Chapter 313

Chapter 313

The five of us set off in the morning, leaving Chester behind.N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

It's still dark out, but hints of day creep up on the horizon as we venture off into the desert toward the abandoned town and observatory I've been keeping an eye on for days.

Our movements are a bit slower than my usual pace because we're not all air-stepping through the sky.

This may slow us down some, but it's also a bit more of a stealthy approach.

My perception skills are on full blast our entire way to the destination. I don't expect to find anyone out here at this hour, but keeping an eye out on our surroundings is a no-brainer.

The path over is quick and silent. Anticipation grows with every step.

Once within less than a kilometer of the destination, we all slow down. Eventually, the five of us make it to the last high-rising dune of sand leading down to the abandoned village on the other side. Simultaneously, the sun begins to rise. Its golden rays come down to light up the white dome atop the cliff that overlooks the Abyss.

Its sonar is still active even this early in the morning. A grey pulse of energy beams from the rooftop and soars into the darkness. The act lets out a light buzz that vibrates through all of our ears.

We come to a halt as I do a full scan of the building up on the cliff, then whisper under my breath.

"Just as I expected."

Three figures show up on my radar.

One of which is still in the mana-blocking cuffs. They show up in my enemy detection skill, just like the others did back in the underground lair when they were in cuffs. My appraisal and inspect skills cannot sense a single thing about their status. All signs point toward this being Lydia.

Next, the level 651 with his full wardrobe full of +100% or greater defense items and multiple legendary combat skills appears. My eyes wander down to his [Solid Steel Defense] buff again, wondering exactly how it works.

However, these thoughts soon get pushed to the back of my mind as the final figure's information flashes into my mind's eye.

The sight of it makes me feel uneasy.

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[Lv. ??? Access Denied]

Active Items: [??? Access Denied]

Active Skills: [??? Access Denied]

Buffs: [??? Access Denied]

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Next, I point to a circle right next to my first drawing.

"This is the top floor. It's a circular room, with high ceilings."

I peek my head over the dune's edge to point at the white structure being lit up by the morning sun.

"This is the top of the dome. There are many high-density mana items and unstable high-powered equipment being used to power a device on this floor. Keeping the fighting far away from these items would be wise."

A moment of silence passes before I carry on.

"Right now, all three people are in the holding room at the core of the base."

Abby replies.

"So you'll lead the oddball out while we confront the Sector 4 leader together."

I nod slowly.

"Yes, but first we'll need to gather a little more information. It's never a good idea to go in blind when we don't have to. We know they're here, but they don't know we are. They're expecting number 2 to show up with the prisoners in hand..."

Arie smirks, catching on.

"So we don't want to keep them waiting."

"Exactly. The longer we wait, the more restless they'll become."

I use my [Hush] skill in a large radius, and the five of us begin sneaking toward the observatory mountain's base. The two leaders I'm keeping an eye on aren't moving at all; they just stand in the center room of the fortress waiting for us to arrive. Possibly, conducting an interrogation.

Once we dip down through the village and carefully make our way up the side of the cliff, the entrance to the observatory comes into view. I speak out loud with the [Hush] barrier still active. Only my teammates can hear me.

"The main room is just through the front door and halfway down either side of the curled circular hallway; there are entrance points on both sides. You can't miss it."

I bring my [Hush] barrier down and switch to speaking through my telepathy skill.

"Once the coast is clear, I'll give you the word. Be ready for anything."

I activate stealth and jump high into the air, lightly air-stepping up to the roof area where the sonar device sticks out of the open dome.

Muffled voices can be heard from below me. With the mana-powered device buzzing in my ears, grasping the faint sounds of a hidden conversation one floor below and through multiple walls proves challenging, even for my enhanced senses.

I hold my breath and jump down onto the top floor of the observatory, using a combination of stealth, hush, and wind magic to hit the floor without making a sound.