I scrolled through the latest update on my phone, my jaw clenching at the headline: "Liam Knight Tops The Warrior's Scroll After Breaking Martial Saint Weapon." In any other circumstance, I might have felt satisfaction. Instead, all I could think about was Isabelle trapped in that Mystic Realm.
The fa I'd never sought was now making a pri target. Dominic Ashworth would be furious. My finger hovered over the screen before I switched to my contacts, worried more about the power fluctuations I'd been experiencing since my last battle.
My strength was fading. I could feel it—like a lamp running low on oil.
My phone rang, disrupting my thoughts. Ms. Hayward's na flashed on the screen.
"Knight," her voice sounded strained when I answered. "I've considered your terms."
"And?" I kept my tone neutral despite the surge of hope.
"I agree to your conditions regarding Broderick. et at the eastern slope of Mount Qinvor in two hours. Co alone."
The call ended before I could respond. I grabbed my jacket and headed out, making sure I wasn't followed. If this was a trap, I was walking straight into it, but I had no choice—not with Isabelle's life on the line.
Mount Qinvor lood dark against the twilight sky when I arrived. I spotted Ms. Hayward's silhouette waiting near a copse of trees.
"You're early," she remarked as I approached.
The change in her appearance shocked . Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and her usually immaculate appearance had given way to sothing haggard and worn. This woman had always projected invincibility. Now she looked like soone bearing the weight of an impossible choice.
"Where's Broderick?" she demanded.
"Safe," I replied. "You'll see him once you've fulfilled your end of the bargain."
She let out a bitter laugh. "You realize what I'm doing amounts to treason? Twenty years of loyalty to the Guild, thrown away in a single night."
"For soone you care about," I said. "I understand that better than most."
Her eyes t mine, sharp with assessnt. "Yes, I suppose you do." She handed a small bundle. "Put these on. Guild mbers are the only ones allowed inside most areas. You'll need to look the part."
I unfolded what appeared to be standard Heaven Gate attire—dark robes with subtle insignia. "Will this really fool anyone?"
"Combined with my presence, yes. Lower-ranking mbers wouldn't dare question a Heaven Gate Commander."
"Unless they've been warned to watch for you bringing in outsiders," I countered.
"A risk we'll have to take," she said grimly. "Once more, I want to see Broderick before we proceed further."
I shook my head. "Not yet. After you've shown the entrance to the Mystic Realm."
Anger flashed across her face. "I've already agreed to betray everything I stand for. Don't push , Knight."
"You care about Broderick," I said. "I care about Isabelle. Neither of us is in a position to trust the other."
A tense silence stretched between us before she nodded curtly. "Let's go. The shift change happens soon, which gives us our best window."
We traveled in silence through the city's outskirts, taking back roads and avoiding main streets. The looming structure of the Veridia City Martial Guild headquarters ca into view—a massive complex of interconnected buildings surrounded by high walls.
"The public only sees the outer courtyards," Ms. Hayward explained quietly as we approached from a rarely used side entrance. "The Guild's true power lies within the inner sanctum."
I studied the layout carefully, committing every detail to mory. "How many guards?"
"Over two hundred on active duty at any ti, with another three hundred mbers in residence. Twenty Martial Lords minimum, and at least five Martial Kings." She glanced at . "morizing the layout won't help if you're planning sothing foolish."
"Just gathering information," I replied, adjusting my disguise. "Knowledge is power."
She gave a asuring look. "Rember that the consequences of being discovered extend beyond yourself. Broderick's life depends on this going smoothly."
The reminder was unnecessary but effective. We slipped through the side entrance, Ms. Hayward nodding to the solitary guard who snapped to attention at her approach. I kept my head slightly lowered, projecting the deference expected of a lower-ranked mber.
Inside, the Guild's grandeur was imdiately apparent. Soaring ceilings, marble floors, and ancient artifacts displayed in glass cases—all designed to impress and intimidate. Disciples and Guild mbers moved purposefully through the halls, none sparing us a second glance.
"The Guild was established over five centuries ago," Ms. Hayward murmured as we walked. "What began as a small coalition of martial artists eventually grew into the most powerful organization in the Eastern Regions." Sourced directly from *.
"Power corrupts," I observed quietly.
Her mouth tightened. "It's more complicated than that. The Guild maintains order in a world where power can destroy cities. Without structure, without rules—"
"Rules that allow them to kidnap and drain Isabelle of her blood?" I cut in, keeping my voice low but sharp.
She didn't answer imdiately. "The inner chambers are this way," she said instead, leading down a less populated corridor.
We descended several flights of stairs, the decor becoming progressively more austere. The air grew cooler, carrying a faint mineral scent that reminded of deep caves.
"The Guild was built on top of natural formations rich in spiritual energy," Ms. Hayward explained. "The deeper we go, the more concentrated the energy becos."
I could feel it—a subtle pressure against my skin, like standing in shallow water with a current pulling at your legs. My diminished powers seed to respond to it, stirring slightly.
"How many know about the Mystic Realm?" I asked.
"Only the highest echelons. Guild Master Radford, the Council of Five, and a select few others." Her pace slowed. "Beyond this point, security tightens considerably."
We approached a checkpoint manned by two stern-faced guards. Both straightened as we neared, their eyes fixed on Ms. Hayward.
"Commander Hayward," one acknowledged with a respectful nod before his gaze shifted to . "And who's this? I don't recognize him."
I kept my expression neutral despite the spike of tension. Ms. Hayward's posture didn't change, but I sensed her readiness to act if necessary.
"A new recruit under specialized training," she replied smoothly. "I'm giving him a tour of the restricted areas as part of his orientation."
The guard frowned. "I wasn't inford of any new personnel clearances."
"Do I need your permission to train my recruits, Zhao?" Ms. Hayward's voice turned glacial. "Or should I discuss your questioning of a Heaven Gate Commander with Guild Master Radford?"
The guard's partner shifted uncomfortably. "It's just unusual, Commander. The protocols require—"
"So, do I need to report to you?" Ms. Hayward cut him off, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Or are you questioning ?"
The tension in the air crystallized as both guards exchanged uneasy glances, clearly weighing their duty against the risk of antagonizing a superior.
Reviews
All reviews (0)