The conversation in the dark abruptly came to a halt. The four members of the Coalition for Disease Control, along with the associated nobles, widened their eyes and trembled in fear as an uninvited guest intruded upon their discussion. They were acutely aware that if news of their conversation were to leak out, it would place them in a perilous situation.

"Who... Who is there?!" Count Baltis exclaimed in shock. In unison, the four nobles swiftly unsheathed the ornamental swords hanging at their waists.

Shh...

However, for them, who had lived sheltered lives free of combat, distinguishing a figure hidden in the dark was no easy task. Moreover...

"Uh, uh!"

The surroundings began to darken, as if the lights had gone out completely.

"It's an assassin! It's definitely an assassin!" Viscount Rutismar shouted out loud. It was only then did Viscount Rutismar realize what this instinctive sense of danger meant.

Cre-e-eak...

At the same time, a chilling metallic ringing sound echoed from the silent void of darkness.

"Ah, ahhh!!!"

In the pitch-black surroundings, where they could not see an inch ahead, the panicked...