left? Or Right?’

Marvin stopped.

He was at the exact center of the room. This place was the best location to take back the offensive.

Then, under the audience’s verbal abuse, Marvin tore off the black cloth.

In that split second, he viciously threw the big piece of cloth to his right.

Then he dashed like a fierce tiger toward the left, slashing down with his two daggers!

The moves were extremely smooth.

This was the strategy Marvin had carefully prepared. Regardless of it was left or right, Youwen wouldn’t be able to easily make a move!

The audience’s eyes were wide open as they watched Marvin pounce toward a location, his two daggers slashing at an empty place.

And the black cloth also slowly fell to the ground.

Nothing left or right!

‘Damn. This Youwen is actually patient…” Marvin’s heart sank.

But at this time, an ice-cold feeling could be felt behind him!

It was actually from the back!

A cold dagger appeared over his neck.

Cutthroat!

All the onlookers suddenly held their breaths.

…

Marvin reacted immediately, bending his body backwards.

Following Youwen’s surprised “Eh?”, Marvin’s head ruthlessly hit his nose as his left curved dagger came in at a very ingenious angle, blocking between his neck and the straight dagger, stopping it from moving further.

Marvin smirked.

Cutthroat? Marvin was the god of Cutthroat! Even if he couldn’t see through the other’s trick, he still wouldn’t die from participating in the King Assassin’s challenge!

Then came Marvin’s counterattack. He let go of the curved dagger in his right hand and grabbed Youwen’s right wrist, holding that straight dagger.

Under the acute pain, Youwen didn’t have time to use [Vanish] or [Strong Invisibility]!

Marvin took the opportunity and turned, viciously slashing down with his left hand!

“Clang!”

It was too late for Youwen to dodge, and he was barely able to raise a dagger to block. But then, Marvin’s curved dagger slid down the dagger and directly plunged towards Youwen’s shoulder!

“Pah!”

The curved dagger stabbed in, causing Youwen to let out a scream. The left hand which was about to counterattack lost all strength.

Marvin released his grip and ruthlessly kicked his opponent’s chest, sending the latter flying. Youwen cut a sorry figure as he knocked against the wall and lost consciousness.

The audience was in uproar!

Marvin broke through Youwen’s cutthroat this effortlessly and could instantly counterattack, knocking him down!

This kind of reaction speed and battle experience was definitely not something that could appear in a mere teenager.

He totally seemed like an old fox.

But in any case, Youwen lost.

Marvin’s logs showed the line, [Straight Dagger Mastery +1, you obtained Beginner level Mastery.]

Marvin turned to the staff member.

“Next trial.”

Chapter 219: Fountain of Youth

p>The second trial tested footwork.

Marvin was brought to a special room. This room only had two doors a certain distance away from each other.

Marvin needed to cross this room in fifteen seconds.

The most important things in the room were the obstacles.

Marvin looked at the numerous [Explosion Mushrooms] packed in the room expressionlessly. He was already ready.

Every Explosion Mushroom would move rather slowly.

But even if you didn’t step on it, as long you were near, it would automatically explode.

This was a very dangerous lifeform.

Moreover, what was very frightening was that if an Explosion Mushroom exploded, the air wave would spread to the next mushroom, causing a chain reaction.

In other words, as long as you missed even a single step, what awaited you was an entire room filled with explosions!

Many people gave up upon seeing this trial.

The explosive strength of an Explosion Mushroom was very powerful. Assassins, with their weak bodies, wouldn’t be able to survive this room if they met the chain explosion.

This trial tested the mental strength, footwork, reactions, and speed of the challenger.

There were still many people watching Marvin’s test from the stands.

They wanted to watch what kind of methods the person who beat someone on the verge of becoming a 4th rank Assassin would use for this trial.

Naturally, if Marvin unfortunately stepped on an Explosion Mushroom, they might cheerfully clap.

After all, no Assassin wished for another class to pass through the King Assassin’s challenge.

This simply was a slap to the face of the entire Assassin class!

The staff was still chattering about the rules and the dangers of the room to Marvin when the latter impatiently asked, “Can I start?”

The staff member’s face froze and he soon coldly said, “You can.”

“I’ll be waiting for you at the other side of the room…”

But before his words could be heard, Marvin had already disappeared!

His silhouette was rushing like lightning, moving between the slow moving mushrooms!

Every step was steady and powerful, it was perfect.

“Woosh!”

In a short three seconds, Marvin’s silhouette had already appeared at the exit!

All of the mushrooms in the room were safe and sound.

The staff member’s mouth was wide open, as he gazed at the scene in disbelief.

The audience was also thoroughly speechless.

This speed… They had seen that Marvin’s Dexterity was definitely above 25 because Flicker was displayed when Marvin went through the room.

But to cross the room, 25 Dexterity wasn’t the most important thing.

Most important was still Marvin’s frightening judgement and experience.

Along with the Demon Hunter Steps, he passed the trial as if he was casually taking a stroll.

The second trial was smoothly cleared.

Marvin’s Straight Dagger Mastery once again leveled up, reaching [Apprentice] level.

…

Third Trial, Escape Room.

This trial was also very dangerous for ordinary people.

The challenger would be tied to a chair fixed to the ground with both hands tied behind the back, inside a locked cage.

This was already set in advance.

At the start of the trial, water would start flowing inside the room, up till the entire iron cage was submerged.

If the challenger couldn’t undo the bindings fast enough and escape from the iron cage, they could only drown.

Escaping was also an essential skill of the King Assassin.

The challenger would be told in advance that the water would submerge the chair in about half a minute and submerge the cage completely in approximately two minutes.

In other words, if you couldn’t escape the cage in two minutes, either throw the towel or die.

This cage was locked, which meant you needed a high Lockpicking skill. Naturally, the first condition was that you could escape the chair binding first.

Marvin wouldn’t be able to Lockpick it, and he also didn’t have the [Bone Shrink] skill to handle the bindings.

But he had knowledge! He actually knew a loophole in this trial.

He unhesitantly chose to start the trial.

As everyone watched quietly, the water began flowing in the room.

Marvin wore a calm expression. His hands hurriedly shook behind his back.

Soon, the water reached Marvin’s abdomen.

But that was when he stood up from the chair!

The audience shook their heads.

They weren’t surprised by this outcome, as this Ranger had definitely come prepared!

And for Marvin, getting rid of a rope binding wasn’t very difficult. Even without the Bone Shrink skill, he could still untie himself.

The former Ruler of the Night didn’t have an undeserved reputation. If he couldn’t deal with such simple matters Marvin wouldn’t have been so successful.

The next step was crucial. The water already reached his head.

Even if he had Lockpicking tools, he would have to work underwater!

Besides, he had none!

He wasn’t a Thief! Nor an Assassin! He didn’t learn the Lockpick skill.

But he knew another way out.

Under the countless gazes looking at him, Marvin swam down and quickly arrived at the water flow exit. That was an iron fence blocking a cylindrical water inlet.

