God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 499 499: The Banquet [1/3]

Gabriel tucked the invitation card inside his coat pocket before patting down the unconscious man once again, ensuring no useful item had been overlooked. Satisfied, he accessed his inventory and swiftly retrieved a pristine black tuxedo stored there previously. The material seemed lavish enough to blend under the castle's glow, and above all, it suited his frame impeccably.

Without delay, he slipped into the outfit.

For a brief instant, the chilly night breeze brushed his skin until the tuxedo enveloped him fully. He straightened the cuffs, smoothed the collar, and gave himself a quick once-over. The attire was impeccable. Spotless. Stylish. It wouldn't raise any eyebrows at such an event.

Yet his face posed a greater challenge.

Gabriel's features grew pensive momentarily. Even sneaking in discreetly, a handful inside the castle could still identify him—folks from the Inter Guild Display Event or the Blood Tower incident that had rocketed his fame across Stellar City.

Tonight, Gabriel had zero interest in handling that hassle. He required a subtle cover, nothing flashy, just sufficient to obscure portions of his visage.

His gaze drifted toward the unconscious fellow.

The man's hat lay nearby, knocked askew in the fall. Gabriel scooped it up, dusted it off swiftly, and settled it atop his head. The wide brim dipped low, throwing a subtle shadow across sections of his face.

"It will do," he murmured.

Emerging from the darkness then, he ascended the lengthy stone steps leading to the castle's grand entrance. His stride remained even, his stance casual, his expression radiating the assured poise of a rightful attendee.

At the doorway, guards in gleaming armor stood sentinel, weapons holstered neatly, scanning every newcomer. Luminous lanterns flanked the entrance, bathing the space in a cozy golden radiance.

Upon arriving, Gabriel produced the invitation and passed it over silently.

The guard inspected it, eyed his apparel, then offered a courteous dip of the head.

"General Aston's banquet, sir. This way."

Silent, Gabriel trailed behind.

Stepping inside instantly shifted the air. The outer chill vanished, supplanted by the cozy hush of the castle's depths. The expansive corridor stretched forward, its floor gleaming to mirror the chandelier glow overhead. Wall-hung portraits adorned the sides. Sturdy columns rose at even spaces. Servants glided soundlessly, trays in hand or doors held for guests.

Gabriel shadowed the guard, staying vigilant.

They traversed one passage, veered into the next. They skirted a side chamber boasting vast windows and thick drapes. Another bend by a stairway led them along a plush red-carpeted route.

Under his hat's brim, Gabriel's eyes sharpened faintly.

Not pinpoint accurate, but the path echoed the sketchy map Xman had scribbled before—the corridor layouts, the stairwell pivot, the side-room gaps. It aligned closely, boosting Gabriel's regard for Xman once more.

"So he really did piece all this together from information he found on the web," Gabriel mused inwardly, his countenance serene.

The leading guard eased up by massive double doors. Faint melodies seeped through, mingled with the murmur of crowded chatter. Flanking servants swung both doors wide simultaneously.

Vast and radiant, the banquet hall dazzled. Overhead chandeliers cascaded light onto glossy floors and crystal goblets. Circular tables dotted the expanse, draped in premium linens, adorned with blooms and cutlery. Servants wove gracefully amid attendees. At the distant end, musicians coaxed gentle tunes as dancers swirled in the central clearing.

Every detail screamed elite sophistication.

Gentlemen in lavish suits and garb clutched beverages while ladies in graceful gowns drifted in clusters. Sporadic chuckles erupted, yet tones stayed refined. Footsteps on sheen floors, hushed conversations, clinking glasses, and corner melodies blended into a rhythmic hum.

A few glances flicked Gabriel's way upon entry, lingering briefly.

His dress code checked out. His bearing exuded belonging. No suspicions arose. The sole quirk: his eyes lingered downward, dodging full gazes from the crowd.

The guard ushered him across the hall to a side table with its last vacant chair.

"You may sit here, sir," the guard stated courteously.

Gabriel nodded faintly and took the seat unobtrusively. As the guard departed, he tweaked the hat with a finger and swept his view over the space.

This vantage offered a solid sweep of the hall.

He lifted the pre-set glass from the table, sipping leisurely as he scanned guests, staff, and perimeter motions.

Though reluctant to attend, Gabriel seized the chance to study Valerian Kingdom's nobility.

Such affairs primed for connections and pacts. Regrettably, his mission tonight centered on thievery, not schmoozing.

As his survey continued, his stare froze, pupils dilating a touch.

Across the hall at a far table, poised with her signature composure, sat Scarlet.

"What is she doing here?"

…

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