Near a shimmering lake, backed by treacherous cliffs, rose a pitch-black, eerie castle blanketed in vines, its numerous spires piercing the clouds like a dark forest.
Hiding behind a boulder some distance away, Lucian studied the Castle Carlandia — its architecture unmistakably styled after the magical empire of the Dark Ages — and took a deep breath. He slid the Ice Avenger ring onto the ring finger of his left hand, then took out the "Holme Crown" award ring Natasha had given him, the one engraved with "Mo," and placed it on the more conspicuous index finger of his left hand, though he turned the face engraved with the word "Mo" inward toward his fingertip.
Facing unknown dangers, facing the castle's owner whose power might be terrifying and the necromancer from the Continental Magic Parliament, Lucian had to exhaust every resource at his disposal to maximize his own safety.
Entering a state of spellcasting focus, growing as calm as ice and snow, Lucian stepped out from behind the boulder and strolled toward Castle Carlandia as if taking a leisurely walk.
The cool June night breeze scattered the daytime heat. Only the intermittent chirping of insects filled the surroundings. Lucian walked all the way to the towering main gates without encountering any obstruction or disturbance.
He calmly extended his hand, curled his fingers, and knocked rhythmically on the heavy door made of ironwood — three sets of nine knocks.
After the third series, Lucian stopped knocking and stood there waiting in silence.
After what might have been two or three minutes, the castle gates groaned open with a drawn-out creak, followed by the heavy sound of something scraping against the ground.
It was a door that two or three strong men might struggle to pull open, yet the one who opened it was a grey-brown-haired elderly man in a black soft cap, black formal attire, and white shirt. Every gesture of his strictly adhered to noble etiquette, and he asked in the standard accent of the Continental Common Language: "May I ask, sir, who you are? And what brings you to Castle Carlandia?"
The fact that they hadn't attacked outright meant half the battle was already won. Lucian smiled politely: "Respected butler, I am a magician passing through the Duchy of Gibuti…"
He paused briefly, and only when he saw the old butler's expression remain as serious and attentive as before did he continue: "While traveling through the wilderness near Dragon Tooth Town, I encountered a bandit gang. They attempted to rob me, but I killed them one by one. To my surprise, I found an invitation letter on one of the bandits — a letter from a gentleman at the headquarters of the Continental Magic Parliament, inviting the necromancer and apprentice from the former
"I believe some unfortunate magic apprentice was killed by the bandits and the letter was taken from them. Fortunately, they were illiterate. I have great interest in this 'Death Feast,' so I took the liberty of following the address of Castle Carlandia that the apprentice had recorded on the invitation. I humbly ask for your master's forgiveness."
"Respected guest, what symbol appeared on the invitation?" The old butler's expression didn't change at all, as if the person standing before him were not an evil and terrifying magician but a common merchant or traveler.
Although the old butler couldn't see his face beneath the black hood, Lucian maintained a perfect, courteous smile: "A black hexagram."
The old butler nodded gently: "Respected guest, please allow me to report to my master."
Holding a white candle set in a candelabrum, he turned and walked slowly into the depths of the gloomy, pitch-black castle, the flickering dim yellow light swaying around him.
Lucian stood rooted to the spot, not taking a single step forward, waiting patiently.
The old butler appeared to walk very slowly, but not long after his figure vanished into the darkness, that faint yellow candlelight reappeared. He then shuffled back to Lucian with unsteady steps.
"Respected guest, you have very good manners and know how to respect others." The old butler narrowed his eyes as he looked at Lucian's feet, which hadn't moved an inch. "My master, Viscount Carlandia, invites you to meet in his study. Please follow me. Do stay close and don't get lost in the darkness — that would be very dangerous."
Lucian placed his left hand over his chest and bowed slightly: "My thanks to Viscount Carlandia for forgiving my presumption."
The old butler said nothing, raised the candelabrum, turned, and walked slowly. Lucian quickly followed.
Once they were far from the castle gates, the darkness on both sides suddenly seemed to writhe and shift, but when Lucian looked carefully, everything was still again — deep and pitch-black.
His Fate Star, powerful spiritual force, and the combined intuition of his "Alertness" gave him a keen perception that constantly told him countless terrifying and dangerous things lurked in the darkness beyond the reach of the candlelight.
Waves of darkness appeared to shift with a semblance of life, swaying "normally" as the candlelight fell upon them, which set Lucian's nerves on edge and kept his skin taut with tension. He didn't dare relax for a moment, sticking close behind the old butler.
After an indeterminate amount of time, the old butler suddenly stopped, then pushed forward, and a door slowly swung open. Bright golden light spilled out, and all the darkness retreated.
"Respected guest, please." The old butler gave a half-bow, his right hand bent and extended flat, gesturing for Lucian to enter first.
Lucian nodded slightly: "Thank you, sir." Then he stepped calmly and decisively into the room.
Deep golden thick carpet, a gold-carved coat rack, more than a dozen silver candelabra set into the walls on both sides, a desk and bookshelf made of precious dark red wood, and ornate decorative details everywhere — all of it spoke to a taste that leaned heavily toward luxury.