He kept holding his breath while fumbling with the fence for a moment. He pulled sharply and the fence came out!

Even though his strength wasn’t top class, this iron fence was merely a decorative item.

He then unhesitantly entered that water pipe!

Ten seconds later, Marvin emerged from a pool outside the room with a splash.

He was wet all over and a bit pale, but everyone was looking at him with admiration.

“What? Did you forget to announce the result of the third trial?”

He looked at that staff member who was completely at a loss.

The latter was simply dumbstruck.

He had never seen someone escape like this before Marvin!

He saw many Lockpicking Masters using simple iron wires to try to open the complex lock on the outside of the iron cage. But it hadn’t occurred to anyone that that wasn’t the only way out.

“He is cheating!” one of the onlookers shouted.

The staff member hesitated for a moment before seriously taking out a handbook.

– King Assassin’s Rulebook –

He carefully read through it for about six or seven minutes before seriously saying, “Well, there is nothing against using this kind of method…”

“Thus, you successfully passed the third trial.”

Marvin smiled.

His Straight Dagger Mastery leveled up to [Expert]!

It has to be known that Marvin’s Curved Dagger Mastery had leveled up from [Expert] to [Master] after the Heavenly Sword Saint’s test.

And now, his Straight Dagger Mastery had leveled up this quickly. This was simply cheating the system.

But nothing could be done about it. Who told him to take this path in his past life?

…

Starting from the fourth trial, the King Assassin’s challenge was no longer open to public.

Because the fourth challenge was [Assassination]!

The Assassin Alliance would choose a suitable bounty and send the challenger to assassinate him.

If the assassination was successful, the challenge was successful.

But Marvin directly chose to give up on the trial.

His choice surprised the staff member.

After reaching this stage, how could he give up?

What’s more, if he could finish the five trials, he would obtain the [King Assassin] title!

Although a Ranger obtaining the King Assassin’s title sounded a bit strange, it also was a supreme honor.

Marvin was actually very straightforward. Assassinating a powerhouse was too strenuous, what’s more, there was still the fifth trial. He didn’t think he could pass that fifth trial.

As for the King Assassin’s title, even if it had many bonuses, it was toward skills Marvin didn’t have, so it had no uses.

He didn’t forget the reason he participated in the challenge. Since he already reached his goal, backing out was the correct choice.

…

Shadow Valley, a guest room.

“Congratulations, Sir Marvin. You cleared three trials of the King Assassin’s challenge. As per your request, this pass is yours.”

One-Eyed Byrd handed a black-colored pass to Marvin.

There were also three small medals along with the pass.

Each medal represented a trial of the King Assassin’s challenge.

If Marvin was interested in the future, he could hand in those three medals to directly start the fourth trial.

“But I need to remind you that there are a lot of dangers lurking around the Dark Hole. Most people don’t come out of that place alive,” cautioned Byrd.

Marvin nodded.

For the people on the surface, the Underdark was a very frightening place.

But for the experienced Marvin possessing Dark Sight, as long as he was careful and didn’t provoke a few abnormally strong creatures, he could hurry and still be safe.

After getting the pass, Marvin was ready to take his leave.

But One-Eyed Byrd suddenly said, “Mister Marvin, your display in the King Assassin’s challenge was very outstanding. This made a friend of mine very interested in you. He wants to entrust a matter to you.”

“I wonder if you are interested?”

“We will give a very large reward.”

Marvin hesitated, and soon linked this request to the bulletin board outside Kassemuir.

“You mean the matter of the White Deer’s murders?”

“Isn’t your Bai clan’s Holy Maiden personally in charge of this matter?” Marvin asked, somewhat surprised. “Why do you still want an outsider to move?”

“Because the Holy Maiden is a fake.” An old voice came from behind the door.

Afterwards, an aged man supported by a young maid slowly moved in.

Byrd showed an expression of respect. “Sir Priest.”

The old man greeted Marvin with a nod, “This is Viscount Marvin? You are really as young as the rumors said.”

Marvin got up and simply greeted back.

Both sides discussed for a moment and Marvin found that this old man was actually the High Priest of the Bai, the man serving the White Deer Holy Spirit.

“Half an hour earlier, we found the corpse of the Holy Maiden Monica.”

“It is clear that the woman that appeared in Kassemuir is an impersonator.”

“Someone keeps killing the White Deers. We have to stop this. Regretfully, the only clues we found lead to a place our people can’t infiltrate.”

“Thus, I need your help.”

Marvin muttered for a bit, “To be honest, I don’t have much time…”

“You can hear about our reward first.” One-Eyed Byrd was clearly related to the High Priest. He looked at Marvin and said, “A Fountain of Youth.”

Marvin took a deep breath in surprise and unhesitantly answered.

“Deal.”

Chapter 220: Strange VIllage

p>Fountain of Youth.

The Assassin Alliance’s unique artifact. The Bai clansmen could get a few springs of the Fountain of Youth each year, half of which was offered to the South Wizard Alliance.

It didn’t have many effects, and in fact only had one: extending someone’s lifespan.

A stream of the Fountain of Youth could extend someone’s life by more or less 30 years. The results would quickly decline with repeated uses.

Marvin brought Isabelle to the Assassin Alliance to see whether she could be qualified to become one of the highly regarded Assassins, and then think of a way to receive a portion of the Fountain of Youth’s spring.

But now, a Fountain of Youth’s spring was placed in front of Marvin.

Marvin didn’t have any reason to decline.

This thing was a priceless treasure. Those Wizards on the verge of death were willing to spend all they had to buy a Fountain of Youth’s spring.

If not for the Assassin Alliance’s powerful strength and their effective protection of the Fountain of Youth, this place’s natural resource might have already been occupied by some powerful Wizards.

Thus, even the experienced Marvin didn’t know where that Fountain of Youth was.

He only knew that there was a large-scale quest in his previous life, [The Exhausted Fountain of Youth].

This was a quest issued by the Bai High Priest. At the time, it affected all the players in the Saint Desert because the quest reward experience was very high.

From this it could be seen that the Fountain of Youth would most likely become exhausted after the Great Calamity.

Now that there was the opportunity to get a stream of the Fountain of Youth, Marvin would definitely give it a try.

And after accepting this task, the quest menu which had no changes for a while was suddenly updated.

[Incident Investigation: White Deer Murderer]

[Quest Description: A large amount of White Deers have been killed in the eastern part of the Saint Desert. The Assassin Alliance’s people followed the trail to a small village of the Sha clan, where they found their main clue. But the Bai clan is restricted by a tribal agreement and is unable to enter their territory. Only you can solve this mystery.]

[Quest Reward: A spring of the Fountain of Youth, 10000 general exp]

…

To Marvin’s understanding, this “game system” was helping him integrate a lot faster into this world.

Maybe there was something like a guide function.

Since the system gave him a general exp reward, it meant that this quest shouldn’t be missed.

And the quest in itself didn’t pose too much trouble.

