Chapter 276 Challenge
The hidden eyes behind Yulia's veil slowly turned black as she activated the third level of her Mystic Eyes' ability. It wasn't a perfected version but she can already use it to some degree.
'Delude…'
This ability isn't similar to any of Vincent's mind attacks. Instead, it is the improved version of her Mystic Eyes' first level called Control.
While the 'Control' is an ability that allows her to summon darkness energy to control the movement of her target externally, the 'Delude', on the other hand, works internally as it allows her to deceive the mind of her target and make them vulnerable.
In short, it will subtly make them trust Yulia with all their heart! It is completely different from the 'Nightmare' or the second level of her Mystic Eyes ability.
"I'm Karsten! I'm here to see who defeated my precious sister! After she returned from the competition, she entered her third seclusion and has been trying to practice a very dangerous Tier 4 Mana Art! Aside from Vincent who made her do this, is there anyone else I should blame?!"
Karsten became surprisingly honest as Rufia, who is managing the counter, looked at him with a strange gaze. It was such a petty reason after all.
Furthermore, before Yulia arrived, this person said that he has important business with Vincent regarding the Assembly of the Blue Emblems.
In the end, it wasn't the truth…
Karsten, who just blurted out his inner thoughts couldn't help but be terrified at the white lady in front of him!
He definitely wouldn't say this secret voluntarily! It was as if he was charmed by this woman!
"Y-you…" He couldn't really say anything about her method as there was no evidence of what she did.
"Customer Karsten, if you have any disputes or issues with Sir Vincent, you can send an official letter or issue a challenge to him. He wouldn't refuse it as long as the one challenging him is not an Archmage or Grand Knight."
Yulia said with a smile.
"Is that true?! Can I really challenge him?"
"Of course. If all you want to see is his strength, there shouldn't be a problem. However, since he's a very busy person, he mentioned that a wager is necessary to not waste both of your time."
Yulia explained. Vincent had truly instructed her to do this.
After all, he had already expected that his duel against Magnus wouldn't be the last. As a disciple, he was already warned by Tower Lord Ignacy that many people would covet his status.
If Vincent was defeated by someone at the same level of his cultivation or even lower, although Ignacy didn't like it, he might be forced to consider accepting that person as his disciple as well.
After all, he didn't like the fact that someone would brag that they have defeated the personal disciple of the Tower Lord.
With this mindset, it was no wonder why the Tower Lord wasn't stingy to his disciples at all.
Of course, this also shows how strong the other disciples are.
Since Vincent is only the seventh disciple, it means the other disciples weren't weak at all.
"Ehem… I will issue a challenge to Vincent then. As for the wager, how about you? I mean, if I beat him, you will serve me from now on. No---I will hire you as the manager of my store instead." Karsten corrected himself as he did his best to hide his inner desire before he continued.
"This is such a small shop and I'm sure that you're not satisfied with this. My shop has five floors and sells numerous Magic Tools! We're earning millions of gold coins every month… Your salary there will certainly be triple or maybe even ten times than your salary here!"
His confidence astounded everyone.
Lar even wanted to smack his face but did his best to control himself.
Although Lar has learned powerful Mana Arts, the martial arts and techniques that their group has learned were meant to deal with people like him in a close combat battle! He wasn't afraid to face him in battle.
Furthermore, they were confident that with the armor bestowed to them by Vincent, they could defend against two or three of his attacks until they get closer.
"Is that so? What would happen if you lose?" Yulia didn't get mad after hearing this wager as she decided to get more from this person.
"I will—"
This time, Yulia's Delude finally stopped working as Karsten realized that he has gotten himself in huge trouble.
However, his pride didn't allow him to back out on this as he decided to be a man of his word.
"I will give up my precious sword in exchange! This is a Pseudo-Legendary Sword I obtained when I defeated the Sword Demon of the Martial Arts Alliance."
"Hmm? So I assume that you only see my worth as a single sword?" Yulia asked.
"I… Well, of course not!"
'It's not like you will sell your body… You will only work in my store…' Karsten wanted to add this but he knows deep inside that it wasn't his only plan for her.
He thought for a moment about what more could he offer before finally deciding to wager another thing.
"I'm willing to give up my chance to enter the 15th Tower's Immortal Project! You have to know that even if Vincent is a disciple of the Tower Lord, he could never get this chance since this has already been decided five years ago. Someone must give up their chance in order to join this project." Karsten said filled with confidence.
"Hmm? What's with this project?" Yulia curiously asked as Rufia, Lar, and the others suddenly felt nervous as memories of their captivity started to resurface in their minds.
"This project might allow him to get a cure for his blindness. I can't tell you much but it's a project that only the best Magicians, Alchemists, Researchers, and Craftsmen of the Black Tower have ever created!"
Yulia was obviously interested and surely, Vincent wouldn't pass this opportunity as well. After all, this might be their chance to truly understand the inhumane projects within the 15th tower!
Furthermore, this could help them from ending the Tower's chase of the Followers of Qheglena…
"Very well… We will accept it. Once Vincent returned, I will inform him about this challenge."