Slowly, my consciousness returned.
Of course, I didn't open my eyes instantly. Instead, I pretended to still be asleep as I analyzed my situation—quietly casting a Water-element healing spell to mend the painful bump on the back of my head.
From the light shaking, I could tell that we were on the move. With the surrounding heat and cramped space, I must be inside a small compartment—maybe at the back of a carriage or something similar.
My mouth was tied with a gag, preventing me from crying for help.
My hands… were tied behind my back. The knot was tight enough that I could feel the tips of my fingers growing cold.
My feet were tied the same way, making them feel numb. The rough rope irritated my ankles, making them feel extremely itchy.
With this, I figured out three things.
First, my kidnappers had some "backers" who lent them the carriage I was currently on. Their backer was quite powerful, proven by their bold act of kidnapping me in another noble's territory, in broad daylight.
Second, they didn't mind if I lost a hand or two, as long as I stayed alive.
Most likely, the reason for kidnapping me was to force Father to "give up" on something… and the first thing that came to mind was the mountain we had just claimed, suspected to have mithril in it.
And that brought me to the last "fact."
The opponent was another noble, one who knew about the mountain, was aware of its prospects, and was powerful enough to mobilize bandits to kidnap me.
It wasn't the church, for sure.
If it were them, they would've warned the bandits about my abilities.
Thus, that only left one possible choice.
'This is Count Vedel's machinations…'
Count Vedel.
The owner of the land adjacent to our territory, away from the monster forest. He was a man who would do anything for profit. And since he held a higher rank than Father, who was only a Viscount, he dared to pull this stunt.
Of course, I had no proof on hand. Thus, I couldn't pin this incident on the Count just yet.
'I can only remain kidnapped until I gain solid evidence, huh…' I sighed.
Thus, after loosening the ropes on my hands and feet, I simply let the carriage rock me left and right.
---
One hour later.
Inside a hidden warehouse, probably outside Father's Viscounty.
I was placed in an empty room, lying on the cold, rough ground.
Even after spending fifteen minutes detecting any presences, I was unable to find any. Did they leave me unguarded? No, I doubted that… I surmised it was that man—the one I couldn't detect—standing guard somewhere nearby.
Anyway, it was about time I "woke up."
Slowly, I opened my eyes.
The first thing I noticed was the darkness.
It was already nighttime. Judging by when our clothes shopping ended, at least eight hours had passed. Looks like I was unconscious for quite a while.
Too bad for my birthday party…
Well, with me kidnapped, I was sure Father and everyone else weren't in any state to celebrate anyway.
"You're awake."
"…!"
At the sound of the voice, I quickly turned toward its source.
A man stood by the entrance, leaning against the doorframe. I couldn't see his face, as the only source of light was the moon outside, casting faint illumination through the open air vents.
However, I could tell his name now, at least.
"Pradik Voltaire, huh…" I called out. "Or should I call you Shadowless instead?"
With Akashic Records, no information about him could escape me—and from there, I quickly found confirmation of my suspicions.
'As expected, it was Count Vedel's doing…'
"…Nobody should know that name, brat…" His voice turned cold with killing intent. "You… how did you know my name?"
As I checked his details, his stats didn't escape my eyes either. I was shocked to see that they were on par with my overpowered father… aside from his low mana and intelligence, at least.
"Who knows?" I shrugged, giving him a cheeky grin. "Didn't Count Vedel tell you anything?"
"As expected, that dog bastard…!"
Shadowless cursed quietly before trying to regain his composure.
"Anyway, right now, with that magic-sealing necklace, you can't use your magic." He grinned victoriously. "So I suggest you stay put and wait until your father comes to get you… of course, after paying the ransom."
His tone was confident, as if he believed there was no pitfall at all…
However, I had already healed myself earlier. What the fuck was he talking about?
Looking down, I noticed a necklace I hadn't seen before. Through Appraisal, I realized it prevented mana from being emitted outside my body. It worked the same way as my cursed talent…
'In short, my abilities aren't sealed at all,' I realized. 'Meaning, as soon as he gets within range, I can use Dominator's Hand on him!'
That ability—despite being my only long-range "offensive" skill—had a limited range. Five meters at most.
And the enemy was a tricky one, and quite powerful. Unless I caught him on the first try, I doubted I could win at all.
Shadowless stood at the far end of the warehouse, meaning the distance between us was at least twenty meters. There was no way my hand could reach him right now.
'In short, I need to lure him closer without letting him realize my plan…'
Once he stepped in range, that would be game set.
To do that, I needed a "bait."
And my skill, Akashic Records, was perfect for finding one.
Scanning through his details, reading every bit I could, I quickly found something useful. And since he wasn't wary of me at all, now was the best time to use it.
"Shadowless…" I called, my voice low and steady. "What if I told you that I know where Count Vedel is holding your sister, Krita?"
At my words, his body shook for a brief moment.
That alone was enough to confirm it.
'He took the bait.'