The Assassin Alliance was set up by the Bai, so they naturally didn’t lack experts.

As soon as they found out White Deer were suffering from a large scale hunt, the High Priest sent his able subordinates to check on this matter.

In the end, they followed a suspicious traveller.

“According to what my people saw, he must be a very wicked guy.” The High Priest slowly described, “He pretended to be someone near death and lied down under the sun, waiting for a long time.”

“But he was actually not dying, despite seeming to be in a continuous near death state. He was definitely waiting for a White Deer to come over.”

“And when White Deer approached, intending to save him, he tried to harm it!”

“That time, the White Deer was startled away because my people acted, but it also let the murderer escape. But one of our Master Trackers gave us a path to follow.”

“We followed that trail to find a small Sha village.”

A hint of helplessness could be seen on the High Priest’s face after saying this.

Marvin immediately understood.

Even if the Sha clan and the Bai clan both originated from the Saint Desert, they were mortal enemies at that time. Later on, they signed a ceasefire under the mediation of the South Wizard Alliance. But it was clearly written on the agreement that they both weren’t allowed to step on the other side’s territory.

If one of them violated the agreement, it would trigger a war between the two clans, and at the same time lead to sanctions from the South Wizard Alliance.

And it turned out that the people in the Assassin Alliance that belonged to the High Priest’s side were all Bai clansmen. There weren’t any expert foreigners. The High Priest needed someone else to deal with that matter.

There was only Marvin. The rumors, and his performance at the King Assassin’s challenge made up his mind.

“We won’t make you take a big risk. We only need you to investigate to find out who is behind that matter,” the High Priest slowly said.

Marvin nodded.

He had an accurate understanding of the task’s details.

Since he accepted this quest, he had to make enough preparations.

As for sneaking into the small Sha village, this wasn’t an issue to Marvin.

He had the Setting Sun Maxim and the Battle Gunner subclass. For the Sha clansmen, he was one of them.

…

A long time later, around dusk, in front of the Sha clan’s small village.

Marvin changed his clothes and wearily went in.

Two pistols could be seen on his thigh.

As for his Battle Gunner skill points, they were also assigned. 30 points were spent on [Market Scuffle].

This was a Sha specific fighting technique used along with pistols and shotguns. It had a bonus in melee.

The Sha guard didn’t make things difficult for him. After he saw the Setting Sun Maxim flashing between his eyebrows, he quickly let Marvin in, even though he was very puzzled that Marvin was a Battle Gunner but not a Sha.

The village wasn’t very big and a lifeless atmosphere could be felt from it.

Marvin walked down the empty street.

The last remaining light of the sun could be seen in the west as it set, showing an amazing view. However, Marvin wasn’t in the mood to appreciate it.

‘Those two guards’ words were a bit incoherent.’

‘And when I went through that street, that child looked weird, holding a doll while lifelessly staring at his surroundings. Where were his parents?’

‘Aren’t there too few signs of life? This should be the time when it is most lively.’

Marvin was thinking over it.

The Sha’s flag was still fluttering outside the village. The Assassin Alliance’s reinforcements weren’t far, but before Marvin was clear about the unusual condition, they couldn’t rush in.

Everything still depended on him.

Marvin made a couple rounds around the village, meeting a few people. Those people’s gazes weren’t kind and they directly left, leaving no chance for Marvin to strike up a conversation.

The sky completely darkened as he found an inn.

The inn’s boss was a fatty, and he was surprisingly very enthusiastic.

After Marvin paid for the room, he quickly led Marvin to a good room and personally went to boil hot water.

He said that he hadn’t had any business for a long time because this village was too remote.

But Marvin felt something fishy.

A huge bundle was hidden behind the inn counter, a part of it visible.

That was the edge of a curved blade, and it definitely wasn’t something Sha people usually used. It should be an adventurer’s belonging.

“Guest, please go up first.”

“I’ll deliver the hot water and the food to you in a moment,” the boss said very politely.

Marvin calmly asked, “Boss, why is this village so unfrequented?”

“I noticed the villagers seemed a bit weird, did something strange happen recently?”

The boss froze, and soon laughed. “Don’t mind it, we are poor. They carry dead expressions all day long.”

“As for strange happenings, there haven’t been any in the village, but there actually was something outside the village. It’s been rumored that the Bai’s holy White Deers have recently been hunted down. Tssk. Serves them right.”

Marvin didn’t comment and stopped talking with the boss, heading up the stairs.

When passing through the second floor, a woman that smelled of perfume walked over. Her face was thickly covered with cosmetics. Her looks could be considered okay at best, but her figure was pretty good.

When they passed by each other, she threw a coquettish glance at Marvin.

Marvin smiled on the surface and directly opened his door.

…

A dusky candle in the old-fashioned inn.

From the second floor window, the entire village seemed dead. A cold wind blew, and Marvin couldn’t help but pull back his neck.

The night was getting darker.

The water and food the boss prepared for Marvin had already arrived.

Marvin carefully checked and these two didn’t have any issues.

His perception wasn’t high, but based on his experience, something was definitely wrong with this village.

But the Assassin Alliance’s people had no justification to come in!

‘Unless…’

As he was thinking, knocking was heard from the door.

Marvin kept both hands on his thighs, ready to draw his guns anytime.

“Who?” he asked.

“Me…” A gentle woman’s voice could be heard.

Marvin considered for a bit when suddenly, a warm feeling spread through his chest.

He passed the will check easily.

He sneered inwardly before moving over and opening the door.

It was that woman.

She only wore a thin nightgown made out of rough material. It seemed like a sackcloth and simply couldn’t hide the scenery under the clothes.

“Mister, I heard the boss downstairs says that you are alone.”

The woman came in with a smile, closing the door behind her.

“I also came to this village today and this place felt cold and cheerless. I’m a bit afraid of spending the night alone.”

“Moreover, I’m a bit cold here, could you warm me up?” After saying this, she grabbed Marvin’s right hand and guided it toward her chest.

Marvin pretended to drool. “Where are you cold? I’ll help you by massaging it.”

“How hateful.” The woman smiled and put Marvin’s hand on her chest.

How could she have thought that something cold and hard would press against her!

“What is this?” She was startled.

Marvin shrugged. “Something to warm you up.”

He was actually holding a pistol in his right hand!

The pistol was now firmly pressing against her chest. If Marvin pulled the trigger, it would pierce her heart.

Suddenly, the woman’s expression changed.

Her head deformed and greatly grew, becoming more than ten times bigger in an instant!

There was nothing on her face aside from a bloody mouth!

“Silly Sha! Your gun is useless against me!”

“I’ll carefully enjoy your head!”

“Don’t worry, you’ll turn into one of us after I eat your head…”

Chapter 221: Brain Eating Monster

p>That bloody maw was about to swallow Marvin.

“Bang!”

A fierce gunshot echoed in the room.

Marvin’s wrist recoiled as the bullet hit her in her chest!

