......
Coffin Maker, who was currently disguising as one of the students of the Magic Ace Academy, was currently inside his temporary hideout. He was sitting in front of an advanced computer, looking at the series of data displayed on the screen.
After a long time, he suddenly contacted a number from his advanced watch. It did not take long for the other side to answer the call, and he quickly said. "The intel is true. The World Research Center is currently in possession of the 'Black Heart'."
"I don't know where they have hidden it, but all the research data is under heavy protection of the multiple security measures. If not for me sneaking inside to steal the data, I don't think I will be able to find it."
"And even with all of that, I am only able to steal a portion of the research. It even pokes the hornet's nest as a lot of forces are already on high alert because of this. I don't think I will be able to get the rest of the data."
The person on the other side remained silent for quite a long time, waiting for Coffin Maker to complete his report.
Not long after, they suddenly said. "Keep a low profile for the time being and wait for the huge 'event'. I am sure that you can make your move at that time as everyone will have to focus on it."
Even before Coffin Maker could give his reply, the person on the other side of the line immediately ended the call.
Coffin Maker clicked his tongue before mumbling. "Then it is no different from going with the plan. Tsk! I've got a bad feeling about this."
...
World Research Center
Elias Stuart just arrived at the scene where the said thief had stolen the data from the center. He swept his gaze at the surroundings while using an observation Mentalism Technique. His eyes shone brightly as his eyes scanned the entire place, looking for clues that were left behind by the thief.
But to his surprise, he could not find anything – not even the tiniest clue. "It seems like we have underestimated this little thief."
At that moment, one of his subordinates entered the room and reported. "Sir, all the security cameras don't get anything. Even those that can detect even the stealth skills of the strongest assassins have not caught anything."
Elias slightly nodded his head before asking. "How about the data that are stolen? Have they already checked which data are stolen?"
His subordinate raised his wrist and opened a virtual screen before reporting. "Based on what we have checked, it seems like there are a lot of data that are stolen. But the most important ones remain protected aside from a few that we suspected to be the real target of the thief."
"Which data are they?" asked Elias.
"Most is about the research on the Black Heart while the rest are research about the Revival Project and Vessel Project," answered the subordinate before pausing to open more virtual screens.
A few moments later, he continued. "There are also more, but most of the projects are still in their early stages unlike the first three that I have mentioned."
"We have also discovered a similarity between all of the stolen data – all of them are projects led by Professor Henry, so we suspect that the thief is targeting the projects under the professor's name."
Elias nodded his head before instructing. "Continue looking for clues, but make sure to make it as discreet as possible. Follow the arrangements of Senior Henry and act as a volunteer for a joint project."
"Report directly to me if you find anything no matter how small it is. I will accompany Senior Henry for the time being," he added before leaving the from.
Elias felt that the thief was not only targeting the projects that Professor Henry had. He felt that this initial incident was just a probing tactic before showing their real objective.
Since they could not find any crucial clue, he would then stick close to the center of everything while patiently waiting.
...
Meanwhile, Shin just woke up from his nap. He stretched his body right after standing up before going for a quick shower to freshen up.
After that and changing into comfortable clothes, he quickly headed to the gaming cabin, quite excitedly. This time, he would be challenging another apex expert, which would test his limits once again.
After lying inside the gaming cabin, he quickly set everything up before closing it and getting in a more comfortable position.
After making plans inside his head, Shin went along with the plan and crushed the return scroll to head back to the Holy City.
...
In the meantime, the moment when he re-logged back into the game, the parties involved in the event immediately received the notification from the system.
They quickly went on full alert while the leaders of the Corrupted Cult and Demonic Churches issued a series of commands.
"He is online! All units proceed according to plan!"
"The target appeared! Move! Move! Move!"
"Set up the formation! Don't let him escape this time. Summon all the undead beasts! We are going all out this time!"
...
On the other hand, those players from the Supreme Temple and Martial Alliance felt a little confused.
The target finally appeared, yet the notification that they received from the system was rather strange. It seemed like both factions gave up on capturing Shin and recalled the issued quest.
"What the heck is going on?"
"Why does the faction quest suddenly disappear? It neither informs us of our failure nor our success! This is strange."
"What the heck? Even the mission issued in the faction board disappears!"
"Is this for real? I haven't received my contribution points yet!"
...
While these people were proceeding with their respective businesses, there was a group of hooded players appeared at the Teleportation Hall of the Holy City.
The moment this group appeared, the entire atmosphere of the hall was suddenly affected. It was as if their appearance had changed the entire place.
The air either became very heavy or somewhat suffocating.
"Hey! What are you doing, you musclehead? Are you announcing to the world that we are here?"
"As if you are the one to talk, you sword maniac! Keep that sword intent of yours under control or else you will be branded by red name for accidentally killing players inside this hall."
"Ah! Sorry about that. We just finished an intense battle on the island, so I still haven't exited my combat mode. You can't blame me for that."
"Can you guys keep quiet? Given your loud voices, I doubt that we still haven't blown our covers."
"Sigh~! Let these idiots do whatever they want. It is not like we are here for trouble anyway."
"That is exactly the reason why we are here, slowpoke."
"Eh!? Then are we going to be punished by the commander? I suddenly regret coming here with you guys! Let me go back!"
"Idiot! We precisely come here much earlier to avoid the commander. There is still at least an hour before he comes online – that is three hours inside the game. That's plenty of time already, we can find the target before it happens!"
"How dare he go back on his word and look for fun alone, leaving us behind? We will spoil the fun before he can have it!"
"Tsk! I have a bad feeling about this. I really shouldn't have come."
......