The Author's POV

343 Beginning of the assault [17]

In a remote location of Henolur, four individuals walked through a long, narrow dark tunnel.

It had been about a day since they decided to accomplish their mission, and for that long period of time, they had been stuck going through the unending dark corridors.

For how long they walked, it seemed as though the number of tunnels was endless. Just when the group thought they were close, they would suddenly find themselves in front of a dead end.

It was then that the group of four realized they had taken things too lightly. Even though 876 had entered the city and managed to get away from their sight, there was no way he would just stay in the city without finding a proper hiding spot.

Di. Dang—

A dull metallic ring rang out.

"The signal disappeared again."

One of the four individuals spoke up, his voice echoing through the tunnels.

"Odd…"

Another one muttered. Holding onto a small, dimly lit lamp, the features of the individuals became slightly discernible. Long, silver coloured hair, a feminine-looking face, and a fairly skinny body. If not for the adam's apple protruding from his throat, someone could've easily mistaken the man for a woman.

Squinting, the silver-haired male scanned the surroundings.

"The same thing happened a day ago. He suddenly disappeared for a couple of hours."

Lowering his head and staring at the detector in his hand, the silver-haired male tapped the back of the device.

"…Or could it be that this thing is broken?"

Ever since arriving at Henolur, the group had kept constant watch over the tracking device. Oddly enough, at times, the tracker's signal would suddenly disappear, leaving them wondering whether something had gone wrong with the device.

"The more plausible conclusion is that 876 entered some sort of restricted area that blocks all forms of signals."

Another one of the members said.

"That's true…" The silver-haired male replied.

Moving the small lamp towards his right, the features of the individual who had just spoken were highlighted due to the light.

He had a tall and muscular stature, his biceps the size of a football. With short hair fashioned into a buzz cut, a large scar traced half of his face. Added with his sharp gaze, he looked extremely intimidating.

With his brows knit, the muscular man thought out loud.

"If he's in an area where the signal is constantly disrupted or shut off, we can assume that the place is extremely well-protected."

He turned to face the silver haired individual.

"…I suggest we wait for the signal to come back before deciding to ambush him."

"I agree, but we should first get an idea of where he is. Let's assess the situation after we know of the exact location he is hiding in. If we can handle it, we proceed as planned."

"Yes."

The muscular man nodded.

Di. Ding—

But it was then that the tracker rang again.

"The signal is back!"

The silver haired male shouted. Lowering his face to get a closer look at the device, his eyes jumped up in delight.

"We're close! We're almost at the location where that little rat is hiding."

Clenching onto the sides of the device, the silver haired individual smirked before picking up his pace.

"Quickly, follow me. We should soon be able to see that little bastard that has caused us so many problems."

pace and headed deeper

***

not far from the members of

meters away from them was Douglas, whose face

not so far from where he was, waving his hand, a transparent shield enveloped the area Douglas was

members of Monolith, Douglas

Tick—

air suddenly twisted wildly. If anyone was present to witness the scene, they'd see several small tornadoes

more tornadoes formed, all

Ci- Clank—

to form. Because of the barrier, Douglas had formed, the residual mana that lingered in the air from the portal's activation did not leak outside. Therefore, the members of Monolith were

Vooom—!

before a large portal appeared in front

wrist, Douglas looked at the

32M

he took out a communication

***

"You're done setting up?"

voice echoed across the expansive

heard, we shouldn't be too far from the Inferno headquarters. Just in case, I double-checked

echoed outside of the

get everyone ready

—Good luck.

"You too."

Tick- Tock—

turned to face the hall. The moment he did, he was met with thousands of stares directed solely at him, each belonging to either the dwarven elders or powerful individuals who

who was standing opposite them with a calm smile on

it's

raised his

like a

moment his words faded, everyone

wow, they are a lot more obedient than I

as he looked at

end the war. Most of you here are probably confused by my words. After all, how can a human they have never

did try to

put the device

of you already know, this over here is a teleportation

the air slowly started to converge towards the box. Multiple different colored tornados swirled

started materializing in the middle of

of the individuals in the hall, Waylan

you want to know, all you have to do

Waylan saw worried looks flash by the faces

smile, he decided to assuage their

location to trap you, fret not. If you check the contract that I signed, one of the terms

his chest, his

There is no need to worry about me doing anything

that the portal was

at the watch on his wrist and taking a step to the side, Waylan pointed at

I've said enough. Who

55M :

***

should have

Angelica stuck in-between my teeth, as much

are ye

of course, the moment I took a step out of the room,

break, are ye, Master

"You can say so."

response and continued to head towards the artifact testing

dismissive attitude, the guard walked up

may ask, where

from the corner of my eyes, I

to have a break. Your constant

"I apologize."