That frightening monster immediately stiffened!

A nauseating bloody and rotting smell spread as Marvin fired once again!

“Bang!”

This time, the monster eventually fell down.

Her head quickly shrank before ultimately turning into nothingness. She became a headless corpse!

Her chest had a small hole from the shot, but it wasn’t bleeding.

Because she wasn’t human.

“Brain Eating Monster… Evil Spirit indeed.”

Marvin quietly wiped his sweat.

Fortunately he had made the most accurate judgement.

When he entered this village he felt something wrong. The cold gloomy atmosphere carried frightening negative energy. It was likely brought about by a monster from the Underworld.

Thus, he secretly changed his normal bullets and loaded special bullets.

This bullet was soaked in the #4 Holy Water of the Silver Church and had a special restraining power against Evil Spirits.

This was a benefit of being an overlord.

As a loner, it would be extremely troublesome for Marvin to get ahold of Holy Water from the Silver Church.

But after the wilderness military campaign, Marvin and the Silver Church made a series of agreements.

He allowed Collins to open a church in White River Valley, allowed his territory’s inhabitants to believe in the Silver God if they wished and opened one of the gold mines to him.

Collins naturally returned the favor by sending a lot of precious items.

Holy Water was one of the less important things he sent. Collins had people bring many barrels of Holy Water, as if it had little value.

Marvin had all the types, from #1 Holy Water to #14 Holy Water. They had all kinds of uses and the concentration varied.

This was the advantage of being an overlord, the gain of resources.

In many cases, resources could be converted into fighting strength.

For instance, if he didn’t have that bullet coated in #4 Holy Water, this Brain Eating Monster might not have been so easy to kill.

But killing this woman didn’t make Marvin feel satisfied.

His heart even sank.

That recent gunshot certainly attracted attention.

He quickly loaded another bullet in his right pistol while quickly thinking, ‘The Assassin Alliance’s people didn’t need to cheat me. If a Master Tracker followed the clues here and found out this was a Sha village, then it shouldn’t be wrong.’

‘But even my perception can feel something wrong today. If it was really a Master Tracker, how could it truly think that this was purely a normal Sha village?’

‘In other words, if the Assassin Alliance didn’t lie to me, this village transformed. And it might have happened in these two days.’

‘With the Brain Eating Monster’s transformation ability, it might really be possible to accomplish this.’

At this thought, Marvin suddenly shivered.

He quickly went and opened the window!

Only to see the shadows of countless heads growing ten times bigger under the moonlight and gathering at the bottom of the inn!

There were no facial features on their faces apart from their bloody maws and their frightening sawteeth.

They blocked the whole street!

‘The entire village has been transformed!’ Marvin felt cold.

These Brain Eating Monsters were all pitiful humans before their deaths.

Their heads were eaten by the Brain Eating Monster, killing them. But three hours later, a new head grew.

This head was under the control of the Brain Eating Monster. This was a vicious cycle, as those Brain Eating Monster servants could also transform humans in the same manner.

If he wanted to stop everything, he would have to find the Alpha.

‘Since it has only been two days, it must still be resting. Turning a whole village would be very energy consuming even if it was a 3rd rank Brain Eating Monster.’

Marvin closed the window as his brain worked to make a plan.

There was already no need to investigate since things had reached this point.

Brain Eating Monsters weren’t demons. They were a type of Evil Spirit. Marvin had a deep impression of the Brain Eating Monster corps of the Decaying Plateau’s Overlord Diggles.

Considering his projection repeatedly falling in the Scarlet Monastery, it wasn’t hard to find out that this matter was most likely related to the Evil Spirit Overlord Diggles.

‘He wants to set up a Disaster Door, but those actually need energy that a common treasure can’t supply.’

‘In the Saint Desert and the East Coast, the easiest to get would most likely be that thing in the White Deer Cave.’

‘Damn, did those Evil Spirits go nuts? Do they seriously think the Disaster Door would last for long? The Universe Magic Pool has yet to be broken, so the South Wizard Alliance would definitely notice it. It might also offend some of Feinan’s powerhouses, and they would look to settle the bill in the Decaying Plateau.’

Marvin was strolling around the room, a bit irritated.

He didn’t want to participate in the matter of the Evil Spirits. These guys’ behavior was illogical. Sometimes they would scheme more meticulously than the Devils, while other times they would act hot-headed like Demons. These guys didn’t follow common sense, having no characteristic other than liking chaos.

Could this be for vengeance?

Marvin recalled that Diggles’ projection was banished twice in the Scarlet Monastery.

This wasn’t an impossible explanation…

But there wasn’t enough time for Marvin to keep thinking.

Numerous footsteps could be heard coming up the staircase.

Marvin immediately pushed the table and the armoire over to block the door.

Just as expected, noise was soon heard at the door.

A lot of people were banging against the door.

These innocent villagers had already become the Brain Eating Monster’s servants and Marvin didn’t dare to rashly meet them.

Eliminating one in single combat was fine, but if it was a pack of them, Marvin had to find a way to slip away.

Even if he had Blazing Fury in both hands, their spells wouldn’t be of any use against Evil Spirits.

The top priority was still to find a way to escape.

…

“Thud! Thud! Thud!”

The knocking against the door grew increasingly fierce. This inn’s wooden door would be unable to hold on for too long.

Marvin frowned.

It would be a disaster if he was surrounded by a big group of Brain Eating Monsters.

Even though his Dexterity was high, one careless mistake and he would lose his head and his life.

He thought of many plans before taking a deep breath.

“Bang!”

He once again opened the window.

There were even more Brain Eating Monsters gathered on the street now.

They already blocked the neighbouring few streets so that nothing could go through. And the closest building from the inn’s second floor was very far away.

Ordinary people couldn’t make such a jump.

It was very clear that someone had planned this arrangement.

His purpose was simple. It was to bury Marvin alive in this place and not let any news leave.

That Brain Eating Monster should be hiding in the vicinity.

However, Marvin was smiling.

‘Thinking I’m an ordinary person is your biggest mistake.’

He then put away the two pistols and fished out a shotgun from the Void Conch!

Like those pistols, the shotgun was also something Constantine used when he was young.

They were of the best quality among the Shas. Marvin’s second subclass had little use under normal circumstances.

But he didn’t expect it to be so useful today.

He jumped on the window frame and all the huge heads turned toward him.

“Ssss!”

The bloody maws kept shivering. Their desire for brain led them to keep crowding forward.

“Thud! Thud! Thud!”

The door behind Marvin clearly wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer.

Marvin no longer hesitated and leaped really high toward the nearest building!

Night Jump!

The Night Walker’s ability displayed an extremely strong effect under the cover of the night.

Marvin’s body streaked across the sky in a parabola.

But this wasn’t enough!

He was still some distance away from the building when his body began its fall.

All the Brain Eating Monsters were excitedly rushing over.

Some even jumped up, wanting to take a bite of Marvin.

But at that time… Second Jump!

