On the next day, news finally spread that the Night Reaper had appeared and had already killed several leaders and assassins from the Underworld's Feeder.

Some of those killed were names that usually stood high and mighty.

Now they were dead.

One of them was the patriarch of the Luvian family, one of the strongest noble families in the Iverus World.

At first, they tried to hide the assassination of their patriarch. In the end, they failed. The news still spread through unknown sources, and many people believed the Night Reaper themselves had released it.

As expected, the Night Reaper still succeeded despite the many preparations made against them. Many people wondered whether they were finished or if the killings would continue.

Their question was answered the next night when several more people were assassinated. The same thing happened again on the following day.

However, on the fourth day, another piece of news suddenly erupted and caused an uproar.

A well-known noble family suddenly announced that the Night Reaper actually belonged to the forces of Aldrian the Great.

Everyone who heard this was shocked. The origin of the Night Reaper had always been a mystery, yet this family was claiming that they were actually Aldrian the Great's people?

Many people in the White Ring Star Cluster had already heard about Aldrian the Great, especially after the victory against the devils. What happened at the victory banquet more than a year ago had also spread widely, making his name even more famous.

It was said that he had humiliated many nobles from other worlds without showing any restraint.

Those nobles could not oppose him because he was simply too powerful. They could do nothing against a single individual.

Many people had already traveled to the Ancient Blue Gate World to learn more about this so-called great figure.

They wanted to know whether those stories and rumors were actually true.

Many of them learned what status and power he held in the Central Star Cluster, and they began to understand what kind of terrifying existence Aldrian truly was. They also realized that making him an enemy would be a grave mistake.

Only then did they understand why Aldrian could defeat the devils that had almost taken the entire world. They also understood why the nobles from their worlds had swallowed that humiliation.

But now that family suddenly claimed that the Night Reaper was actually a force under that very figure.

Why would Aldrian the Great kill many leaders from different worlds? Why was he also targeting the assassins of the Underworld's Feeder?

Was it simply because he was powerful enough to kill whoever he wanted? Or were those people targeted because they had opposed the Alfemin family? Was there another reason?

Their questions were answered when that family revealed what those families had done to Aldrian the Great.

They had used the Underworld's Feeder to attempt to assassinate him. Many leaders from different worlds had contributed to the plan.

The Underworld's Feeder had accepted the mission after receiving enormous payment. They sent many powerful cultivators to the Ancient Blue Gate World. With the combined payment from so many leaders, it might have been the largest operation the Underworld's Feeder had ever undertaken.

Although this was only a claim from that one family, many people believed it.

The reason for the assassinations sounded reasonable, and the strength displayed by the mysterious group matched someone as powerful as Aldrian the Great.

If Aldrian was that strong, it would only make sense that his subordinates were powerful as well, right?

Now that the public finally knew the supposed reason behind the assassinations, many people began to wonder why those leaders had been reckless enough to try to kill Aldrian the Great.

Was it because of the humiliation they had suffered at the victory banquet of the Alfemin family?

Many believed that was the reason. However, sending assassins out of pride and provoking someone whose legend had spread across vast space was far from a wise move.

It could even spark a conflict between two different star clusters. Even though they were far apart, Aldrian the Great was highly respected in the Central Star Cluster, and many believed such a conflict could truly happen.

This made the populace begin to criticize those nobles, at least in their private discussions.

But then another question appeared.

Why would this one family release such information? Were they hoping for the mercy of the Night Reaper? Were they trying to repair their relationship with Aldrian the Great?

Would the Night Reaper stop?

While people were still discussing the possible next move of the Night Reaper, inside a city within a noble family's territory, Aldrian's avatar sat inside a restaurant with Ao Tianhai, Alric, and Zayden.

They had already heard the news about the actions of this noble family, and even the avatar had to admit he was surprised.

This family was the next target. At this moment, he was already inside their territory.

"To think that the Asefan family would use such a move. I have to admit they are very clever," Alric said. "They are trying to show that they were also in the wrong and hope for mercy."

Zayden nodded.

"That means they are already desperate. They are willing to stain their own reputation. With the pattern of assassinations we have shown, there is no way they failed to realize who our targets are and who we are."

"They announced this to amend their mistake for offending His Majesty," he continued. "They are showing their regret and sincerity to make peace with His Majesty, even if it means offending other nobles."

Alric nodded and then looked at the avatar.

"Your Majesty, what will you do? Will we continue the assassinations?" Alric asked.

"If we stop, it will only confirm the Asefan family's claim. Anyone who still doubts it will believe that the Night Reaper truly serves Your Majesty."

"Many people might think Your Majesty is a magnanimous figure who is willing to show mercy to those who took part in the assassination attempt. Your Majesty's fame may even rise further."

"But if we continue, that is also good. Many people will understand the reason behind it since they already know what those leaders tried to do. There might be different opinions, but in the end our message will still reach those who might try to provoke Your Majesty or seek revenge in the future. No one will dare oppose you."

"The result will be similar either way. The difference lies in how the people of the White Ring Star Cluster will view Your Majesty in the future."

"One choice will make them think that Your Majesty is reasonable and capable of showing mercy."

"The other will make Your Majesty appear as the type of figure who eliminates his enemies without mercy, even if they have already raised a white flag. Fear will take root among those people."

Silence followed.

Alric, Zayden, and Ao Tianhai waited for the avatar's answer.

Ao Tianhai, as a dragon and a god, did not care about the opinions of others or the political aspect of such matters. If someone tried to kill him, he would simply kill them in return.

However, the one who made the decision was Aldrian. Ao Tianhai would obey whatever order he gave.

The avatar did not think for long. He had already decided on the next move. Even without Alric and Zayden's explanation, he already understood why the Asefan family had released that information.

"Ao Tianhai. Zayden. Continue assassinating the remaining targets on the list," the avatar said calmly. "I will visit the Asefan family tonight."

Hearing the decision, Ao Tianhai and Zayden nodded without hesitation.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

--------------------------------

When night came and the moon rose higher in the sky, the Asefan family mansion, which had tightened its security for several days, strangely seemed less guarded.

There was no one standing watch and no activity anywhere. The mansion, which was usually bright with many illumination crystals, had none of them activated tonight. Darkness engulfed the entire estate, making the place look gloomy and eerie.

The manor looked completely deserted.

However, the truth was that all the occupants were staying inside their rooms. The patriarch of the Asefan family had ordered them to do so.

At this moment, the patriarch himself was inside the guest room. A middle-aged man with neatly combed short brown hair knelt on the floor even though several sofas were nearby. He wore his noble attire as if he were preparing to meet someone important.

He faced the empty space before him and closed his eyes, as if waiting for someone.

He had felt tense ever since the sun set. Sweat slowly rolled down his forehead.

After waiting for several minutes that felt like a long time to him, he suddenly sensed a presence in front of him. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

His heart turned cold and more sweat formed on his forehead. Gathering his courage, he slowly opened his eyes.

Only then did he see a figure standing right before him.

The figure looked at him silently with blue eyes behind a mask.