Dragged Into Another World Because of My Otaku Friend-Chapter 72: Big News

After several more minutes of climbing the gentle hill, the royal convoy arrived at the entrance of the Royalties’ District. The road here was paved with soft yellow cobblestones, and the buildings on either side were architectural masterpieces, crafted by the kingdom’s most celebrated builders, adorned with intricate carvings and golden trims.

As the black carriage approached the large ornate gate, a unit of knights stood at attention. One of them stepped forward, wearing a silver mail engraved with delicate floral designs on the chest, shoulders, and helm, a symbol of his position as Commander of the Royal District Guard.

He bowed low as the carriage came to a stop. "Welcome back, Prince Reymond and Princess Reika. Well done on your duties."

The door was opened respectfully, and the passengers stepped out. Prince Reymond offered his hand to help his sister descend from the carriage.

"Please escort Princess Reika to her court," Reymond instructed.

Two guards and Githa saluted and formed a protective formation around the princess.

"See you at dinner, Brother Reymond," Reika said with a warm smile and wave as she turned to follow her escort.

Reymond made his way toward the king’s throne room to report the success of his mission. Sir Dave and Commander Larson, the head of city security, walked alongside him through the regal halls.

"Anything happen during my absence, Larson?" Reymond asked. As the highest authority over the city’s security in his father’s stead, any unusual activity would have been reported directly to him.

"Nothing major occurred," Larson replied calmly. "But... there is something I believe you should be aware of."

"Oh?" Reymond glanced at him. "Go on."

"It isn’t directly related to city security," Larson clarified. "But there are whispers. The Dawnbloom Guild has discovered a new S-rank adventurer... and not just any S-rank. He holds a Prime Hybrid class."

Reymond’s eyes widened, and his steps slowed for a moment. Then, a smile began to curl at the corner of his lips. "Now that’s very interesting..."

He turned his gaze forward, focused. "Find out the name of that man. I want everything about him."

Then he turned to his knight. "Sir Dave, look into the individuals involved in the Lily Town incident as well. I suspect they may be connected."

Both men gave a short nod of acknowledgment.

Moments later, they reached the grand entrance to the throne room. The royal guards standing at attention pulled open the tall golden doors. Prince Reymond stepped in confidently, with Sir Dave and Commander Larson following closely behind.

---

Boom!

The lower half of the mannequin exploded on impact, shattering into fragments. Gears, bolts, and synthetic sinew dropped from its severed waist, clattering onto the floor beneath the metal stand that once held it upright.

Ten meters away, the shooter pulled down his blindfold and locked eyes on his target.

"Nice shot, Guildmaster Gabriel!" the crowd roared with cheers and applause.

"Hmm... not bad," Gabriel muttered coolly, brushing a strand of silver hair from his face.

They were inside the shooting field at the heart of the Red Eyes Guild headquarters. Gabriel stepped down from the training platform and settled into a tall chair positioned beside a circular table. He picked up a glass of chilled fruit liquor and took a slow sip.

"You prepared a fine mannequin, Bao," Gabriel said with a nod of approval. "It felt almost... too real. Ideal for my reflex training."

Bao stood quietly in the corner, clad in a flowing red garment reminiscent of traditional African ceremonial wear. His posture was rigid, his expression unreadable.

The man refilling Gabriel’s drink leaned in slightly and whispered, "There’s a rumor going around... that Bao uses real people to make his mannequins. That it’s part of his skill."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow and turned his attention to Bao, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze. "Is that true, Bao?"

That would explain the uncanny sensation he felt, like he had just blown apart a living being.

Bao said nothing. He simply smiled, a wide, unsettling grin revealing rows of crooked, rotting teeth. Then he lifted both hands and made a slow, deliberate gesture across his neck, followed by a subtle nod.

No words were spoken. But somehow, the message was crystal clear.

The small crowd nearly gagged at the sight of Bao’s rotting teeth, some covering their mouths in disgust. But Gabriel remained unfazed, casually sipping his drink.

’A twisted skill indeed... turning living humans into mannequins. I should find out who that last one was. I don’t need future problems. But for the tournament... this is a very useful talent.’ Gabriel mused to himself.

"Guildmaster Gabriel! Big news! Big news!" a high-pitched voice rang out.

A small figure darted through the crowd, shoving aside those in his way.

"Hey! Watch it, you little rat—!" one man snarled, pulling back his fist.

"Hold it," Gabriel said, raising his hand. "Let him through."

The small man came to a halt in front of Gabriel. He was a Footling, a diminutive humanoid species known for their speed, agility, and skill in reconnaissance. A leather satchel hung across his shoulder, bouncing with every breath.

Gabriel looked at him expectantly.

The Footling caught his breath. "The Dawnbloom Guild... in Rose City... they just discovered a new S-rank adventurer! And not just any, he’s a Prime Hybrid. The greatest hybrid class!"

Gabriel’s eyes widened slightly. Around him, murmurs surged through the crowd like a swarm of bees.

"I see..." Gabriel whispered. "Looks like they’ve found their ace."

He drained the last of his drink, set the glass down, and stepped back onto the shooting platform. He raised his right hand. A strange shimmer pulsed from his ring, and a revolver materialized in a flash of magic, its design wicked and menacing, with five barrels arrayed in a star-like pattern.

Without aiming, Gabriel fired.

The recoil was massive, but his arm didn’t flinch. The shot struck the already-damaged mannequin with such force that the remaining half exploded into flying shrapnel and sawdust.

Gabriel smirked.

"But I’ve already assembled my own team of aces... isn’t that right?"

He turned his gaze to the nearby group of figures, men and women cloaked in shadow, their eyes glowing faintly, twisted grins spreading across their faces.

The bloodlust radiating from them was tangible.

"I can’t wait for the tournament," Gabriel said with a savage grin.

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