Chapter 35: Black-robed Man

At first, Leimeng, using Robin's illegitimate birth and lack of Knight Apprentice status as an excuse, drove him out of the house; although it sparked some criticism at the time, no one truly stood up for Robin.

But now, everything is different.

Robin not only became a Knight Apprentice, but was also personally granted the Family Knight Badge by the Lord of Buluote Territory.

His status and strength are soaring, while Leimeng remains stagnant.

This huge disparity makes Leimeng feel immensely anxious.

"No, I cannot sit and wait for death…" Leimeng gripped his long sword tightly, a flash of ferocity crossing his eyes.

He must find a way to stop Robin, or at least buy himself more time.

At that moment, his gaze was drawn to an injured camel deer.

The camel deer's leg bore a deep wound, its blood staining its fur crimson.

Leimeng felt a surge of joy and immediately gave chase.

The deer's fur and antlers are valuable materials; if he could hunt it, perhaps he could secure some resources.

However, he failed to notice that he had unwittingly ventured deep into the heart of the Black Forest.

The surrounding trees grew denser, and the light grew dim.

The air was filled with a strange aura, as if something was watching him from the shadows.

"Hmm, a Knight Apprentice, and only one, somewhat disappointing." A sinister voice suddenly came from behind Leimeng.

Leimeng spun around abruptly, his long sword flashing from its sheath, eyes alert toward the source.

A figure clad in a black robe emerged slowly from behind a black pine, a strange smile on his face.

His features were hidden in the shadow of his hood, only a pair of eyes shimmering with a ghostly light visible.

"Who are you?" Leimeng demanded sharply, a hint of tension in his voice.

The Black-robed Man let out a light laugh, his voice hoarse and low: "Who I am is irrelevant; what matters is… your current situation."

Leimeng's heartbeat suddenly quickened; he felt an invisible pressure envelop him, as if even breathing became difficult. He gripped his long sword tighter, trying to suppress his fear with sheer presence: "What do you want?"

The Black-robed Man slowly raised his hand, a sphere of black energy materializing in his palm, as if capable of devouring all light: "Your heart is filled with fear and resentment, exactly the nourishment I cherish. Though you are merely a Knight Apprentice, it's better than nothing."

Leimeng's pupils suddenly contracted; he realized he was in grave danger. He swung his long sword fiercely, attempting a preemptive strike, but the Black-robed Man merely waved his hand lightly, and the black energy transformed into a chain that instantly bound Leimeng's wrist.

"Ah!" Leimeng let out a painful scream as his long sword fell to the ground. He felt his life force being wildly siphoned by the black chain, his body growing weak.

"Rest assured, I won't kill you." the Black-robed Man whispered, a hint of mockery in his tone, "You're still useful. I need a puppet, and you… fit perfectly."

Leimeng's consciousness gradually blurred, his eyes filled with despair and resentment.

He tried to struggle, to call for help, but his body was completely unresponsive.

Finally, his eyes lost their luster, and he stood there like a puppet.

The Black-robed Man nodded satisfied, murmuring, "With this puppet, I can more easily lure out more Knight Apprentices, even Knights."

He waved his hand; Leimeng's body stiffly turned, following behind him, slowly fading into the depths of the Black Forest.

Meanwhile, Robin stood on the camp training ground, a sudden inexplicable unease rising within him.

He looked up toward the Black Forest, his brows slightly furrowed.

"What's wrong, Robin?" Lily's voice came from beside him, a hint of concern in her tone.

Robin shook his head, whispering, "I don't know why, but something feels off."

Lily patted his shoulder, smiling, "Don't overthink it; maybe you're just exhausted lately. Take a break."

Robin nodded, yet the unease in his heart did not fade.

Inside a cavern deep within the Black Forest, dim light filtered through stone cracks, illuminating the cavern's eerie scene.

The Black-robed Man slowly lowered his hood, revealing a face scorched by flames.

His skin twisted and deformed, scars interlaced, giving him a grotesque, terrifying look. Yet his eyes shone unusually bright, flickering with cold, mad light.

"A brother‑versus‑brother drama? How amusing, I love it." the Black-robed Man muttered, his voice tinged with a sick delight.

His fingers brushed lightly over Leimeng's body, the tips shimmering with a dim glow.

Leimeng's body was secured to a stone platform, studded with various test tubes and unknown wiring, as if a dismantled machine.

The Black-robed Man extracted a vast amount of information from Leimeng's memories, the majority concerning Robin.

He saw Leimeng's jealousy, fear, and the deep‑seated resentment toward Robin. These emotions flashed through his mind like a series of pictures.

"Robin… a Knight Apprentice of the Bloet Family, exceptionally gifted, highly favored by the lord." the Black-robed Man whispered, a cold smile curling his lips, "A perfect pawn."

He slowly walked to a corner of the cavern and took a crystal stone that glimmered with a faint light from the stone wall.

The crystal stone seemed to seal some power, emitting a breath‑taking aura.

The Black-robed Man placed the crystal stone on Leimeng's chest, murmuring a cryptic incantation.

"With darkness as a guide, resentment as a medium, awaken the deepest desire within you…"

As the incantation was spoken, the energy within the crystal stone gradually flowed into Leimeng's body.

His skin began to show odd black patterns, his eyes snapped open, pupils flashing with scarlet light.

"Awaken, my puppet." the Black-robed Man whispered, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Leimeng's body slowly sat up, movements stiff and mechanical.

His gaze was hollow, yet his eyes brimmed with cold murderous intent. The Black-robed Man nodded satisfied, whispering, "Go, find your brother Robin, and let him feel your 'love'."

Leimeng nodded stiffly, then rose and walked toward the cavern's exit.

His steps, though mechanical, were swift; in an instant he vanished into the shadows of the Black Forest.

The Black-robed Man watched Leimeng's departing silhouette, a low laugh escaping him: "A brother‑versus‑brother drama never gets old. Robin, let me see how you'll respond to this 'family bond'."

Then, as if recalling something, the Black-robed Man grew frantic, beginning to smash and leap wildly inside the cavern; after a long while he calmed down and silently returned to conduct experiments.

"Bloet, wait for me; I'll be back soon for revenge."

(End of Chapter)