Chapter 15: Rupture

At dusk, Mann returned to Campbell Castle alone.

Those who had been polite to him before now averted their gazes.

When Viscount Campbell saw him again, his former enthusiasm was gone.

“Laila is waiting for you. Go ahead.”

Mann glanced at him but said nothing.

Thinking back, it wasn’t surprising. Last night, their goal was to lower his guard.

In the end, it was his own naivety that led to this outcome.

It was obvious—they intended to use him as a hostage. Even if he didn’t die at Li En’s hands, once Matthews Territory fell completely into Laila’s grasp, his death was certain.

“Sigh…“

If he had to fight the Heretic God Sect, he’d rather go all out. At least that would be better than this precarious situation, where he could barely breathe.

“But I need to confirm Mei and Dan Luo’s condition first…”

Mann entered the castle and headed straight for Laila’s room.

Just as he was about to knock, Laila’s voice came through the door.

“Come in.”

It seemed his movements were being monitored the entire time.

But given Laila’s methods, Mann was no longer surprised.

He hesitated, then finally gripped the doorknob and slowly pushed the door open.

“So? Have you made your decision?”

“I need to confirm that my companions are safe first!”

“Heh heh heh…“

Laila let out a soft laugh, like the sound of silver bells.

“You should know that my target is only you, Mann Matthews.”

“I need to see them first!”

Mann stubbornly insisted.

“Heh. Do you have the right to make demands?”

Hearing this, Mann remained silent.

He quietly pulled out the Communication Artifact and activated it in front of Laila.

Soon, Dulufu’s voice came from the device.

“Sir Mann? Is something the matter?”

“Same place. We’ll talk in person…”

Before Mann could finish, he felt a strange force wrap around his wrist.

The Communication Artifact twisted grotesquely, along with Mann’s hand.

Soon, the crisp sound of breaking bones echoed.

Agony instantly flooded Mann’s mind.

Though he struggled desperately, he collapsed to the floor, drenched in cold sweat.

“Enough, Li En. Stop!”

“As you command…”

Li En looked at Mann, still expressionless.

The moment Li En stopped his attack, Mann activated Rewind to reset his body.

But his face had visibly grown pale.

“Now? Do I have the right?”

“If I don’t show up soon, what do you think they’ll do?”

Laila understood the implication behind Mann’s words. If she detained him outright, it would only accelerate the alliance between Matthews and Griffin.

And that would only harm her.

Her eyes visibly flashed with anger, but soon returned to a calm expression.

“Li En, do as he says.”

“Yes, Lady Laila.”

“Lead… the way!”

Li En glanced at Mann, but since Laila had given the order, he could only turn and lead Mann out of Laila’s room.

After confirming the two were far away, Laila stared at the bloodstains Mann had left on the floor, lost in thought.

“Why haven’t we arrived yet? You better not try anything!”

Mann and Li En had been walking for a while, and Mann was starting to grow anxious.

Li En didn’t answer, simply walking silently toward a secluded room at the corner.

As the lock was opened, a familiar voice immediately came through.

“Who is it?”

It was Dan Luo’s voice! They were still alive!

Before Li En could fully open the door, Mann rushed in.

Only after confirming with his own eyes did he finally feel relieved.

The two were unharmed, though their wrists were bound with chains, making them look haggard.

“Young Master Mann!”

As soon as Mei saw Mann, she rushed toward him.

But the sound of chains scraping echoed sharply, and Mei was yanked back.

“Mei!”

Mann hurried forward and helped her up.

“Li En! Release them now!”

Li En stood to the side, watching the three of them coldly, unmoved.

“Why should I listen to you?”

Mann straightened up, turning his back to Li En who watched indifferently.

“Have you forgotten your mistress’s orders?”

“Do as I say!”

He turned his head and glared at Li En.

The two stared at each other for a moment, until Li En finally looked away.

He glanced at the two, his eyes sharp, and the chains binding Dan Luo and Mei instantly broke.

The two immediately moved to Mann’s side, facing Li En together.

“Is this the Campbell family’s etiquette, treating guests’ attendants like this?”

Dan Luo glared at Li En, while Mei had already drawn her dagger, ready to fight.