Marvin unhesitantly used this bonus ability.

His body once again rose up.

The Brain Eating Monsters let out angry noises.

But even with the second jump, it seemed Marvin would fall a bit short of that building.

At that time, he aimed the shotgun downward, at the Brain Eating Monsters behind him.

“Bang!”

A fierce gunshot echoed from the gun barrel.

Marvin was pushed forward by the powerful recoil from the gun, stopping his fall for a few moments.

“Boom!”

He grabbed the corner of that house’s roof and swiftly pulled himself up, avoiding the Brain Eating Monsters.

“See ya, Big Heads.” Marvin sneered and sped up to leave!

In order to block off that inn, the Brain Eating Monster had people blocking the streets.

Unfortunately, he didn’t think Marvin would actually escape through the sky like this.

After jumping off that building, Marvin madly rushed away from the village.

There wasn’t anyone to stop him.

Not far off was the Assassin Alliance’s small team.

This small team was mainly in charge of providing support to Marvin’s operation while relaying his information.

Marvin crazily ran and arrived to the place scheduled in advance.

But his heart sank when he arrived!

Six cold headless bodies were lying on the sandy hill.

The last remaining person was looking at Marvin in shock. His body was apparently bound by something, keeping him motionless.

“Hehehe…”

A bloody maw suddenly opened wide behind that man’s back. The Brain Eating Monster creepily laughed and unhesitantly bit down!

“Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!”

At that moment, three throwing knives flew out from Marvin’s hand!

Each knife had been soaked in #4 Holy Water!

The throwing knives flew extremely quickly and neatly stabbed into the Brain Eating Monster’s bloody maw!

Chapter 222: Are you interested in having some fun?

p>”Pshh!”

The three throwing knives entered the Brain Eating Monster Servant’s head, followed by an ear-piercing sound. The huge head quickly deflated like a hot air balloon.

The remaining Assassin Alliance member’s legs were shaking.

He looked at Marvin while trembling. “This, what is this thing?”

Marvin shrugged, “Brain Eating Monster, Evil Spirit.”

The Assassin’s eyes were blank. He clearly didn’t know anything about these things.

This was actually normal. Because of the protection of the Universe Magic Pool, the Abyss’ Demons and Hell’s Devils couldn’t easily enter Feinan. Even if the Underworld was closer to Feinan, it was also very difficult to come in. In time of peace, people easily forgot the many invasions of the Evil Spirits.

And few Evil Sorcerers or Evil Spirit Envoys would be able to cross over. But under the ruthless rule of the Wizards, it was very difficult for them to gain much influence.

They would be nipped in the bud.

But the Evil Spirits made a big move this time.

Diggles couldn’t have simply sent a few Brain Eating Monsters. Even though those guys could eat a lot of brains, they were clearly lacking in intelligence.

He definitely needed someone more able.

“Wh… What should we do now?” That black-clothed man was shivering as he approached Marvin.

Marvin suddenly moved like lightning and aimed the pistol at his head.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

Three bullets were fired in a row into his head!

Marvin’s marksmanship was really not that great, but it wasn’t difficult to hit a target at such close range.

“Crash!”

The poor black-clothed man’s head exploded… but he didn’t bleed.

Marvin’s expression was grave. He quickly took a few steps back and kept a certain distance away.

The black-clothed man didn’t fall after his head exploded.

Instead, he staggered for a few steps.

A foul odor emitted from his neck as a huge head grew up.

But that head didn’t have any facial features, it was only an abnormal toothy head.

“Hehe…” That mouth smiled. “You are actually able to see through this…”

“Unexpected, I’m surprised you were able to escape from the inside. I spent so much energy on these wastes and neglected the strongest.”

Marvin sneered, “It’s normal. Your intelligence already is better than a normal Brain Eating Monster’s, can’t ask for too much.”

“You really think I believe a Brain Eating Monster devised that plan?”

Marvin looked toward a dark area to the side!

A white clothed woman unhurriedly came out.

This was clearly her plan.

…

When Marvin hurried over, he didn’t have time to check the bodies on the ground and hurriedly threw knives in order to save the survivor, getting rid of that monster.

But then he became aware that something was odd.

He could feel that the guy in front of him reeked of blood.

This bloody smell was faint, but Marvin was sharp enough to notice it.

He immediately checked the number of people and found something wrong.

The backup team had a total of seven people and six of them were lying on the ground. Including that Brain Eating Monster Servant, it reached a total of seven.

Then why was there an extra person?

A Brain Eating Monster Servant shouldn’t be able get rid of seven support members of the Assassin Alliance alone.

They weren’t ordinary people. Even if one fell in a trap, the others would immediately react.

But they had all turned into headless bodies. There was only one solution. Not only did the Alpha Brain Eating Monster attack, but there was also another person.

Thus, Marvin unhesitantly attacked and burst the other side’s head.

Unfortunately, Brain Eating Monsters were a lot different from their easily killed servants. Their recovery ability was very powerful and their heads weren’t vitals.

But for Marvin, that Brain Eating Monster was as threatening as that white-clothed woman.

This woman looked and acted the same as the Bai clan’s Holy Maiden Monica.

Such effective disguising was very rarely seen.

It might only be comparable with the Mask of the Deceiver in his hands…

‘Hold on… Deceiver!?’

Marvin had a flash of enlightenment.

He suddenly realized who this woman was.

…

Diggles was the most active Evil Spirit Overlord, especially during the Calamity. He kept infiltrating Feinan.

At least a tenth of the players of Feinan Continent received a quest regarding Diggles.

This guy was as famous as the Shadow Prince.

Marvin also knew a bit about Diggles, and he also remembered a bit about his fierce subordinates.

But Marvin hadn’t noticed before because in the lore, the Saint Desert should have been calm before the disaster.

The recent White Deer murders made him realized that his own arrival had created butterfly effects.

But he didn’t care. Marvin only cared about quickly strengthening his territory and increasing his own power.

History had changed? He wasn’t worried!

His own arrival already changed history. If he became helpless from just a few changes, then his transmigration was meaningless.

As long as he was vigilant and clear-headed enough, he believed that even if there were changes, he would be able to make White River Valley a force to be reckoned by relying on his understanding of this world.

For example, he had deduced that white-clothed woman’s identity.

Deceiver.

A pitiful person. She had been deceived by Diggles in the game and worked as his right hand.

She wasn’t an Evil Spirit. As for her true race, Marvin wasn’t too sure about it.

But since this was the [Deceiver], Marvin thought, ‘Better than meeting another of Diggles’ subordinates.’

If it was another subordinate, he could only run away.

As for her, Marvin was sure he could convince her to stop working for Diggles.

But she apparently didn’t give him a chance to do so!

The white-clothed woman took a look at Marvin and coldly declared, “I already got a reaction, the White Deer Holy Spirit is already infuriated.”

“He will leave the White Deer cave within three days, leaving for the desert to seek his sons’ murderer.”

