Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

On a clear and sunny day, an air of anticipation hung in the atmosphere, hinting at an impending storm that would soon shatter the tranquility surrounding House Slughorn.

As the elegant ship of House Riverine, the Tidebreaker, gradually neared the majestic Brewmaster's Bounty, the stark difference in size between the two vessels became apparent. The occupants of Brewmaster's Bounty craned their necks, gazing upward to catch a glimpse of those aboard the approaching ship.

Standing proudly on the deck of his own ship, the Myriad Potioner, Sebastian Slughorn, observed the shadowy figures lining the railing of Tidebreaker. A flicker of doubt danced in his mind, sensing that something was amiss. However, before he could voice his concerns or take any action, a startling sight unfolded before his eyes—an individual from Tidebreaker's deck launched themselves skyward, utilizing the sun's position to create a blinding blind spot.

Curiosity mixed with apprehension welled up within Sebastian as he beheld the luminous spectacle of golden wings shimmering under the morning sun's rays. Despite his advanced age, his sharp mind swiftly recognized the flyer as Jiana Jihang, her recent association with Eren's White Raven Guild not escaping his attention. In the blink of an eye, a group of shadowy figures leapt from Tidebreaker, employing spells and magical abilities to swiftly traverse the distance between the ships.

In mere seconds, chaos erupted, and various spells and abilities erupted into existence all around Brewmaster's Bounty. Caught off guard, the occupants of the ship, including Silas Slughorn and the crew, had yet to activate their Mana Senses, their complacency leaving them defenseless.

Within moments, the Myriad Potioner came to a grim realization that he and everyone aboard his ship were in grave danger. Reacting swiftly, he spun around, ready to shout a warning to his subordinates, but his words were abruptly cut short. A searing pain pierced his heart, causing him to gasp and look down, where a dagger had found its mark. The tip of the blade glistened with his life's blood, it's cruel intrusion a testament to the successful assassination strike executed against him.

The cries of pain echoed across the deck of Brewmaster's Bounty as Sebastian Slughorn grappled with the agony that surged through his body. His hand instinctively reached back, attempting to push away the assailant responsible for his suffering. He tapped into his Master rank mana, attempting to unleash a flurry of spells in a desperate bid to defend himself.

Yet, to his dismay, the effects of a potent sedating potion coursing through the blade became evident. His mana circuits responded sluggishly, hindering his spellcasting abilities. Sebastian's attempt to retaliate proved futile as the assassin swiftly retreated, leaving the wickedly sharp dagger lodged within his chest.

Undeterred by the near-fatal strike, Sebastian twisted his index and ring fingers together, activating his formidable Ability—Myriad Potioneering. The wound that threatened his life began to mend before his eyes, aided by the regenerative properties granted by his mastery. With a deft movement spell, he shifted his position, prepared to evade any potential follow-up attacks.

Silas, his junior and loyal companion, materialized at his side. Tattered fabric revealed the state-of-the-art armor that shielded him from numerous lethal blows. House Slughorn had spared no expense in safeguarding one of their most promising scions. The question now loomed: How long would the artifact endure the relentless assault?

Not all members of House Slughorn proved as fortunate as Silas or as proficient as Sebastian. Chaos erupted upon the deck of Brewmaster's Bounty as the remaining subordinates were beset by shadows, emerging from House Riverine's vessel. Survival became their sole focus, their options dwindling with each passing moment as the overwhelming opposition closed in.

Defensive runes adorning Brewmaster's Bounty flickered to life as the rankers unleashed their offensive spells, turning the ship into a bastion of resistance. However, from all directions, smaller vessels materialized as if conjured from thin air, launching coordinated assaults upon the beleaguered ship.

Sebastian, undeterred by the ongoing fray, surveyed the scene, recognizing the ambush for what it was—a meticulously planned strike with a secure perimeter. His attention fixated on his would-be assassin, whose precision and lethality had nearly claimed his life. The gravity of the situation intensified as he identified the unexpected assailant responsible for this betrayal.

"Naya...," Sebastian's voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and outrage. The realization that one of his supposed allies had turned against him delivered a shattering blow to his already wounded spirit.

The deck fell into an eerie silence as all eyes turned towards the enigmatic figure who had struck Sebastian Slughorn with such precision. Naya, a young woman in her early twenties, exuded an undeniable allure.

Her emerald eyes shimmered with an air of mystery, perfectly complementing her shoulder-length dark hair, tinged with a subtle hue of blue. Smooth, flawless skin reminiscent of freshly fallen snow adorned her delicate features, enhanced by the captivating charm of her rosy lips and cute button nose. Her slender frame boasted graceful curves, standing at an imposing height of 5 feet and 10 inches. And now, with stoic expressions, she fixated her gaze upon Sebastian.

Clad in a meticulously chosen ensemble suited for an assassin of her caliber, Naya emanated a lethal aura. Her attire, a seamless blend of sleekness and practicality, consisted of form-fitting black garments interwoven with silver threads that glinted in the sunlight.

Adorned with lightweight armor plates, her outfit allowed for unhindered agility while offering ample protection in the heat of battle. Strapped to her lithe figure were an assortment of concealed blades, each honed to perfection and poised to strike with deadly precision.

But Naya was more than just an ordinary assassin. She was none other than Birmond's demon beast companion—a formidable entity intertwined with her very being. With her allegiance revealed through this ambush, Sebastian could draw only one conclusion: House Remus, led by Birmond Remus, had orchestrated this treacherous assault, plunging a metaphorical dagger into the back of House Slughorn.

Sebastian's gaze pierced through Naya, a mixture of anger and determination burning within his eyes. The gravity of the situation demanded his attention be directed towards the mastermind orchestrating this betrayal.

"Birmond... you treacherous bastard... Reveal yourself!" His voice resonated with a potent blend of fury and defiance, his words carrying an unspoken challenge to the mastermind behind this act of betrayal.

AN: Naya was first introduced in chapter 836.