Li En was unimpressed. He looked at them casually and said lightly:

“Who told you that your so-called honored guest is a spy?”

“What did you say? I…”

Dan Luo was about to charge forward, but Mann blocked him.

Li En smirked provocatively at Dan Luo, then walked slowly toward Mann and placed a black handcuff on his wrist.

In an instant, Mann felt his mana circulation become sluggish.

“You bastard!”

“Lead the way, Sir Mann. To the place you agreed on.”

Facing Li En’s provocative words, Mann’s face darkened, but he said nothing.

“Master…”

“Hey, what’s going on? Say something!”

“…”

Mann turned and left without a word.

“Wait for us!”

Dan Luo and Mei quickly followed.

Li En followed unhurriedly behind them.

Before long, Mann and his group arrived at the Ailar Grand Cathedral, where they had agreed to meet Dulufu.

Dulufu was waiting alone in the center of the hall, surrounded by heavily armored Paladins.

Mann looked up at the sky—a bright, full moon.

“Is this the moment from the prophecy where everyone is killed?”

Mann thought, letting out a long sigh. He stepped into the church.

“Sir Mann, what is the meaning of this?”

Dulufu looked puzzled, staring at Li En behind the three.

“Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Li En, the butler for Mr. Mann and Miss Laila.”

He gave Dulufu a respectful bow.

“…”

Mann remained silent.

“Don’t you have some explaining to do, Mann Matthews?”

Dulufu pressed relentlessly.

Dan Luo looked at Mann’s grim expression, then at Li En’s smug face. The anger he had been holding back could no longer be contained.

He summoned his spear and thrust it at Li En’s head.

“Die!”

Li En let out a mocking oh, and then Mann felt a strange fluctuation. The entire church was filled with suffocating killing intent.

No! He had to stop Dan Luo! Li En was just looking for an excuse. If this continued, the prophecy would become reality!

“Mei! Hold him down!”

Mann quickly ordered Mei.

Just as Dan Luo’s spear tip was an inch from Li En’s face, Mei pinned him to the ground.

“Mei? What are you doing? Let me go! If I kill him, Mann can go back to how he was, right?”

Dan Luo struggled, while Mei’s eyes were already filled with tears.

“Young Master Mann, you asked me to do this… there must be a reason, right?”

“Please say something!”

Mann stood frozen, eyes tightly shut.

The veins on his forehead bulged, and his breathing grew more rapid.

“Enough!”

He pulled out the Emblem given by Sophien and threw it fiercely at Dulufu.

“From today onward, I am Mann of the Campbell family. Listen well, members of the Griffin Mercenary Corps—take your people and leave Campbell City immediately!”

“Otherwise… I will personally lead a force to hunt you down.”

“Our cooperation ends here!”

Dulufu was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

“Good! Very good! Mann Campbell. I suppose I misjudged you. I will relay your words to the团长 word for word.”

“You traitor! Why are you doing this?”

“Mann… Master?”

Mann turned around. He didn’t have the courage to face Mei and Dan Luo.

“You there, help Dan Luo and the others up.”

Dulufu ordered the Paladins beside him. Then he walked alone behind Mann.

He seemed about to say something, but shook his head.

“Heh… Take care of yourself. Brothers, let’s go!”

A dazzling Holy Light descended, and the group vanished from the spot.

“Sir Mann, we should head back as well.”

Li En said quietly beside him.

Then Mann felt his body restrained by something, slowly rising into the air.

He glared venomously at Li En.

“Are you satisfied now?”

But Li En didn’t answer.

“I must say, you’re quite perceptive, Sir Mann. If you had given that order even one second later, I would have killed everyone.”

“But well, it seems your companions don’t quite understand you, heh.“

Mann lowered his head. The words had indeed struck a nerve.

“Let’s go back. Lady Laila is still waiting…”

Li En stopped mid-sentence, frozen in place.

Even the restraints on Mann began to fluctuate.

“What’s wrong with him?”

Mann couldn’t help but wonder.

But in the next moment, the restraints around him steadied.

Li En walked silently back toward Campbell Castle, as if nothing had happened.