"The Hunting Competition has been underway for nearly four days."
At that moment, in the Duke's Mansion far away in the Royal Capital, Duke Ster Morin frowned deeply as he looked at the man before him, entirely shrouded in a black robe.
"I think it is time for you to make a decision."
Duke Morin did not answer. He merely stared fixedly at the man before him, as though making a final consideration. "Cress, are you certain the power you have amassed is sufficient?"
"Of course, Your Grace."
Cress gave an elegant bow. "For this plan, my teacher—Rory Calder—and I have prepared for decades under the glorious guidance of the great Rich XVI. Everything is within our calculations."
"Good!"
Duke Morin finally nodded, turned, and walked deeper into his residence.
"Follow me..."
Cress narrowed his eyes halfway as he watched the figure before him, seemingly carefully weighing his attitude.
Before long, he followed the duke's brisk, decisive steps into an ordinary-looking study.
With a grave expression, Duke Morin felt around the wall until he found a switch. He poured magic power into it and pressed it gently, then repeated the process to activate three mechanisms within the study in succession.
He then turned and left the room again.
Cress followed him along a long, winding route until they reached Duke Morin's bedroom.
Just as before, he activated four mechanisms in succession. Only then did the luxurious bed in the middle of the room slowly shift aside, revealing a narrow passage that could only accommodate one person.
"How cautious..."
Cress smiled in admiration. "As expected of you."
"Hmph."
Ster Morin snorted coldly and stepped into the passage.
Cress followed close behind. After a long journey, a sealed magical barrier appeared before them.
On the ground within the barrier, complex magical circuits