The mental perception of a Magus was notoriously sharp.
Yet, even Sebastian failed to notice it, indicating that this matter was likely the doing of a more powerful awakener.
Preliminary estimates suggested that the adversary was at least of the diamond-tier, and quite possibly, a supreme-tier powerhouse.
The trio of Fire Badger exchanged glances.
An enemy of this caliber was beyond their mission's scope and capabilities.
With their combined strength, even locating Grace would not guarantee her rescue.
Bone Claw stood up abruptly, his voice cold, "Sorry, this task is beyond our resolution."
The expressions on Giant Elephant and Fire Badger turned grim.
A fruitless journey would displease anyone.
As the group prepared to leave, Nicholas appeared anxious, as if he wanted to say something.
However, it seemed he had reservations, his lips moved slightly, but he ultimately remained silent.
John cast a meaningful glance at Nicholas.
His first mission was turning out to be quite interesting.
Yet, John did not say anything on the spot, but instead left the villa along with the trio of Bone Claw.
Nicholas and Sebastian respectfully saw them off.
Before departing, Nicholas handed each one a check for one million, citing it as compensation for their efforts.
The mood among Bone Claw's trio visibly improved.
It wasn't a wasted trip after all.
John also seemed quite satisfied.
Once they were far from Nicholas's mansion, the hint of joy in his eyes vanished, replaced by calmness.
John looked at Bone Claw and his companions, noting that their expressions had also turned serious.
All three were battle-hardened awakeners, carefully selected members of the Hidden Stars, their observational skills far surpassing those of ordinary people.
They had all sensed the unusual nature of Grace's disappearance.
John broke the silence, "This matter is clearly complex. Let's exchange what information we have."
The trio looked at John with a hint of surprise.
They hadn't expected him, a mere silver-tier awakener, to also notice the peculiarities of the situation.
Yet, surprise was a luxury they couldn't afford at the moment, and they began to share their known intelligence.
Bone Claw spoke gravely, "I detected a heavy aura of death within that house. Aside from Nicholas and the butler Sebastian, there were no other servants present. It's highly probable that the others have met their demise."
Giant Elephant frowned, "Could it be that they killed everyone, then posed as victims to escape responsibility?"
Bone Claw nodded, "It's a possibility."
John pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "They're not complicit; otherwise, Nicholas wouldn't have reminded us repeatedly. He's likely under duress. Nicholas's plea for help through his commission was a call for rescue. What he didn't anticipate was the absence of a diamond-tier powerhouse among those who came, which is why he held back so much information."
Ordinarily, civilians commissioning the Hidden Stars handle events that are classified at most as D-level tasks.
C-level tasks and above require precise information because the powerhouses of the Hidden Stars are too preoccupied to bother with trivialities.
Nicholas probably gambled on the chance of a diamond-tier powerhouse showing up.
Unfortunately, he lost that bet.
Hearing John's speculation, enlightenment dawned in their eyes.
They had all sensed the oddity in Nicholas's behavior but had not considered its deeper implications.
Now, with John's explanation, they finally understood.
"Impressive, you've managed to deduce so much," Fire Badger praised John, giving him a thumbs-up without stinting on her admiration.
Then, with a droop of her head and a sigh, she admitted, "I'm fine in a fight, but deduction really isn't my strong suit..."
Her voice was crisp and pleasant, betraying her youth.
John had seen Fire Badger's class information and knew she was a gunsmith, one of the rare classes that utilized firearms, similar to a magus in terms of delivering explosive damage.
No wonder she always carried a sniper rifle with her.
Hearing her lament, Giant Elephant also scratched his head and offered a rueful smile, "I'm not great at this sort of thing either."
Just by looking at Giant Elephant's build, one could tell he was a powerhouse reliant on strength, not strategy.
John sighed, realizing he couldn't count on these two for brainstorming.
Bone Claw thought for a moment, then said, "If things are as Black Robe suggested, I reckon there might be some crucial information on that check Nicholas gave us."
Finding the suggestion reasonable, everyone took out the check given by Nicholas.
The checks appeared ordinary at first glance, revealing nothing special under scrutiny or the probe of mind power.
Puzzled looks were exchanged, leaving them momentarily clueless.
John, however, sank into thought.
If his speculation was accurate, then given Nicholas's situation at the time, it wouldn't have been possible to convey information through conventional means...
John's gaze fixed on the million-dollar check in his hands, his eyes sparkling with an idea.
