Chapter Eighteen: Truth and Deception

Dumps considered himself honest in confessing that he had been bought off, though he had never truly pledged allegiance to Fletcher. This explanation could clarify many issues and earn Virak’s greater trust.

Fletcher believed that since Virak had wagered his life, demanding that Nord and Dumps be brought along, it clearly indicated how crucial these two were to Virak. As long as he controlled them, he was almost certain to uncover Virak’s true intentions.

Yet, even after realizing Virak was no ordinary man, the two still gravely underestimated him. In fact, from the moment Virak saw Dumps trailing Fletcher into the study, he sensed something was wrong; no trace of joy stirred within him.

Nord, though young and impetuous, was no fool. If he could have fooled Fletcher outwardly, he certainly would have done so.

Fletcher was also no fool; he wouldn’t simply believe a pledge of loyalty and then deliberately create opportunities for private communication between the two men, waiting for secrets to be betrayed.

Half a year? In Virak’s view, time would not drag on but more likely accelerate. One question remained puzzling: why did Fletcher have Dumps tell him he would be eliminated in six months? Was he not afraid that Virak might overturn the table and spark a deadly confrontation?

Virak still did not know what had gone wrong to make Fletcher think he was no ordinary man, to the point of sending Dumps to monitor him so recklessly. What was certain, however, was that he had drawn Fletcher’s attention. Under the increasingly sensitive dual surveillance of Fletcher and Dumps, the opportunities he could exploit to advance his plan were already scarce.

“Ha…” Virak sat up, feeling weak and somewhat desolate.

Dumps’ betrayal plunged him into an icy abyss. In less than a week, a comrade who had shared hardship in the slums now donned a mask of hypocrisy, clutching a dagger behind his back, ready at any moment to stab him and present his corpse to Fletcher in exchange for wealth and honor.

It seemed that once one entered this city, everything would be tainted and transformed.

Virak harbored regret and worries about the tasks ahead. In hindsight, choosing this path might not have been the right decision, yet there was no turning back. Dumps’ betrayal and Nord’s death could not be reversed. He could only fortify his heart—stronger, colder, more resolute—and press on.

He approached the window. Outside, dark clouds gathered thickly, while a few loathsome crows circled low in the sky. Layzein’s weather mirrored his mood—gloomy, oppressive, simmering with rage.

Virak realized that in such a place, light and shadow still existed, though their forms were vastly different from those in his former life. Here, smiles could mask anger, and silence could speak volumes.

“Rumble.”

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Thunder crashed and lightning flashed as the wind howled fiercely.

The blinding light cast Virak’s face in an icy pallor, and the wind whipped his clothes into a wild flutter.

He stood motionless, enduring the storm’s assault. Only the cold wind and rain could quell the fury burning within him and soothe his restless heart. More importantly, this humble self-punishment was his penance for Nord’s death, the sole sincere expression he could offer while imprisoned in this place.

News of Nord’s demise reached Virak in such a manner, shattering his hopeful dreams and striking him like a thunderclap just as he had successfully infiltrated the study, feeling somewhat triumphant.

Even the closest friend could betray him—then who in this city could be trusted?

In this land where trust was precious beyond measure, Virak had lost his spiritual anchor. In the fierce battle of survival over the coming two months, he would have to fight alone.

His hair plastered to his forehead, rain trailing down his cheeks, Virak stood silent for a long moment before shutting the window, removing his soaked clothes, and changing into something dry.

In the bright bathroom, he leaned on the sink and adjusted his expression before the mirror, striving to conceal his sorrow. No matter how treacherous the path ahead, the only choice was to summon his strength and carry on.

Originally, he had only needed to disguise himself before Fletcher. Now, he had to play two roles: one before Fletcher, and another before Dumps.

The former was a known falsehood among Virak, Dumps, and Fletcher; the latter, believed genuine by Dumps and Fletcher, was in fact another layer of deception.

This was not merely a matter of adopting one more persona. When performing before Dumps, Virak had to be even more precise. He needed to reveal just enough secrets to convince them they had uncovered the truth, encouraging them to underestimate him still further. Simultaneously, he had to leverage the apparent truth to carve out new opportunities.

Besides that, in the increasingly perilous and complex environment, he had to uncover why Fletcher suspected him. Regardless of whether Virak himself felt he had made mistakes, Fletcher’s suspicion was undeniable. If he failed to identify his errors swiftly, greater trouble would surely follow.

“Knock knock knock.” A voice called outside. It was Fletcher. “Master Chris, dinner is ready.”

“All right.” Virak replied loudly, then quickly left his room, following Fletcher downstairs.

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“Has Dumps been arranged?” Virak asked.

With servants around, Fletcher showed great respect. “Your bodyguard has settled in. From now on, he will accompany you wherever you go.”

“That’s good. Having him around makes me feel much safer.” Virak smiled with satisfaction.

After dining with members of the Thomas family, Fletcher locked Virak back in Chris’s bedroom. After a while, he brought Dumps over as well. “From now on, I will personally instruct both of you, so you can quickly learn to live naturally here under your assigned identities.”

“Understood.” Virak nodded, his demeanor noticeably more positive.

Fletcher noticed this and began a simple joint training session. Virak maintained his identity as Chris, while Dumps played the bodyguard. They practiced various scenarios and the proper responses.

Dumps performed quite well in this regard. Memorization and etiquette were not his strengths—he lagged far behind the naturally immersed Nord. But in matters of social graces and adaptability, he was distinctly more adept, working with Virak in close harmony. After just two rehearsals, their performance was flawless.

Fletcher was thoroughly pleased and granted permission for them to go out and explore Layzein’s splendor in a few days.

Obviously, this was Fletcher’s way of testing Virak. Fletcher himself would not accompany them; only Dumps would be present. Whatever Virak did on these outings would be faithfully reported back to Fletcher by Dumps.

However, Virak had no intention of letting things be so straightforward. He planned to turn this test into his own opportunity.