Dean Bruce and Krupp continued their interrogation of Shadow Fiend. However, no matter how many questions they asked, Shadow Fiend steadfastly denied knowing the exact location of the secret base.
As the minutes ticked by, the atmosphere in the interrogation room grew increasingly tense. Dean Bruce knew they couldn't keep this up much longer. They needed to find a breakthrough, and fast.
Just then, Prolo Hawthorne burst into the room. "Professor! We've found a lead!"
Dean Bruce and Krupp's attention snapped to him, their spirits lifted. "What lead? Quickly, tell us!"
Prolo Hawthorne gasped for breath, then explained, "We found some hidden symbols and numbers on those charred pages. After analyzing them, we believe they might be coordinates leading to the secret base!"
Dean Bruce took the coordinates from Prolo Hawthorne, scrutinizing them carefully. "Yes, this could very well be the clue we've been looking for. Krupp, prepare immediately. We're leaving now!"
"Understood!" Krupp replied, already moving to get ready.
Dean Bruce turned back to Shadow Fiend and said, "Shadow Fiend, your end is near. We've found the location of the secret base. Prepare to face justice."
At this, Shadow Fiend's face turned even paler. He knew there was no hope left for escape.
...
A Few Hours Later. Dean Bruce and his team arrived at the location indicated by the coordinates. It was a remote valley, surrounded by dense forest, making it exceptionally hidden.
"This must be the Black Hole Organization's secret base," Dean Bruce said, surveying the valley before them.
Krupp nodded. "Indeed. We must be careful. The Black Hole Organization has likely stationed a heavy defense here."
Dean Bruce thought for a moment before replying, "We'll split into two teams and approach the base from different directions. Once we spot any enemy activity, signal immediately."
"Understood!" the others responded in unison, and they began to move out.
Dean Bruce led one team to approach the base from the left. They carefully made their way through the dense forest, avoiding the patrols of enemy guards. After some time, they finally reached the outer perimeter of the base.
"Everyone, stay hidden. We're going to infiltrate the base," Dean Bruce whispered.
The team nodded in agreement, silently searching for an opportunity to enter. Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps reached their ears. Instantly, the group concealed themselves. They saw a patrol from the Black Hole Organization heading straight toward them.
"This is bad, we've been spotted!" Dean Bruce thought to himself, realizing that running was no longer an option. They would have to fight it out.
"Prepare for battle!" Dean Bruce whispered urgently.
Everyone quickly drew their weapons and wands, readying themselves for the fight. At that moment, the Black Hole Organization's patrol had fully spotted them and immediately launched an attack.
A fierce battle broke out. Although Dean Bruce and his team were outnumbered, they used their superior combat skills and teamwork to gain the upper hand. After a tough struggle, they finally defeated the patrol members of the Black Hole Organization.
"The self-destruct mechanism has been stopped," Krupp said, walking over. "Thanks to Commander Hanksdon's timely arrival."
Dean Bruce and the others quickly expressed their gratitude to Tom Hanksdon. He smiled and replied, "No need to thank me. We're friends, after all. But speaking of which, the Black Hole Organization is indeed very crafty. We must remain vigilant."
Dean Bruce nodded. "You're right, Commander Hanksdon. We must continue to increase our defenses to prevent the Black Hole Organization from causing more trouble."
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed once more.
Everyone turned and saw Prolo Hawthorne, along with a team, rushing toward them.
"Professor, we found the detailed map of the secret base!" Prolo Hawthorne said excitedly.
"Great! Well done!" Dean Bruce said, his face lighting up with joy.
It was double good news!
He turned to the others and relayed Prolo Hawthorne's message.
Dean Bruce took the map from Prolo Hawthorne, examined it carefully, and a glimmer of hope flickered in his eyes.
"With this map, we can get a more accurate understanding of the layout and defenses of this secret base," Dean Bruce said. "Everyone, take a rest for now. We'll use the map to develop a detailed action plan shortly."
Everyone nodded in agreement and began to rest in place. Dean Bruce, however, kept the map in hand and began studying it with Krupp, Prolo Hawthorne, and the others.
"Look here," Dean Bruce said, pointing at a marked spot on the map. "This is the core area of the base, and it's where Shasbia is located. We need to take care of him first if we want to destroy the base completely."
"But the area around the core is filled with magic traps and guards, so it's going to be hard to attack directly," Krupp said, furrowing his brow.
"Exactly," Dean Bruce replied. "That's why we need a well-thought-out plan." After a brief pause, he continued, "We can split into two teams. One team will draw the enemy's attention, while the other will take the opportunity to infiltrate the core area."
"That sounds like a solid plan," Prolo Hawthorne said. "But who will draw the enemy's attention?"
Dean Bruce looked at Krupp and Prolo Hawthorne. "Krupp, you and Prolo lead a team to attack the base from the front and make a lot of noise to draw the enemy's attention. The rest of us will use that distraction to infiltrate the core area."
"Understood. We'll take care of it," Krupp and Prolo Hawthorne said, nodding in agreement.
"Also, we'll need someone to stay behind to guard the entrance, in case the enemy tries to sneak up on us from behind," Dean Bruce added.
"I'll do it," Alice volunteered. "I can use my perception abilities to detect enemy movements in advance."
Dean Bruce nodded. "Alright, it's settled then. Everyone prepare yourselves. We'll move out shortly."
The group quickly made their preparations and then set the plan into motion. Krupp and Prolo Hawthorne led a team to launch a frontal assault on the base, making a huge commotion to successfully draw the enemy's attention. Meanwhile, Dean Bruce and the others seized the opportunity to infiltrate the core area.