Ralph Butler.

That was the choice fate had Kevin make, and Kevin decided to pass on everything he was about to face to Ralph.

Talent, luck, activation.

It had to be said, he truly succeeded.

Lyle’s target had shifted from Kevin to his own uncle. Being well-acquainted with his uncle, Lyle was much more adept at deceiving Ralph. The unease in Lyle’s heart diminished greatly, for he actually feared Kevin’s lucky talent and doubted his own luck if he attempted the experiment by force. Compared with Ralph, an ordinary person, the task seemed much simpler.

There were pros and cons.

As a first-class constable of Cassandra, Ralph’s mindset was undoubtedly much more mature than that of the noble young master, Kevin. This meant Ralph was not easily deceived, let alone being cajoled into consuming Dark Matter.

Moreover, facing Ralph’s icy demeanor, which was the greatest fear in Lyle’s memory of Cassandra, even Lyle, his nephew, felt unnerved.

If Ralph discovered that Lyle intended to poison him, Lyle would certainly meet a terrible end. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Lyle gritted his teeth, no risk, no reward.

This experiment was crucial to the survival of the undead warlock Andrey. Having an appetite was just the beginning; he would add amusement to this world with his talent, with his abilities.

As if sensing Lyle’s will, Nia’s extended tentacles became steady and nimble, like a seasoned hunter beginning the hunt, fixating on Ralph who disappeared into the shadows.

Being a Night Watchman was evidently a tough job, as the sole wanderers of the night, they had to endure the cold and drowsiness.

But Ralph was clearly an exception.

In the dead of night, he exhibited great vitality, with eyes reflecting the sporadic streetlight as they glanced through the darkness, the sound of his solid boots on the cobblestones, and the eerie figure that vanished into the darkness in an instant.

Observing his uncle through Nia’s perspective, Lyle gradually discovered Ralph’s peculiarities. He had a habit of hiding in the darkness, as if tracking or surveilling someone. Occasionally, he would stop and look back and around at the secluded corners nearby. At those moments, Nia would tense up and silence the minute sounds of her movement.

As if he were the one being watched.

The tense tailing venture finally ended with the rise of the sun, as the daylight began to emerge, Ralph adjusted the brim of his hat and headed back towards his residence. Today’s old hunter seemingly had no catch.

Lyle breathed a sigh of relief. The long duration of focused attention would have been too much to bear if not for the several energy potions he’d taken along the way. Fortunately, he had persevered.

In the realm of dreams.

Ralph straightened out his uniform, and though it was the same one he always wore, this time, he spent an additional two seconds adjusting his collar before closing the door behind him.

The Brighton Restaurant was a high-class restaurant with a reputation in Cassandra, supposedly owned by a retired butler of a knight. This restaurant primarily served upscale noble fare, though in Ralph’s view, it was merely leveraging the old knight’s name to collect a "stupidity tax" from those who fancied themselves noble but were not. Still, one must conform to society, and places supported by the masses undoubtedly had their value.

And the person inviting him was no fool, but an even slicker and cunning individual.

Ralph passed by the bowing manservant, through the fancy doors, where Gareth’s somewhat corpulent figure and the oily toupee hiding his baldness were clearly visible amidst the quiet crowd.

Mr. Gareth revealed a broad smile and tapped his fingers on the table surface.

As Ralph sat opposite him, he watched his superior theatrically ordering the server around, like a true noble.

In the face of Ralph’s silent gaze, Mr. Gareth sprawled out in his chair.

"I know you dislike these things, but I must do something, even if it’s a mere pretense, to express my gratitude. You’ve done well these past years, Ralph."

As he lightly clinked glasses with Mr. Gareth, Ralph’s face remained calm, Gareth well accustomed to his indifference. "I thought this was your promotion dinner, Mr. Gareth, soon to be mayor."

"Ha, I wouldn’t invite such a grim person to my official celebration; that’d kill the mood. Today is just a meal between friends," Gareth said as he swallowed a gulp of wine and cut a piece of steak with knife and fork.

```

"I know you’d never follow me to the neighboring province. Ralph, this is your chance, the position of Superintendent Cassandra is still vacant. I know you have what it takes."

"Yes, I do have what it takes. If the Public Security Bureau only needs me, I’d be glad to take the job." Having the social abyss Ralph as a boss was every police officer’s worst nightmare.

Gareth scratched his head, clearly also troubled by the matter.

After thinking for a moment, he decided not to worry about it.

"I’m just saying, I’ve given you the recommendation letter outright, and it’s up to you in the end. After I leave, I guess I won’t have to see your stinky face again, so let’s consider this meal our farewell dinner. Let’s eat, Mr. Butler."

Ralph had already guessed his intention and couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional, especially with the soft music playing in the restaurant, which made him somewhat sentimental.

Well, after this meal, this supervisor would be gone.

Ralph picked up his knife and fork and started to cut the steak in front of him.

The clatter of cutlery on plates, the murmur of conversations, and the sound of chewing around him all disappeared. In the silence, Ralph was the only one moving.

Slowly, lifting a sizzling, oily piece of meat, Ralph brought it close to his mouth.

Gareth stared intently at his action, involuntarily swallowing his saliva.

Damn it, just a few centimeters away!

This was a dream, a dream manipulated by Lyle. It was a trap set by Lyle.

Gareth’s promotion dinner, the invitation Ralph received, and their skillful conversation were all part of Lyle’s elaborate deception.

The goal, of course, was to make Ralph eat the meat in his hand, which was Dark Matter disguised by Lyle, to complete the experiment.

By impersonating Gareth, Lyle could shake off any suspicion. Even if Ralph became furious after eating the meal, he wouldn’t blame it on himself but would think it was a strange nightmare. With the help of the Immersive Stone’s control over the hazy dreamscape, he had finally reached this perfect moment. The casual chat and the typical banter between Mr. Gareth and Uncle Ralph, the tone and demeanor, he had mimicked to ninety-nine percent.

Lyle’s eyes widened as he watched the piece of meat slowly approach Ralph’s lips.

Under Lyle’s gaze, time seemed to slow down, and the meat’s movement also gradually decelerated.

In the end, it actually came to a standstill.

Lyle’s heart sunk to the bottom of a valley in an instant.

He nervously urged Ralph on.

"What’s the matter, don’t like the dish? Shall I have a servant bring you another plate?" It’s useless, changing it would still be the disguised Dark Matter.

Ralph lifted his head, looking straight at Lyle, his eyelids slightly narrowed, like a sly old wolf.

"Nothing much, just feeling regretful that I can’t enjoy such delicious food with my family."

Lyle was taken aback, completely not understanding why Ralph would say such a thing.

"What do you mean?"

Ralph smiled.

"What I mean is..."

"Why aren’t you eating anymore, Lyle?"

```