Chapter 289: Lobby

Words : 1080 Updated : Oct 1st, 2025

Chapter 289: Lobby Butler Gary stood like a statue. Impossibly still and gloriously livid. But the moment a pirate lifted his gun and shoved it into the side of a teenager’s head—one who had tried to shield their sibling with their arms—the butler’s knuckles cracked. Even Duke Leander turned. Just slightly. They didn’t speak, not needing to do so after years of developing their tacit understanding. But before they could move, they noticed the pirates stirring relentlessly. It was because one frazzled rescuer couldn’t stand what was about to happen. Luca’s breath caught in his throat. They were almost there—barely a few meters from the main corridor leading into the passenger lobby—but everything changed when they rounded the corner. What they saw froze him in place. Civilians. Dozens of them. Huddled in the center of the room, arms around each other, shielding children with trembling bodies. And the pirates. These weren’t the type they’d dealt with earlier—these people were playing for themselves. One in particular stood out. A tall, wiry man with wild eyes and a streak of vanity painted across every exaggerated gesture. His gear was newer, cleaner—his weapon polished like a display piece. And yet, he paraded around like he owned the place, smirking and snapping his fingers as if waiting for applause. He didn’t like being questioned. They heard him sneer. "I said, I’m in charge now. Anyone who wants to question that?" He turned toward one of the other pirates who had hesitated to follow his lead. The man raised a brow. "You sure about that? Since when—" A harsh laugh cut through the room. "Oh, I’m sure." The vain one didn’t wait for the sentence to finish. Instead, he grabbed a nearby teen by the arm and yanked them upright from the cluster of civilians. "No—!" One of the parents cried out. But the pirate was already swinging the butt of his gun toward the teenager’s head. Luca’s world tilted. He didn’t think. There wasn’t time. All he knew was that they wouldn’t make it. And so he willed it. Luca took the gun as he thought about it. The gun vanished from the pirate’s hand. It reappeared instantly in Luca’s Dungeon Inventory—the motion almost seamless. But the disruption had been loud enough, noticeable enough, to break the fragile silence. "WHAT THE—?!" the pirate screeched, spinning around. The other traitors turned, startled. Some aimed their weapons. D-29 noticed the sudden change in positions and made a prompt about it. Luca stiffened. The civilians screamed, ducking down. The pirates, realizing something was wrong, moved fast. Too fast. One grabbed a young girl by the collar, yanking her up as a makeshift shield. Although, if some were being honest, it was the fact that they couldn’t see the enemy that got them reacting like that. They may not recognize laws and states, but they sure as hell recognize the supernatural! And right now, one of them looked like he was being haunted. Guns were pointed everywhere as the hijackers tried looking around for anything suspicious. The well-meaning guild leader could barely breathe. He definitely messed up. He got carried away and rushed in before thinking about the consequences. But then suddenly, a warm, ungloved hand closed over his. Xavier. He didn’t say anything. He just squeezed gently. Luca’s breath hitched, but he nodded. It was barely noticeable. And even the focused rescuer wouldn’t have seen it if not for his ability to use visual resonance like it was second nature. It started with a subtle shimmer in the air. Like a ripple across glass, faint distortions in space bloomed behind seven of the enemy. They weren’t big; if anything, they’d look too small to be noticed unless someone was really paying attention. But the hostages were busy cowering, and the pirates were busy looking everywhere but behind their necks to notice anything. Well, not until it was too late. Luca felt Xavier’s hand tighten slightly. Then, sharp, crystalline shards of ice shot out of each distortion. It happened all at once. Seven clean kills. Each icicle pierced the back of a neck or spine, instant and silent—death delivered with the quiet force of precision. Not a single shot rang out. And not a single hostage was harmed. Seven bodies dropped like marionettes with cut strings. And the rest froze in horror. Luca stared, lips parted, breath caught in his throat. Xavier had bloodless ice mist curling from his fingertips. All of it felt cold. And yet, however Luca looked at it, this was the same Xavier who would even dry his hair while he slept. Even now, the same Prince only had to do this because he had made a mess. Luca didn’t know what to say. But he wasn’t the only one. For stationed by his assigned exit was Killian, who stood stunned. His eyes didn’t blink as he took in the aftermath. He had seen many forms of death. But this? This wasn’t just an assassination. This was evolution. He saw Xavier lower his hand, slowly, quietly, before turning towards Luca. The Prince’s expression wasn’t triumphant. It wasn’t cold. It was...gentle. Uncertain. Almost nervous. He couldn’t hear what they were talking about unless he heightened his senses, but with all these wailing passengers, he’d likely hurt his head if he tried. But if he did, he would’ve heard Xavier’s unfamiliar words. "Now," Xavier said softly, "you don’t have to learn that technique yet." Luca blinked. Then smiled up at the man who didn’t feel foreign. His heart still thundered—but it wasn’t in fear. "Maybe not today," he said. "But soon, although I might not be able to use the same thing." Xavier agreed, full knowing that he’d likely nod at any of Luca’s claims. On the other hand, Killian squinted as his blood pressure surged. Fault him for only remembering the most important aspect of all this just now. But it had really been a hectic day, so everyone might as well give him a break. The Imperial Crown Prince had awakened his bloodline abilities. He was now eligible to succeed the throne. And this bastard Kyle didn’t say shit! The official saw everyone else entering to appease the panicked passengers, and he, of all people had to get his shit together and think about things later. Yes, way later. For now, he should just be thankful that no hostages had to die today. Although maybe it was because it was his turn.

Chapter 289: Lobby

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