Chapter 22 – The Bait Beneath
Chris stared at the flickering candlelight in his room, Igeris resting quietly on a shelf.
The knowledge of the Spirit Dust still lingered in his mind. He could feel its presence clinging to his very skin—an invisible thread tied to someone watching from the shadows.
"If they're tracking me… then I can use that."Chris smirked coldly.
Instead of cleansing the dust immediately, he would weaponize it—turning the trap back on the hunter.
He had a plan.
Three days passed without incident. Chris kept to himself, making sure not to arouse suspicion. He didn't use advanced magic, didn't display abnormal aura, and kept his spirit companion hidden.
And then—on a quiet evening, just as the family gathered around the long oak dining table for supper—he made his move.
He put down his utensils calmly and addressed the table.
"I've made a decision. I will enter the family's underground chambers again… I intend to push toward the Fourth Circle."
The entire hall went still.
Duke Elric's knife stopped mid-cut. The maids froze. Alicia looked up sharply.
"…Chris," the Duchess's voice came first, her tone laced with clear worry. "That place nearly killed you last time. Do you really think you're ready?"
Chris met her gaze without flinching.
"I am. I've stabilized my circle. I'm more focused than ever. I need this."
Alicia leaned forward, her silver eyes narrowing with concern.
"You barely survived last time. Your magic went wild. You were in a coma for weeks. Are you sure this isn't just… pride?"
He shook his head.
"It's not pride. It's something I must do."
The hall was silent again.
One of the older vassals shifted uncomfortably in their seat. Another sipped wine to hide their expression. No one objected out loud—but the tension was thick as smoke.
The Duke finally spoke, his voice low.
"…If you're set on it, I won't stop you. But you'll have two elite mages posted outside the chamber door. I won't risk losing you again."
Chris nodded with gratitude, though he had no intention of relying on them.
This wasn't just a breakthrough attempt.
This was a trap—and the hunter had just baited the snare.
After dinner, Chris returned to his room. Igeris hovered nearby, flaring gently.
"You really plan to lure them in the underground chamber?"
Chris smirked.
"Yes. It's secluded. Sealed. Dangerous. The perfect place for someone to think they have the upper hand."
Igeris gave a low hum.
"Just be careful. A cornered beast is always the most vicious."
Chris gazed out his window into the night.
"Good. Let them come with claws bared… I'll show them I'm not the same boy who fell last time."