Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 192 - The Lightning Rod Gambit

192 The Lightning Rod Gambit

"Ahem! Then, let us commence the Hundred-Day Hunt!"

Baron Elvin cleared his throat and awkwardly raised his voice.

He had somehow—after just one nighttime conversation—been forced into the role of referee.

Elvin proceeded to explain the rules:

Participants had fifteen days to survive in the mountains using only what they could hunt.

Whoever returned with the most valuable prize would be declared the victor.

However—

If anyone died during the hunt, the culprit’s faction would be automatically disqualified, regardless of their trophy’s worth.

"Finally, we will conduct a final check of all belongings. No food of any kind is permitted—"

"Feel free to inspect."

"Not even a scrap of jerky on me."

William and Godfrey, the eldest son of Count Calix, spoke at almost the same time.

As the final inspections continued, Elvin noticed something strange.

’What’s this? A tattoo?’

Every participant from Calix’s side bore a lightly glowing tattoo of a lightning bolt across their palms.

The ink had an unusual sheen, indicating some kind of special substance was used.

’That’s strange… There’s no tradition of tattoos in the Calix family.’

A faint sense of unease settled in Elvin’s gut.

Yet—There was nothing visibly illegal.

Nothing he could challenge without consequences.

’Best to pretend I didn’t see anything.’

If a mere baron accused the Count of Calix of wrongdoing, he would only bring trouble upon himself.

With the inspections complete, Elvin raised his hand.

"Then, let the hunt begin. I shall see you all again in fifteen days."

At his signal, William and Godfrey turned in opposite directions, vanishing into the snowy wilderness.

A natural decision to avoid competing for the same hunting grounds.

Yet, the moment they were out of sight—

Godfrey’s eyes sharpened.

"Are we being watched?"

"No," a man beside him reported. "No one in sight."

"Good." Godfrey’s lips curled into a smirk.

"We follow him. And, Magician—your role is the most important of all."

At this, Colin gave a slow nod.

"No need to worry. The preparations are already in place. I only need you to keep him in one place for a little while."

"Right, you mentioned it takes some time?"

"Correct. Once the location is set, it cannot be changed. If the target leaves the area before the spell is complete—"

"The lightning will strike an empty mountain."

Godfrey narrowed his eyes.

"I don’t mind delaying him… But are you sure we won’t get caught in the blast?"

He had never seen Colin’s magic firsthand.

But he had heard the rumors.

A spell capable of summoning a true lightning strike.

Powerful enough to burn an entire hill to ashes.

If the range was that large…

Anyone standing too close would be incinerated.

"No need to worry," Colin assured him.

He raised his palm, showing off the same lightning bolt tattoo.

"I already placed the mark on you. Have you forgotten?"

Godfrey frowned.

"You’re saying this tiny tattoo is enough to keep us safe?"

"Not quite," Colin corrected, smiling smugly.

"The spell works by dispersing the lightning around the marked individual. Instead of targeting you, it spreads out to the surroundings. You could say… it repels lightning itself."

"That sounds—almost too convenient," Godfrey muttered.

"It is one of the finest techniques of the Celestial School. We call it—"

"The Lightning Rod."

Godfrey snorted.

"A rod that deflects lightning? Fitting name. But calling it a rod when it’s just a tattoo seems a bit ridiculous."

"Originally, it was an actual rod," Colin explained.

"But as magic advanced, we developed ways to etch the same spell directly onto the body."

That seemed to convince Godfrey.

If this was a technique passed down through generations, it was likely perfected long ago.

Hearing that, the other hunters began to relax as well.

"So as long as we have this ’Lightning Rod’ tattoo, we’re safe?"

"Exactly," Colin confirmed.

"As long as you stay at least ten paces away from the lightning’s target, you won’t be harmed at all."

Godfrey grinned.

"Then listen up! Everyone, make sure your tattoos stay intact! That’s our lifeline!"

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"Yes, sir!"

With their confidence restored, the Calix hunters took off into the snow—

Silently trailing William’s path.

None of them noticed the way Colin’s shoulders shook slightly, as he struggled to contain his laughter.

"They’re desperate."

Raymond chuckled, watching the Calix hunters scramble forward with bloodshot eyes.

Their movements lacked caution, driven purely by exhaustion and frustration.

"They’ve been chasing us for days without rest. They’re at their limit."

William smirked as he wiped his hands clean.

"That’s exactly why I let them catch up."

It had taken five days of leading them in circles, making them burn through their stamina.

Now—

They were tired, cold, and in a rush to finish this.

The perfect moment to spring the trap.

"Felicia."

"Yes, my lord."

The knight wordlessly stood, gripping the hilt of her sword.

Even without instructions, she already knew what William wanted.

"When they enter the pass, cut off their escape."

Felicia nodded, stepping into the shadows of the ravine.

The canyon William had chosen was narrow, with steep cliffs on either side.

Once their enemies pushed in deep enough—

Felicia would block the entrance, trapping them inside.

"Hugo."

"Already on it."

The scout grinned, slipping into the rocks above.

His role was simple—

Rain hell from above the moment they were trapped.

The Calix hunters were unknowingly marching into a killing field.

William turned back toward Raymond.

"Once they’re inside, we take out their commander first. Without leadership, the rest will break easily."

"Understood."

Raymond checked his hidden blades, adjusting their positioning.

William dusted off his coat and stepped forward, placing himself right in the open.

The enemy would see him first—

And that was exactly the plan.

He waited

The sound of boots crunching snow grew louder.

Then

"THERE! IT’S HIM!"

A furious roar echoed across the ravine.

The first red-faced figures appeared from between the trees, then another..

And another.

Godfrey himself was leading the charge, blade drawn, his teeth bared in a snarl.

"W I L L I A M!"

William smirked.

"Took you long enough."

The instant Godfrey and his men surged forward—

A wall of steel flashed behind them.