Chapter 301

Chapter 301: Deterrence Beyond the Wall

That particular Skyship was undoubtedly the most technologically advanced vessel in the Sea of Clouds. More importantly, the Rothschild Guild’s board knew the Narwhal was guarded by Midi—the hundredth-floor Killing God of the Sky Arena himself.

Right now, this same expert who’d single-handedly destroyed a Tiger Shark-class Skyship sat waiting in the hall just outside their meeting chamber. How could any force in the Sea of Clouds challenge even him? Had enemies deployed entire fleets to overwhelm the Narwhal?

Yet if such an assault had occurred, the Rothschild Guild’s intelligence network would’ve detected it. Failure to do so would’ve signaled the guild’s impending collapse.

“Explain the Narwhal’s destruction to the board, Victoria,” Chairman Cadilan said, his gaze piercing.

The Narwhal’s loss was grave, but since Victoria dared mention it, she must have justification. He suppressed his reproach, choosing to listen first.

Victoria laid out their discovery of the Dusk Graveyard and the Blue Truth Sect’s ambush—omitting Emil’s involvement, the Magic Griffin warships, and the Wind King Warship. Even these edited facts horrified the guild’s higher-ups. Their enemy was the Blue Truth Sect, after all.

Her two brothers, however, barely hid their glee. Their genius sister had provoked the Sea of Clouds’ strongest faction over some treasure! This blunder could eject her from guild affairs. With their father’s support, she might face punishment—or even be surrendered to the sect. A few bribes could seal her fate.

The long-oppressed brothers exchanged triumphant smirks.

Cadilan’s expression darkened. He no longer understood his daughter. Merchants thrived by avoiding conflict, smoothing disputes with gold. The Rothschild way favored assassinations over direct combat. Yet Victoria had escalated matters to near-war with the Blue Truth Sect—a fatal misstep that should’ve ended her career.

But she’d confessed freely, without defense. Why? A trap? Some hidden advantage?

His thoughts snagged on a chilling detail—the Blade from Sky Arena, destroyer of a hundred Vanguard ships and a Tiger Shark, waited mere walls away. Was Victoria planning to seize power by force?

Fear and killing intent flickered in Cadilan’s eyes. Only he, so deeply wary of his daughter, would imagine such treason.

He glanced at the Level 62 white-haired old man beside him. The man nodded and vanished like mist.

Next, to avoid alerting the enemy, Cadilan kept asking harmless questions without pressing further about the Narwhal’s crash. Pushing Victoria too hard might provoke her to summon *that* Mr. Blade. Who could stop him? Though surrounded by guards and being an Awakened One above Level 55 himself, the Guild lacked True Experts. In the Sea of Clouds, numbers meant little. A single foe could crush a hundred. Cadilan dared not gamble.

To his sons on the board, this was baffling. Hadn’t their father always undermined Victoria? Why ignore such a glaring issue now?

One brother soon snapped, “Dear sister, wasn’t declaring war on the Blue Truth Sect reckless? You didn’t consult the board! They’re a top faction here—their military might is unmatched. What if they retaliate?”

“The Guild bears no Responsibilities,” the other cut in. “The one who started it should end it. Let our *capable* sister handle her own mess.”

Cadilan frowned. His sons lacked patience, unfit for real power. But letting them hound Victoria served as a test. He’d have the final say—she wouldn’t dare act rashly.

Victoria, unshaken, smiled confidently. “We’re merchants. Profit justifies war. Isn’t that our purpose?”

“Then what’s in the Dusk Graveyard?” a brother demanded.

“A trade secret,” she said, then winked. “But my partner’s outside. With mutual consent, he’ll explain.”

*So she wants that Killing God near the board?* Cadilan’s pupils narrowed. His prodigy daughter meant to seize the presidency by force!

Just then, the white-haired old man reappeared silently beside him, nodding. Preparations were complete. Cadilan relaxed. “Invite Mr. Blade in. He protected you during that ambush. As your father, I’ll… *thank* him properly.” Mockery tinged his voice.

Midi strode unchallenged through corridors, senses sharp. The hall radiated oppressive energy—a magic array beneath the building, now active against him. Hostile auras flooded the mansion. The Guild’s Higher-ups wanted him dead.

*Pathetic.* He smirked and entered.

“You’re the Blade from Sky Arena?” Cadilan asked from above.

“Blade’s an alias. I’m Midi Asreks.” His piercing gaze swept the board.

“*Midi Asreks?*” A brother sneered. “Blade’s catchier. A Lower Realm human thinking he’s our ally? Did you trick her into provoking the Blue Truth Sect?”

Another snarled, “Or seduce her?”

Midi’s aura burst forth, crushing the room into silence. The brothers choked under its weight. Even the Level 62 white-haired old man tensed, shielding Cadilan.

*Is he striking now?* Cadilan’s throat tightened. Battles weren’t his field. All his cunning couldn’t stifle the tension.