Chapter 227: Preparations

Chapter 227: Preparations

Chapter 227 - Preparations

Kai realigned the block of ivory stone and cast a layer of dark moss to make the patch indistinguishable from the rest. Heading down the muddy tunnels towards the meeting point, he repeated the process again for the first exit used to escape the storage chamber.

Once his break out was discovered, someone would put together that cutting through stone was the only way to leave the camp unnoticed. The camouflage wouldnt stand up to scrutiny if an Earth shaper examined the walls, though Seryne might not want to involve them.

Itll be even more awkward to explain if no one knew I had been arrested.

Her intention to leave the Heart in the morning, together with the seeds of chaos he planted should delay any organized response. If everything went according to plan, he would be long gone by the time an organized party came searching for him.

Hmm When did anything ever go as planned? His lips curved in a rueful smile. It should be good enough. Ive other problems to worry about right now.

A large shadow stood by the passage into Valelas room.

Youre here. Lou took out a crystal light at the sound of his steps. His low voice carried the barest hint of surprise. He wore tight-fitting clothes with numerous pockets, a longsword in one hand and a round shield reinforced with steel plates in the other. Nothing extraordinary, but with his muscular frame, Lou looked like an adventurer ready to face a ferocious beast.

I just need to make sure he doesnt get eaten. If Kai had his way, Lou wouldnt come close to the basilisk.

The teen looked down at himself with a shrug. If the basilisk is blind, enchantments are more likely to attract its attention than to help. I didnt have any armor that could block its claws and fangs, so I aimed for stealth like you said.

Thats a good idea, though your weapon and shield are enchanted. Kai pointed out with a casual wave at his equipment.

They must have cost a pretty mesar.

He would have missed them if he wasnt already on alert from infiltrating the camp. The suffused glow of the runes got lost in the dense ambient essence until Mana Observer focused on them. Standard sharpness and sturdiness bundle, with a pinch of elemental flare for Darkness. The effects hidden underneath the cloak were less impressive but still well made.The source of this content no/v(el)bi((n))

How many enchantments must he have come across without realizing? The only cloaking he recognized were those that were poorly made, giving him a biased view of what was out there.

Now I really want to test Mana Observer in Higharbor.

Lou grimaced at his blade. They told me no human below yellow would realize. I thought theyd be good enough to hide from the King, but I can go fetch some unenchanted equipment.

Dont. Theyre good. Kai patted his shoulder. Suspiciously well-made. While most beasts could intuitively perceive mana, their instinct wasnt comparable to a specialized ability unless they had a talent for it. And basilisks lacked that specific gift among their deadly repertoires. My skill is just really good at piercing veils.

Thats quite a niche specialization to take. Lou furrowed his brows in thought before his eyes widened a fraction. Have you already evolved your skill?

Damn boy, I cant say a word without you pulling three more.

No comment.

Kai looked down at his sea serpent sword he had gone through so much trouble to recover. He could obscure it with Shadow, or use a more practical solution. In a blink, the white opaque blade disappeared into his ring.

It wasnt the time to hold back secrets. He had already used it in front of Lou when a wyrmling attacked them during their first spatial anomaly.

The big boy scrubbed a hand through his hair. He cautiously waved his hand around him and poked him with a finger. Its not an illusion You really have a spatial artifact.

A scream of dramatic shock would have been appreciated.

Kai slapped away his hand and flashed the silver band in front of his studious face. Stop looking at me like Im some kind of exotic creature. One of my teachers gave it to me as a goodbye gift when they left the archipelago.

Sorry. I suspected something, but I never thought Id see one for real. Lou stopped pacing around him, though kept peering at him with interest. Youre like a walking bundle of mysteries. Most people can only dream of possessing such an artifact or striking a bargain with a divinity.

Well, after tonight Ill be an open book, Kai said with some sourness. You can be the mysterious one. Ive got no more secrets to give.

Almost none.

Lou lost his amused glint. You know Ive told you everything I can about that. His jaw clenched, forcing the words out. And its nothing quite as exciting.

Just a shady deal to take advantage of the archipelago's lack of resources.

Yeah, I know. I dont need you to faint right now. We must get going. Kai took out a casket of polished cherry wood from his spatial closet and knelt on a carpet of moss to open it.

