Everything looked fine… on the surface.
At this moment, the Masquerade's music easily drowned the scheming of the assassins inching toward their target. But, little did they know, they weren't the only ones sneaking!
"Woo!" (Target in sight!)
"Woo! Woo!" (Agent Orange in position!)
The foxes glued their eyes on the Water Lord's Nephew, the assassination target. The latter could be said to be valiantly downing enough wine to scare a drunkard.
"Ah! This is a toast to all of you gorgeous ladies, and this is a toast to the Flame Mansion, and here is a toast to…." He'd clamor before every big gulp.
This toast thing looked so fun! The foxes could only watch… jealous AF! But before they could try, the assassins made a move! The latter held a tiny purple bead. Poison?
"Woo!" (Intercepting the enemy!)
pαпdα-ňᴏνêι·сóМ The assassin had barely taken a step when he… face-planted headfirst! A fox had just "happened" to step in his way, making the poor guy tumble toward the ground.
'Hehe, perfect timing!' Jack chuckled.
Thanks to this fall, many eyes suddenly turned toward the assassin, just in time to see the suspicious rolling out! His hand instantly shot to grasp it back, but then… Gulp!
"Woo!" (Food! How lucky!)
A fox had already "gobbled" it whole!
The bystanders were already laughing their asses off, except for the assassin. This was bad! He had to retrieve it before… — HIIIEEK! — With a pained cry, the fox toppled over.
At this moment, it looked like a beached fish in the sand. Tongue out, eyes rolling out, already frothing at the mouth, and legs twitching non-stop like an epileptic!
Gasps escaped the crowd.
"W-what?! What's wrong with this fox?!"
"It ate something that fell from… this guy!"
"Don't just stand there! Medic or a vet?! Flame Lord, where's the Flame Lord?!"
Instantly, the whole party was stopped. At the same time, suspicious gazes landed on the fallen assassin, who was already cursing inwardly. What was he supposed to do?! Screw that fox!
Jack watched the man break down with a sadistic smile. 'Your move, assassin. Let's see you get out of that one!' He mused. Except, he wasn't the only one having a blast.
"Ke-ke-ke!" A small chuckle escaped the "dead" fox.
An opening! That's when the assassin found a lifeline! For some reason, the fox hadn't actually swallowed the poisonous bead, and he could see it stuck in its teeth!
— STRIKE! GRASP! —
He managed to retrieve it!
But his misery wasn't over just yet. There were still plenty of mages curiously eying the thing. At this rate, they'd check it, realize what it was, and he'd be screwed!
How was he supposed to explain bringing poison to a Masquerade? Then his true affiliation would be revealed, and… should he run instead? No, it'd be even worse!
He couldn't even get rid of it: it'd be seen as disposing of evidence! He was freaking doomed! In fact, there was just one hand he could still play…
"Silly fox, stop overreacting. You barely took a few licks of Condensed Liquor!" The assassin genially conveyed, even patting the fluffy creature. "Look, it's good!"
Then… he popped it in his own mouth?!
Was he insane?! Jack and the assassins shivered all at once. Was he going to be alright? He looked fine on the surface, but was he really?! Perhaps he had the antidote and —
[Congratulations! Pushed a Man to the Brink of Despair!]
[Gained' Bane of the Underworld' Title XP!]
So much for the antidote!
So this guy was a goner, right? Had he just committed suicide just like that? How long before he dropped, and should Jack say something before it was too late?
One had to praise the man's professionalism. Even now, he was putting all suspicions to rest as he explained the "Condensed Liquor" he had eaten before.
"Yes, it's a delicacy... but it doesn't sit well with pets. Good thing I managed to retrieve it in time. The fox will be fine!" He assured.
Jack wasn't sure how to react…
Sigh, whatever, there were other assassins left. Besides, looking at their resolute faces, it didn't seem like the mission was off just yet. Jack bid his time, snacking.
As for the remaining baddies…
"Tch— That cocky bastard's out, all because of a mutt! Still, our cover's intact: we proceed with the mission."
"Proceed? The Dark Drake Poison's gone! Not only that, but they'll get wary if we touch food again. Better alter the plan slightly. We could…"
They'd scheme stealthily, none the wiser… except Jack, who had a front-row seat to all their communications! He'd nod in approval or shake his head as they brainstormed.
In the end, they settled for a simple yet intelligent plan.
Their target had been drinking non-stop as he flirted, and they'd turn this against him! After all, everything that entered would have to come out, especially if they helped.
"Brother, drink some more! Let's all be merry. Tonight we drink a lake of booze! The Flame Lord's paying anyway, hahaha!"
"Drink? I like this! Let's drink!"
Assassin and target kept going. Had this been Earth, they would have long been in an ethylic coma, but the livers of Eternia's residents were as magical as them.
But then, limits were reached!
"Excuse me, everyone. I'll be right back. Gotta drain the dragon!" The youngster excused himself with a laugh, unknowingly heading straight for a death trap!
Many assassins grinned in the shadows. Yes, something would be drained... but it would be blood! They already couldn't wait for people to find the mangled body!
— Tap! Tap! Tap! —
With every step, the youngster approached his doom.
It didn't take him long to reach the toilet, the doors creaking as if to announce his upcoming end. Yet, he was blissfully ignorant, even cheerfully grinning in the mirror.
"I knew today would be a good day! There are so many hotties out there: which one should I bring back home tonight?" Being the Water Lord's Nephew sure had its perks.
He happily whistled, ready to relieve his full bladder. But just as a mighty stream was about to begin, BAM! They appeared out of nowhere!
For once in his lifetime, the youngster felt dread…
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