Fire Mage-Chapter 678: Hunt

Chapter 678: Hunt

"I’m alright now, Mr. Hunt," Charles replied with a soft chuckle. "I still miss her, of course, but we can’t turn back time, can we?"

Then, he added, "I heard you were assigned a mission by Lady Charlotte two months ago. I’ve come to help."

"In just a few years, a young lad becomes a Legendary Powerhouse. The future truly is unpredictable." Hunt stepped back, smiling wistfully, then gestured toward the hallway. "Come in."

As they entered the living hall, a warm voice drifted from the kitchen.

"I didn’t expect you to return so soon, Charles." A blonde woman stepped out, her gown flowing with elegance. She held a tray and smiled warmly.

"I came to fulfill a promise, Lady Charlotte." Charles bowed with a smile.

"Please, sit and discuss the mission with Hunt. I’ll bring you something to eat," she said brightly. Then her gaze shifted toward Runeth. "And who might this be?"

Before Charles could respond, Runeth casually took a seat on the long, ornate couch, crossing his legs. "I’m Runeth, his teacher."

"Oh! I didn’t know Charles had a teacher." She hesitated slightly. "Are you also a Legendary Mage, sir?"

Runeth gave a nonchalant nod. "Hmm."

"Would you like anything to drink?"

"Anything’s fine," he replied, waving his hand dismissively. Then, turning to Hunt, he asked bluntly, "So, are you trying to steal something?"

Charles answered instead. "It’s an S-Rank Intellectual Artifact."

Runeth frowned. "An S-Rank, huh? Do you really think taming one is easy, lad?" His voice dropped a note. "They’re not just powerful—they’re cunning. Tell me more."

Hunt blinked, clearly surprised by Runeth’s tone, then quickly said, "It’s a Series artifact, designated S-13. It’s rumored to grant immortality."

"Rubbish," Runeth scoffed. "Immortality without sacrifice? Impossible. At best, it might enhance life essence or prolong lifespan. Charles, what’s your take?"

Charles nodded in agreement. "I did some research through Wisdom Link. The artifact’s true name is Stormheart Whisper. Its abilities remain largely unknown, but there are whispers—rumors—that it offers eternal life. It once belonged to a Three-Eyed Titan who somehow ended up on this plane and died, leaving the artifact behind."

’Stormheart Whisper...’ The name wasn’t new to Hunt—Charlotte had mentioned it before. But now, hearing it confirmed, Hunt finally grasped that the boy before him had become something far greater.

"A Three-Eyed Titan?" Runeth’s eyes narrowed. "Then the artifact hasn’t bonded with anyone yet. With the ’Past Touch’ skill, you might be able to glimpse its history—maybe even the Titan’s name or its secrets. If you’re lucky, you could gain ownership."

"But infiltrating the Royal Palace isn’t easy, Sir Runeth," Hunt cut in. "Even with your help, stealing the S-13 is an enormous challenge. It’s under heavy security."

Charles turned thoughtful. "Then tell me—what’s the true strength of the Lockwood Royal Family?"

Hunt sat on a wooden chair, hands clasped. "Compared to the Hawthornes, they’re weaker. But unlike the Hawthorne family, the Lockwoods are the main pillar of the Order Church. The Royal Castle houses three Legend Rank Elders at all times."

"Who are they?" Charles asked.

"One is the Emperor, Madison of the Sacred Empire. The second is the Patriarch of the Lockwood Family. The third is an Elder named Finley."

"There’s an Emperor?" Runeth looked puzzled. "I thought the Pope held the highest authority."

"He does, technically. But the Emperor is a figurehead. He rarely mingles with the nobles and acts more like a puppet. Still, his strength is real."

Charles considered that and then shook his head. "If it were two months ago, I’d be hesitant even to plan a heist like this. But I don’t need to hold back anymore. Mr. Hunt, can you give me the artifact’s location in detail?"

"You plan to enter the Royal Palace alone?" Hunt stared in disbelief, then slowly turned toward Runeth.

"Don’t look at me," Runeth said, raising a hand. "Charles is the one who’ll steal the artifact. And trust me—right now, not even the Pope could stop him."

"What? But last time you said you could only hold your ground against the Pope for two minutes!" Charlotte exclaimed as she returned, placing a platter of sliced fruits on the tea table.

"I’ve grown stronger," Charles said simply, offering no further details.

