Jasper Darkrose, Mission Ghosting (2/2)

When Darkrose clan's Jasper heard that none of their men returned even after two hours passed, he knew that the situation had become tricky.

Those assassins of the Darkrose sub-branch had clear instructions, and one of them was to hit an emergency button if they felt they were going to die to inform them.

But neither Jasper Darkrose nor the sub-family branch leader, Lamon Darkrose, received an instant message.

So, both of them concluded that their 8th and 9th-class mages died instantly.

As such, they only sent some scouts to keep their eyes on Black Rattan House to collect information and tell them about people going in and out.

The whole night had passed while Jasper and Lamon had stayed awake due to emergency work to clean the mess regarding Cloudford guild.

"It's seven-thirty in the morning. Any news from the scouts?" 

"Not yet, young master Jasper. So far, we haven't sensed any movements there, but according to the public in the black market and the presence of five strange golems, we can conclude that there are people inside the mansion."

Jasper and Lamon had just arrived on this balcony at a northern outskirt mansion in the city. The tea soon arrived, and both started taking sips while waiting as they had just finished a long night's work.

"What is the Federation's status on Black Rattan House?"

"Well, they are ignoring the Black Market area like usual after the bribe. No need to worry. For them, it doesn't matter if a White Rattan House replaces a Black Rattan House."

"Mhmm," Jasper nodded. "But I suspect we might get some clues of Ghost from there. Keep the scouts to remain sharp."

"But how long do we stay passively?" Lamon frowned. 

Jasper narrowed his eyes, "Do you think a Master-class Mage can instantly kill two 8th-class and two 9th-class mages without giving our men half a second to press a single button?"

"That…" Lamon hesitated to answer.

"It's possible, but not everyone's skills allow them to accomplish this feat," Jasper said as he leaned back on the chair. "Only certain, silent, lethal single-target attacks can do that without making a ruckus." 

"But…" Jasper glanced at Lamon, "There are no traces of elements when Ghost attacks. How did they die instantly?"

Lamon had no answers as he sighed, "I understand. We have to take extreme pre-cautious against this enemy."

Jasper nodded. "I think sending our men there was a mistake, but we can't delve into that anymore. Let's just hope we won't compromise some information because of them."

"They won't speak even if they are alive," Lamon firmly said. 

"Leave this matter," Jasper shook his head. "What's the status of dead bodies?"

"Still unable to find their cause of death," Lamon sighed.

"Alright, that's enough," Jasper said and took out his mobile. "Mr. Lamon. Prepare to send those two dead bodies to headquarters. We'll let Arcane Sage Loren examine them."

"Understood."

But suddenly, Lamon's phone rang just as he reached the door.

The ringtone was peculiar, and both recognized it.

"Quick," Jasper said with a somber expression.

Lamon swiftly took out his call and sat at the table before putting the call on speaker.

Jasper created a barrier around them.

"Leader Lamon! H-He killed everyone. I will die."

"How?!" Jaser snappily asked. "How is he killing you?"

"I will die! I don't know! I-"

Silence.

Jasper and Lamon looked at each other before they suddenly heard an unfamiliar voice.

"Ahem, which clowns of the Darkrose family am I speaking to?"

Instantly, Jasper's and Lamon's heart reached their throat, and they exchanged a glance.

"Eh? Why silence? Are you shocked that I found out about one little secret of your Darkrose clan?"

"Ghost," Jasper spoke after taking a small breath. "Who are you, and what do you want from us?"

"Hmmm, I don't want much. For starters, all men of the Darkrose clan should cut their dicks. As for women of your clan…Eh, I'll tell you about it later. We'll meet soon anyway, haha."

"Bye."

Jasper grabbed the phone and crushed it into his hands. 

"We'll have to hunt this ghost."

"Lamon. Tell the clan I want two Elders here."

"Right away!" Lamon stood up and left. 'That fucking Ghost. Your one life is not enough to mess with Darkrose Clan.'

…

"Kids, go down and follow her, okay? I'll be right behind you."

At the center of the mansion's hall, Arlott had dug a passage using his Earth affinity.

The passage opened up right beside the RV that Iris had parked. Since it was outside the garden's back area, which was barren and led to the forest, nobody was on the other side of the RV to see a hole.

Arlott sent Kiera first and then told the ten kids to follow her.

Afterward, raised his palm and started conjuring fireballs.

In just several seconds, the entire interior of the hall was on fire.

"Perfect," Arlott smiled and walked down the hall while filling it from behind.

He continued walking fast while also burying the passage behind him as mana whirled around him.

[All traces removed and burned & successful escape with no one recognizing us from start till end.]

[Mission Complete.]

'Anything interesting in today's Exotic Trade Shop?'

[Nah. Nothing worth buying. Anyway, you also didn't go to the academy today. The graduation is nearing, you know?]

'It's boring. I've already learned what I needed to learn from there.'

[Well, that's true. But there's going to be a full-proof chance to meet some big shots of Sage Lineag and top ten ancient clans and even visit a crucial place for everyone between 18 and 25 years of age.]

'Hmm? That almost sounds like….'

[Yep, it's a combat tournament for the young generation. Aside from the main heirs of the top ten clans and Sage Lineage, every talented young one will enter.]

[From the information I got from Calista's memories, I also saw the rewards and the stages. It's worth it, Arlott.]

'If it's worth it, then I'll enter,' Arlott chuckled. 'This is indeed a good chance to get close to big shots and measure the deep waters.'