The moment he did, Modret's eyes widened as though he had seen something from his worst nightmares.
Indeed, he had. The figure standing before him wore a pale blue mask. The eyes beneath that mask were particularly chilling.
How could Modret not recognize that blue mask?
Ten years ago, when the maid—his first shadow servant—had tried to assassinate him, Modret had used her to try to extract information about the true mastermind. That woman had also worn a blue mask.
'It doesn't seem to be the same person. Could they belong to an organization? That would explain why she was withdrawn and replaced…' Modret's mind raced.
His facial expression changed repeatedly as he stared at the man in the blue mask.
Axel, standing beside him, also widened his eyes, a cold shiver creeping down his spine as he sensed the terrifying aura coming from the man.
'An assassin?' Trained by his father over the years, Axel could instinctively sense the thick killing intent radiating from the figure. More importantly, most of that intent was directed squarely at the young master.
Axel immediately stepped protectively in front of Modret. "Please stay behind me."
The blue-masked man shook his head slowly, a sigh of regret slipping from his lips. "What a pity. I had hoped to eliminate him quickly so we could have a proper conversation, but it seems that won't be possible."
He shook his head again, as if truly disappointed that his first strike had failed to kill Axel. Modret frowned at his words. Then, with a deep, solemn tone, he asked,
"What do you want?"
Although he posed the question, Modret had already begun circulating his mana silently, preparing to strike at the perfect opportunity and take the man's life.
The masked figure let out a slow breath and replied evenly, "To kill you. But before that, I want to see if there is a chance you might be interested in joining our organization."
Modret's heart sank slightly. Without a second thought, he rejected the idea internally. Join the very organization that had been trying to kill him since before he could even speak? What a joke.
Modret scoffed inwardly but pretended to consider the offer, feigning deep thought over the prospect of joining the mysterious group.
The masked man merely watched him in silence, appearing indifferent to whether Modret accepted or refused. He gave off a relaxed, uncaring air as he glanced casually around the area.
'He doesn't know that I'm an awakened. That's why he's letting his guard down,' Modret realized. He hesitated slightly but ultimately did not attack. Despite the man's demeanor, Modret could sense that his guard was still up.
'He's baiting me into making the first move, hoping to counter and kill me instantly…' Modret understood the trap.
"Axel," Modret called softly after a moment of silent contemplation.
"Yes?" Axel responded, trying to sound casual. From experience, he had learned to act as if they were simply companions. Watching him, Modret didn't know whether to laugh or sigh.
"Head back to the manor. I want to have a private conversation with my friend here," Modret said calmly, turning to the man in the blue mask. "That much is acceptable, is it not?"
The man gave a light shrug and nodded without concern.
Axel's eyes widened in disbelief. 'Y-your friend? Would your friend try to kill your life guard the moment he showed up?' Axel wasn't fooled in the slightest.
His expression hardened. He resolved to go through this life and death situation with Modret. But Modret rolled his eyes. He was about to use all of his power, and in such a situation, he needed complete concentration.
Axel would only be a liability.
Modret's eyes became stern as he stared deeply at Axel. Seeing that look, Axel paused. 'He only gives me that look when he's serious. Am I supposed to leave? Does he want me to seek help from the uncles and aunties at the manor? But… will he survive long enough for that?'
A flurry of thoughts surged through Axel's mind. Then he noticed Modret giving him a reassuring glance. After a few more moments of hesitation, he turned and sprinted into the forest.
As he disappeared into the trees, Modret called out internally. 'Fairy!'
The moment the word left his mind, an ethereal creature began forming in the air. Modret didn't have time to admire her appearance—he was in a dangerous situation.
The moment she took shape, he issued the command. 'Check if there are any others lurking nearby, waiting in ambush. First, verify the path Axel is heading toward. Make sure no ambushers are lying in wait.'
As soon as he gave the order, the fairy vanished from view. Modret took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, a familiar pressure building on his chest.
"So, what is your decision?" the blue-masked man asked curiously. At the same time, dark strands began forming on his palm as though he was ready to strike at any moment if the answer was not what he wanted.
'Surely, he will agree to join, right?' The blue-masked man saw no reason for Modret to refuse.
To his surprise, Modret began approaching him. His back hunched slightly, his steps slow, as if he had accepted his fate.
Just as the masked man's expression shifted ever so slightly, Modret vanished from his line of sight.
"What?" the man exclaimed, his voice sharp. His heart skipped a beat. A moment later, he sensed a terrifying force hurtling toward him.
Under the pale remnants of sunlight still lingering at the edge of the horizon, he saw a large fireball—black as night—rushing straight toward him.
His eyes widened in horror at the oppressive heat it radiated.
A terrifying thought crossed his mind. 'If that fireball hits me, I doubt I will last more than a few hours!'
Reacting instantly, he moved to the side. Black strands shot from his palms, wrapping around his limbs and manipulating his movement like a puppet master. With their help, he dove out of the way, his body crashing against a nearby tree.
BANG
The black fireball exploded against the spot he had just occupied. A deep scorch mark scarred the earth.
Seeing no system notification appear, Modret shook his head slightly in regret. It was a pity.
Without wasting a moment, he did the only thing that might save his life.
He ran.
Modret possessed more than ten abilities that enhanced his agility, including one ranked at A-grade—Wind Elemental Affinity.
As a result, his speed was exceptional. In the blink of an eye, he had vanished into the forest.
But he was still slower than the masked man.
The man watched as Modret had disappeared in the direction. His eyes widened with sudden realization.
'This little brat, who hasn't even gone through the awakening ceremony, is already awakened?'
At that moment, he made a decision.
Modret had to die tonight.