"You’re advancing at a monstrous rate," Charlotte muttered, still stunned. "But don’t get overconfident, Charles. Being a Legendary Powerhouse doesn’t make you invincible."

"She’s right," Runeth agreed. "We still need more intel."

Hunt let out a slow breath. "Then let me explain properly. Right now, twenty-five members of Whithering Shadows are inside the Royal Palace—posing as servants, guards, chefs, and cleaners. Only one of them managed to see the artifact two years ago—and that too from a distance, for just a moment."

He paused, then continued gravely, "The S-13 is kept in the Palace Treasury, guarded by three Magic Enchantment Array Locks. The first, the Disruption Divine Array, prevents teleportation, divination, astral projection, stealth—any movement-type spell. It spans the entire palace. The second is the Bloodline Lock—only direct descendants of the Lockwood family can access the treasury. Even the Patriarch may only enter once a year. The third lock is the Time Lock. If someone touches an artifact without the Emperor or Patriarch’s permission, time magic activates and traps them in stasis. We’ve never seen it in action, but we’re not taking chances."

"The bloodline lock is tricky..." Charles murmured, then his eyes lit up. "But if I can get a drop of blood from any direct descendant of the Lockwoods, I might be able to bypass it. How many are there?"

Hunt hesitated, then nodded. "It’s difficult—but not impossible. The fourth and sixth princes go hunting every Friday in the northern woods. We can arrange an accident and extract a sample."

"Good idea," Charles said, nodding.

Hunt then went on to explain the royal family’s history and provided details about the spies embedded in the palace. Charles listened attentively, considering each word.

"I also need a few drops of Cyrus’s blood," Charles finally said. "I want to learn his daily habits. He’s the Crown Prince’s assistant, right? He has authority, respect from the staff, and access to sensitive areas. I can use his identity."

"What exactly are you planning? You think a drop of blood is enough to infiltrate the Treasury?"

Charles only shrugged. "Also, tell the spies to leave the city before I act. Once I step into the Royal Palace, no one affiliated with us should remain in Holy City territory. If they do... even I won’t be able to protect them."

Charles’s words made Hunt fall into deep thought.

In truth, they had been working on this mission for years and were already eighty percent close to success.

As long as they figured out how to bypass the Time Lock, they could complete it without Charles’s help.

But time wasn’t on their side.

If Charles fails this mission... all our years of effort will turn to dust. A flicker of hesitation crossed Hunt’s face.

"Don’t hesitate, Hunt," Charlotte said gently. "Our plan to steal the S-13 is reckless. It might cost countless lives. Even if we succeed, most of us won’t survive the Church’s mad hunt afterward. But Charles... he not only promised to retrieve the artifact alone, but also to give us time to escape. And even if he fails, I’m certain he can still escape unharmed. We might lose our efforts, yes—but isn’t our life more important than a mission meant to extend one person’s lifespan?"

Her words pulled Hunt deeper into reflection.

Seeing his silence, Charlotte gave a small shake of her head.

"Well, you two can decide the plan later. But don’t leave in a rush like last time, Charles. I’ll go prepare lunch." With that, she headed to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Hunt asked a few more questions about Charles’s plan, and eventually nodded in agreement. The conversation shifted to personal matters—how Charles had been living, the things Hunt had experienced in recent months.

Hunt also spoke about the changes within the Life Church and even tried to persuade Charles not to seek revenge for a single man’s mistake.

Charles only smiled wryly and steered the conversation elsewhere.

And so, they talked for nearly two hours.

During that time, Charlotte prepared a grand lunch and invited them to the dining hall.

For the first time in a long while, Charles felt as if he had returned home—to Riverdale City. Quietly, he took a seat at the table.

Charlotte began serving the dishes one by one: roasted beef, chicken and mushroom pie, oxtail soup, shepherd’s pie, and fruit drinks with a small dessert.

As they started eating, Hunt glanced at Charles and asked hesitantly, "Charles... can you at least help Father Reynolds with his suffering?"

"It’s not the right time for him to return there, dear," Charlotte interjected before Charles could speak. "I know you want to help him, but if Charles returns now, things will only become more complicated. That city... it’ll only bring him pain."

Charles remained silent for a moment, his gaze distant.

But should I visit the old house? I can’t let those scheming bastards taint it any longer.

He drew a deep breath, then looked up with resolve.

"Old man, once this mission ends, we’re going to Riverdale City. After I settle the score with the Life Church, we’ll head to the Ember Kingdom."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes.