In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities

Chapter 66 The Moon Shadows

Their sentence was hanging.

Carl selected sturdy branches, tied nooses, and hung each assassin one by one. Hanging was not only simpler than beheading but also served as a public warning when signs were placed beneath the bodies.

After a time, all the lifeless bodies dangled from the branches, swaying gently. Among them was the corpse of the group's apparent leader, which was brought to Michael. Carl, Miaomiao, and Michael had already decided that Michael would absorb abilities from only the most worthy targets, and this assassin fit the bill.

Placing his hand on the limp body, Michael uttered the familiar incantation:

"Absorptionem eligo!"

As always, the process revealed the absorbed ability immediately.

"Shadow Concealment!" Michael exclaimed.

Jackpot. He had expected something mundane, like tracking or memorization skills, but this was an extraordinary find.

The memory of the shadow that had tried to infiltrate the carriage earlier surfaced in his mind. Combined with his grandfather's vast knowledge, Michael quickly connected the dots.

When Michael glanced at Carl, his grandfather nodded knowingly. "Hmm. Moon Shadows. We've crossed paths with troublesome foes."

Carl's expression darkened slightly. "I had a friend once who was trained by the Moon Shadows. From a young age, they're subjected to harsh training to become one with shadows. Their techniques differ from ordinary stealth; they become shadows, making them incredibly difficult to counter. Absorbing that ability was a stroke of luck. Try using it."

Taking Carl's suggestion, Michael surveyed his surroundings, seeking the darkest shadow nearby. Stepping into the dense shadows cast by the forest, Michael felt his body slowly merge with the darkness until he vanished entirely, as though absorbed by the void.

His vision dimmed slightly, as if walking through the shadow itself. Quietly, he began to move, gliding through the darkness undetected.

Despite his invisibility, Carl and Miaomiao tracked his movements with uncanny precision, their eyes following him as he moved. Michael navigated the shadows toward his father, Dominic.

Dominic seemed to sense something momentarily, tilting his head slightly, but he quickly returned to his task. Michael passed by his father's shadow and approached Sir Ronald and Baron Kensington.

Neither man noticed his presence. Even the griffon accompanying Baron Kensington raised its head sharply, sensing something, but it failed to locate Michael. The creature's uncertain growls only added to its unease.

Michael marveled at the power's potential. A skill that allowed him to evade detection and approach his target undetected—it was perfect for reconnaissance and subterfuge. Against knights ranked below Grade Five or ordinary beasts, it would be unstoppable. Although he wouldn't be able to bypass protective wards, the possibilities for this ability were endless.

Returning to Carl and Miaomiao, Michael's gaze shifted toward the remaining hanging corpses, his eyes glinting with greed.

Carl intervened with a firm voice. "Enough. Upon examining the bodies, I can tell only two of them were Moon Shadows—the one you absorbed and the one Miaomiao killed. They're not common, so don't waste time on the rest."

Accepting this, Michael nodded. "Grandfather, please tell me everything you know about the Moon Shadows."

Carl shared his knowledge, recounting the Moon Shadows' methods and history. With this information, Michael began to formulate a plan.

Later, he approached his father.

"Father," Michael began, "the assassins sent by the bishop's mistress weren't from an ordinary guild. They were Moon Shadows. According to what I've learned, the Moon Shadows start by sending mixed teams of novices and veterans. If the mission fails, they send their best operative for the final attempt. If even the best fails, there's no further need for concern.

"Instead of waiting for the next attack, I suggest we set a trap. I've already devised a plan."

As Michael explained his strategy, Dominic's expression grew brighter.

"Yes, that's the way forward," Dominic agreed.

With renewed determination, the party set out once more. They needed to reach the Lancaster estate, where Julian's father resided, by nightfall to put the plan into action.

Sir Lancaster warmly welcomed the unexpected guests who arrived just before dinner. His estate, though not particularly large, was meticulously maintained, and the guards stationed at the entrance were well-trained and disciplined.

The manor itself, situated at the heart of the estate, was a sturdy stone building of considerable size, containing multiple rooms and halls. Since the Lancasters had already sworn fealty to House Crassus, the visit was met with great hospitality—further enhanced by the fact that Julian, Lancaster's son, served as Michael's squire.

In the spacious hall of the manor, a pile of packed luggage indicated that the Lancaster family was also preparing to move to the new frontier lands. Julian's mother, Ginevra, despite being occupied with organizing furniture and antiques for the journey, ensured that the guests were treated with the utmost care and courtesy.

A large wooden table, adorned with holly and mistletoe, was placed in the center of the hall, creating a cozy atmosphere. As the guests took their designated seats, they were served an extravagant feast. Course after course of rare delicacies—meat, fish, bread, and fruit—were laid before them. Fine mead, wine, and dark beer flowed freely, adding to the meal's splendor.

Once the feast concluded, Baron Crassus sent the retainers to their assigned rooms and convened the core members of the group in the drawing room. Gathered there were Dominic, Carl, Hope, Michael, Leonardo, Sir Ronald, and Baron Kensington. The warm fire crackling in the hearth warded off the evening chill.

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Sir Lancaster broke the silence first.

"I heard there was trouble on your journey. You must have had a hard time. Is there anything I can do to assist you?"

Dominic, sipping spiced mead to stave off his fatigue, responded with a weary but genial smile.

"There is, in fact, something we need to ask of you. First, however…"

At Dominic's prompting, Sir Lancaster clapped his hands, dismissing the servants. Once the drawing room doors were closed, Dominic lowered his voice and began explaining Michael's plan.

The conversation unfolded against the soft, rhythmic crackling of the firewood. As the logs burned and the flames danced, the night deepened.

"Here's what I need you to create. Think you can manage it?"