“I’ll go first. If the three of you can’t deal with that guy, then you don’t need to return to the Decaying Plateau.”

After saying that, her body rose up and she flew past the sandy dune!

Before Marvin could say a word to her, she already disappeared in the night!

‘Damn, looks like I can only kill those three guys blocking my path.’

Marvin looked behind him and found two of those big brained guys, and then silently shook his head.

One versus three, and they were all Alphas. If this was a normal person, they’d surely be screwed.

What was worse was that while the three Brain Eating Monsters Alphas were surrounding him, the Servants were pouring over from the small village!

They would arrive there in at most five minutes.

If Marvin was surrounded at that time, it would be really dangerous.

At this point, Marvin no longer hid his own strength!

2nd-circle spell, Shapeshift Basilisk!

The next second, a Two-Headed Snake appeared on the cold dune. Before those three Brain Eating Monsters could react, that Two-Headed Snake took the initiative to attack!

…

Three minutes later.

Three badly damaged bodies were lying on the cold dune. And not far from there, hundreds of headless bodies were also inert.

The servants would also die after the Alpha died.

‘Brain Eating Monster Alphas are truly tough… Thankfully, Basilisks are actually good at fighting them’

Marvin looked at the field of dead bodies and felt a bit sorrowful. These corpses were innocent Sha clansmen.

The reason a lifeform like a Brain Eating Monster was considered to be at the 3rd rank was because of its ability to transform and mount a sneak attack.

Once identified, Marvin didn’t have any issue.

The Two-Headed Snake’s body completely crushed the Brain Eating Monsters. These guys’ attacks were too simple, they could only bite.

But Marvin’s Two-Headed Snake body was huge and had the Soul Absorption ability. Evil Spirits also had a soul, but their souls were evil.

This was the Brain Eating Monsters’ nemesis.

Marvin easily killed the three Alphas.

The following matter gave Marvin a headache.

If he simply returned to the Shadow Valley to report this matter to the Assassin Alliance, he could easily receive a spring of the Fountain of Youth.

The quest would be over.

But Marvin was a bit unwilling.

White Deer Cave… Even if he wasn’t ruthless enough to kill White Deers to open the cave, now that it was open, how could he not want to go in?

From what he knew, there wasn’t just one treasure inside.

Apart from that item able to open a Disaster Door, the [Rainbow Stone], there were at least two other Legendary items inside!

And those two items were very practical. To say he wasn’t tempted would be lying.

He hesitated for a while, before ultimately summoning a Night Crow. He wrote a letter and attached it to the Night Crow. It would relay the information of what had happened here to the High Priest.

After accomplishing this, he should be considered to be worthy of the Bai clansmen’s reward.

Next was to prepare his trip back to the Deathly Silent Hills!

But this was a long and difficult trip. Even with the Night Walker’s speed, Marvin wasn’t sure if he could make it.

Perhaps what would be waiting for him was a cave already plundered by Deceiver.

Thus he pondered and ultimately took out a dark blue parchment and a golden quill pen.

He started to write on the blue parchment!

…

In a Wizard tower, most servants had already fallen asleep.

A good-looking Wizard was still inside a room brightly lit by a candle. She was diligently deciphering that page’s secret.

She could feel that she was a step away. She was so close.

‘I need more time… Just a bit more time…’

She tightly grasped that page of the Book of Nalu, her eyes crimson.

Suddenly, words appeared on a blue parchment on her left:

– Are you interested in having some fun? –

Madeline was speechless.

She wrote back:

– Fuck you! –

Chapter 223: White Deer Cave

p>Marvin remained speechless on the quiet dune.

Madeline must have misunderstood what he meant.

He immediately wrote another sentence.

This blue parchment was an alchemy item Madeline made. It was used to communicate across short distances.

He was now in the eastern part of the Saint Desert, which wasn’t too far from River Shore City. Thus Marvin tried it.

He originally didn’t have much hope, but he hadn’t thought that Madeline would answer so fast.

‘Is this the feeling of being popular?’ Marvin felt the irony.

…

Wizard tower. A sentence appeared once again on the blue parchment.

Madeline slightly frowned. She had thought that it was Marvin being mischievous. She was focused on that page of the Book of Nalu and she didn’t feel like bothering with him.

But instead, this sentence seemed serious.

– The White Deer Cave is about to be opened. Could it be that the treasures inside don’t interest you? –

Below the sentence was a portrait of Marvin on the move. Madeline had enchanted the alchemy item with an Image skill.

For her, it was only about making this Alchemy item more fun.

‘White Deer Cave?’

That place rumored to be full of treasure appeared in her mind.

She hesitated before ultimately clenching her teeth and writing:

– Sorry, I don’t have time. –

It meant that she was interested, but was too busy. She wanted to quickly advance to Legend. Only in this way could she free herself from the restriction of Marvin’s command contract!

There really were many treasures that would make people drool in the White Deer Cave, but it was protected by the White Deer Holy Spirit, so nothing could be taken out.

Madeline was no fool.

Soon, Marvin’s answer refreshed.

– The White Deer Holy Spirit will soon leave the White Deer Cave. Diggles dispatched his right hand Deceiver to steal the Rainbow Stone in the cave. You know what this means. –

This sentence made Madeline gravely stand up.

As a Half-Demon, she understood a lot more about Feinan and various planes than other Wizards.

She naturally wasn’t unfamiliar with the name Diggles. During her progress in the Scarlet Monastery, she had been obstructed by this Evil Spirit Overlord several times.

She had already retaliated against him, but Diggles was apparently a lot more patient than she expected.

His reprisal had yet to arrive.

‘Hold on… Rainbow Stone?’

A light flashed through Madeline’s eyes.

‘Isn’t it needed to open a Disaster Door?’

– Where did you learn this? – She couldn’t help but write this question.

– Come find me, I’ll tell you everything. – Marvin answered.

– Since you told me about this, I could simply go to the White Deer Cave by myself, why would I need to look for you? – Madeline unwillingly fought back.

But Marvin’s relaxed answer made the Half-Demon grit her teeth in anger.

He lazily wrote:

– Do you even know the path to the White Deer Cave? –

…

Two hours later, Marvin leisurely sat on the magic carpet and began to sum up the situation for Madeline.

In fact, the reason he chose to contact Madeline was her ability to fly.

This was the advantage of being a Wizard.

Magic carpets were items that were always in high demand. It was because even 2nd rank Wizards could use the magic carpet. Even if it would use up a great amount of magic power as fuel, the feeling of flying was something other classes could only admire.

Only with a certain amount of control over chaotic magic power could one start using a magic carpet to fly.

But the magic carpet was truly a money sink. The faster the speed, the more money it would burn.

In the earlier stages of the game, Marvin frequently saw those Wizard players looking at the magic carpets whistling by. Looking cool wasn’t important. Even if it looked impressive on the surface, they generally would rely on their potions and consumables.

Thus, the Wizard class always needed money.

A poor Wizard facing lower-leveled rich Wizard might even end up losing.

