I Transmigrated Into a Game World as a Former Top Player

Chapter 7: Betrayal

In the era of arcane supremacy across Eudroya, nobility was largely reserved for wizards and their bloodlines. Xander’s grandfather had been a high-ranking member of the Southern Arcane Alliance, one of the pioneering mages who helped found Tanchapel when it was little more than frontier wilderness.

Leading expeditions to clear monster-infested lands, he earned territorial rights under the Alliance’s charter. White River Valley — now known as Redoak Vale, became his domain, a newly claimed barony granted greater autonomy than the core southern city-states. In exchange for regular taxes and military support during crises, the family enjoyed relative independence.

Xander’s grandfather had two sons: the elder Jean, Xander’s father, who inherited the full title and administration of Redoak Vale, and the younger Miller. Upon the grandfather’s death, Miller received a substantial sum instead of land. After some private negotiations with Jean for additional coin, he departed the valley to seek his fortune elsewhere.

According to the merged memories, Miller had been gone for years before returning south last year as a prosperous merchant. He purchased a fine residence in Tanchapel and rekindled ties with his brother. Jean welcomed him warmly, sparing no expense on family gatherings. The original youth remembered Uncle Miller as somewhat stingy yet genuinely affectionate toward his elder brother.

To Xander, however, those recollections revealed darker patterns. Jean had been in the prime of life at forty, a robust second-rank Fighter who once single-handedly slew a mutated stone-tusk boar threatening the vale. His sudden, mysterious decline began mere months after Miller’s return.

No ordinary illness should have felled such a powerful warrior so quickly. Jean passed away half a year ago, leaving the fourteen-year-old Xander to inherit the title and battered lands.

The timing was too convenient. Miller’s arrival, the rapid deterioration, the tearful performance at the funeral with veiled comments — everything pointed to foul play. Miller had long resented being passed over for inheritance. Wealthy now and connected to Tanchapel’s underworld, he likely saw the gnoll invasion as the perfect opportunity to eliminate the remaining heirs.

With Xander and his younger brother Wayne removed, Redoak Vale would fall into his grasp. Bribing the Bleakhollow Gang and stalling aid at city hall would seal the deal.

Xander’s mind raced through the implications. Suspicion was one thing; proof was another. But the captured sentry might provide answers.

"Whether Miller orchestrated this or not, we need confirmation," Xander said quietly. "Those two remaining Bleakhollow watchers could tell us more."

"What do you have in mind?" Elyra asked.

"Follow me. Stay silent. We’ll keep one alive."

---

In the alley facing the Oxhollow Inn’s front entrance, a bored sentry toyed with a small dagger, his elaborate hourglass nearly empty. Time for the next signal soon.

’That half-elf is probably asleep by now,’ he thought. ’Boss says the employer wants her taken alive. Something about personal interest. We move on her tomorrow.’

His gaze drifted to the rooftop across the way where his partner kept watch. Then a furtive shadow caught his eye — someone creeping toward the rooftop sentry.

"Who—!"

The sentry’s high Perception pierced the Stealth. ’Another gang’s operative?’

He opened his mouth to shout a warning, but a chill ran down his spine. Something moved behind him.

He spun — only to see Elyra charging with sword drawn, eyes locked on his position. At the same moment, a dexterous figure dropped from the rooftop, landing lightly to block escape.

The sentry’s mouth went dry as he glimpsed his partner’s body sprawled silently on the roof. Dead in seconds. This wasn’t street thuggery; this was professional assassination.

When he saw the young noble’s face, shock widened his eyes. "You! How are you still alive...?"

Elyra pressed her blade against his back. "Two choices: cooperate or die."

The sentry dropped his dagger and raised his hands. Resistance against a level 4+ half-elf fighter and this lethal youth was suicide.

"Tie him up," Xander ordered softly. "There’s an abandoned warehouse nearby."

---

North of Tanchapel, in a derelict warehouse lit by a single lantern.

"I swear! I’ve told you everything!" the sentry, Dink, wailed, bound tightly to a chair. "I was only watching the inn, not part of the riverside attack!"

Xander’s voice was ice. "Why did the Bleakhollow Gang target me?"

"I really don’t know..." Dink whimpered.

Xander grabbed the man’s right wrist and drew a precise line with his curved dagger. Blood welled steadily.

"This doesn’t hurt much, does it?" Xander said with a chilling smile. "But I’ve opened your vein. You’ll bleed out slowly unless you talk."

He made a second shallow cut. Dink screamed in terror. "Stop! You monster!"

"Tell me what I want, and you walk free," Xander replied coldly. "Otherwise, we leave and let you die here." freeweɓnøvel.com

Elyra watched with visible unease. She understood harsh interrogation was necessary, but this ruthless efficiency from the once-kind young master unsettled her deeply. ’It’s my failure. I couldn’t protect him, so he had to become this.’

Under the pressure, Dink broke quickly. Street thugs lacked the will of fanatics Xander had encountered in his past life.

The sentry spilled everything he knew. He wasn’t privy to the full plot — only the Bleakhollow boss, Diapheis, had met the employer. A wealthy merchant in Tanchapel had offered massive payment and future investment if the gang eliminated the Redoak Vale heir and secured the half-elf. Diapheis, a second-rank Fighter hungry for greater power, had accepted eagerly.

The gang’s main base was the Pyroxene Bar in the slums — an underground casino and organ trade hub. Diapheis fortified it heavily, especially the back rooms and basement. Sneaking inside would be difficult even for a skilled Thief, let alone a fresh Ranger.

Dink begged desperately. "That’s all! Please, let me go!"

Xander stepped forward and slashed the ropes binding him. Dink blinked in disbelief, stumbling up with relief.

Elyra opened her mouth to protest, but Xander’s hand flashed. He clamped over Dink’s mouth and drew the curved dagger across his throat in one fluid motion. Blood sprayed. The man struggled briefly before going still.

"I said you were free," Xander murmured, wiping his blade. "I never said you’d live."

Elyra trembled slightly. "Young Master Xander... this isn’t you. What happened during that fever?"

Xander met her eyes with sincerity. "People have many sides, Elyra. In this cruel world, I must become what is needed. I won’t let anyone take Redoak Vale. I won’t let anyone harm you."

He took her cold hands gently. "You are one of the most precious people in my life. Anyone who schemes against you will pay dearly."

Elyra’s cheeks flushed. Despite the terrifying change in him, his words brought unexpected warmth and security. She pulled her hands back shyly. "What now, Young Master?"

"We head to the cemetery," Xander replied.

The answer caught her off guard. "The cemetery?"