Chapter 179 Bunker Population

Using the rooftops, Leo can travel through the city far quicker than on foot since he's able to go in a straight line to his destination.

Unfortunately, not everyone is capable of traveling this way. The man Leo saved from the cultists was in no way capable of such a thing.

'I don't want to waste time and risk another confrontation by using the city streets and walking...guess I don't have a choice then.'

Leo knelt down facing away from the man "Climb on."

"On your back? That would be disrespectful to someone like you, I couldn't possibly..."

"If you have my permission then it's fine, just do it." Leo interrupted the man.

Reluctantly, the man climbed onto Leo's back and held on tight once he was told what they would be doing.

Traveling this way allowed them to reach the graveyard quickly. Leo placed the man down and lead him to the underground bunker that the Duke showed him.

Once inside, the man was surprised to see that there was over a dozen other people already inside.

"The Army will arrive tomorrow night to re-take the city, stay here until then and you'll be safe." Leo said as he turned around and left the bunker.

'I wish I could bring more people here but there isn't enough space.' Leo thought while making his way to a nearby rooftop.

'You've only been bringing the people who were about to be caught or killed, leaving the ones who are still hiding is a good way of going about it in this situation.

You have limited space, like you said, and they've managed to stay hidden for this long. One more day of hiding won't kill them and you'll help them if they're found.' Dreifus replied.

'That's only if I see it happen, with my eyes or otherwise. What I can do right now is to look for the people who were captured already.

The one I just questioned said that his job was to capture people for Trent to turn into beasts and that the teleportation user would be taking them elsewhere.

I doubt they will be making multiple trips back anf forth just to move some random people, regardless of their use. They must be keeping them somewhere until then.'

[Pulse]

'Nothing. I can feel people all over but none of them are gathered together like you would expect from a group of prisoners.' Leo said.

'Maybe they're underground or inside I large building. I know your Pulse gets thrown off by buildings, especially large ones, and it's completely useless if something is underground or in the air.' Dreifus replied.

'You're not wrong... If I can't use pulse then I'll just have to do it the long way.' Leo said as he moved to the sdge of the city.

Typically he would have his Battle Aura active at all times, making so he can retaliate instantly if he were to be attacked.

For his current situation Battle Aura didn't cover a large enough area, so he switched to his regular Aura.

After some experimentation, Leo found that his Aura wasn't capable of performing most of his attacks, namely the ranged ones.

The reason being that Aura spreads his Energy to thinly, lessening his control over it. Ranged attacks require very specific control over an aspect of the area around him to be achieved, something Aura prevents.

Luckily, that problem doesn't carry over to other uses for his Energy. He is still able to infuse himself, and something he is touching, with Energy.

He can also make use of Absorb and Redirect if an attack were to make contact with his body. So although his fighting capabilities are lower, he isn't completely defenseless.

'Alright, I'll spread my Aura as far as I can and sweep the entire city. My pulse might not be able to see through these buildings, but my Aura can.' Leo thought as he began moving up and down every street, snuring his Aura touched everything.

***

"I didn't realize the situation was so bad over there. Leo... General Rune told me he was going to Zoren to break the siege, I had no idea the city had already fallen." Connor said.

"Nobody knew. There was no way for anyone within the city to notify us, which gave the cult time to set up their defenses." The Supreme Commander said.

"I couldn't use the Gate because I would be leaving behind the crystal. When General Rune showed up, I was finally able to come here and report on the situation." Duke Wesley said.

"It's a terrible situation but I'll do my best to help re-take the city. I am curious, Sir, why isn't Colonel Clay participating in this mission?

His ability in combat is higher than most ability users, though he might not be the strongest he could certainly be of help. He could even lead the troops with his strategic mind." Connor said.

"Colonel Clay has a different city to take care of and while his fighting skills are great, his mind is where his true strength lies.

We can't risk losing him in a battle that he doesn't have to participate in, his mind is too important for that." The Supreme Commander explained.

"Besides, General Rune is on the other side and will be more than capable of leading the troops. Especially if one of his own Captains is assisting him." Duke Wesley added.

"That's true... When will the mission take place?" Connor asked.

"Tomorrow at midnight. It's the time and day chosen by General Rune." Duke Wesley answered.

"I understand. How many Infernai are participating in this mission?" Connor asked.

"Unfortunately, we can't spare many Infernai and the ones who are available are mainly supporters.

According to what the Duke overheard while in the city, there's only one Imperium in the cults forces.

" General Rune and yourself will be more than enough to handle a single Imperium, especially if you have some healers and defensive abilities to support you." The Supreme Commander aiad with a confident tone.

"I'll be joining this fight as well." Duke Wesley suddenly said.

"Is that going to be alright, Duke? I don't know your capabilities but losing you would destroy morale." Connor said with a slightly skeptical tone.

"As a matter of fact, Duke Wesley is incredibly strong for someone without an ability. He's someone that uses Life Energy to improve his body, making him one of the strongest men in the kingdom." The Supreme Commander said.

"There are plenty of Life Energy users who are stronger than me but I'm strong enough to hold my own, especially if you and General Rune will be fighting the Imperium." Duke Wesley added.

"I see, I'm sorry for doubting you. I'm actually quite excited to see what Life Energy is capable of..." Connor said.

"Oh that's right, ability users are incapable of using Life Energy to increase their strength. Well then I'll be sure to put on a show for you!" Duek Wesley said with excitement.

"I'm also quite keen to see more ability users in action. I haven't been on the battlefield much lately so I've only seen a few use their abilities in actual combat." He quickly added.

"Then it would be my turn to put on a show. Although, I must warn you, my ability isn't very flashy." Connor replied.

"That doesn't matter to me, I'm just curious about their affects. As long as it gets the job done, that's what matter right?"

"That's true." Connor replied, an awkward silence following." It's getting late so I think it would be best if I head to the barracks to get some rest. I will see you tomorrow Duke Wesley. Goodnight, Supreme Commander." Connor added and quickly got up to leave.

***

"You want to go with him? Why?" Trent asked.

"There's something in the city that I need to collect, what's it to you?" John replied with an annoyed tone.

"It doesn't make a difference to me, I just wanted to know what you were wasting your time on." Trent replied, matching John's tone.

"You won't consider it a waste of time when I bring it back. Let's just say you aren't the only one who's able to turn people into something other than human." John said with smile.

"Seriously? Is it like my beasts or what?" Trent asked, a little curious and excited.

"Not exactly. It'll be better to keep it a surprise for now, I'd like to see the look on your face when you see it." John said, releasing a small chuckle.

"Yeah whatever. If you're that focused on surprising me, then I'll be sure to show you a surprise when you return too." Trent said nonchalantly.

"Did you finally get it to work?" John asked with a curious tone.

"I did." Trent smiled.

"I'm excited to see it then. I have some preparations to take care of so I'll see you when I get back." John said and turned to leave.

"Wait! Take that thing with you, it's time we put it to use."