Chapter 69: Alien Creature

Then, a tremendous boom violently exploded. The ripples created by the sound waves were almost visible to the naked eye. That sharp shriek tore through space, spreading out in all directions like knives.

Everyone was knocked to the ground at the same time. The invisible barrier shattered like glass. The distorted air flew outwards like countless translucent butterflies flapping their wings simultaneously, then dissolved into shimmering, scattered points of light. Behind them, blue electric arcs as thick as buckets finally broke free from their last restraints. They coiled menacingly, bursting forth with crackling roars and storms of air currents!

Constantine struggled briefly, then felt a wave of warmth over his body. It seemed like a halo of light circled around him, offering him a bit of defense. But the worst was yet to come… The chaotic air currents around him gathered into a fierce gale, almost making him spin! The blue-purple glare of the lightning prevented him from fully opening his eyes. He couldn’t even tell where the door was! He didn’t dare move with the wind’s direction; who knew if it was suction caused by a tornado? He tried to rely on his hearing to figure things out, but the mages’ powerful, sonorous chants of grand incantations mixed with the sizzling chaos of the electric currents. He couldn’t hear anything!

No, not completely… He faintly heard a scream mixed into that cacophony, then a vast expanse of darkness descended upon him!

Fortunately, he didn’t feel much pain. The spell cast upon him by whoever-it-was had good defensive capabilities… But an invisible force still transmitted into his body! He grunted, as if hit head-on by a True Dragon. His body fell backward under a great pushing force. Although he instinctively rolled, his head spinning dizzily for a few turns, he ultimately slammed onto the floor. Thankfully, he had simultaneously activated the Mage Armor attached to his shirt. The combined operation of the two force energies reduced the impact, or he might have passed out directly.

Then, the light in the hall gradually dimmed. Constantine groaned painfully. He struggled for a while before barely managing to sit halfway up. Every muscle in his body seemed to be silently protesting.

However, at this moment, everything finally seemed under control. Constantine opened his eyes and noticed that in his field of view ahead, the chaotic electric lights had been gathered. Archmage Nikolai’s voice still resonated like a mighty bell. Countless Runes flickered around him. An invisible force gathered the lightning, forming a massive pillar of lightning storm. Beneath the storm, the old mage’s beard and hair billowed, as if he were a Deity. The dancing magic flames within the Teleportation Circle also weakened, becoming a faint, hazy red halo. The chaotic flows of Magic Power in the air began to stabilize…

It was only then he noticed that the culprit who had landed him in this state was a person. It seemed to be a survivor of the earlier incident. That Dellan-style maid’s dress, though almost torn into disarray by the storm, was largely intact. However, the part where her body, slightly taller than his, pressed down on him was the source of the pain. The only bit of luck was that he could feel slight breathing, proving she was still alive…

“Are you alright?”

A cool voice sounded from the side. When Constantine turned his head, he saw a face full of concern.

“It’s fine… Thanks to your help…”

He hurriedly tried to push off the burden on top of him to stand up. The light shield around his body couldn’t have been anyone else’s doing. Showing interest in an ordinary woman who had inexplicably crashed into him at this time would be far too foolish…

But contrary to his wishes, this burden didn’t seem willing to leave him… Or was it due to fear? Both hands tightly grasped the young man’s Robe of Magic. Her whole body clung to his waist like a koala… Constantine tugged hard a few times but couldn’t pry open those seemingly slender hands. In the end, he could only force a bitter smile and slowly help her stand up.

The central electric lights and storm continued to diminish. But the hall, once full of mysterious aura, was now completely ruined… On the originally smooth floor, there were several depressions as if gnawed out by monsters. The powdered crushed stone from the tremors and storm scattered across the ground like years of accumulated dust, forming messy patterns. Only shattered black debris and tendrils of acrid, foul smoke remained.

Behind him, over a hundred apprentices who had gotten up were gradually forming a small circle around the area, discussing the earlier events in low or loud voices. Several Formal Mages had already begun organizing them to leave this chaotic scene.

“This performance is really…”

Constantine gave a bitter smile. A nation’s political dignitary had been killed right before his eyes. Even though he had seen many dramatic scenes, he never imagined such a dream-like scenario would be so close to him.

In this relatively peaceful era, this should be a major event enough to shake the Western Continent. The Dellan Empire’s Prince was assassinated in a planned manner in the capital of Phoenix. Even though Phoenix was the number one power spanning the continent, the diplomatic issues arising from this fact were undoubtedly enough to generate endless speculation. Who would dare defy the world to such an extent? In an instant, seventeen or eighteen similar pieces of information flashed through Constantine’s mind. But possibilities favorable to both sides existed… However, this undoubtedly made the assassination attempt shrouded in even deeper mystery.

Without relevant information, there was simply no clue… But the truly critical point was undoubtedly the authenticity of the event.

