As twilight cloaked the imperial city of Pritampur in crimson and gold, a black-winged falcon soared through the sky, a scroll fastened to its leg.
It descended with deadly grace, landing silently on Priyanshu's arm as he stood atop a moonlit terrace of the Shadow Pavilion—his true base, unknown to even the emperor's spies.
He untied the scroll and unrolled it with mild interest.
The parchment bled crimson ink as it revealed a single line:
"The Blood Banquet begins in seven nights. Bring your strongest mask. Weakness will be devoured."—Signed, The Crimson Table
A rare glint of surprise shimmered in Priyanshu's eyes. "Ah, the Blood Banquet… it still exists."
[System Alert: Hidden Event Detected]Event: The Blood BanquetParticipants: Hidden powerhouses, heretic sects, royal shadows, demonic cultivators.Reward: ???Risk: Catastrophic.
He sat down in his meditation chamber, surrounded by floating arrays and ancient scrolls. A moment later, two women entered—the ever-cold assassin Varsha and the playful enchantress Raina, both members of his growing harem.
Raina twirled in, her dress shimmering like illusionary mist. "Blood Banquet? Sounds romantic."
Priyanshu raised an eyebrow. "Only if your idea of romance includes betrayal, curses, and mass sacrifice."
Raina giggled, unfazed. "I like spicy dates."
Varsha frowned. "That event is known even in the northern death sects. No one leaves the Banquet without spilling blood—or having theirs spilled."
"Exactly why I must attend." Priyanshu's voice turned cold. "It's the perfect hunting ground. Every major hidden power will be there... and I need information."
[System Bonus Activated: Secret Title – Shadow Heir of Crimson Table. You may enter with protection from ancient rites. Bonus: 20% resistance to Blood Laws inside the banquet.]
He smirked. "Old investments continue to pay off."
Raina leaned in close. "Do we get to come too?"
"No," he said firmly. "Only I can go. You two will stay behind and oversee Operation Eclipse."
Both women nodded, though Raina pouted dramatically.
As he prepared for the journey, he opened his personal vault. Inside lay an obsidian mask—smooth, cold, and bearing a single crimson rune that pulsed like a heartbeat.
He held it in his hand and whispered, "Time to become the monster that monsters fear."
[System Message: Title Activated – Crimson Phantom. You may choose between two mission paths at the Banquet.]
1. Uncover the identity of the 'Feast Host' and eliminate them.
2. Become the Host and take control of the Blood Banquet.
He chuckled.
"Why choose one… when I can do both?"