Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1525 - 525: Shadow Shifting

Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...

Cleya, haunted by Rein's recent misfortune, remained at the Rein Mansion to support his family amid mounting pressures, including warnings against her father, Count Habs. Last night, she discovered Rein's loyal horse, Xiao Hei, slain in the stables by a mysterious woman in leather armor who repelled her attack, vanished inexplicably, and vowed to return. Though Luther and Halowin agreed to guard the mansion, they doubted their ability to capture the elusive assailant with her unique vanishing talent. Rein's sudden return brought joy and relief to Cleya, Bo He, and his parents, prompting him to contact Menia for intervention against the Second Prince Everton's involvement. Everton, furious at Menia's demand, instructed Buchanan to deliver the culprit Quinna—enhanced by a potent potion—to the mansion under the guise of apology.

Rein Mansion’s front yard.

Right as Rein finished waving goodbye to the group and prepared to journey to the Sword Holder Headquarters for the airship, out of nowhere, an elegant carriage halted right outside the mansion's gate.

Buchanan, the loyal butler serving Second Prince Everton, descended from the vehicle alongside the imposing, chained Quinna.

"It’s her, Rein."

Cleya spotted Quinna right away, having slain the speedy Antelope Little Black and clashed with her just the previous evening; there was no mistaking it.

"Hmm." Rein gave a nod.

Seeing this unfold, Rein felt a touch of astonishment, since he hadn't anticipated Menia’s swift action— the Second Prince’s butler showing up in person after merely half an hour, delivering the shadow dragon bloodline carrier Quinna.

Even with the restraints on her, Quinna’s expression stayed bold and unyielding.

Only when her gaze fell on Rein did it soften a bit; toward everyone else, she appeared aloof. Passing by Cleya, she let out a faint hum, as if expressing irritation or issuing a challenge.

At that instant, Buchanan scanned the area, offered a warm smile, advanced a step, and declared, "Lord Rein, long time no see."

"Lord Luther and Lord Halowin, good morning to both of you, and to the ladies, good morning."

"Lord Rein, the Second Prince has personally tasked me with extending his regrets to you. We truly had no knowledge of Quinna’s earlier scheme that she staged herself, and we offer our deepest apologies for the disturbance inflicted on you and your household."

"Here’s a property on the outskirts of the Imperial City—kindly take it. Regarding Quinna, she’s yours to handle as you see fit." Buchanan maintained his composed demeanor while handing over the title document.

Rein spared the deed no look at all; instead, he fixed his eyes on Buchanan and stated, "Please pass this message to Everton: for the sake of Prince Menia’s regard, we’ll call this incident resolved."

"Hand over the captive, then you’re free to depart."

Upon hearing Rein refer to his master so bluntly by name and brush off the offered amends entirely, Buchanan’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Serving as the Second Prince’s butler and holding the rank of Imperial Earl, he had never faced such outright dismissal before.

Moreover, in his mind, the earlier expression of regret had already shown Rein more than enough courtesy.

Yet Buchanan, weighing his options carefully, recalled that his visit aimed not to escalate tensions but to deliver his lord’s atonement, so he drew in a steadying breath and replied:

"Very well, Lord Rein, I shall communicate your message to His Highness."

Saying this, he pivoted, shot a quick look at Quinna, and hurried away.

Once Buchanan had gone, Quinna stood alone in the front yard. Just as the others assumed Rein might secure the female assassin right then, he remarked offhandedly:

"You’ve taken the Bloodline Burst Potion, haven’t you?"

"No need to lie about it. I’ve dealt with this potion several times already. The traces it leaves on you are faint, but they won’t slip past my senses."

Rein had first sensed the potion’s effects back during his clash with Reagan and his companions inside the Dragon Valley Secret Realm.

"You..."

With her key secret laid bare by Rein in one sharp remark, Quinna stared at him, her eyes swirling with confusion and hesitation, uncertain how to respond.

Flee right away?

Or feign ignorance and keep up the act?

But Rein offered no extra moment for her deliberations.

He pressed on:

"Seeing as your regret isn’t genuine, I won’t press the issue. Though you ended my mount Little Black, I’ll extend one final opportunity to you."

"If you dodge a single strike from me, you’re free to leave."

"Snap!"

In an instant, with a gleam of shadowy silver, Rein shattered Quinna’s bindings effortlessly.

"One move?"

Quinna instinctively massaged her liberated wrists and curved her lips into a smirk, responding:

"Lord Rein, those are your words. I’m aware of your Epic-level prowess, but overconfidence can be dangerous."

"No more words—let’s get on with it! I’m pressed for time."

Rein gestured dismissively with his hand.

"You..."

Quinna’s gaze sharpened, fury boiling inside her. Confined at the Sword Holder Headquarters, she had pondered deeply on her detection by Rein.

From her perspective, she had misjudged the youthful Lord Rein, and her own power had fallen short.

Things stood differently now, though.

Days earlier, after consuming the Dragon Vein Evolution Potion, her abilities had ascended to Epic-level.

And moments ago, she had downed the Bloodline Burst Potion too.

In essence, her power had surged even higher, placing her squarely among Epic-level experts. Her innate bloodline skill ’Shadow Shifting’ had evolved to greater heights.

"If I choose to escape, Rein won’t catch me no matter what!"

This round, she brimmed with total assurance that Rein, despite being a Fourth Level Dawn Wizard, couldn’t track her movements.

"Whoosh!"

Quinna blinked out of sight in a flash.

This display stunned the onlookers completely. Luther and Halowin traded looks, each catching the shock mirrored in the other’s face.

For at that very instant, neither could sense the method of Quinna’s vanishing, much less pinpoint her new location.

Cleya swiftly positioned herself before Bo He in a guarding stance, as if to protect her, while maybe also sparing Bo He from viewing any impending gore.

Yet the very next moment, Quinna’s form slowly reemerged exactly where she had been, like someone conjured from thin air.