I Can Copy Curses

Chapter 306: 306. An Interesting Case of Mark Prince

"Esteemed guests of Masturi City, I am the head of the Hunter Association here. You may or may not know me, but since you are here, I assume you're familiar with me. I am Billy Bowen."

A middle-aged man introduced himself on stage. He had a tiger tattoo on his neck and long black hair down to his shoulders. His face bore many cuts and scratches, giving him a menacing appearance.

"Today is a special occasion for our city. You've all heard of Dollas Academy, so you understand the impact it has on various cities across our planet Nios. I won't waste your time further and will introduce the twelve chosen seats from our city."

He paused for a moment and called out their names.

"Let's give them a round of applause.

The chosen seats are Erza Scarlett and Ray Wiser from the Starfire Guild, Victor Wiseman and Mark Prince from the Lords Guild, Henry Starling and Tracy Lin from the Black Reaper Guild, Leonard Isaac and Drake Falsi from the Druid Guild, Louis Fonse and Cicile Lester from the Catalose Guild, and two members from the Hunter Association—George Talley and Nolan Snow."

As their names were called, they slowly appeared on stage. The crowd applauded and cheered for their favorites and the guilds they supported.

Billy, noticing the enthusiastic response, continued, "This party—or small banquet, if you will—is my heartfelt congratulations to them. I hope they achieve greatness and make Masturi City proud."

He turned his attention to the chosen seats. "Go and enjoy the party. Today is your day."

With that, the president of the Hunter Association concluded his speech.

The atmosphere in the hall grew warm and lively as members of various guilds settled at their tables, indulging in the opulent feast laid before them. Plates overflowing with lavish dishes—succulent roasted meats, vibrant exotic fruits, and delicacies infused with rare spices—were presented by the waitstaff, who moved gracefully through the crowd.

The rich aroma of the meal permeated the air, adding to the sense of splendor that filled the grand room.

In attendance were not only the guild members but also prominent citizens and influential figures, all of whom had been extended invitations to the prestigious event. These individuals mingled effortlessly with one another, their conversations peppered with laughter and casual remarks, blending seamlessly with the gentle clink of silverware and glasses.

What had begun as a small, intimate event organized by the Hunter Association had quickly blossomed into a gathering of the elite. Amidst the fine dining and entertainment, the hall buzzed with an air of sophistication and indulgence, as everyone reveled in the evening's luxuries.

***

At a table filled with delicious food and beverages, six members of the Starfire Guild were seated.

"Erza, check the message I sent you earlier this evening. It has some important information you asked for," Orion said, gulping down food.

Erza looked at Orion suspiciously. She didn't recall assigning him any tasks about collecting information, but she nodded lightly, deciding to check what 'important information' he had for her.

"By the way, I suggest you check it before leaving the villa. It's really important," Orion reminded her, taking a bottle of cold drink and chugging it down.

Erza narrowed her eyes at him, puzzled. She couldn't understand what could be so urgent that she needed to check it right away.

"Ray, you've been eating a lot. Will you calm down a bit? You might choke at this rate," Roman said after watching Orion devour dish after dish. Read exclusive content at mvl

"Don't worry. It's normal for me," Orion replied, still chewing. "I need the strength. Eating gives me a lot of it. And do you know the most important reason I eat so much?"

"What?" Shuna asked, her curiosity evident.

Orion looked at her seriously, then at Roman, and said in a solemn tone, "It's because I like tasty and delicious food. It always satisfies me."

"Cough, cough!" Roman choked at Orion's answer.

"Hey, hey, drink some water, buddy." Orion handed him a glass from the table.

As they ate, drank, and laughed, they enjoyed each other's company. Meanwhile, at another table filled with equally delicious food, the members of the Lords Guild were seated.

"Mark, did you know Ray? You were acting strange when you saw him and shook his hand," Victor asked as he ate.

Mark looked aside with a complex expression. "I thought I knew him when I first saw him, but I guess I don't. He resembles someone I met in the past, but their personalities and... the condition I found them in were very different."

Victor nodded thoughtfully as he continued eating. "I also noticed Ray's expression when he shook your hand. It was strange. He looked at you with shock, and I saw you had the same expression. Care to explain what happened?"

Mark sensed the suspicion in Victor's voice and replied, "It was nothing. You know me—when I meet another newbie, I get excited. So, when I shook his hand, I used my talent, but I couldn't suppress him no matter how hard I tried. It ended in a draw. That's why I was shocked. I always thought I was the strongest genius in Masturi City, but it seems there's another candidate."

"Are you serious?" Victor's expression turned solemn. "Your strength is practically at the platinum rank, and you're still at gold rank. There's never been a situation like this in Masturi City. And now you're saying he's as strong as you?"

Mark shook his head. "I'm not saying that for sure. I'm just saying he could be as strong. We won't know unless we fight. But from that handshake, I can tell he's very strong."

Victor sighed. "Another obstacle in the later selections, then." He knew how powerful Mark was, and if Ray was anywhere close to that level, his strength shouldn't be underestimated.

"You'll just have to give it your best," Mark said with a smile, though he was thinking something entirely different.

'Why is he always so suspicious of me? Haven't I proved myself a trustworthy member of the guild for over a year now?'

Mark's mind raced with thoughts.

'I got away from his suspicion by spouting some nonsense, but do I have to keep doing this? It's so frustrating. And then there's Ray Wiser...'

His face grew grim as he thought about him.

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