28.The Candidates and the Threat of Assassins

With the rise of new candidates for the Lordship of Sairent, Merslin and his party set out to investigate each of them. As the threat to the candidates increased, they realized the need for protection and decided to split into two teams to safeguard them.

Meanwhile, after failing to eliminate Merslin's party, the former Lord and the Merchant Guild leader changed their strategy. This time, they hired assassins to eliminate the candidates instead. Merslin's party intercepted this information and immediately moved to defend the candidates.

Team Assignments

•Team A: Merslin & Serena → Protect Dr. Lana & Thomas

•Team B: Elena, Lisa & Aria → Protect Sir Vern & Marianne

Team A: Merslin & Serena's Battle

Merslin and Serena arrived at Dr. Lana's research facility. Though the surroundings appeared peaceful, they remained on high alert.

Merslin: "Our first mission is to protect Dr. Lana. Her research facility is shielded by defensive magic, but assassins can break through at any moment."

Serena: "I'll stay hidden in the shadows and track their movements."

Soon, Black Blade Guild assassins emerged from the darkness, silently advancing toward the facility.

Merslin: "Serena, they're closing in. Get ready!"

Serena swiftly disappeared into the shadows, maneuvering behind the assassins and taking them down one by one.

Serena: "There are more on the other side. I'll handle them."

Meanwhile, Merslin activated a protective barrier around Dr. Lana and began casting Chain Lightning to strike down multiple enemies at once.

Merslin: "Dr. Lana, stay close. You'll be safe here."

As more assassins swarmed in, the battle intensified. Serena danced through the darkness, eliminating foes with precision, while Merslin bolstered his strength with magic and unleashed devastating attacks.

Merslin: "We need to prevent them from getting any closer. Serena, reinforce the defenses!"

Serena: "On it! I'll hold them off from this side!"

After a fierce battle, they successfully eliminated all threats, and Dr. Lana remained safe.

Protecting Thomas & the Citizens

Following their success, Merslin and Serena rushed to the Citizens' Movement Headquarters where Thomas was located. However, the situation was more complicated, as Thomas was surrounded by civilians who could become collateral damage.

Merslin: "Thomas, we've come to protect you. The assassins are targeting you."

Thomas: "Thank you. But the safety of the citizens comes first. We'll fight together."

As the Shadow Union's assassins attacked, chaos erupted. The citizens panicked, but Merslin and Serena worked quickly to contain the situation.

Serena: "We need to evacuate the citizens. I'll hold the enemies back!"

Merslin enhanced himself with magic and unleashed Chain Lightning, stunning multiple enemies at once.

Merslin: "Serena, get them to safety!"

Serena: "Understood!"

After an intense fight, Merslin and Serena secured the headquarters and ensured Thomas' safety. The citizens, once terrified, now stood with renewed resolve.

Merslin: "We did it. Thomas is safe, and the people are protected."

Serena: "But we must remain cautious. There could be more threats ahead."

Team B: Elena, Lisa & Aria's Battle

Elena, Lisa, and Aria arrived at Sir Vern's mansion. Though well-fortified, they knew complacency was dangerous.

Elena: "Sir Vern, we're here to protect you. We've received intelligence that assassins are coming for you."

Sir Vern: "I see. We must reinforce our defenses before they arrive."

Lisa: "I'll handle the combat. Elena, you support us with magic."

Aria: "I'll heal any injured people."

The Black Blade Guild assassins launched their attack. Elena quickly erected a magical barrier, blocking their entry.

Elena: "Lisa, focus on attacking. I'll keep the barriers up!"

Lisa: "Alright! Time to show them what I can do!"

Lisa charged headfirst, striking down the assassins with her powerful swordplay, while Aria kept everyone healed.

Elena wasn't just defending—she countered with Fire Orbs, Ice Walls, and Electric Storms, disrupting the enemy's advance.

Elena: "I'll freeze them in place—Ice Wall!"

Lisa: "Nice! I'll take them out!"

The battle escalated, but thanks to their coordination, they successfully defended the mansion.

Protecting Marianne & the Merchants

After securing Sir Vern, Team B rushed to Marianne's Merchant Guild Hall, where she was surrounded by merchants—a situation similar to Thomas'.

Lisa: "Marianne, we're here to protect you. Assassins are coming."

Marianne: "Thank you. Let's work together to defend everyone."

As the Shadow Union's assassins arrived, Elena created an Electric Storm to weaken them while Lisa slashed through their ranks.

Elena: "I'm using an Electric Storm to stun them!"

Lisa: "Perfect! Let's finish this!"

Marianne's merchants assisted, using whatever they could find as makeshift weapons. Aria focused on healing the injured while Elena's illusions confused the enemies.

Elena: "Now, I'll use Illusion Magic to disorient them!"

After another fierce battle, the assassins were defeated, and Marianne was safe.

The Candidates' Grand Speech & Final Attack

With all candidates protected, they gathered at Sairent's central plaza to address the citizens.

🔹 Dr. Lana: "Sairent's future is in our hands. I vow to create a fair and just society where every citizen's voice is heard."

🔹 Thomas: "I am honored to stand with Dr. Lana. Together, we will fight for transparency and justice for all."

🔹 Marianne: "Merchants and citizens must work together to bring prosperity. I will ensure fair trade and economic stability."

However, Sir Vern's face darkened as he listened to Lana and Thomas.

(Sir Vern, thinking: "If they join forces, I have no chance of winning.")

As the speeches concluded, one final attack began.

The Black Blade Guild and Shadow Union launched a full-scale assault on the plaza.

Merslin: "I knew they'd strike here! Everyone, prepare for battle!"

Elena: "I'm setting up a barrier! Hold the line!"

The battle was intense—Merslin struck down groups of enemies with Chain Lightning, Lisa fought fiercely at the frontlines, and Serena moved through the shadows, assassinating enemies with precision.

Elena unleashed her most powerful spells—Fire Orbs, Ice Walls, and Thunderstorms, while Aria healed the wounded citizens and party members.

After an intense final confrontation, Merslin's party eliminated the remaining assassins. The plaza was safe, and the candidates were alive to complete their speeches.

The Future of Sairent

Merslin: "We did it. The candidates are safe, and the city stands with us."

Elena: "But we can't let our guard down. More threats may come."

Lisa: "Then we'll be ready."

Serena: "No matter what happens, we'll keep fighting for Sairent's future."

As the people cheered, the fate of Sairent's leadership now rested in the hands of its citizens.