Chapter 158: Puppeteer

Chapter 158: Puppeteer

Before Carpy or I could react, a dense shroud of murky darkness materialized with an eerie swiftness, emerging like a specter from the ethereal abyss. It coalesced into a chilling humanoid figure, its contours obscured by the swirling shadows that clung to its form.

A jagged blade materialized in its grip, its surface marred with an otherworldly malevolence that seemed to writhe and pulse with an unsettling energy. With calculated precision, the sinister entity plunged the cursed weapon into Delia's vulnerable lower back, causing the blade to come out of the other side.

Despite Delia's formidable skills, the attack proved deadly. She stumbled to her knees, clutching her dagger. Delia couldnt turn around but she was hesitating to stab the attacker.

I, on the other hand, harbored no such reluctance. As the assailant turned towards me, extending his hand holding a scroll, Carpy conjured a water blade that severed the creatures head.

In death, his unique ability dissipated, unveiling him as a man in his twentiesa mere exorcist.

Having witnessed numerous decapitations, I had become accustomed to the myriad expressions people wore in their final momentsa mixture of shock, despair, and even the occasional twisted smile. However, this man displayed an unsettling coldness and indifference. It was as though his demise held no significance, and he questioned not his own existence.

Typically, individuals with Ord required more time than average to lose consciousness. While the margin was slim, it usually allowed them to grasp their impending demise, resulting in a range of expressions. Yet, this man's stony countenance betrayed no emotion.

Only one thing could account for such behaviorhuman control abilities. And I knew of one person who possessed such powers, someone who had shown an interest in me.

The thought sent a jolt of fear through me. But this wasn't the modus operandi of the Demonic Exorcist. Even if he targeted someone dear to me to elicit an emotional response, he would orchestrate a grandiose spectacle to ensure I knew he was responsible.

"Carpy, do you sense anyone nearby?" I inquired.

"No, aside from those in the camp and some patrolling exorcists, there's no one in our vicinity," he responded. "At least, that's all I detected."

Unspoken between us was the possibility that others could conceal themselves from his senses. However, I knew that if the assassin had attempted the same tactic on me as he had with Delia, Carpy would have detected him... probably.

Whoever was orchestrating this had a fundamental understanding of Carpy's sensory abilities and used that knowledge to hide their puppets.

Approaching Delia, I swiftly removed the sword from her belly, causing her to grunt in pain.

Normally, leaving the blade in would have been the wiser choice. However, considering the cursed nature of the weapon and the likelihood of it being coated in an unfamiliar poison, leaving it in was not an option.

Only a trickle of blood emerged from her wound. Veins bulged around the injury as Delia employed her muscles to constrict and staunch the bleeding.

Crouching down, I whispered comfortably in Delia's ear, "Delia, let go. I will tend to your wound."

Once again, I provided an explanation while carefully observing his reaction. It was unclear whether he was an expert actor or genuinely surprised by the turn of events.

"I will handle this. You can return to attending to other patients, Laura," he said with a smile.

The nurse blushed and departed, muttering under her breath. He remembered my name.

Under my sharp stare, which someone of his caliber undoubtedly sensed, the Moon Exorcist proceeded to place four talismans at the corners surrounding Delia. He then clapped his hands and muttered peculiar mantras under his breath. Soon after, a green barrier enveloped Delia, and her wound sizzled before she groggily mumbled something and drifted back to sleep.

Removing her bandage revealed no sign of injury, only a faint scar.

"This was originally invented by the Magician," the Moon Exorcist wiped sweat from his forehead and adjusted his glasses. "He was a genius, capable of using them effortlessly and in a much simpler manner. As for me, I need to employ four talismans, depleting over 20% of my Ord each time. Although we were both Special Exorcists, he operated on a different level."

The Moon Exorcist's humility was apparent, having developed upon the foundation set by the Magician. This wasnt something I knew about.

Was this outcome a result of my intervention? The details I heard were absent from the Manga. However, it primarily followed Agon's exploits, leaving little room to explore the endeavors of other characters. Consequently, I remained unfamiliar with this individual's unique abilities.

"We were attacked outside the forest by an exorcist with a mist ability," I explained, omitting my suspicions about the man being controlled by another human.

"What?! How? We maintain a tight patrol around here!" The Moon Exorcist appeared alarmed upon hearing the news. However, he quickly regained his composure and bowed deeply to me. "I sincerely apologize; I am responsible for the patrols. I will accept full accountability for this. Any punishment from the Dark Sword Clan should be directed solely at me. My subordinates were merely following orders."

He seemed apprehensive about my clan, though I couldn't gauge the extent of his fear. Nonetheless, he was willing to shoulder the blame entirely to protect his men.

The Moon Exorcist appeared to be a compassionate individual, but I found his choice of glasses unsettling. His genuine smile, though, raised suspicions and made him my prime suspect.

Admittedly, my suspicions were illogical and may have seemed crazy. However, I remained steadfast in my doubts.

If only he had refrained from wearing those glasses...

"What about my mother? Where is she?" I asked, concerned that the individual who targeted Delia might also pose a threat to my mother.

"She is currently engaged in conversation with some injured exorcists who have suffered limb or major organ loss," the Moon Exorcist replied, offering an uneasy smile. "She is promising them the restoration of their limbs in exchange for an unbreakable contract to serve the Dark Sword Clan for a few years."

Sure enough, my mother was involved in the kind of shady dealings that one would expect from a member of our family.nove(l)bi(n.)com