Chapter 27: The Illusionist’s Gambit

The kidnapper looked at Lucy and Perry (who had transformed into Lucy) in turn.

“Why are there two princesses?”

His face was filled with confusion, but soon he nodded to himself, thinking, “I guess I’ll just take them both.”

Lucy watched the man closely.

He was wearing a black robe over his suit. His body radiated magical energy designed for restraint, and a long summoned beast coiled around him, its form concealed through invisibility.

Clothing. Equipment. Magic. Summoned beast. Transparency.

His class was clearly that of a magician.

However, without the Eye of Insight, it was difficult to accurately gauge his level. Still, the fact that he had detected the intrusion meant he was definitely stronger than the two men on board.

Normally, Lucy’s rule was to be extremely cautious in such cases, but now she decided to be aggressive.

Of course. Who made her room a mess? Who made her chase them like a dog ? Who was keeping her up all night?

It was all the man in front of her.

In fact, Rubia had caught her sneaking out because of him.

Now that she had been treated that way, she couldn’t just leave.

Of course, he didn’t seem to have any intention of letting her go.

“Did you take care of all my subordinates on board? It’s amazing that you killed them without a sound.”

The man tried to keep the conversation calm. In truth, he was merely pretending.

He sought to lower her guard with soft words while secretly maneuvering his summoned beast to ensnare her.

Though it remained invisible, Lucy could see its magical presence clearly.

She swung the scythe she was holding in a wide arc.

A dull thud followed the sound of cutting through the air.

It felt more like striking solid steel than slicing through flesh.

As the damage was inflicted, the invisibility applied to the summoned beast naturally faded.

A ten-meter-long arthropod with a hard exoskeleton emerged into view.

It was an ‘Arthropleura,’ a giant centipede.

Lucy grimaced.

Wriggling. Wriggling.

It was a summon that had been removed from the game because it was considered too disgusting.

To see it again was unsettling.

Regardless of its strength, the sight alone sent chills down her spine.

Observing her expression, the man stroked his chin, a faint smile on his lips.

“Considering your sensing ability and excellent assassination skills, you are definitely an assassin class.”

He assumed, ‘That’s why you were able to eliminate my subordinates without a sound.’

Moreover, he must have mistaken Lucy’s grimace for fear, believing he had already secured victory.

“The moment assassins come to the forefront, their power is halved. If you surrender meekly, I will guarantee your life.”

Despite his words, he seemed keen to avoid combat, uncertain which of ‘Lucy and Perry’ was the real princess.

Lucy shook her head at the man’s misguided assumptions.

How come they all have the same approach?

Had they really never faced an opponent stronger than themselves?

Or did she simply appear too weak?

Fed up, Lucy spread her hands with a blank expression.

No need for questions anymore.

Magic Skill: Hellfire.

Peach-colored flames swirled from her fingertips, blazing outward.

Cold sweat ran down the man’s forehead from the intense heat.

For the first time, his steady expression distorted.

“An assassin with this level of magic?”

He faced the incoming flames.

An intense magical aura.

Being well-versed in discerning magical power, he knew at a glance—if he were hit directly, he would die instantly.

BAM!

The flames engulfed one side of the ship along with him.

A large hole appeared in the hull, exposing the outside. Fortunately, the water level remained just below the breach, but the ship looked ready to sink at any moment.

Lucy thought, “This is the end…” for a brief moment.

However, through the smoke, the man emerged, groaning.

How had he avoided it?

The answer lay in his ring.

A ring that had shattered into shards.

A one-time evasion item—something that could mean life or death.

“What in the world is this power…? What kind of person are you?”

Lucy tilted her head. “Isn’t it a little strange for a kidnapper to ask his captive that?”

“That means you are the real princess.”

The man seemed convinced.

Regardless, Lucy opened her hand toward him again.

“…”

The ring was a one-time-use item. That meant his next move was critical. If he got hit again, he would die.

He quickly analyzed the situation. The real princess was standing before him. If so, what he had kidnapped was a fake. Why had the real princess appeared?

To rescue the fake one?

Having reached this conclusion, he subtly commanded his summoned beast.

Not toward Lucy—but toward the fake princess.

“Look over there.”

“??”

He pointed to a corner.

“Lucy… please save me!”

Perry, wrapped in the coils of a giant civet, was struggling in agony.

“Stop the magic, or else.”

He clenched his fist, and the civet tightened its grip.

Perry cried out as the force increased.

“I don’t know what the cause and effect is, but you came here to save the fake princess. If you want her back safely, you have to accept my demands. First—”

Before he could finish, Perry let out a groan, urging the man to kill her.

“What… did you say?”

“Kill me.”

“Did you think I was joking?”

He squeezed Perry even harder as a warning.

At that moment, Lucy’s face turned bright red.

“With this, one or two ribs…” The Man increased the force

But why did his own ribs hurt?

Confused, he suddenly felt crushing pain.

Lucy snapped her fingers.

The ship’s surroundings changed instantly.

Perry disappeared.

The beast that had been wrapped around Perry was now wrapped around him.

Only then did he realize—he had been squeezing himself.

“How did this happen… Huh…”

Unable to bear the pain, he hastily dismissed his summon.

“Why did my summoned beast… More importantly, where did the fake princess go?”

He looked utterly bewildered.

Lucy kindly explained to deepen his despair.

“Perry? If you mean the fake princess, I already teleported her to a safe zone.”

“No way… she was right in front of me!”

“That was an illusion.”

“An illusion…? Are you saying I was under an illusion?!”

His once-calm face crumpled in disbelief.

“There are things in life you just can’t believe. And since I won… I’ll take your life.”

Lucy approached, dragging her scythe.

Just as she was about to strike, he shouted confidently.

“Wait!”

“??”

“Aren’t you curious who ordered me to kidnap you?”

“You’re offering information for your life?”

He nodded.

Lucy considered it. Knowing her enemy would be useful.

“Fine. Show me proof, and I’ll spare you.”

He took a scroll from his pocket and laid it on the floor. “Here is what I was ordered to do.”

Lucy instantly sensed danger and backed away.

A dark purple aura surged from the scroll.

“Lying to me? No conscience at all.” Lucy mumbled.

The man let out a devilish chuckle, and raised his hand over the scroll.

This was the ace up his sleeve.

A crimson gate opened.

A figure emerged—an undead king, its rotten skin clad in a crown, glowing red eyes radiating deathly chill.

Desmond. Lv. ??

The King of the Undead.