“Perhaps now we can only hope for the power of the Deities… If we can resurrect that Prince, then everything might still have room for maneuvering…”

The young man looked around, but he was immediately disappointed. He couldn’t see the Prince’s figure at all in his line of sight… Actually, none of the people related to the event were missing. However, the rampaging energy within the Teleportation Circle had clearly exceeded human imagination. The once majestic honor guard, the brave Knights or elegant, beautiful ladies-in-waiting, and even the noble Prince had now all been completely turned into charred corpses, almost indistinguishable. Although he didn’t know the requirements for casting Divine Magic, it was clear that resurrecting such charred corpses would be a task heavily consuming divine favor.

However, the next moment, Constantine suddenly noticed a person.

To be precise, a corpse. It was by a pillar not too far from him. Judging by the long sword stuck in this fellow’s body, he was the assassin who committed the deed. Located at the center of the energy impact and wearing a suit of metal Armor with a long sword stuck in him like a lightning rod, this poor fellow’s clothes and armor had been blasted into charred blackness by the surging spell energy. But what Constantine noticed was that the now blackened armor was moving slightly…

It didn’t look like a Human movement. Instead, it seemed as if countless insects were constantly seething beneath the attire. The young man’s heart stirred. Carrying his burden, he took a few steps towards that direction.

The pungent smell from electrolyzed dust and air drifted through the space, but as Constantine approached slightly, a stench like rancid oil assaulted his nose and mouth. He couldn’t help but frown. Even though the distance wasn’t extremely close, he could clearly see that the originally robust body was gradually shrinking, making it appear somewhat slender and frail. But it wasn’t the shriveled look from losing moisture… This corpse was melting.

Yes, melting. Literally. Like a burning candle or ice on a stove, its outer parts were slowly turning from once-Human flesh into wriggling, flowing sludge.

The face could no longer be called a Human visage. It was like a clay sculpture that got wet in the rain, deformed, and solidified again, with facial features completely misplaced. The nose, eyes, and ears were all twisted into unimaginable shapes, reassembling on the now semi-fluid face. The whole face resembled a terrifying abstract painting only a madman or artist could appreciate. During the deformation process, this corpse still occasionally made sounds. Like the hissing of a snake crawling through grass, carrying an indescribable weirdness and disgust.

Within just the span of a few breaths, the skin, resembling semi-solidified liquid, had solidified into slender limbs and a featureless face. It was a flat, pale, face with no protrusions. Even mixed with the charring from the electricity, the skin didn’t show much deeper color. Even the only remaining facial feature on the head. The two eyes were a layer of pure white to yellowish blurry film. Within that swollen yellow, there was an elongated black block, which seemed to be its pupil.

“A Shapeshifter… This Prince really seems unlucky, or perhaps even more so than you?” The unscrupulous Lich’s voice sounded even before Constantine could ask: “No wonder they didn’t detect it at all…”

“What do you mean?” Constantine was taken aback.

“Most Shapeshifters have mind-reading abilities. They are simply the best spies and assassins… Once they successfully mimic someone… Not just the people around, even close friends, lovers could be deceived by them. If such a creature tried to assassinate you, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have many ways to protect you either… Especially since this fellow seems to also have some anti-detection spell cast on him.” The Lich replied slowly and patiently, as if the schadenfreude in his words didn’t exist at all.

“A Shapeshifter assassin? They actually let such a monster slip in so easily!”

Constantine was slightly stunned, but before he could inquire about the meaning of this term, a voice full of authority suddenly rang out. Archmage Nikolai had appeared beside the corpse at some unknown time.

His thick, snow-white beard and mustache seemingly couldn’t conceal the livid hue on the Archmage’s face. Without any visible action from him, the corpse levitated into the air. Then, a layer of frost flowers spread across it at a speed visible to the naked eye. In almost the blink of an eye, the corpse was sealed within a massive block of azure-blue ice!

“Send this to Callister Satanber! Have him find out exactly which idiot dared to play such tricks! Those good-for-nothings from Dellan! They actually let such an absurd thing happen right under their noses!”

The old mage’s roar made Constantine reflexively wipe the bridge of his nose to hide the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. In his impression, this old man always had a venerable, majestic demeanor. Turns out he’s just like anyone else when his sore spot is hit. But it’s no wonder. The other party pulling off such a thing undoubtedly amounted to slapping Phoenix in the face, especially delivering a loud slap to Archmage Nikolai personally…

“Rage makes the wise lose their calm… Master Nikolai, a small mistake caused by a few insignificant ants isn’t worth your such agitation.”

A voice drifted out softly… Exactly at a volume the furious Archmage could hear. So the next second, the High-Rank Mages gradually gathering around Archmage Nikolai all turned their heads simultaneously! Dozens of sharp gazes had already turned towards that direction, firmly pinning down the source of the voice. The figure standing there, shrouded in a Black Robe!

