"Who is he?" King Ragnar asked, his gaze fixed on the young man who was swiftly disappearing into the mist,pletely covered in dark robes. His suspicion was evident in his sharp tone as he watched the figure vanish down the path.


    "He''s just a good person born into a scum family," Kent replied nonchntly, brushing off the encounter as he turned to face his uncle. Without further exnation, Kent continued walking forward with a confident stride.


    King Ragnar didn''t press the matter, though a flicker of unease crossed his face. He silently followed Kent as they approached the teleportation gate that would take them to the Royal Capital City. Neither spoke much as the gate''s swirling energy enveloped them, whisking them away to their destination.


    Upon arriving at the Royal Capital, the towering pce loomed ahead, nestled in the northern sector of the city.


    Kent and Ragnar flew directly toward the royal pce, their cloaks pping in the wind as they made their way to the musical hall where the meeting was set to take ce.


    As they descended, they were met by a group of royal wizards standing guard. Their leader, an older man with piercing eyes, stepped forward and blocked their path with a raised hand.


    "Only the masked man is allowed inside," he dered firmly. "The Queen has instructed that no one else may enter."


    Kent and King Ragnar exchanged a nce, both surprised by the restriction.


    "Only me?" Kent muttered under his breath, narrowing his eyes slightly. Something was off, but he kept his expression neutral.


    King Ragnar frowned deeply, his voice low and ominous. "What is Queen Soya ying at? I don''t like this."


    Kent held up a hand, stopping Ragnar before he could argue further. "It''s fine, Uncle. Wait outside for now. I can handle this."


    Ragnar''s brow furrowed, an ominous feeling creeping up his spine, but he couldn''t defy the Queen''s orders. "Be careful," he warned, his voice heavy with concern.


    Kent gave a small nod before walking through the grand doors of the musical hall alone, leaving Ragnar standing in the hallway, brimming with unease.


    Inside, the hall was vast and elegantly decorated with golden paintings and intricate carvings along the walls. At the far end sat Queen Mother Soya, her piercing gaze locked on Kent as he entered.


    Beside her were King Hoon Doom and his daughter, Chuli, both of whom wore solemn expressions.


    "Mr. Kent," Queen Soya''s voice rang out, sharp and authoritative, "stand here." She gestured toward the center of the room where arge lotus symbol was engraved into the floor. Her finger pointed directly at the spot.


    Kent''s eyes flickered to the floor, recognizing the trap instantly. The wizards had done a fine job concealing it, but he could sense the subtle magical fluctuations, the carefullyyered spellwork designed to ensnare him the moment he stepped onto the lotus.


    But Kent didn''t hesitate. With a slow, deliberate stride, he walked toward the lotus and stood at its center, nting his feet confidently on the trap, as if daring them to spring it.


    A flicker of surprise crossed Queen Soya''s face, but she quickly concealed it, her lips curling into a sly smile. She snapped her fingers, and the pce master stepped forward from the shadows, his voice loud and formal as he addressed the room.


    "The Doom family has been suffering greatly as ofte," the pce master began, his tone rehearsed. "Nightmares have gued them, and King Doom''s health has deteriorated. The cause, as we now understand, is the dead ind city you acquired. The ancestors of the Doom family are displeased, and the Doom family wishes to rectify their mistake."


    Kent stood silently, his eyes cold and unblinking behind his mask as the man continued.


    "The Doom family hase to propose a fair exchange," the pce master dered. "In return for the ind city, you may choose any mid-range or evenrge city within their dominion. The Doom family will make no objections, and the trade will benefit you greatly."


    There was a long pause as Kent said nothing, his silence stretching across the room like a shadow. The tension was palpable, with the Queen and the Doom family waiting for his response.


    King Hoon Doom coughed weakly, his frail body trembling as he leaned forward. "Please, Mr. Kent," he rasped, his voice thin and pleading. "That ind has been in my family for generations... it was a mistake to sell it. Our ancestors are angry, and it''s affecting my health."


    He coughed again, ying the part of the weak, desperate patriarch perfectly. "I beg of you, choose any city, even one of ourrgest, in exchange for that cursed ind. I will personally ensure that you arepensated beyond expectations."


    Queen Soya nodded in agreement, her voice cutting through the room with authority. "You stand to gain much from this, Kent. The dead ind holds no valuepared to a thriving city with resources and wealth. I suggest you ept the offer and conclude this matter swiftly."@@novelbin@@


    For a long moment, Kent remained silent. The entire room seemed to hold its breath as he stood there, his head slightly tilted as if in deep thought. Then, slowly, a smirk spread across his face—though hidden behind his mask, it was clear in the way his eyes gleamed with amusement.


    "What a touching drama," he finally said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I almost believed your heartfelt story. Almost."


    Queen Soya''s smile faltered slightly, her eyes narrowing.


    Kent chuckled softly, his tone mocking. "But sadly, you''ve underestimated me. Again. You think I don''t know about the trap you set beneath my feet? You think I''d walk in here without knowing exactly what kind of game you''re ying?" His voice rose slightly, a dangerous edge creeping into it.


    King Hoon Doom''s face paled even further, fear creeping into his eyes. "W-What are you talking about?"


    Kent''s smirk widened. "You crossed a line today, King Doom. And now you''ll pay for it."


    -


    *Expect The Unexpected! Comment what might-happen next!