As long as you had money, you could use the most chaotic method of crushing the opponent to death with magic scrolls.

…

“So there is such a thing.”

After listening to Marvin’s summary, Madeline’s expression became extremely grave.

Diggles was clearly aiming at her and Collins. If they let Deceiver get a hold of that Rainbow Stone, a Disaster Door would definitely open.

Where would he choose to open it?

If it was opened on the East Coast, it would immediately be terminated!

Such a joke! Even the Ancient Red Dragon Ell wasn’t able to rampage for long before he was forced back by a small team of Legends.

A group of Evil Spirits would naturally not dare to act like that.

If he wanted to show his power and take revenge, Diggles might open the Disaster Door north of River Shore City!

When the flood of Evil Spirits emerged, even if the South Wizard Alliance reacted quickly, River Shore City might have already been razed to the ground.

Evil Spirits were far stronger than what an ordinary person could imagine. If they knew a way of restraining them, like Marvin, they might actually skillfully end them.

But the issue was, how many adventurers and soldiers had experience fighting against Evil Spirits?

If a war broke out, River Shore City would be in danger.

“No, this isn’t something we can stop,” Madeline decisively said, “I need to report to the Alliance and request assistance.”

Marvin sneered, “I only told you my guess. Do you think the Alliance will be convinced?”

“The east is currently short on manpower. Even if the Alliance answers your request for help, how many do you think they would send?”

“For them, the nonsense of a newly risen Viscount and some White Deer murders in the desert, these are all trivial matters, aren’t they?”

Madeline turned silent.

It was exactly as Marvin said. The Alliance wouldn’t easily believe them.

Marvin had no proof.

If a few Brain Eating Monster’s corpses could be used as proof, then the Alliance might dispatch some troops.

But everything would still be for them to clean up.

“Stop Deceiver from getting that Rainbow Stone, while checking if there are treasures in the cave. This is what we should do.”

Marvin’s finger pointed toward the north. “Over there.”

Madeline nodded and controlled the magic carpet to fly through the sky of the Deathly Silent Hills.

Even if many people knew the White Deer Cave was hidden in a corner of the Deathly Silent Hills, there weren’t many who knew its exact location.

Marvin was obviously one of them.

He had had three chances to enter the White Deer Cave in the past. And even if he didn’t get anything special, he still got some practical things.

He clearly remembered about this hidden treasure cave.

“In front,” Marvin said in a low voice. “Remember to use [Greater Invisibility], Deceiver should be near.”

Madeline sneered, “There is no need for a reminder. We are already invisible.”

Marvin shrugged.

The magic carpet slowly descended.

In front of them was a forested hill. Under the hill was a circle of ordinary flowers. Some broken rocks could be seen in the middle of that patch of flowers.

These rocks were set up very specifically, and were somewhat related to runes from ancient times.

“Nature God’s runes,” Marvin sighed with sorrow.

The White Deer Holy Spirit was a Heavenly creature, a Legend creature. Its strength was a lot higher than that of the average Unicorn.

It had the ability to foresee disaster and happiness and very few people could deceive it.

Naturally, this was before it descended.

At that time, he was serving the Nature God. Later, when the Ancient Nature God went into slumber and delegated the right to give Divine Spells to the World Tree, the White Deer Holy Spirit followed the World Tree and descended onto the human world.

After descending, its spirituality was tainted by the human world and it lost its all-seeing ability.

Thus, it could be deceived by Deceiver.

The treasures in the White Deer Cave had been collected by it over the past years. Every treasure had its own worth.

The White Deer Holy Spirit wanted to return to Heaven, but Heaven gatekeeper refused it entry because of its mortal world’s aura.

The White Deer walked the earth and was dirtied by the filth of the human world, learning many bad things. He was gathering many treasures in order to bribe Heaven gatekeeper in the future to return to Heaven.

This kind of lore made Marvin feel a bit dumbstruck.

But fundamentally, the White Deer Holy Spirit was a very kindhearted lifeform.

But unfortunately it was used later on by a ferocious god who controlled its mind, turning it into a monster that created havoc in the human world.

That was of course something that happened after the Great Calamity.

The current White Deer Holy Spirit should still be very pure and kindhearted.

…

“I didn’t find the [Deceiver] you talked about.”

The two were hiding in a secret spot outside the cave. Madeline had quietly used a detection spell, but she didn’t detect anyone aside from the two of them.

Marvin said in a low voice, “There are many ways to bypass your detection spell, Deceiver isn’t an ordinary person.”

“Since Diggles dared to send her here, he must have his reasons.”

Madeline coldly looked at the White Deer Cave. “Regardless, I’ll tear her into pieces!”

Marvin remained silent.

After about three hours, something strange happened outside the White Deer Cave.

First, the flowers began to ignite, and then all the gravel began to shake and turn into fine powder.

The next instant, an imposing golden light was emitted from the stone door that was emerging on the hill.

The stone door slowly opened with a heavy sound!

A deer with beautiful long horns nimbly jumped out from the door.

It lingered around the cave for a moment before suddenly issuing an angry neigh.

The White Deer crazily charged toward the desert in the west!

It was very fast, disappearing from the Deathly Silent Hills in the blink of an eye!

And that stone door also began to slowly close.

At that time, a white-clothed figure quietly appeared beside the stone door.

“She appeared.”

No need for Marvin’s reminder, Madeline’s spell was already ready!

Greater Mage Hand!

Chapter 224: Magic Mirror Maze

p>The white-clothed woman apparently hadn’t expected someone else to be hiding in the surroundings of the White Deer Cave!

Greater Mage Hand immediately displayed an amazing effect. Madeline’s spell flung the woman about twenty to thirty meters away!

The next second, a Teleportation Door suddenly appeared in her path.

Madeline was ruthless, sending her through the Teleportation Door.

It was a spell she was very proficient in. In the blink of an eye, Deceiver was more than eighty meters away.

Meanwhile, the door to the White Deer Cave was slowly closing.

Marvin unhesitantly rushed in, and Madeline followed.

Just as they entered the White Deer Cavern, a powerful force enveloped them and split them apart.

Marvin’s surroundings spun, making him feel dizzy!

…

Outside, Deceiver’s silhouette vanished.

As the door slowly continued closing, a squirrel nimbly jumped down from above, calmly going inside.

‘Thankfully I kept a card hidden. Didn’t expect that others would actually take advantage of the White Deer Cavern opening to go looting,’ Deceiver angrily thought.

If not for her using a Doppelganger to attract Madeline’s attention, she might have failed this mission.

The reward after painstakingly luring the White Deer Holy Spirit away being taken by others?

That man and woman had to die!

The squirrel was also dragged by a force, unable to move its body as it fell toward the depths.

…

“Shhhh.”

The White Deer Cave’s stone door slowly closed.

But at the last moment, a silhouette which seemed as light as a feather floated over. It hesitated there for half a second before finally getting inside.

