Relying on his game memory, Hale arrived at the Understreet of District Six.

He recalled that during Christine’s route—while on this spy investigation mission—he’d needed to visit the Oblivion Tavern.

So he came straight here.

How absurd.

In Christine’s route, Phoenix Fledgling would ambush Christine here. Losing that fight wouldn’t trigger a BE, but confinement for over two months. The text would read: [After lengthy negotiations, you regain your freedom].

Yet those early-game months were precious. Missing them meant missing the optimal leveling window.

Players then faced two choices: suffer a BE in the next emergency quest, or urgently invite Hale to recharge and level up.

Winning, however, offered a chance to capture Phoenix Fledgling. Then: hand her to the Inquisition Bureau for major rewards and delay the Church’s dangerous quest… but Ye Wangxue, Seventh Princess of Xia Kingdom, would never join—likely already dead.

Or release her, lie to the Inquisition Bureau. No rewards, but Ye Wangxue would join with max affection… though the Church quest would trigger early.

Truly a double-edged sword.

Hale’s goal? Replace Christine in this route. Ensure Ye Wangxue wasn’t captured.

If this world followed *her* path and she fell… he’d be next.

But at the tavern entrance, he spotted Letitia and Moyel—characters who shouldn’t be here.

He remembered: in Christine’s route, Phoenix Fledgling targeted her to extract Papal Dominion intelligence.

Letitia fit that profile too.

Since the scene triggered upon entry, he’d warned them not to go in.

Too late.

Elite Xia Kingdom swordsmen hidden inside had already moved.

*“Game data: five elites. Three level-50s downstairs, two level-60s upstairs. Phoenix Fledgling herself—level 67. Moyel’s only 65. She can’t hold them.”*

Hale charged. If Letitia or Ye Wangxue fell, he’d follow.

Earlier, at the Black Knights Order gate, Moyel’s attack had triggered his reflex—sword drawn instantly.

His strength matched hers.

In-game, his stats were well-rounded: a versatile warrior fit for main DPS or main tank.

Moyel was solid DPS. Letitia’s level was low, but her divine arts included healing.

Three against six? Not unwinnable.

Christine had soloed this dungeon.

(Though combat unfolded in three phases…)

“Hale? What are you doing here?”

Blades flashed.

The three downstairs swordsmen fell back after a swift clash with Hale and Moyel.

Moyel realized the tavern was empty—a pre-set trap.

But her sharper concern: why was House Faxius’s “useless heir” here?

“You answer first!” she snapped. “Those attackers used Eastern swordsmanship—Xia Kingdom agents. Are *you* their spy?”

Suspicion hardened her voice.

His speed at the gate. His name on the urgent document. His sudden appearance.

None matched the Hall Fasius everyone knew.

“If I were a Xia spy, your head would be gone. No time to chat. Take that narrow path—the Inquisition Bureau’s coming. Those Easterners won’t dare strike under their watch.”

“?”

Moyel eyed the dark alley. She’d planned to retreat the way they came.

“You’re not tricking us… What if it’s an ambush?”

She couldn’t trust him. Given his eerie reputation, he might even do something terrible to them after capture.

“Trust Hale.”

Letitia’s voice was soft.

Why?

Simply because she did.

“But Young Mistress… If Xia agents take you, the butler can ransom you. But *him*? Your chastity… He’d be rough… Maybe worse…”

Moyel would rather Letitia fall to Xia hands than his.

“Ah…”

Letitia let out a soft gasp. Her rose-colored eyes flickered.

Then she clasped Moyel’s hand. “Trust him. We take that path.”

Hale stayed silent. *Moyel’s painting me as a demon lord. Sure, in some routes I am—but not yet.*

Since Letitia trusted him, he’d honor it.

“Hurry. Enemies remain upstairs. If they move, we’re done.”

He gripped his sword—Azure Knightblade.

A green-tier rare weapon in-game. High durability. Solid for early-game progression… but this was Christine’s route. Ye Wangxue’s blade was stronger. Would this hold?

“I don’t know how you know this place,” Moyel said quietly, “but don’t betray the young mistress’s trust.”

Sword in one hand, she took Letitia’s and followed the path Hale indicated.

Above, through the second-floor skylight…

Ye Wangxue watched from behind her veil, dark eyes sharp.

“Hmph. Trying to escape?”

She commanded: “You three—pursue Letitia and her servant. *I* will handle this man.”

Infuriating. How did he appear? Her trap was a pocket formation.

She’d placed her two strongest swordsmen along their expected retreat route.

Waiting to close the net.

Yet they dared take the dark path?

Ruined her plan.

No matter.

*She* would act.