God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 498: An Invitation (Edited)

"Excellent." A smile crept across Gabriel's face. "I was starting to feel bored anyway."

Approaching the table, Gabriel started examining the map closely. Though it seemed crude at first glance, the construction was solid. Primarily, it depicted the path leading toward the royals' quarters.

"Beyond that point, you'll need to rely on your own wits," Xman explained. "I couldn't uncover further details on that zone because it's kept highly secretive, and even not all servants get access there."

"No problem," Gabriel dismissed with a casual wave. The map from Xman had surpassed what he'd anticipated. Despite its gaps, the level of detail surprised him greatly, sparking his interest.

"How did you manage to create this? You haven't actually visited the Valerian Kingdom castle, have you?"

During his previous life, Gabriel himself had never entered the castle, as that region was strictly off-limits, with unauthorized players facing fines or capture.

Under Gabriel's intense gaze, Xman rubbed the side of his head, appearing somewhat embarrassed. Silence filled the room, illuminated by the desk lamp's soft yellow glow, while cool night breeze from the cracked window maintained a fresh chill.

"I didn't venture there myself," Xman confessed. "I compiled it from ancient forum threads, servant rumors, player chats, and some city archives I dug up before. Then I assembled all the pieces."

Gabriel glanced at him briefly, then shifted his eyes back to the map.

"So, it's a guess," he remarked tonelessly.

Xman cleared his throat softly. "Not entirely. It's a well-informed guess."

Gabriel's fingers drummed once against the table's edge. He felt an urge to slap his forehead. He'd hoped for some ingenious move from Xman, and he got one sort of, but learning the castle layout was cobbled from hearsay, random posts, and bits of data diminished its trustworthiness sharply.

"Which means I might hit a dead end," Gabriel pointed out.

Xman nodded rigidly. "That's a risk."

"In other words, I could end up lost."

Xman let out a feeble chuckle. "Correct. Still, it's superior to entering without any guide."

Gabriel had no counter to that logic. Rough, unreliable, and unfinished as it was, the map beat having zero information. With a soft breath, he creased the sheet once and stowed it securely.

"Alright," he agreed. "I'll make do with it."

Soon after, as darkness fully enveloped Stellar City, Gabriel set off solo.

High above the urban sprawl, perched on a towering hill commanding views of the capital, loomed Valerian Castle. From afar, its grandeur intimidated. Pale walls gleamed spotless under illumination, spires piercing the starry heavens. Lamps blazed brightly along perimeter walks, and the sweeping stone stairs to the grand gate were patrolled by armored sentries. The fortress exuded wealth far beyond the city sprawl beneath.

Lurking in shadows beside a close building, Gabriel observed intently.

Tonight felt off.

Luxurious vehicles pulled up successively, their sleek frames mirroring castle lights. Chauffeurs exited, circled to passenger sides, and elegant guests in lavish attire alighted gracefully, ushered in by attendants. The procession continued steadily.

"Seems like an event's underway," Gabriel whispered to himself.

His eyes sharpened. This might prove advantageous—or far more troublesome. Extra guests brought chaos and cover for sneaking in. Yet they also multiplied watchers, patrols, and unpredictable wanderers within.

Asking around directly wasn't feasible.

Thus, he bided his time.

Chilly evening gusts grazed his cheeks as he crouched, eyes fixed on the entryway. Engine rumbles, footfalls, and hushed talks wafted over. Occasionally, a servant dashed by laden with items.

Eventually, a guest veered from the well-lit route into a secluded corner of the castle estate. An elderly figure in tuxedo strode with arrogant ease, assuming total privacy.

Gabriel tracked his every move.

The fellow scanned repeatedly—leftward, rightward—ensuring solitude before ducking behind a low masonry barrier amid shadowy bushes.

There, he started urinating.

Gabriel observed wordlessly. "Nobles aren't above this either."

Crude behavior, no doubt. Even more so on castle property. The man disregarded it entirely, so Gabriel ignored it too. Just peculiar.

Regardless, the chance was perfect, and Gabriel seized it. Silently, he glided from shadow cluster to shadow cluster.

Darkness aided him. Front-gate clamor from incoming vehicles did too. As the man zipped up, Gabriel was already at his rear.

Too late, the man detected a presence and pivoted.

With a sharp hand strike to the neck's base, Gabriel felled him.

The man's eyes fluttered shut, body collapsing slack instantly.

Gabriel seized him mid-fall to stifle noise, hauled him further into concealment behind the wall, and eased him down gently. Kneeling by the dazed noble, he rifled through pockets swiftly yet meticulously.

Probing the overcoat exterior first, then interior lining, his hand brushed rigid cardstock in the breast pocket. Extracting and unfolding it beneath dim lamp glow, Gabriel inspected.

An invite.

General Aston Wargrave

89th Birthday Party Celebration

Gabriel eyed it momentarily before a sly grin spread, card pinched between fingertips.