Chapter 90 The Secret Of The Willow Family



While the reinforcements collaborated with the seven hulking power armor-clad vanguards to fortify the perimeter and sweep for any potential hiding spots within the estate, Daniel led Michaela towards a building that stood out as a research center.

Approaching the entrance of the research center, which resembled a typical office building, Daniel encountered a group of Atlantean reinforcements. They were diligently attempting to open the sealed door using specialized tools, well aware of their mission to preserve anything of value within the research center. The order to refrain from using explosives reflected their determination to salvage valuable assets without causing unnecessary destruction.

Passing by the vigilant soldiers stationed at the entrance of the research center, Daniel proceeded toward the door. His focused gaze turned inward as he delved into the recesses of his own mindscape, searching for a specific card that he believed could be employed in this particular situation. It didn't take long for him to locate the highlighted card, indicating its compatibility with the door before him.

Card: Acidic Fire

Picture: The picture of a fire spell burning someone alive while the background has a naked dude running away.

Rarity: Uncommon

Type: Quick Spell

Mana Cost: 1 Fire, 1 Non Element

Description: Choose one : [Deal 3 Damage to target creature]/[Destroy target artifact]

Flavor text: This fire could make you naked or it could make you baked.

With a surge of energy coursing through him, Daniel's hand ignited with a vibrant red glow as flames coalesced in his palm, forming a compact fireball. With a swift motion, he hurled the fiery projectile toward the door, its intense heat engulfing the sturdy steel surface. The door, constructed from an unknown alloy, succumbed to the relentless blaze as if it were mere paper, disintegrating into ash and leaving behind only the remnants of molten metal strewn across the floor.

The Atlantean reinforcements swiftly poured into the research center, their movements characterized by a seamless coordination that belied their recent arrival in this world. As the moment they had been actualized, they also assimilated the essential knowledge of the modern world, equipping them with the proficiency required to excel in their respective fields. 

Despite predominantly being warriors and soldiers subclass from the cards, they now possessed the necessary understanding of modern warfare, rendering them akin to elite special forces operatives in the mundane realm. Their inherent capabilities were further augmented by the unique enhancements granted by their respective stat cards.

Daniel had discovered that the stat cards functioned differently in the real world. For instance, a card with a power and toughness rating of 1 equated to the destructive capability and survivability of an average untrained adult human. 

This included attributes such as reflexes, strength, and dexterity. Similarly, a card with a power and toughness rating of 2 bestowed peak human capabilities upon the being that has been actualized. They could withstand a bullet to the torso and possess enough resilience to continue fighting, and if fortune favored them, they might even survive a shot to the head.

In contrast, those possessing cards with a power and toughness rating of 3 ascended into the realm of superhuman ability. Such individuals would require more potent weaponry or specialized methods to be effectively neutralized. Only devastating measures like anti-tank blasts or high-caliber projectiles from heavy machine guns or anti-material rifles, as well as precise decapitation, could reliably dispatch them.

Consequently, the vanguard warriors encased in hulking power armor, possessing power and toughness ratings of 3, were akin to super soldiers within their formidable exoskeletons. Their imposing presence and unparalleled combat prowess rendered them a force to be reckoned with on any battlefield.

The Atlantean reinforcements swiftly dispersed throughout the research center, their primary objective being to eliminate any resistance and secure the premises. They meticulously searched each room, simultaneously marking areas of interest while ensuring minimal damage to the facility, as the equipment and knowledge contained within held significant value.

As Daniel proceeded through the facility, the Atlantean forces swiftly cleared the rooms ahead of him, encountering occasional opposition in the form of automated security modules, such as mini turrets and booby traps. However, these obstacles posed little challenge to the highly skilled Atlantean soldiers, who neutralized them with ease.

The Atlantean soldiers, thorough in their search, discovered a researcher cowering beneath a table. The researcher had been unable to reach the safe room in time and was subsequently found by the soldiers. Compelled by their capture, the captured researcher led the Atlantean troops to various sections of the facility, including a secure room. Daniel effortlessly breached the sealed doors, revealing a significant number of Willow family researchers within.

Through a brief interrogation, Daniel learned that the researchers were not the only ones in hiding. Edgar Willow, the individual responsible for providing him with the ID card, was discovered to be hiding in the VIP safe room located at the top floor of the facility. Edgar possessed the sole authority to access the basement, where the key to the Willow family's prosperity was safeguarded.

Led by Daniel and Michaela, the troops ascended to the top floor, where they were met with feeble resistance from the guards and mages who served as Edgar's bodyguards. Desperation clung to the air as spells were cast and bullets were fired, but their efforts proved futile against the impenetrable hulking power armor of the vanguards.

