The city was cloaked in darkness, the sun yet to rise and cast its light on the looming confrontation. Preparations were complete, and a handful of Nightshades had gathered. It was far fewer than Carrisa would have preferred, but it was better than none.
Alicarde was still absent, and she had resigned herself to proceeding without him. The final act of this dangerous play would comnce regardless of his presence.
Carrisa stood motionless, gazing at the towering structure before her.
It was ironic, she mused. The building stood in the heart of the central district—a governnt facility belonging to the Bureau of Intelligence. This very place had marked Alicarde's infamous debut as the Reaper. Yet, hidden within its walls all this ti had been his most formidable enemy: Zagarath.
Her violet eyes narrowed as she considered the implications. This was where the tracker had led them. The kidnapped alchemist, the one so crucial to Zagarath's sches, had been brought here.
'The humans of this city must have provided him shelter in this building,' she thought bitterly.
Her gaze hardened.
'Which begs the question: is he actually collaborating with the World Governnt, or rely with a few corrupt politicians?'
It was a critical distinction, one that could have far-reaching consequences.
After all, Zagarath wasn't hiding in so abandoned warehouse or obscure hideout. He was entrenched in a high-level governnt facility, on its top floor no less.
But whether he was aligned with a shadowy faction or the governnt itself didn't matter now.
The ti had co to act. The Nexus Fragnts were about to manifest, and Zagarath remained the last significant obstacle in her path. He had to be eliminated, no matter what.
A small sigh escaped her lips as she crossed her arms. She had hoped Alicarde would return in ti to face Zagarath himself. It would have been the perfect opportunity for him to conquer the psychological knot that had plagued him ever since his first defeat at the hands of the Strigoi.
But she could wait no longer.
"Forgive my dear… it seems I may have to avenge you myself."
---
The evacuation was nearing completion. Civilians in the imdiate area were being discreetly moved by the Nightshades. It was an imperfect solution, and Carrisa was fully aware of its limitations.
In truth, the entire city should have been evacuated. But logistically, that was impossible. All they could do was minimize the collateral damage, though even this ca with its own risks. Their movents were bound to alert the enemy.
Carrisa let out a low, ironic chuckle as she watched the shadows scurry to and fro.
"Since when did I start concerning myself with civilian casualties? I fear I've grown soft."
Her self-reproach was interrupted by the arrival of rcy, the young Nightshade who had once dueled Alicarde. The world truly worked in strange ways, Carrisa thought, considering that this sa Nightshade now served as his shadow.
rcy approached silently, her steps so light they barely stirred the air. Bowing deeply, she spoke with practiced deference.
"Princess, the evacuation is complete. Most of the civilians in the area have been moved."
Carrisa studied her with a calm, detached air.
"Very well," she said simply.
rcy hesitated, her head still bowed.
"If I may, Princess," she began cautiously,
"while we have succeeded in evacuating the human civilians, I have doubts about our ability to keep the battle contained. The Strigoi are beasts they are unlikely to fight covertly. They will not hesitate to expose themselves."
Carrisa's expression remained impassive. She had anticipated this outco.
"It is difficult to conceal a supernatural war of this magnitude, particularly when both sides lack a tacit agreent to maintain secrecy. We neither have the manpower nor the resources to concern ourselves with such matters."
She swept her hair to one side, her violet eyes gleaming in the dim light.
"Victory is all that matters. Once we win, we can weave the narrative as we see fit. Besides," she added with a faint, almost imperceptible smile,
"this presents us with an opportunity, don't you think?"
rcy looked up, her brows furrowed in confusion
. "An opportunity, my lady? I'm afraid I don't understand."
Carrisa's gaze grew sharp, her voice laced with quiet authority.
"This battle is an opportunity to demonstrate our strength to the Three Great Powers. Through this conflict, we can announce the birth of a new force in the world—one that is not to be trifled with."
Understanding dawned on rcy's face, and she nodded resolutely.
"I see. I will do my utmost to ensure our success."
"Good," Carrisa replied, her tone cool and commanding.
"Prepare the team to storm the building."
---
The final preparations were underway. The Nightshades moved like phantoms, silent and efficient as they took their positions. Carrisa stood apart, a commanding figure in the shadows, her mind razor-sharp and focused.
The Bureau of Intelligence building lood ahead, its sterile façade concealing the chaos about to erupt within. Carrisa's thoughts drifted briefly to Alicarde. Would he approve of her taking down his prey? Perhaps not, but she had no choice.
Ti was running out.
The air grew heavier as the Nightshades completed their positions. rcy returned, her steps as soundless as ever.
"The team is ready, Princess," she reported.
Carrisa nodded, her gaze fixed on the building.
"Good. Begin the assault."
rcy bowed and disappeared into the darkness, her figure lting into the shadows. Monts later, the first wave of Nightshades breached the building's periter.
The assault began in earnest, their movents precise and thodical. The Soldiers were quick to respond, their human forms erging from the depths of the facility. Battle cries and the sounds of bullets echoed through the air as the two sides collided.
Carrisa watched from her vantage point, her expression unreadable. The conflict below was fierce, but she had no doubt about the outco. Victory was inevitable, but at what cost?
For now, all she could do was wait. The stage was set, and the final act was in motion.
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