The Invincible Full-Moon System Chapter 1917: Two-Steps Ahead
Previously on The Invincible Full-Moon System...
Rex’s attention sharpened.
Had any more time elapsed today, he would have sought out High Lord Rashal once more.
Fortunately, Liebert arrived precisely when needed.
"Who could it be?" Lilliana’s head peeked from behind, her curiosity piqued. "Is it someone from the High Lord’s entourage?"
"It’s Liebert, the gentleman we met at dinner with your new acquaintances. Kindly clear the table," Rex instructed, recalling the scattered food containers. These undoubtedly belonged to Lilliana. "And tell your younger sister to get changed quickly."
Lilliana promptly departed, executing his request without delay.
She vanished the food boxes with her innate energy and proceeded to the main bedroom to notify Davina.
Rex waited for an additional ten seconds, allowing the sisters time to ready themselves—and also deliberately leaving Liebert to linger outside. It was only when the doorbell chimed a second time that Rex finally opened the door, his gaze locking directly with Liebert’s unwavering eyes.
"Sir Rex, may I step inside?" Liebert inquired, a subtle smile gracing his lips.
A smile that gave him an air of utter harmlessness.
"Certainly," Rex stepped aside, then motioned towards the solitary sofa. "Please, have a seat."
"Thank you," Liebert complied, settling onto the sofa, though his gaze remained fixed on the unfolding portal adorning the wall.
He was aware that Rex held a Permit granted by the High Lord, so its presence was not entirely unexpected. However, to his surprise, he found himself incapable of perceiving what lay beyond it. For reasons unknown, the scene within grew hazier the more intently he tried to focus.
’I am an Enforcer officer, vested with authority over the Primordial Meadow—and yet, I cannot glimpse beyond this portal…?’ He subtly observed Rex, who was in the process of pouring him a glass of water. ’Who truly is this individual? It’s no wonder the High Lord holds him in such high regard.’
Rex placed the filled glass on a nearby table before occupying the rightmost section of the expansive sofa.
"My gratitude."
"Think nothing of it; you are our guest."
At that very moment, the door to the main bedroom swung open, revealing Davina and Lilliana emerging.
Both were clad in simple, oversized shirts that draped loosely over their figures, paired with equally baggy sweatpants.
"Pardon my interruption," Liebert adjusted his posture, offering a smile.
"Your purpose is to see Rex, hence apologies are unnecessary," Davina responded, taking a seat beside Rex.
Once the three had settled, Liebert presented Rex with an apologetic smile and leaned slightly forward. "I must preface this by saying, Sir Rex—the subject we are about to discuss is of the utmost secrecy. Would you mind asking the ladies to grant us a moment of privacy?"
The request caused Davina and Lilliana to exchange a look of displeasure.
Having accompanied Rex to the God Realm, they were not present merely for show.
"I find that request rather discourteous, Sir Liebert," Davina stated, tilting her head with a frown. "I am Rex’s betrothed, and I stand with him in all endeavors the High Lord might orchestrate. By that right, I require to remain present."
"I concur with her statement," Lilliana added, making no effort to conceal their defiance.
Despite their firm opposition, Liebert merely offered them a brief smile and redirected his gaze to Rex.
He awaited Rex’s decision.
Rex instinctively brought his hand to his mouth, concealing the grin that threatened to escape.
"It is quite acceptable, Sir Liebert," Rex conveyed, gesturing towards the women. "As long as we are within this domain, they are an extension of myself. Their knowledge is my knowledge. Should you harbor concerns regarding information leaks, rest assured, none will occur. If, by some chance, a breach were to happen, I would assume full accountability."
"Very well," Liebert responded, tapping the table surface with his index finger.
Before their astonished eyes, the air directly above the table began to shimmer and distort, creating a seamless ripple in the fabric of existence. From this anomaly, two items emerged, descending gently onto the table as if guided by unseen hands: a sealed envelope and a box approximately the size of an adult’s palm.
As a figure of considerable importance within Larta City, his access to its internal spaces was unrestricted.
Unlike others, he possessed the ability to utilize space-related powers without any limitations.
"Before I relay the High Lord’s directive," Liebert reached for the box, placing it precisely on the side table next to Rex. He pressed his fingers against the lid, maintaining eye contact with Rex. "I believe this container is intended for you."
"For me?" Rex inquired, a single brow arching upwards.
"Indeed. The sender’s name escapes me momentarily, please allow me a brief recollection moment," Liebert looked away, feigning an attempt to recall the sender’s identity, though the pause felt calculated. "Ah, yes. It was Pale Defender Zev. He was unable to deliver this box personally, so I volunteered to present it to you directly. Furthermore, now that you hold the position of the High Lord’s representative, all matters pertaining to you must be processed through our office.
"Kindly note this for future reference," he added, withdrawing his hand.
A flicker of surprise registered on Rex’s countenance.
He had explicitly instructed Zev to deliver the Permit himself and to keep the entire affair confidential.