Constantine involuntarily shrank his neck… The hood’s Shadow seemed to provide no concealment at all. He could almost clearly feel everyone’s gazes, as if they were tangible…

“Please do not worry excessively… Although things seem unsatisfactory, everything hasn’t become as bad as imagined.” The source of the voice, the palace maid who had been clinging to Constantine, slowly released her hold. She turned and took a few steps, facing the gazes of that group of mages… “However, I must correct one point, Archmage. Although the passing of these Knights and Ladies is sorrowful, they were bravely and loyally fulfilling the duties assigned to them. Therefore, undoubtedly, they are heroes of the Dellan Empire… And not some good-for-nothings.”

For a moment, Constantine was left speechless… Of course, this wasn’t because of this suddenly awakened maid’s particularly deliberate display. It was because he noticed… the other party’s voice. The pronunciation of every syllable, every inflection, was exceptionally clear and precise. This was the Common Tongue pronunciation form from the Frank region, famously pleasing to the ear. Many noblewomen prided themselves on learning to speak with such an accent.

Only… Though soft yet clear, the cadence of this voice… It clearly belonged to a young man!

“This… this guy is… does this Plane also have this kind of creature?” After a long while, Constantine finally let out a long breath and muttered quietly. The shock this fellow before him brought undoubtedly surpassed even the already frozen Shapeshifter.

…

“What is the meaning of this? Who are you?” Since even the well-traveled Constantine was stunned for a long time, the group of gathered High-Rank Mages naturally couldn’t be an exception. After quite a while, a seemingly high-ranking figure beside the Archmage finally spoke up to inquire.

“My apologies, allow me to introduce myself…” ‘She’ gently lifted the palace dress she wore. After a not-so-loud tearing sound, the originally wide skirt was split apart. Along with the simple headdress, she tossed them aside casually. Then, after smoothing her hair slightly, she gave a slight bow. Placing one hand elegantly over her chest, she spoke: “I am Rheinstadt Hilue August, the Second Prince of the Dellan Empire.”

“You… you’re not joking, are you? We saw the Prince with our own eyes…” After exchanging glances, the middle-aged mage of seemingly considerable status asked in a tone used for interrogating prisoners.

“The one who died was a loyal and brave retainer. To ensure my safety, he appeared in my stead. Though unfortunately, this indeed protected my safety…”

“You claim to be the Prince, but with all members of the envoy dead now, what proof do you have to verify your identity?”

“This is the seal my father personally gave me, sir. You may use various methods to verify this seal and the truth of my statements. Moreover, in three days, my first batch of attendants will arrive in Hayton. They are sufficient to prove my identity.” This Prince of ambiguous gender declared proudly as he took out a ring from his bosom. “Of course, you may also use a communication Crystal…”

During the conversation, Constantine subtly retreated. However, his eyes swiftly scanned over the Prince’s person.

After removing the dress used for disguise, he now wore simple, form-fitting attire that didn’t display any opulence. It was merely cut extremely well. Although this made the lines of his shoulders and neck appear not quite upright enough, it didn’t affect his bearing. Instead, it added a scholarly air to him. In fact, his face wasn’t outstanding. His facial features could only be considered regular, without any distinguishing characteristics. Such a face, even if someone spent hours beside him, might not be memorable…

Except for those eyes.

The eyelashes of these eyes were long and thick, complementing the somewhat androgynous, soft lines of his face. It was indeed well-suited for that disguise. But after returning to his original appearance, those blue-gray eyes sparkled like Gemstones with a lively brilliance, seemingly conveying a certain warmth at all times. The moment they met someone’s gaze, the charm within them would capture most of the observer’s attention… Constantine’s lips twitched. He found this combination quite brilliant. Judging by visual effect, this ordinary, unremarkable face seemed like the blank space setting off the picture. But that wasn’t a flaw. Instead, it highlighted the distinctive features. And the other party undoubtedly managed these features very appropriately, further enhancing his appeal with good fashion sense and elegant manners.

Refined, sentimental, intelligent, sensible, graceful. If one disregarded his earlier appearance, this was the impression he gave. Such bearing was uncommon even among the high society Nobles boasted about. Or rather, this should be the expected demeanor of a great noble leader or a royal family member.

However, Constantine’s impression of him wasn’t as good as it seemed on the surface… As far as he knew, places like palaces and brothels were the most complex and darkest parts of the world. Individuals raised there, no matter how kind and harmless they might appear outwardly, were filled with Darkness beneath their skin. It was best to have as little contact as possible with such people!

Especially when he remembered his earlier appearance with six or seven parts feminine qualities and the incident where they had tumbled together, Constantine inexplicably felt a chill of disgust pass through his body!

It’s just that the Deities governing fate in this world, the famous pair of sisters, seemed fond of certain mischievous plot twists. Just as Constantine shrank back, preparing to hide in the Shadow of a pillar, the source of this event suddenly turned around. Those blue-gray eyes locked onto the Sorcerer in the black magic robe!