The Useless Prince Is A Gangster
Chapter 168. silent reaper

Chapter 168: 168. silent reaper

Deep under the busy streets of the same capital city, a secret meeting room hid in darkness, lit only by a single mana-lamp flickering above a worn oak table.

A high-ranking cult soldier was seated across from the other, his face obscured by shadows. His hooded cloak blended into the darkness, giving off an air of cold authority, while his gold faceless mask caught the lamp’s dim glow.

A hooded man sat across from him, his face obscured by a thick hood. His body tensed as he leaned forward, hands clasped, his voice low and suspicious. "Thirty mercenaries? Sneaking them into the hunting event secretly? That is a careless demand."

With a slight tilt of his mask, the cult soldier spoke in a smooth yet menacing voice. "Ten escorts are permitted for each noble house. We have forty of our own under their cover. Before the event starts, you must plant these thirty mercenaries in the forest."

With a cautious tone, the hooded man leaned back and rubbed his chin with his gloved hand. "It’s still a huge risk."

With his gloved hands spreading easily on the table, the cult soldier chuckled softly, his voice muffled by his mask. "Come on over. We are not negotiating with a random street vendor. Your king himself is the one we are dealing with."

The hooded man froze, his voice remained steady as his fingers clenched, showing a hint of concern. "Pay attention to what you say. That title should not be used casually."

The soldier leaned back, his tone light but with a hint of threat the blank surface of his mask glowing darkly. "I apologize. However, we might need to reevaluate our agreement with the crown if this is out of your price range."

With a firm yet controlled voice, the hooded man’s hand shot up. "Your mercenaries will be ready."

"That’s the spirit," the cult guy said in a pleased, slightly arrogant tone.

With a firm tone, the hooded man extended a gloved hand across the table. "Give it to me."

The soldier took out a small box from inside his cloak. He slid it across the table. "We’ve made significant improvements. It will be most satisfactory to the king."

Curious but cautious, the hooded man took the box and turned it in his hands, tracing the box with his fingers. "At the hunting event, who is your target?"

***************

"Me?" Leo looked at Erin, whose violet eyes gleamed with mischievous intentness, as they strolled through the bustling streets of Avermoor. Liana trailed behind, her expression worried as she observed them making fun of one another.

"I preferred walking over taking a carriage for short trips," Leo said.

Erin’s voice was playful but sounded like a phony complaint as she tossed her hair dramatically. "Come on, Leo, forcing a woman like me to walk in this scorching sun is impolite."

Leo glanced at her, his crimson eyes narrowing with amusement. "Lady? I didn’t bring you out here. You pleaded on coming."

Erin smiled, refusing to back down, but Liana’s worried gaze shifted behind them. Leo had been acting distant ever since Erin had visited his dorm three months ago, and his dispute with Rin Valarune had left a void that Liana found inconceivable.

However, she remained uneasy despite the fact that Leo and Erin appeared to be more like quarreling siblings than anything romantic.

Leo softened his tone and spoke in a kind tone after noticing her nervous expression. "Calm down, Liana. there are no mercenaries following us this time."

Liana smiled slightly and nodded, but she kept her deeper worries about Erin’s impact on Leo and his relationship with Rin a secret.

As they got closer to Torgrim’s blacksmith shop, the street became quieter, building front appearing to be ready to collapse in a strong wind.

Leo glanced at Erin, his tone curious. "How’d you even find this guy, anyway?" Erin’s changed blueprints had first linked him to Torgrim, starting their work together.

"A girl’s got her ways."

They stepped inside the shop, a messy mix of burned metal and scattered tools, the air filled with the sharp smell of hot iron.

Torgrim sat at the counter, his dirty beard framing a big grin when he saw Leo. "Oi, kid! Been waiting for you!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the cluttered room.

"Got my weapon ready, Torgrim?"

Torgrim’s grin grew, pride shining as he hit the counter with his fist. "Already, and it’s a beauty!" His eyes looked at Erin, curious. "Who’s this girl?"

Leo’s voice turned playful. "She’s Erin Dranemount, she begged me to tag along and see your craft. Claims she’s a fan of yours."

Erin elbowed him hard, her voice pretending to be mad. "Don’t put words in my mouth!"

Leo laughed, rubbing his side, then pointed to her. "She’s the one who drew up the blueprints for my weapons."

Torgrim’s eyes widened, his rough face lighting up like a fire. He jumped off his stool, grabbing Erin’s hand in a strong shake. "You’re the genius behind the Gravion and Voltsteel formulas? girl, your detailing’—the mana conduits, the precision—it’s bloody brilliant!"

Erin’s smile turned smug, her violet eyes glancing at Leo with a proud look.

Leo rolled his eyes, his smirk steady. "Enough flattery, Torgrim. Show us the weapon."

Torgrim’s loud laugh filled the room as he walked to the back, waving them to follow. "Right this way, kid!" His heavy boots clanged on the floor, leading to a workbench where a big wooden box sat and opened the lid, showing what was inside.

Leo, Erin, and Liana leaned forward, their breaths stopping, amazed. Inside a soft velvet lining lay a finely made sniper rifle, its smooth lines and shiny surface looking deadly and elegant.

Leo reached for it, his fingers touching the cool metal as he lifted it, the weight perfect in his hands. It reminded him of the Silent Reaper from his past life as Reo Carter.

His crimson eyes shone, a wide grin spreading as his old self stirred like a lit flame. The rifle had a sharp scope and silencer, mixing his old world’s tech with this world’s mana-crafted skill.

Torgrim crossed his arms, his voice full of pride. "Built it exactly to your specs. Lightweight metals, tough as dragonbone. Handles any recoil or heat—won’t ever break."

Leo’s smile widened as he traced the rifle with his fingers. He clicked and took out the magazine, only to find it was empty. He noticed that the box had a tiny compartment that contained a few bullets, each of which had tiny spell designs on it.

"Those bullets absorb whatever mana you channel into them," Erin explained, leaning closer. "They can hold plenty amount of mana and release it upon impact."

Leo grinned more broadly as his heart began to race with anticipation. His quick and precise movements caused Torgrim to pause, and the dwarf’s eyes widened in surprise as he loaded the magazine in a matter of seconds after picking up the bullets.

Leo slid the magazine back with a clear snap, pulling the bolt to load the first bullet, the sound sharp in the shop’s messy quiet. He held the rifle, its familiar weight steadying him, his voice low and full of a hitman’s confidence. "Time to see if I’ve still got it."