The delivery of the Permit by Liebert indicated that the High Lord was aware of his visit to the Cavity and his interaction with Zev. Considering Zev's eagerness, Rex doubted he would surrender the Permit without attempting to get Liebert off his back. Something must have transpired, and Rex was determined to uncover it. Davina's brow furrowed as she observed the shift in Rex’s demeanor. While she might not have grasped the complete situation, Davina understood that Rex likely returned to meet Zev for their arrangement, and consequently, Zev had also relinquished a Permit. This Permit was intended as a safeguard, a contingency. A hidden advantage for unforeseen circumstances. However, this Permit had been intercepted and was now in Liebert's possession. Its value diminished now that the High Lord's associates were aware of it. In the event Rex faced trouble, measures could be devised to ensure he obtained the Permit. 'So that's the reason he instructed us to depart,' Davina mused, leaning back, a silent sneer forming as the realization dawned. Liebert hadn't shown disrespect; quite the opposite, he had shown deference to Rex. He had politely asked them to leave, ensuring they wouldn't witness Rex's potential humiliation. 'One could misinterpret this as consideration. Yet, it was sheer, condescending arrogance. Nevertheless... 'Rex ought to have detected this earlier, but he didn't tell us to leave. Is he aware of this?' Davina subtly glanced at Rex, intrigued by his thoughts. "Did you eliminate him?" Rex inquired abruptly. "I fail to comprehend your meaning," Liebert responded evasively. "Why would you even venture there?" "For your own good, I sincerely hope you did not kill Zev." "For my sake? What precisely do you imply by that, Sir Rex?" "Because I have already dispatched a message to Zev’s family. Should he fail to return precisely at midnight, it's highly probable he is deceased. And the culprit is none other than your men," Rex stated, pointing his index finger directly at Liebert. "What was his name again...? Ah yes, Norman, I believe." Liebert's eyes narrowed instantly. He had not anticipated Rex's awareness of his operatives, the very individuals dispatched to intercept Zev. "Believe it or not, this locale... my home realm bears similarities. It's modernized. And I possess considerable skill in such matters," Rex gestured around the room with his finger. "In a civilized city like this, public perception and reputation are paramount. If you have indeed slain Zev, his family will undoubtedly lodge a formal complaint." "Given the involvement of High Lord Rashal, a relatively new addition to the governing body, this incident will rapidly attract public attention. Subsequently, the matter of the missing Pale Defenders in the vicinity of Pale Defender Zev’s jurisdiction will also come to light. At that juncture, who do you imagine the populace will hold accountable?" A silent accord was reached. Liebert understood that Rex was responsible for the demise of those missing Pale Defenders. Now, Zev was identified as his confederate. However, the High Lord had overlooked the situation, dismissing the missing Pale Defenders as casualties of duty. If Zev’s death were to surface—if it became known that individuals directly associated with the High Lord were responsible—High Lord Rashal’s reputation would be irrevocably shattered. And as a final blow, the public's outrage would undoubtedly compel them to hold the High Lord accountable for the missing Pale Defenders as well. Though untruthful, Rex's actions were the cause of the Pale Defenders' demise—but the truth or falsehood would be inconsequential by then. Honestly, this development caught Liebert entirely by surprise. He hadn't foreseen Rex not only anticipating his inquiry about Zev but also meticulously orchestrating such an intricate trap. Considering Rex hailed from the Spirit Realm, he had underestimated him, unaware that this realm was currently embroiled in a struggle against voidal monsters. Cultivating a robust foundation is challenging when mere survival remains uncertain. In truth, Rex’s origins were not from the Spirit Realm, which had equipped him exceptionally well for navigating such complex scenarios. "Release Zev," Rex commanded casually, and then placed his hand upon the box. "And I shall release Norman." "What...?" "You heard me correctly." Before Liebert could fully process the unfolding events, Rex opened the box. Inside, it was entirely empty. An empty container—a velvet cushion bearing the faint impression of something that should have been present, but was conspicuously absent. Liebert was rendered speechless. He hadn't bothered to inspect the contents, deeming it unnecessary. His men should not have presented him with an empty receptacle. Yet, it was utterly vacant. Only at this moment did Liebert comprehend that Rex had already outmaneuvered his operatives. From the very outset, Rex had been two steps ahead. "Allow me to impart some wisdom—Liebert," Rex drawled, reclining on the sofa and extending an arm, adopting a more imposing posture. "I am privy to your actions. I comprehend the High Lord's directive. It pertains to the interrogation, does it not? I am aware." During his previous interrogation by High Lord Rashal, he had deliberately provided a false answer to the final question.The intention was to exert pressure on the High Lord.
At that precise moment, High Lord Rashal held all the power. He possessed every trump card; all advantages lay with him. Rex recognized the necessity of making a strategic move, something he could leverage to avoid being completely at the High Lord's mercy.
The inclusion of the final question introduced a definite hesitation in High Lord Rashal.
Coupled with the concern that a formidable God might be backing Rex.
Nevertheless, that action, without question, deeply offended High Lord Rashal.
He might not have openly displayed it, but the offense was real.
Liebert had likely been assigned the task of balancing the score, and he chose this particular method.
By intercepting Zev, he aimed to inform Rex that every single one of his movements was being closely watched.
However, that plan had failed.
Similar to Liebert, Rex possessed the ability to spy without leaving any trace of detection. But the dynamics had shifted, and now he found himself on the defensive. "I am but a visitor in this place. My fate rests entirely in the hands of the High Lord. My actions were solely for the protection of myself and those dear to me. Nothing more. The High Lord has no need to prove anything, while I have everything at stake. There is no requirement to level the playing field."
"There is no need to prey upon the weaker party," he added, shaking his head.
Frankly, a sense of disappointment washed over him.
Based on his initial impression of the High Lord, he had not anticipated this turn of events.
"I understand—" Liebert began, moving to take the box, but Rex swiftly caught his hand, exerting a firm grip.
"Kindly inform the High Lord," he whispered with a menacing undertone. "That I shall bring no trouble to his city, nor to the entirety of the Primordial Meadow. I will serve as his representative and pursue my objectives diligently. But convey this message from me..."
Rex’s grip intensified to the verge of snapping, causing Liebert’s face to contort.
It felt as though his hand was being pulverized.
"That I absolutely do not wish for him to undermine me, or those associated with me. I have a list of targets I intend to pursue, and I have no desire to add another to it." Rex locked his gaze with Liebert's. "Are you comprehending this?"
