Chapter 201: His Fate [2]

He truly didn't know what he was doing.

It became apparent to Brandon that his elements were bottlenecked.

Unlike the others who could continue improving their elements, reaching tiers and such, it wasn't an option available to him at all.

This meant that no matter how strong he got, he could never assimilate with any of his elements, nor could he learn how to conjure a zone.

Then what was he supposed to do?

Simple.

Force it.

"Sovereign of Creation."

He muttered under his breath.

As if it had somehow read his thoughts, the Sovereign of Creation skill quickly got to work.

[Curse Assimilation]

∟ Fully assimilate with the Curse Affinity.

∟ Complete access to all the Curse skills.

No.

This wasn't it.

This wasn't what he wanted at all.

But it was as if the system was pushing him towards the curse affinity.

There was no other choice.

He had to make do with what he had.

——————————

[Special Affinities]

∟[Curse]

∟ [Cursed Threads]: Complete Mastery

∟ [Cursed Flames]: Complete Mastery

∟ [Mark of Despair]: null

∟ [Abyssal Chains]: null

∟ [Soul Drain]: null

∟ [Binding Vow]: null

——————————

***

The scenery suddenly shifted.

Purple flames enraptured the sky, gradually creating an isolated barrier.

But Brandon didn't care.

"Haha."

As if he had no control with his thoughts whatsoever, he stifled a laugh.

His ink–black hair fluttered, as black blazing flames wrapped his entire figure.

His buff skills were active.

[Accelerated Cognition]

[Mana Burst]

[Aeolus Blessing]

But despite all that, he hadn't managed to beat Lumian.

He had tried and tried to fully utilize [Mana Disruption].

But there was no point.

Lumian was a swordsman.

Magic wasn't his forte.

Most probably.

And the purple flames around him?

Brandon was unable to disrupt its mana.

But in the first place...

The flames.

Belle began her debriefing. A round table situated in the middle. All of the officers she had appointed for her task force sat in their respective seats.

Unfortunately, Evelyn Cessna was unavailable. For reasons unknown, no one could reach her, not even the Field Marshals.

To avoid alerting the suspect, they had only informed officials and gate guards of the man's description.

And to their surprise, the descriptions matched.

Navy blue hair, red eyes, and a scar on his eyebrow.

Due to the potential danger, they were instructed not to instigate or arouse the man's suspicions. Their orders were clear: report immediately upon sighting him.

They were only told to report, as soon as they caught sight of him.

And today was that day.

"General Locke."

An officer suddenly called out to her.

Ivan Albarn.

An S ranker to replace Evelyn. They needed an S ranker to ensure the mission's success.

Ivan wasn't part of the Imperial Army. But Belle had the authority to appoint anyone she deemed necessary for the mission.

Or rather, a subjugation.

This was a hunt.

Dead or alive.

Belle turned to face Ivan with a serious expression.

"Yes, Sir Ivan?"

"We've received a report from the eastern gate. A man matching the description was seen leaving the city an hour ago."

A murmur spread through the room as the officers exchanged glances. Belle raised a hand to silence them.

"This is our chance. We need to move quickly and decisively."

She unfolded a map on the table, tracing a path with her finger.

"The eastern gate leads to the forest. We'll split into two groups. One will follow the main path, and the other will circle around to cut him off."

"I'll lead the main group."

Ivan nodded.

After all, he was the strongest present. Belle and her group should only serve to cut off the exit to ensure their safety.

Belle met his gaze and pursed her lips.

"Good. I'll take the second group. Remember, our priority is to capture him alive if possible, but we cannot afford to let him escape. Stay alert and report any sightings immediately."

The officers stood up at that moment with serious expressions..

They moved swiftly to prepare, checking their weapons and gear.

Belle watched them with a mix of pride and concern in her heart. This mission was critical, and failure was not an option.

As they headed out, Belle's mind raced with the details of the mission.

The suspect's unusual appearance and the fact that he had eluded them for so long suggested he was no ordinary man.

Of course, he wasn't.

The fact that he was leaving the city without any proper reasoning had more or less confirmed their conjectures.

He was one of the illegal immigrants.

An invader.

Time passed and they reached the edge of the city.

"Let's move out."

Belle commanded.

The groups split off immediately, moving swiftly and silently throughout the night.

Belle's group took the longer route, cutting through the dense underbrush.

The forest was eerily quiet. The only sounds that ensued were their muffled footsteps and the rustle of leaves.

After what felt like hours, they reached a clearing.

Belle raised a hand to signal a halt.

She dismounted and approached the edge of the clearing, scanning the area.

"Any sign of him?"

She whispered to one of her officers.

The officer shook his head.

"Not yet, General."