The onslaught was merciless. The heavy machinegun tore through their feeble cover, reducing it to tattered remnants. The guards and mages, realizing the hopelessness of their situation, scrambled for survival. But the vanguards were relentless, their movements like predatory beasts closing in on their prey. With each swing of the power sword, adversaries were swiftly disarmed and incapacitated. The power shield deflected spells and bullets alike, rendering the attackers defenseless.

Amidst the chaos, only two survivors remained from this miserable batch of resistance, their faces etched with terror and defeat. Their comrades lay strewn across the hallway, broken and lifeless. The futility of their struggle was a bitter pill to swallow as they realized the sheer power and dominance of the hulking power armor vanguards. It was a scene of devastation and despair, where the once proud mages were reduced to mere casualties in the face of overwhelming force.

Daniel approached the sealed doors with determination, knowing he had the means to overcome them. Drawing upon the power of one of his cards, specifically designed to neutralize artifacts, he unleashed its destructive force upon the door, reducing it to nothing more than a cloud of dust.

Suddenly, a gunshot shattered the air, prompting Michaela to swiftly intercept the bullet with her sword, her movement a blur to all but the most astute observers. The bullet had originated from behind a sturdy mahogany desk situated at the far end of the secure room. Behind the desk cowered Edgar, his face a mix of tears, snot, and abject terror, as he watched the hulking power armor vanguards close in on him.

"Uwaaaahhh! Don't! Don't come any closer!" Edgar cried out in a panic, firing his pistol erratically at the approaching group of hulking power armored vanguards.

Edgar's futile resistance was short-lived, as he was swiftly captured and forced to the ground. He trembled as his hands were securely handcuffed by one of the assisting troops who had arrived to aid the three hulking power armor vanguards.

"Hello, Mr. Edgar. We meet again," Daniel greeted Edgar, observing as he was forced to stand by the imposing presence of the hulking power armor vanguards.

"Ma... Magitek!? You're not dead!? Impossible!" Edgar stammered, his face contorting with horror at the sight of Daniel, alive and well despite the bomb that had been dropped on his condominium.

"Oh? It appears you have some knowledge about this. I have numerous questions that demand answers, and I must admit, I'm rather eager to ask them. However, before we indulge in our little discussion, I require you to grant me access to the basement," Daniel retorted, a touch of sarcasm lacing his words.

"Magitek! I can explain! I had no intention of killing you! We were following orders from Lucien and the Alchemont clan! We had no choice but to obey!" Edgar blurted out in a panicked frenzy, his fear for his life overriding any semblance of loyalty. Ever since witnessing the gruesome manner in which Daniel dispatched the Alchemont Enforcer in the trial by combat, Edgar had been plagued by nightmares, causing him sleepless nights filled with terror.

Daniel couldn't help but smirk sarcastically, astonished by Edgar's cowardice and haunted by the image that had etched itself into the depths of Edgar's mind. Yet, choosing to hold his tongue, he motioned for the troops and the three hulking power armor vanguards to follow him as they descended into the basement.

Descending into the depths of the basement, Daniel led the way with Edgar under the watchful eyes of the hulking power armor vanguards. The air grew colder and heavier, carrying an aura of secrecy and ancient power. The flickering lights lining the dimly lit corridor cast eerie shadows that danced along the walls, adding to the mysterious ambiance.

Reaching a heavily fortified door at the end of the hallway, Daniel prompted Edgar to use his eyes on the scanner. A soft blue glow enveloped their hands as the sophisticated iris scanning technology verified Edgar's identity. The heavy security measures within the basement were disabled, and the once impenetrable door began to whir and slide open.

As the door opened, a faint mist seeped out, filling the space with an ethereal atmosphere. A mesmerizing sight awaited them—a grand chamber shrouded in enchantment.

In the center of the room, a moat encircled a platform, from which a bridge extended gracefully, seemingly materializing out of thin air. The bridge, composed of pulsating magical energy, glowed with an otherworldly radiance, guiding the way to a coveted treasure that lay beyond.

Daniel stepped onto the bridge, its luminescent path supporting his weight with an ethereal resilience. With each step, the bridge carried him closer to the heart of the chamber.

And there it stood, bathed in a soft, golden light—the legendary Sylvan tree. Its branches reached skyward, bearing luscious fruits in the shape of delicate women, their features serene and captivating. These fruits held extraordinary properties, capable of serving as the foundation for homunculi and elevating their quality to unimaginable heights.

The Sylvan tree, a prized possession of the Willow clan, held immense value and coveted by even the Alchemont clan, the primary house that sought to possess its power. Its significance and mystical allure permeated the air, creating an atmosphere of reverence and anticipation.