God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 485: An Assassin ??

"I accept."

Gabriel nodded faintly, as though he'd foreseen that very response.

"Good."

Without further delay, he pressed on. The agreement was sealed, and now the trail led straight to the Valerian Kingdom's royal family—no sense in postponing. His main target remained the Soul Key. To pursue it, he chose to linger in Stellar City, the capital of the Valerian Kingdom. It offered the prime spot for observing, collecting intel, and drawing nearer to those linked to the next clue.

The journey wrapped up swiftly.

As they approached the city itself, the massive walls, gleaming glass skyscrapers, and multi-level streets of Stellar City appeared on the horizon. The hub thrummed with energy as always. Groups of players hustled about, vehicles zipped along roadways, and sleek modern towers blended seamlessly with the kingdom's ancient architecture.

Even now, the city retained that eerie vibe unique to Realm of Ascendency. One half evoked a timeless kingdom. The other felt bizarrely futuristic for a fantasy realm.

The instant Gabriel entered wearing his White Phantom mask, eyes turned his way.

Naturally.

Initially, just quick looks. Then players began to lag. Some halted mid-conversation. In moments, the Realm Hub forums exploded once more.

[White Phantom sighted in Stellar City.]

[Impossible. Pics or it didn't happen?]

[Spotted him by the east gate.]

[What's his business here?]

[Steer clear. Remember Monkey Paradise?]

That reference hit hard. Nobody risked getting close. Not since the brutal slaughter last time.

Many players burned with curiosity. Some dreamed of being first to approach White Phantom, snap a photo, beg to team up, or boast about the encounter later. Yet last time folks got too bold near that persona, rivers of blood flowed. So they hung back, merely observing from afar.

Gabriel caught the stares and furtive shifts nearby, yet stayed silent.

Next to him, XMan struggled to play it cool.

But tough as it was.

Strolling alongside White Phantom filled his chest with an odd thrill. A smug spark ignited inside. Finally, gazes aimed his way weren't laced with scorn or frustration. They fixed on him for linking arms with a big shot.

And by sheer luck, an old squad mate spotted him.

The burly swordsman from their prior dungeon dive stood by a store with two companions. His gaze hit XMan first, then slid to the masked figure beside. His face twisted at once.

"What the hell?" he grumbled.

His buddies tracked his stare and gawked too.

"Is that White Phantom?"

"Why's XMan hanging with him?"

The party's sharp-featured leader and sword-wielder squinted, firing off a private message fast.

XMan sensed the ping and checked it mid-stride.

[Where you at?]

[Why with White Phantom?]

[Get us in.]

His gaze wavered as a follow-up dropped.

[Hook us up. If you're tight with him, quit messing around and loop us in.]

XMan eyed the text briefly.

Just days back, these same folks had baited him into death, then flicked him dungeon leftovers post-clear. Now they craved an intro, figuring he held worth.

This time, XMan fired back without pause.

[No.]

Rebuttal zipped in right away.

[Cut the crap.]

XMan typed once more.

[I said no.]

Done. He shut the chat, ignoring any further noise.

Gabriel shot him a quick look beside, spotting the faint irritation.

"What?"

XMan cleared his throat. "Nothing big."

Gabriel let it drop. If crucial, XMan would've spilled.

Upon reaching Stellar City, Gabriel's first stop was a top-tier luxury hotel in the capital.

Its name carried a subtle French flair, exuding elegance even from outside. Spotless entrance, gleaming glass portals, golden signage glowing under urban lights.

XMan gazed up, nearly halting in awe at the splendor. He'd only known it by reputation—a haunt for elite players. Never imagined a scrub like him entering such opulence.

Gabriel strode in like he owned the joint or frequented spots like this, XMan trailing tight behind.

The desk clerk glanced up promptly. Professional mask held, but the white mask sparked a split-second hitch. Masks weren't illegal, but odd enough to turn heads.

A short exchange later, two rooms were booked.

One for Gabriel, one for XMan.

Payment cleared in a flash. Gabriel didn't flinch at the cost, while XMan fought back wide-eyed shock.

Keys exchanged hands shortly.

Gabriel pivoted toward him a bit.

"Get settled. Then dig up all intel on the Valerian royal family, plus links to secret sites, ruins, gates, or archives."

XMan nodded sharply. "On it."

They parted ways then.

XMan slipped into his room, door clicking shut, the day still feeling dreamlike. Genuine hotel quarters. Crisp sheets. Soft glow. Silence. No shouts. No baggage treatment. All thanks to White Phantom valuing his sleuthing.

He plopped down, fired up his interface, and dove into research.

Meanwhile, Gabriel claimed his suite and sealed the door.

Luxuriously oversized. Pristine floors, expansive bed, rich wood accents, soaring window overlooking Stellar City's sprawl. He ambled to it, peering out.

Below, the metropolis pulsed. Players streamed streets, buildings blazed light, nightlife raged undimmed past sunset.

Gabriel exhaled. Regret over arriving as White Phantom crept in already.

The mask fixed one issue but birthed another.

Less lethal notice than Broken Heaven, sure, but attention persisted. Forums likely rioted over his drop-in, complicating free movement more than desired.

Still preferable to Broken Heaven mode.

Fact was fact.

No throng camped outside for gawking or dumb antics this round. He scanned the view anew, a wry, joyless smirk forming.

Abruptly, the smirk soured to a scowl, muscles coiling as potent killing intent grazed his awareness, scalp prickling sharp.