novelraw Chapter 269: Do you think you’re the only one with a numerical advantage?
Chapter 269: Do you think you’re the only one with a numerical advantage?
In the horror world, the mention of Imperial-level Ghost Food sent ripples through the atmosphere.
An Imperial—such a rank embodies the pinnacle of combat prowess in this horror world, second only to the Ghost Emperor.
Under conventional circumstances, given the vast population within a Ghost Realm, years could pass without a single Imperial emerging, solely by accruing ghost energies.
Certainly, Abyssal Ghost Crystals exist in the Mist Instances, but the recurring cycles required to unlock them are perilously complex. Alexander, however, daringly breaches these cycles over and over, thanks to his unique gift—Unobstructed Social Communication Charm Syndrome.
What makes this syndrome truly terrifying is its ability to quantify every interaction, transforming emotional rapport into hard data. This data-driven approach allows Alexander to adapt and plan ahead, a luxury unavailable to most.
In a parallel without this syndrome, Alexander would be a mere passenger on a #38 bus, blind to the emotional atmospheres of those around him. The fluctuations in goodwill would be completely random and unpredictable, and he would be subjected to the merciless uncertainties of human emotion.
It is this calculative advantage that sets Alexander apart. While others in this horror world tread cautiously in the Mist Instances—constantly at a disadvantage and vulnerable to going rogue and meeting a gruesome end.
The number of ghosts at the Imperial and Emperor levels is not increasing but rather declining at an alarming rate across this world.
In such a landscape, even acquiring a lowly soldier-level ghost crystal involves risking one’s life. But now, with enough ghost currency, one can purchase King-level or even Imperial-level Ghost Food, which has effects remarkably similar to ghost crystals.
Alexander even generously offers alternative forms of payment—any precious artifact can serve as collateral. It’s a revelation that has plunged the entire ghost realm into a state of collective madness.
In a world where the ghosts enjoy nearly infinite lifespans, their accumulation of treasures is considerable. Be they of royal or princely stature, higher-level ghosts are typically in possession of a wealth of artifacts.
The variety of these treasures knows no bounds—it could be anything from a table to a toilet. Now, to hear that these trinkets can be used at market value to offset the cost of ghost currency is nothing short of spectacular news for all ghost citizens.
Even ghosts who already bear the illustrious rank of Imperial are salivating at the prospect. Such a resource could be gifted to a trusted subordinate, thereby elevating one’s own power dynamics in the ghost strata.
King-level Ghost Food is equally irresistible, a scarce commodity that no force can afford to overlook.
The denizens of Dark Hell are thus consumed with the pursuit of ghost currency, sparing no expense or effort.
Yet, another faction has also caught wind of this tantalizing development—the ghost city merchants.
Their focus has shifted from the tantalizing allure of Ghost Food to something perhaps more mundane yet equally essential: the rights to distribute ghost cola, beer, and cigarettes, as offered by Alexander.
The entire Dark Hell is focused on this upcoming auction. And now, as the day of reckoning dawns, representatives from various powers trickle in.
The first to arrive is Kassadin, a close associate of Alexander, followed by Seraphina, Emperor Kui, and others.
At the previous meeting held at the city lord’s mansion—where they discussed matters as grave as defending against the siege of the Endless Abyss—only eight Imperials were present.Yet, today, in a matter of hours, over twenty Imperials have congregated.
Most attendees conduct themselves with a semblance of decorum, maintaining a veneer of civilit. After all, even if they wished to bare their fangs, such confrontations would have to wait until after the auction concludes, and their coveted items are safely in hand.
However, there are always those who display a flagrant lack of etiquette, eager perhaps to seize advantage even at the cost of social grace.
"A grand spectacle, Fierce Ghost Association. What do you think you’re playing at?" A disdainful voice erupted, belonging to a female ghost donned in a crimson strapless gown, her silver-white hair flowing down her back, and her pupils tinted with a bloody hue.
"My name is Abigail, and I am an Imperial ghost. I don’t care who you’re working for or who’s backing you. But Black Spirit Imperial was my friend and a member of our Ghost Street Alliance. His death—murky and unexplained as it is—demands an answer from you."
Abigail had a reputation that preceded her. Word had it that her brother, Liam, was the lord of Fan City. Even if he was considered the weakest among the city lords, he was an inheritance-level Ghost Emperor.
Supported by her Emperor-level brother, and possessing formidable strength herself, Abigail had always acted without restraint, often opposing the city lord’s mansion. She had even established this so-called Ghost Street Alliance.
When Alexander exposed Black Spirit Imperial’s betrayal of Dark Hell, it was inevitable that Abigail would stir the pot. Even if she didn’t want to, she had to offer an explanation to the others. Otherwise, the Ghost Street Alliance would be nothing more than window dressing.
"Black Spirit Imperial conspired with Kevin from the Endless Abyss and was killed by Louis. If you have any objections, you should take it up with him," Alexander said, shrugging nonchalantly.