He decided against using any supernatural methods and instead began to meticulously feel every inch of the check with his hands, sensing for anything out of the ordinary.
Seeing John fall silent, the others understood he might have stumbled upon a new clue and refrained from disturbing him, their eyes filled with hope.
After the recent events, no one viewed him as just an ordinary silver-tier awakener anymore.
Besides, earning the Hidden Stars' silver badge at the silver tier was a testament to his exceptional skills.
Moments passed, and just as the trio began to feel disheartened, suspecting John might be on the wrong track, his hand suddenly paused.
Beneath the area marked with the amount of one million, his fingers brushed against several unusual indentations.
John's fingers traced these indentations, which formed a word in jagged strokes: "Immortality!"
Hearing John's revelation, the three onlookers were taken aback, immediately associating it with the infamous organization.
Fire Badger, incredulous, exclaimed, "Could this matter be linked to the Immortality Organization?!"
The Immortality Organization, an illicit entity that had risen to prominence in the last half-year, earned its notorious reputation by supplying high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals with suitable organs for transplants, employing exceedingly cruel methods without scruples—a truly egregious offender.
More importantly, up until now, the size of their organization and the identity of its founders remained shrouded in mystery, making their movements highly secretive.
It was beyond everyone's expectation that their D-level mission would intertwine with the elusive "Immortality Organization."
Bone Claw, with a grave tone, declared, "This is of great significance; we must not delay and report back immediately."
Given their capabilities, the most prudent course of action was to inform their superiors and let stronger members of the Hidden Stars handle the situation.
Discovering a lead on the Immortality Organization was already a significant achievement, and no one objected to the plan.
However, just as they were preparing to head back and report their findings, a sinister voice suddenly pierced their ears.
It chuckled coldly, "Go back? I'm afraid you'll never have the chance to do so in this lifetime."
Their expressions changed drastically as their gazes shot towards the source of the voice.
Unbeknownst to them, Sebastian, dressed in butler's attire, had already appeared behind them.
His face bore a cold smirk as he looked at the group of four, his eyes not hiding the murderous intent within.
The group retreated warily, quickly drawing their weapons.
At the same time, they noticed that a black barrier had enveloped the surrounding area, covering several hundred meters.
It was a barrier designed to isolate auras, indicating that their assailant had come well-prepared to act within the Imperial Capital.
Bone Claw, clutching his Skeletal Staff, glared at Sebastian with a grim expression, "You, there's definitely something off about you!"
Giant Elephant and Fire Badger watched Sebastian cautiously, their foreheads unwittingly covered in cold sweat.
Facing a diamond-tier adversary, they stood little chance, especially when Sebastian's true power remained unknown.
John pulled out his Eclipse Staff, addressing Sebastian, "You must know the consequences of laying a hand on us, right?"
This was the Imperial Capital, home to countless powerhouses.
Although the barrier could isolate their auras, if they were to die here, the Hidden Stars would undoubtedly investigate thoroughly.
By then, the Immortality Organization would have completely antagonized the Hidden Stars, with dire consequences awaiting them.
Sebastian's cold laughter echoed, "Had you discovered nothing, I wouldn't have thought to kill you. You brought this upon yourselves; don't blame me."
Though he spoke these words, Sebastian also felt a twinge of annoyance within.
If not for Nicholas, he wouldn't have risked taking action.
Noticing the change in Sebastian's expression, John suddenly chuckled, "I hear the Immortality Organization always moves in the shadows. Exposing your organization's information in the Imperial Capital this time won't bode well for you upon your return, will it?"
At John's words, Sebastian's face darkened instantly.
His negligence had disrupted their plans, ensuring a severe punishment awaited him upon his return.
John's words had struck a nerve.
Gazing at John, the murderous intent in Sebastian's eyes surged as he ominously said, "What happens to me later should be of no concern to someone about to die. Since you're so eager for death, I'll send you on your way first!"
As his words fell, a bloody glow emanated from Sebastian.
His skin began to writhe, and bulges rapidly formed all over his body.
With a loud "pop," Sebastian's clothes tore apart as his figure stretched over a meter taller, his chest adorned with grotesque, twisting faces that wailed in agony.
Several blood-stained, slippery tentacles extended from his back, resembling the limbs of an octopus.
They flailed wildly behind Sebastian as if alive, cutting through the air with whooshing sounds.
Witnessing this horrifying spectacle, the four were both appalled and shocked.
Bone Claw managed to utter, "What in the world... is this monstrosity?!"