chapter 119 I will send my subordinate kaelith

Magic Flame's Calculated Game – The First Step

Magic Flame leaned against the rough stone wall of a dimly lit alley, twirling the Trickster's Mask between his fingers. The artifact, given to him by the Goblin Prince, shimmered faintly under the streetlights. Its power was unpredictable, but he had learned to wield it with precision.

> "She's too smart. Too independent."

Lysara had been kicked from Diamond Breeders because of him, yet she wasn't breaking down. Instead, she had called him with an arrogant demand:

> "You must take responsibility. Because of you, I was kicked out."

Most people would have panicked, but Magic Flame simply smirked.

> "Perfect."

This was exactly what he wanted. If she resented him, she would focus on him. And if she focused on him, he could slowly guide her thoughts.

Now, it was time for the next move.

Activating the Trickster's Mask

Magic Flame slid the mask over his face, activating its full power for the first time.

A wave of illusion magic rippled through his body. His posture shifted, his voice deepened, his aura became more refined. He wasn't just a player anymore—he became a different person, someone more… trustworthy.

His face remained the same, but his expressions changed subtly, exuding a sense of calculated confidence.

His eyes gleamed with intelligence, like a man who had everything under control.

His clothing remained simple, but the illusion made it seem high-class, like something worn by a merchant prince or a noble strategist.

> "If I want Lysara to rely on me, I must become someone she respects, someone she needs."

He adjusted his posture, relaxed but authoritative, and prepared for their next conversation.

The Nearby Players' Reactions

Just as he finished adjusting, a group of players walked past the alley.

One of them—a burly warrior with a massive greatsword—paused, squinting at him. Magic Flame was still smirking, a sinister glint in his eyes.

The warrior nudged his friend, an archer dressed in leather armor.

> "Bro… this guy just started laughing to himself. Like, full villain mode."

The archer took a cautious step back.

> "Dude, this game is seriously letting mental patients roam free."

A mage, part of their group, crossed his arms.

> "Either he's a genius or a complete psycho."

Magic Flame ignored them. Their words didn't matter. They were just background noise in his grand scheme.

> "They wouldn't understand. This isn't just a game. This is a battlefield of minds."

And Lysara?

She was his next target.

Preparing the Next Move

Magic Flame glanced at his inventory. He still had 15 agility potions left.

He opened his message interface and typed:

> Magic Flame: Interested in a real offer? Meet me at the Broken Dagger Tavern. We have business to discuss.

He sent the message to Lysara.

Then, without another word, he stepped out of the alley and disappeared into the shadows, heading toward their meeting point.

Magic Flame stepped into the shadows, his Trickster's Mask shimmering as it deactivated. His posture shifted, his confident smirk softened, and his presence diminished.

Now, he was Kaelith again.

The plan was simple—but brilliant.

Magic Flame would be the mysterious mastermind—a powerful figure who operated in the shadows, a man with wealth, strategy, and influence.

Kaelith would be his loyal subordinate, a mere pawn following Magic Flame's orders.

But in reality?

> Kaelith and Magic Flame were the same person.

This was the ultimate trick—a double deception.

Lysara wouldn't even realize that the "subordinate" she was dealing with was actually the mastermind himself.

> "I'll use everything at my disposal to make Kaelith seem like a rising force, someone she can use. But in truth, I'm the one using her."

He chuckled to himself as he walked toward the Broken Dagger Tavern, where Lysara would be waiting.

The Setup: Manipulating Perception

Kaelith would now focus on two things:

1. Make himself look like an ambitious but low-ranked player.

He would show struggles, making it seem like he was just another nobody trying to climb up.

He would let Lysara believe he was smart but not too smart, talented but not a mastermind.

He would act like he was only following Magic Flame's orders, as if he himself was unaware of the full scope of the plan.

2. Make Magic Flame look like an untouchable force.

He would never let Lysara meet Magic Flame directly.

He would pretend to receive "instructions" from Magic Flame, making it seem like Magic Flame was a step ahead of everyone.

He would use Magic Flame's name to apply pressure on Lysara, making her feel like she had no choice but to work with them.

A Dangerous Meeting – Kaelith and Lysara

Lysara sat at a secluded table in the corner of the Moonlight Tavern, her expression sharp and unreadable. The dim glow of lanterns cast flickering shadows across her face. She had just lost her place in Diamond Breeders, and now she was meeting someone from Magic Flame—the one who had orchestrated her downfall.

When Kaelith arrived, she barely glanced at him.

> "Who are you?" she asked, her voice as cold as steel.

Kaelith smirked and pulled up a chair, leaning back casually.

> "Magic Flame sent me," he said, his tone light, almost playful.

Lysara's expression didn't change.

> "Hmph. So, you're just another one of his pawns?"

Kaelith chuckled.

> "You could say that. Or maybe I'm just a very... dedicated servant."

Lysara crossed her arms, studying him. There was something off about him. He was too relaxed, too confident for a mere subordinate.

> "Tch. You're nothing special. Just another errand boy."

Kaelith laughed. "Maybe. But I was sent here to check on you. After all, I heard you got kicked out of your precious guild."

Lysara's eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly masked it.

> "I don't need anyone checking on me. Least of all, someone like you."

Kaelith leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.

> "That's not what your guild elders thought. They were so desperate to get rid of you, they tried selling you off in marriage."

Lysara's fingers twitched. He was testing her.

> "You think I don't know that?" she said icily. "Tell Magic Flame I'll listen. But only because I choose to, not because I need to."

Kaelith's smirk widened.

> "Good girl."

Then, before Lysara could react, he moved.

With casual boldness, his hand brushed against her waist.

A single second of contact.

Then—

CRACK!

Lysara's fist slammed into Kaelith's face so hard that the entire tavern went silent.

> "You disgusting dog!" she snapped, standing up.

Kaelith groaned, stumbling back, his hand on his cheek. Damn, that hurt.

> "H-Hey, relax! It was just a friendly touch—"

> "Friendly?!"

Lysara's eyes burned with pure fury.

> "You're nothing but trash! A worthless pawn! And you dare touch me?!"

Kaelith wiped the corner of his lip, still grinning.

> "Well, can't blame a guy for testing his limits."

Lysara clenched her fists, debating whether to break his ribs next. But instead, she turned her back on him.

> "Tch. Tell Magic Flame I'll listen. But touch me again, and I'll make sure you can't use your hands ever again."

She walked away, her heels clicking against the wooden floor.

Kaelith watched her leave, rubbing his jaw. Lysara was strong. That was good.

> "Well… that could've gone worse."

He smirked.

This was only the beginning.