‘This kid can really run. I barely managed to track him… And there is a 4th rank Wizard at his side.’

‘If it wasn’t because I owed a favor to that guy from the Unicorn clan from that time, I definitely wouldn’t meddle in this.’

But regardless of the conflict in his heart, since he had accepted the mission, he had to finish it.

Even if it was just for the reputation of the Shadow Spider Order, he had to assassinate that guy called Marvin.

…

After his surroundings stopped spinning, Marvin was standing alone in front of a mirror, focusing.

This was the depths of the White Deer Cave, the Magic Mirror Maze.

Even if he was already expecting it, when Marvin stood in between multiple Magic Mirrors, he still felt a bit apprehensive.

Especially since these Magic Mirrors could also speak!

“To the left or to the right? This is a question worth considering.”

“I think there might be a way out on the left?”

“Of course, it is also possible on the right.”

Each Magic Mirror kept whispering, but Marvin ignored their voices.

He already knew that after entering the White Deer Cave, people would be sent to the Magic Mirror Maze by themselves.

There were paths around him, and each path could lead to the exit of the maze, but it could also lead to a dead end.

In the dead end, there would usually be a deadly trap.

The Magic Mirror Maze was an artifact the White Deer Holy Spirit brought down with him when he descended. If an ordinary person wanted to leave the maze, it would be very difficult.

But it was naturally not the same for Marvin.

He knew the way to leave the Magic Mirror Maze: When looking at your own reflection in a Magic Mirror, the mirror would whisper something.

If the reflection was taller than yourself, the Magic Mirror was lying.

If the reflection was shorter than yourself, the Magic Mirror was telling the truth.

If the reflection was a copy of yourself, the mirror was the true exit.

Marvin didn’t tell Madeline about this. He planned to tell her only after she asked for his help.

They had that [Azure Letter] after all, so they could still get in touch with each other inside the Magic Mirror Maze.

Marvin looked at all the mirrors around him and, using this strategy, he quickly got information out of them.

He started moving.

In about three minutes, he found a Magic Mirror that perfectly reflected him.

He softly touched the Mirror’s surface, trying to pass through this mirror.

He succeeded.

…

Behind the mirror was a small room.

The room was completely deserted, there was only a table with one item on it.

It was a box. And inside the box was an extremely huge Night Pearl!

That thing was something from Heaven, and was invaluable.

But unfortunately, it didn’t have any use.

‘Unlucky.’

The Magic Mirror Maze had a rule. You could only leave the Maze after finding the exit mirror three times. But every time you did, you would get a reward.

‘Didn’t expect to get a pearl this time.’

Marvin put the Night Pearl away and left the room.

Then he was once again inside the Magic Mirror Maze.

When he turned to look at a mirror, the reflection had changed and was a bit taller than Marvin.

This meant the Magic Mirror would lie.

“Go left, the exit is there,” it advised.

Marvin ignored the left and started his second trip.

This time, he spent no less than ten minutes finding the true reflection.

He entered the room.

This room was a lot more spacious than the previous one. It was also rather empty, only having one cabinet. The first three drawers of the cabinet were empty.

Only the last one had something, a pair of shoes.

It was a pair of straw sandals.

Marvin didn’t know whether to bitterly laugh or cry.

His luck was really too bad!

The White Deer Cave had so many good things, yet he got a Night Pearl on his first try, and that pair of straw sandals the second time!

Even if it was a strange item, it had a severe restrictions on use.

That was a pair of straw sandals that only Monks could wear!

It also only had one effect: Can’t be damaged.

‘Items from Heaven are all tricky items… I got nothing useful.’

Marvin grunted, annoyed. This effect on the sandals wasn’t bad.

Monks would depend on very few external items due to their religious practices. But Monks would carry several pairs of straw sandals with them.

It was because their fights were really too violent. They basically had to change their sandals after every fight.

In the game, in that struggling leveling period, almost every Monk player had to learn [Craft Straw Sandals], that pitiful skill. Once they saw a suitable plant by the roadside, they would craft a makeshift pair of straw sandals so they could at least wear something.

And many Monks could be seen on the side of the road, crafting straw sandals. This could considered as one of the beautiful pieces of scenery in Feinan.

This pair of straw sandals actually fit Monks the most, and would save them from a lot of inconvenience.

But it was of no use to Marvin!

‘Forget it… Just keep it.’

He sighed. Maybe later he would run across an amazing Monk and could use that pair of straw sandals to make friends with him.

As for Inheim, he should already be wearing the Void Boots, so he most likely didn’t need it.

…

He once again returned to the Magic Mirror Maze. Marvin was about to continue onward by following the reflections.

Suddenly, a wave of heat was emitted from his waist.

It was the [Azure Letter].

Marvin faintly smiled and took it out.

It was Madeline, as expected.

– How do you get out of this place? You must know, right? I nearly died from a Dissociation spell from above! –

Marvin faintly laughed and quickly answered:

– I naturally know how to leave the Magic Mirror Maze, and you can also obtain many advantages. But you have to agree to one thing. –

Madeline mumbled while looking at Marvin’s answer.

‘This guy really seems to know something!’

‘He was only a little Ranger, how could he suddenly become so fierce in such a short time.’

‘Nevermind, let’s trust him for now.’

Both sides quickly made a deal. Of course, because of the command contract, Marvin wasn’t worried Madeline would go back on that deal.

Marvin told Madeline the method and then kept going forward.

…

This time, he spent a lot longer finding the exit than the two previous times.

He passed through the true reflection’s Magic Mirror and arrived into an even more spacious room.

This time, there was another door on the other end of the room.

If Marvin went through that door, he would leave the Magic Mirror Maze and arrive at the true depths of the White Deer Cave.

That place had countless treasures.

But those treasures couldn’t casually be taken away. If more than three were taken out, the White Deer Holy Spirit would notice.

It would follow their aura to find the thief. Marvin had the feeling that Constantine and Daniela might not be that Heavenly Beast’s match.

This current hidden room only had a weapon rack set up.

On the rack was an average looking spear.

Marvin, who already despaired because of his bad luck, opened his eyes wide!

The spear¹ appeared!

It actually appeared as one of his rewards of the Magic Mirror Maze!

Marvin impatiently rushed over, holding back his surprise to check and make sure he wasn’t mistaken.

How could he have imagined that a shadow would come over, staggering, from another corner of the room!

That was a black-clothed middle-aged man!

Marvin was suddenly startled. There was something else in the White Deer Cave apart from him and Madeline?

Deceiver? Definitely not!

That guy looking at Marvin was also stunned.

Soon, he showed a friendly smile. “I finally met someone.”

“I’ve been around this terrible place for so long, can you tell me where this is?”

He slowly moved toward Marvin as he talked.

He had a good-natured smile plastered on his face and wasn’t carrying any weapon.

He didn’t look like an enemy.

But Marvin already had his hands on his pair of pistols.

Suddenly, Marvin felt an acute pain on his back!

_