Ill have to get used to that, Lou grumbled at the sudden appearance. The rows of gleaming potions inside quickly caught his interest. Seems like youre not out of surprises just yet.

And who helped you out when you couldnt understand a lesson? Exactly. Ill admit this situation has worsened beyond my expectations and I take full responsibility. But if you want to help me, you need to do as I say. Kai held his gaze till Lou offered him a half-nod.

How can I assist? Two minds are better than one. He clearly wasnt sold but seemed willing to listen.

Thats good enough.

Kai explained the idea that had been brewing in his mind ever since Makyn had told him the basilisk was blinded. Not having to do everything alone required some adjustments. When all the pieces fell into place, he was quite proud of the result given the nature of threat and his limited resources.

Lou crossed his arms. So, you want me to act as a distraction and wait aside while you do all the dangerous parts.

Yep.

Thats the most sensible distribution of tasks given our talents. Look, neither of us can face the King head-on even if its injured, but you dont have a danger or mana-sensing skill at Yellow. If the stealth fails, Ill be able to tell immediately and escape.

I dont like it. We could ask Valela for help, there are many high grades in our camp.

Kai shook his head. The King will run away if we bring too many people. Not to mention, the military would suspect something. Apart from us, everyone's primary issue will be the hidden realm. The only person I trust is Valela, and shes not equipped for this.

That was without considering all the secrets hed have to reveal. There was no way to contact the princess without at least Ferla learning of what was going on. He honestly doubted Valela would even accept. She always put the archipelago first in her list of priorities. And whether it was true or not, the hidden realm was far too disruptive to leave everything behind just to help him.

I trained my skills too. I can move faster than you if I need to dash. For how much Lou disliked the idea, he couldnt argue with the facts.

They discussed the plan, ironing out the details till neither of them could improve upon it.

I might even survive.

Kai covered the entrance to Valela's chamber with a layer of moss and mud, though it would still be suspicious if the military discovered the entrance. To avoid any future trouble, he circled the outer edge of the camp and cut a dozen more holes.

Now shes beyond any accusation. May chaos fester!

Lets move. Youll need to be back before dawn to avoid attracting suspicion.

One last thing. Lou rummaged through one of his pockets and took out a black jar with the distinct glow of an orange concoction. Its odorless powder. Not as fancy as your potions, but itll be good enough to hide our scents. Even a yellow beast shouldnt be able to smell us if we keep away from its snout.

Why didnt you tell me sooner you had that?

So we dont have to cover ourselves in mud and weeds? Kai couldnt hide his relief. If they wanted to have any hope of not being perceived by the basilisk, physical camouflage was as important as the mana one.

Hmm, its better to use both. A little sprinkle on your clothes should last for half a day. Lou took out a pinch of a fine gray powder to show him.

Great.

When the transformation was complete, Kai felt like a failed ninja. He was covered in mud and random leaves. He had a cloth over his mouth and nose to conceal his breath. It was probably overkill, but he wouldnt refuse anything even if it only had a one-in-a-million chance of helping.

All bow to the hobo of the woods! If the evil lizard could see me, it might die laughing.

Lou was in a similar attire, though he must have had experience camouflaging because it didnt look nearly as bad on him. He consulted a map he had borrowed from Valela before heading out.

They advanced into the underground maze cloaked in their respective skills. While Kai continuously replenished his elemental reserves, Lous skill-supported shroud was far more efficient. They had already decided on every major detail, so they wouldnt have to speak and make noise.

Looking for the King was the biggest uncertainty in the plan. They were counting on the beast being too prideful to leave the site. The ruins were its home and hunting ground, possessing the mana density it would need to recover.

Im so screwed if it left.

Lou patted his shoulder with a frown.

Kai gave a thumb-up to proceed. Careful to heed any whisper of danger.

They would set up the battleground near the center of the ruins, just clear of the summoning chamber. Kaid rather not mess with the stone anywhere near. If the enchantments had been woven into the walls, itd be disastrous.

He had considered intentionally causing another calamity before dismissing the idea. If beasts and spatial tears started flooding the ruins, the King would be much faster at fleeing to safety. It might also annihilate the camp along with a chance to get himself killed.

The basilisks speed was the main threat they needed to neutralize. They reached the central area without a hitch. Kai was about to start the preparation when a rattling hiss made him freeze.