Chapter 310

Chapter 310

Blood splattered everywhere.

Fernandez collapsed forward, pouring blood from his elongated neck. Soldiers watching were startled, letting out screams of horror.

"Fernandez! What have you done!"

A distraught Lark quickly embraced the collapsing Fernandez. But, a moment later, shock painted his face.

"This is...!"

With a sizzling sound, Fernandezs face contorted and then completely changed into another persons visage.

His stature shrunk, appearing much less imposing.

In Larks arms was not Fernandez, but another mage dressed in the robe of the Magic Corps.

"Illusion magic...?!"

It was then that Lark remembered Fernandezs expertise.

Illusory magic.

Fernandez had a talent for deceiving and confusing his foes.

Indeed, he was proficient in various types of magic, but he delved deepest into illusion magic.

It was fitting for a leader of the Shadow Squad, but the thought that he could deceive even Lark with such a refined illusion...!

I used mind control, illusion magic, disguise skills, and items to trick you. Im honored that I could even deceive you, Brother.

From a device attached to the neck of the dead mage, Fernandezs voice echoed. Lark angrily ripped the device off.

"Where are you, Fernandez!"

I value my life too, Brother. Im not bold enough to stand right in front of you with your sword drawn.

Fernandez chuckled faintly.

You asked earlier, Brother, why I conspired this way.

Now, Fernandez didnt even deny his treachery, and Larks eyes narrowed in frustration.

"Is it for the throne? If it is, Ill gladly concede it to you."

No, its not that, Brother. I care little for power.

"Then what is it? Has someone wronged you? Tell me! I, Lark, will solve it for you!"

...

"We are brothers bound by blood, Fernandez...! Whatever I can help with, I will. So, abandon this treacherous plan. Please!"

After a brief silence, Fernandez exhaled a weary sigh.

You do love us, your siblings. But the problem is, you still see us as children in need of protection.

"What?"

Weve grown up already.

Fernandezs voice suddenly became icy.

Father, the other gods, and even the goddess who graces our empire all see us this way. Weve matured enough to stand on our own.

"What the hell are you..."

Youll understand in time, Brother. Everything Ive done is for the empire... and for humanity.

Fernandezs voice began to fade from the device.

Ill see you again, Brother. Well, if you survive my trap, that is.

"What?"

The communication cut off abruptly.

Lark, staring at the device with wide eyes, suddenly sensed something amiss.

Bubbling...

The water below the bridge was boiling.

Red lights pulsated from beneath the rivers surface. A panicked Lark shouted,

"Everyone, get ou-"

Before he could finish warning them,

Flash-!

The Shutdown Protocol installed on the Iris Bridge activated, engulfing and preserving all living beings within its vicinity.

***

Not far from the Iris Bridge, surrounded by a circular red magic circle, atop a nearby hill.

An elderly woman observing the activation of the Shutdown Protocol through a telescope slowly folded it.

It was Reina, the commander of the Magic Corps. With a relaxed demeanor, Reina reported her findings.

"The Shutdown Protocol has been activated, and the spatial preservation is complete. The operation is a success."

As Reina turned to her side, Fernandez, seated on a chair, was visible, diligently attending to the documents in his hand.

Reina took the initiative to add, "Congratulations on the victory, Your Highness."

"Victory? Ha."

Fernandezs reply was dripping with sarcasm.

"Do you know how monstrous my brother is? A little event like this wouldnt even leave a scratch on him."

"But didnt we annihilate the vanguard of the First Legion?"

She swallowed the part about sacrificing their own men as bait.

Regardless, theyd managed to thwart the spearhead of the invincible legion led by the Undefeated Knight. To Reina, it was a significant achievement from the outset.

However, Fernandez heaved a shallow sigh.

"Its just the vanguard of the First Legion. The rest of the forces are spreading and advancing from the west. Theyll keep pushing."

The feedback from the subordinates who entered the building was surprising.

Theres... theres no one inside!

"What?!"

Exactly as I said, sir. The building is empty...!

"Then what about those moving shadows at the window?!"

It was clothes on hangers, moved back and forth by a mechanism! They all seem to be set up like this!

The thick curtains had prevented them from seeing clearly inside.

The leader felt a cold shiver down his spine.

Did they know they were being watched? And they had planned an escape all along?

Since when?

"Damn it, they were here just yesterday!"

Yes, yes! We confirmed their presence last night!

"Then they cant be far! Start the search, now!"

The leader slammed down the communication device.

"Just who beat us to it and kidnapped them first...?!"

***

At the same time, a line of carriages passed through the southern gate of the Imperial Capital.

It was the Silver Winter Merchant Guild.

The guild was so large and had such high trade volume that it almost always received special treatment at checkpoints. Lately, it was practically a free pass.

"Hey! Another busy day, Captain of the Guard?"

Thanks to Alberto, the former palace steward who became an executive of the guild, they enjoyed such privileges. Alberto was already well-connected throughout the Imperial Capital, especially close to the guard units.

He and the guards had shared the trouble of raising the mischievous prince, Ash. They often collaborated when Ash caused trouble, searching for him together.

The Guard Captain greeted Alberto with a warm smile.

"Today, youre personally traveling, Mr. Alberto?"

"Haha. Its an important trade. I thought Id feel more at ease if I went myself."

"It sounds like a lot of work for you."

While engaging in a friendly conversation with the Guard Captain, Alberto casually pulled out a wrapped gift from his possession and handed it over.

The Guard Captain hesitated, showing reluctance, but after hearing Albertos twisted logic that it wasnt a bribe but a gift between friends, he begrudgingly accepted.

"Safe travels, Mr. Alberto!"

"Yes, yes! Lets grab a drink sometime!"

As Alberto waved back to the saluting Guard Captain, his demeanor immediately stiffened. He stepped into the carriage.

"Weve made it through."

"...Thank goodness. I was worried wed have to resort to force."

A woman dressed as a maid, sitting beside him, let out a sigh of relief and sheathed her sword.

It was Elize, a direct subordinate of Serenade. For this mission, she had been dispatched early and had been waiting inside the Imperial Capital.

"...So, weve made it out of the Imperial Capital."

From the front seat, a woman who was wrapped in a blanket pulled it back to reveal her face.

"Where should we head now?"

Following her, three young faces peeked out from beneath the blanket.

It was Larks wife and their three children.

Under Ashs directive, Alberto and Elize had been tasked with their rescue mission.

"The region will soon be engulfed in a civil war," Alberto said, stroking his stylish mustache. "Sides will form and battle against each other. Nowhere is safe."

"Anywhere in the Empire?"

"Thats right. Ideally, if you could make it to the western front where Prince Lark is, but..."

Alberto trailed off.

The First Legion and the Imperial City Defense Forces were already clashing.

Heading west would be an excessively perilous choice.

"So where should we seek refuge..."

As Larks wife murmured, Elize hesitated before speaking.

"Theres a place thats politically safe. However..."

"However?"

"Monsters will attack."

At that, Larks wife smirked.

"Whats there to fear about monsters, compared to humans?"

"It will be a long journey."

"Thats alright. As long as Im not a burden to my husband, a long journey is nothing."

Larks wife spoke with determination. The three children chimed in with a resounding "Yeah!"

Alberto and Elize exchanged glances. They both nodded slowly.

"Then lets move."

Alberto leaned out of the carriage and shouted to the driver.

"To Crossroad!"