Chapter 46: Snow Spirit [2]
I opened the system window again.
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[Mission Updated]
> Retrieve the Enhancement Orb from the Vault.
– Find a way to bypass the guard without causing alarm.
– Optional: Acquire Count Valstein’s override seal.
---
Heh. The system agreed with my instincts.
I adjusted the [Viel Mask] again. Gareth’s face stared back at me in a faint shimmer reflected by the glass frame beside the hallway—spoiled, entitled, and punchable.
"I’m gonna use your face to rob your house, Gareth. Try not to cry too much when you find out."
The study should be two floors up, west side of the estate. I recalled it clearly from the blueprints Hans gave me—large mahogany desk, enchanted lock drawer, probably runes on the inside.
Count Valstein wouldn’t be dumb enough to leave his authority tools lying out in the open.
Which meant... I had some picking to do.
I made my way up, silent as wind, slipping between corridors and dodging servants with practiced ease. The mansion was busy during daylight but now—quiet. Evening made shadows my ally.
Finally, I reached the heavy door to the Count’s study.
Locked. Enchanted. Warded.
A soft smile crept across my face.
"Let’s see what you’re hiding, old man."
I pulled out the [Echo Rod], lightly tapped the center of the magical seal, and watched as the arcane glow fizzled out like a dying candle.
Click.
The door creaked open just wide enough for me to slip inside.
Dark, save for the moonlight pooling through the tall windows. Dust motes floated in the air. The room smelled like ink, parchment, and old secrets.
I headed for the desk.
First drawer—ledgers. Second—stationery. Third—nothing.
Then I noticed the false bottom in the first drawer.
Classic.
I slid it aside and found a velvet box with a red wax seal sitting inside.
I cracked it open.
A golden medallion with the Valstein crest. The override seal.
Bingo.
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[Item Acquired: Count Valstein’s Override Seal]
---
With a smirk, I slipped it into my inner coat pocket and exited the room the same way I came—silent and clean.
Back down the hallway, back past the tapestry, and—
"There you are, Young Master," the guard said, clearly surprised to see me again.
Certainly. Here’s an improved and more natural version of the Chapter, keeping your tone and flow intact while polishing grammar, pacing, and clarity:
I pulled out the medallion from my inner pocket.
"Still need a reason, or are you ready to open the vault?"
The guard’s eyes widened the moment he saw it.
"M-My apologies, Young Master! I didn’t realize you had Father’s seal. Right away!"
He fumbled forward and began unlocking the reinforced door, punching in a short sequence on the enchanted dial. There was a quiet hum, then a series of clicks as the heavy metal door began to shift.
The vault creaked open without resistance.
"The Enhancement Orb is in room 99," the guard said quickly.
"What are you waiting for, then? Lead the way."
He stiffened. "I’m only assigned to guard this entrance. I can’t enter the vault itself. You know that, right? The guardian would attack me."
My brow twitched.
’Great. A second layer of security.’
"Tch. That’s your problem, isn’t it? I’m here. There won’t be any issues."
The guard looked apologetic, but firm. "I’m sorry. The master gave strict orders. The Snow Spirit inside only recognizes those with Valstein blood. Even with you present, there’s no guarantee it won’t turn on me."
I narrowed my eyes. That was new information.
"A bloodline-locked guardian... they really pulled out all the stops."
"Useless," I muttered, waving him off. "I’ll handle it myself. Just shut the door behind me."
"Yes, understood."
As the massive door sealed behind me, I let out a slow breath.
Dark. Cold. Quiet.
I pulled off the Viel Mask and tucked it away. No point keeping it on now. A spirit bound to bloodlines wouldn’t be fooled by illusion magic or disguise skills. The mask had done its job.
Now came the hard part.
I moved down the hallway, boots silent against the cold stone. The air grew noticeably chillier with each step—so cold my breath began to fog.
"So the rumors were true. They really did bind a Snow Spirit to the vault."
The door locks themselves weren’t an issue—I could handle enchanted mechanisms. But the guardian?
That was something else.
Magic beasts tied to family lines were dangerous. They didn’t think like humans. They didn’t bluff, hesitate, or second-guess. If it sensed I didn’t belong, it would kill me without warning.
"Damn it."
I glanced around. Vault rooms stretched out on either side, with golden plates numbered cleanly on the doors.
Room 93... 94...
"I came this far. I’m not leaving empty-handed."
I picked up my pace.
If I had more time, I could’ve taken everything—each relic, artifact, or sealed treasure tucked away in these rooms. But right now, I needed just one.
Just the orb.
Room 99 came into view. Frost lined the edges of its door. I could feel the pressure even from meters away.
The Snow Spirit was definitely close.
I stepped in front of the door, pulled out my lockpicks, and ran my fingers over the mechanism.
"Focus."
Click. Click. Twist.
The lock resisted—cleverly layered with multiple enchantments. But enchantments could be tricked. And I was a [AssassinationThief], after all.
Another twist. A pulse of mana. Then a click.
Got it.
I cracked the door open slowly.
Inside, the orb rested on a pedestal surrounded by floating runes. Light blue energy shimmered in the air like drifting snowflakes. Beautiful. Dangerous.
And that’s when I felt it.
A presence. Cold, sharp, and ancient—like a winter storm pressing down on me.
The Snow Spirit had noticed.
I didn’t move. Not yet.
Its form began to coalesce near the far corner of the room—white mist twisting into the shape of a woman with pale skin, icy blue eyes, and long, flowing hair like snow.
She looked right at me.
I didn’t breathe.
Then she narrowed her icy eyes.
"You’re not of the Valstein bloodline."
"Eliminating intruders."
Despite its kind appearance, it held an icicle spear that looked deadly. It pointed it at me and began to slowly advance.