Published at 4th of February 2026 7:16 am

Chapter 1471 Viable Choices

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Ironridge was once a city in the Haynam Empire.

On the surface, it functioned like any other city within the Empire. Everything seemed normal. Yet, hidden deep within it was a secret facility where young children were raised.

These children had great potential for spellcasting and were born with enviable aptitudes for the arcane arts. They were recruited — kidnapped, in most cases — from all across the continent and trained in this secret facility.

One might assume they were being trained to become future loyal members of the Cult of Bones, but the truth was far more sinister. They were, in fact, being cultivated to become suitable vessels for the Cult Leader.

As for why the Cult Leader, a might Mana Core Magus, would need a vessel remained shrouded in mysteries.

But this was undeniably the truth.

Children were scouted from not just Europa, but all across the globe. Kids with exceptional talent were mostly kidnapped and sent to this secret facility, where they would be brainwashed and made into willing vessels for the Cult Leader. If not, they could always become pawns.

This was also the reason why Adam had been on the Cult Leader's radar for such a long time. It was because he had displayed extraordinary talent. The Cult Leader went to great lengths to seize him. Alas, all his attempts failed, and Adam Constantine was still missing.

More than twenty years ago, right before the Fourth Great War began in the mystical lands of Yen-Lu, Tian Di, the continent's hidden ruler, had traveled to the Haynam Empire and destroyed Ironridge.

This was an act of open defiance, a stark warning to the Cult Leader never to meddle in the affairs of Yen-Lu again.

Tian Di's attack on Ironridge had dealt a heavy blow to the Cult Leader's schemes. Centuries of work and experiments had been destroyed in a single night.

However, the Cult Leader did not retaliate. He could not. Yen-Lu's hidden ruler played an integral role in his plans, and he could not afford to make an open enemy of him.

But someone had to be made an example of.

Apart from the Cult Leader and the five Magi of the Inner Circle, no one knew about the existence of the secret facility hidden deep inside Ironridge.

More importantly, the Magi of the Inner Circle could not divulge that secret information because of the mana oath binding them.

And yet…

Someone still had to be made an example of.

At the time, Marden Benton's presence in Yen-Lu was well-known to the upper echelons of the Cult of Bones. And although the Cult Leader had not a shred of evidence suggesting Marden had betrayed him or the Cult, Marden was punished nonetheless.

He was tortured brutally. For years.

The Cult Leader had to strike fear into the hearts of his followers. He had to show them that even someone as illustrious and powerful as an Elder of the Inner Circle was not beyond punishment.

At the same time, he made his magnanimity just as clear. After Marden was punished, he was entrusted with rebuilding another secret facility and placed in charge of its management, and also recruiting potential vessels.

Marden Benton was said to be eternally grateful for having been given another chance…

Or so the narrative within the Cult went.

***

High Ward.

Adam watched from a second-floor room two buildings away from Marquis van Booth's manor.

The window gave him a clear line of sight of the manor's side entrance and part of the inner courtyard. He kept the shutters half-closed, adjusting the gap only when necessary.

From dawn to night, he tracked every movement of servants arriving, guards changing shifts, and family members coming and going.

For the past month and a half, he had recorded everything.

Sheets of parchment covered the table behind him. Each held a rough sketch of all the maids, stewards, guards, main family members, and visiting relatives.

Beside every face were notes explaining height, gait, habits, usual hours, who they spoke to, which doors they used, and many other finer details. Some names were confirmed, while others were marked only by routine.

By now, Adam knew the household's rhythm better than its own master. This was how he had performed due diligence on Baron Veyne's house, and eventually developed an asset there — one of the house maids' drug-addicted husband.

Now, he did the same for Marquis van Booth's house. The only difference being… instead of recruiting an asset, he was going to infiltrate himself!

After all, through his observations, he had more or less confirmed that the Marquis was Baron Veyne's secret backer and was also a Warden of the Twilight Brotherhood.

And now… he planned to enter the house. Neither by force nor by chance.

Over time, Adam's research narrowed to two viable choices.

The first was a steward who worked under the Marquis's right-hand man, Sebastian. This person handled schedules, keys, and minor correspondence, moving freely through the inner halls without ever being questioned.

Adam's sketch of him showed a narrow face, tired eyes, and a posture that blended naturally in a life of servitude. He was noticed just enough to belong, but never important enough to be remembered.

The second was Henry van Booth, the Marquis's bastard son.

Henry lived in the manor but held no formal position. He was acknowledged, but kept at a distance. He was present at meals, but absent from decisions.

Adam's sketch captured a young man of similar build and height to himself — Kenny. Henry's features were plain enough to pass without comment. Although he was family, he was considered expendable. He was known, yet overlooked.

Both targets were ideal. Neither drew scrutiny. Neither attracted attention. And neither would be missed for long.

Adam placed the sketch side by side. Either identity would open the door to House von Booth. But one of them held a slightly better advantage...

In the end, he came to a decision.

He quickly cleaned up the room and cast a few minor spells to erase any trace of his presence. After all, he had technically broken into this place and used it while the owners were away, probably on some vacation.

A short while later, a carriage rolled out from the gates of the Marquis's manor and headed towards the Trade Ward. Inside, sat Henry van Booth, dressed casually, his destination an unremarkable pleasure house near the riverfront.

Adam's lips curled into a smirk as he stepped into the shadows.

Only minutes later, after Henry's carriage disappeared, another arrived at the manor's rear entrance. This one bore no crest. The gates of the manor opened briefly, and the carriage descended into the underground passage beneath the estate.

Henrick and Sebastian were already waiting.

When the carriage's door opened, and the passenger stepped down, both men dropped to one knee and respectfully greeted:

"Welcome back, my lord."

The guest condescendingly glanced at the two, offering a light nod. Then he walked past them.

Marden Benton had arrived.

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