Charles followed the waiter, while Leo trailed just a step behind. They moved past the main hall and into the depths of the shop.

At the back, a staircase led downward. The servant paused, gesturing politely at the stairway’s entrance.

Charles gripped the railing as he descended. The spiral staircase soon disappeared below, leaving him feeling isolated.

Leo stood tactfully beside the servant, who subtly blocked her from descending with a hand. She got the hint.

At the bottom, Charles reached a small, unadorned room. Running a hand along the wall, he muttered, “Silent Sand…” The room was coated with the sound-absorbing material, designed to keep conversations private.

He opened the door and stepped inside.

Two rows of candles flanked the entrance, casting soft light on a pair of red sofas facing each other. A hollow topaz chandelier hung overhead, adding an elegant touch.

On one of the red sofas reclined a stunning woman. Her tea-red curls fell loosely around her shoulders, a lock obscuring her right eye. Her left eye narrowed slightly, a teardrop mole accentuating her fiery-red lips. Her curvy figure filled out a brocade cheongsam, her legs, smooth and pale, draped casually over the sofa. She exuded an effortless sensuality.

“Welcome, Master Charles West,” she purred, her voice carrying a faint allure. “I’m Merlin Chris.”

“I apologize for the sudden invitation. Please, sit down.”

Charles took the seat across from her, patting the back of his shirt before sitting upright.

Merlin chuckled at his stiff posture, her laughter ringing in the confined space like delicate chimes.

As she laughed, her ample chest shook, and Charles quickly looked away. This woman was too beautiful, with a natural allure that was impossible to ignore.

“My apologies, Master Charles,” Merlin said, finally controlling her laughter.

Charles shrugged it off and cut to the chase. “So, Miss Merlin, what did you want to discuss?”

Merlin brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, releasing a faint, intoxicating fragrance that wafted toward him.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Charles frowned, covering his nose. “Miss Merlin, isn’t this a bit insincere?”

He recognized the scent. It came from a rare fifth-order scented whale’s oil, notorious for its charm-inducing properties.

Merlin laughed again, this time more genuinely. “Master Charles, no need to be so guarded. This perfume is quite popular among noble ladies.”

Charles sighed. She was clearly playing games. Time to change tactics.

Putting on a wide, innocent smile, he asked, “Aunt Merlin, what do you really want to discuss?”

Merlin’s smile faltered.

“Brother Charles,” she said with a forced grin, “I do appreciate your directness.”

Charles rolled his eyes. He had called her “aunt,” but she still had the gall to call him “brother.” Fine, let her.

“Charles, you’re starting school soon, yes?” Merlin finally began, as if to test his interest. “Is that why you came to here, to choose a suitable weapon?”

Charles nodded. “Yes, I start at Violet Academy tomorrow, so I’m here for a good weapon.”

Merlin nodded, then reached behind the sofa and pulled out a black box, placing it on the table between them.

Charles opened it carefully, revealing a simple iron sword.

The dark, iron blade was only slightly larger than a dagger, engraved with mysterious markings. It emanated a potent, lethal aura.

Activating his true vision, Charles examined it closely, surprised at what he saw.

This sword, called the Killer, was a fifth-order extraordinary weapon. After slaying an enemy, it absorbed the victim’s power, enhancing its wielder. With every kill, the power grew, and though there was no upper limit to its amplification, prolonged use could lead to backlash, potentially killing the user.

It was an ominous blade.

Charles closed the box and set it back on the table. It was light and sized perfectly for him, but he knew a fifth-order weapon like this would come with strings attached.

“What do you want in return?” he asked.

Merlin rested her chin on her hand, as though pondering.

Charles remained calm. She had clearly researched him, so her request would be within his capacity.

Finally, Merlin spoke. “Brother Charles, when you start school, I’d like you to join Miller’s team.”

“Miller Chris? What’s your relationship to her?” Charles asked. Shilin, also starting school this year, was a direct descendant of the Chris family. They had met once as children.

Merlin chuckled. “What do you think, Brother Charles?”

“Mother and daughter?” he guessed.

Merlin’s smile froze. Taking a deep breath, she retorted, “Sisters! Do I look that old, Brother Charles?”

Charles didn’t respond, instead considering her offer. Leo had just explained the three main classes and team compositions. Most teams needed four people: two combat specialists, one mystic, and one steam specialist.

He didn’t agree right away, as he had no idea about Miller’s team configuration.

Merlin, noticing his hesitation, continued, “Don’t worry, Master Charles. In addition to Miller, there’s a young noble from the Vincent family. This team’s lineup will not disappoint.”

Charles’s interest piqued. The bloodthirsty Vincent family likely supplied a fellow combat specialist, so Miller was either on the steam or mystic side. A team of two blue-bloods and one red-blood made for an impressive lineup.

But… wasn't there supposed to be a fourth teammate?