Abigail’s eyes swept across Alexander and Tony before pausing on Kassadin’s face. "Kassadin, are you planning to interfere as well?"
"Damn right!" Without hesitation, Kassadin stepped forward. "You mess with my brother; you think I’m just going to stand aside and watch?"
"Hmph! May you not live to regret this," Abigail huffed, her gaze shifting to Seraphina.
Before she could utter a word, Seraphina rose to her feet. Ethereal ghostly energies enveloped her, and her flowing gown transformed into light golden armor.
With her sword drawn, its pointed tip aimed at Abigail, she declared, "No wonder the city lord of Fan City decided to visit today along with the other two major city lords. Did you think that by holding back Lady Alice, you could act without restraint?"
Facing Seraphina’s drawn sword, Abigail showed not a trace of panic. She nodded and shifted her gaze beyond Seraphina, her expression turning solemn and tinged with a sliver of tension.
"Your Highness, Emperor Kui, are you here to support the Fierce Ghost Association? As fellow apartment owners, the Fierce Ghost Association should actually be our common enemy," she inquired.
"You need not be concerned about me. I’m here solely for the auction. However..." Emperor Kui grinned, his eyes meeting Alexander’s. "This younger brother of mine is not so easily dealt with!"
"Good that you’re not getting involved. The rest does not require your attention," Abigail said, visibly relieved. Her eyes turned cold as she looked at Alexander. "It seems your fate is sealed today."
As she spoke, Abigail and the four Ghost Imperials who had come with her unleashed a terrifying aura. It wasn’t just them; several of the ghost Imperials who had arrived earlier also moved to stand behind her.
In the end, a total of seventeen Ghost Imperials stood arrayed behind Abigail.
What was truly terrifying was that it didn’t stop with these seventeen Ghost Imperials. The scale of this auction was substantial, open to any Ghost of Prince-level and above, while all King-level Ghosts had received invitations.
Seventeen Ghost Imperials had brought nearly three hundred underling Ghost Kings with them. The eruption of their combined auras was dreadfully formidable.
"What exactly are you trying to do?" Alexander furrowed his brow and asked.
"It’s simple. The death of our alliance’s Black Spirit Ghost Imperial can’t go unanswered. I don’t want your most valuable Imperial Ghost Food from this auction. You must compensate us with ten King-level Ghost Foods!
Also, to make up for our alliance’s losses, you have to reveal the method of converting Ghost Foods," Abigail declared her intentions.
Such monumental greed and ambition!
Alexander let out a cold laugh, responding, "What I possess is a talent skill. Even if I taught you, you wouldn’t be able to master it."
"We have our ways! Since we know it’s a talent skill, it’s easy to manage. Cooperating with us will benefit both parties," Abigail said, a triumphant smile gracing her face as she drew a card from her bosom.
Alexander had seen this item before and had even used it himself—a Talent Plunder Card. It was an exceedingly precious reward from a prior Ghost Street showdown.
"You’ve come quite prepared! And if I don’t agree?" Alexander spoke, but his gaze was fixed on the Talent Plunder Card.
"Lady Alice is currently detained by my brother. While Louis’s forbidden power is potent, he is just a evil spirt-level entity and alone. He can’t prevent us from killing you. You have to choose between your talent and your life!" Abigail proclaimed, brimming with confidence as if she held all the cards.
In her eyes, she indeed had an iron grip on the situation. Behind her stood seventeen Ghost Imperials and hundreds of Ghost Kings—a force even the city lord’s mansion would hesitate to underestimate. Without Louis, Alice, and even Emperor Kui showing no intention of aiding, Alexander, in her view, had lost all leverage.
"Do you think you’re the only one with a numerical advantage?" A sly smile appeared on Alexander’s lips.
"What do you mean by that? Numbers? I have seventeen Ghost Imperials and hundreds of Ghost Kings behind me. What grounds do you have to talk about numbers?" Abigail sneered.
"Indeed, on the grounds of us!"
Suddenly, a voice echoed, and not far from the seventeen Ghost Imperials, the air temperature plummeted rapidly. Amidst a flurry of snow, Edward, clad in a tailcoat, appeared out of thin air.
His snowy-white gloves crossed over his chest as he bowed, "I am Ghost Imperial, Edward. Pleased to meet you all."
"Asfur! Edward! You both have ascended to Ghost Imperial?" Abigail exclaimed.
Though they were unaware of Edward’s true, terrifying capabilities, he was an entity who had dominated at the Ghost Prince level based on his talent alone. Even if he had just ascended to Imperial, his power would be nothing short of stunning.
Even more frightening was Asfur King—no, Asfur Imperial now! A killer with a specialized talent and formidable power.
Had Asfur launched an attack just now, at least half of the Ghost Imperials present would be worrying about assassination.
"The ones who have ascended to Ghost Imperial are not just them. Terrence, Sam!" Before Alexander could speak, Kassadin let out a ferocious grin and bellowed, "Bring up the damn Imperial-grade cannons for me!"