Chapter 530 Lieutenant Colonel Gunnar.



"When we arrived at the site, we first scanned the ruin for any signs of cursed energy..." Blake began narrating the events that took place during the mission, while also adding the information he had gotten from members of Erik's team. 

Prince Bryon occasionally nodded as Blake narrated everything that happened, but when he got to the part where Major Erik betrayed him, his brows furrowed and his smile turned upside down.

Even when he mentioned the mysterious force field that dragged the ruin back to the red zone, his expression did not change one bit.

"Good job Major Blake. Since the mission is over you can now return to Calton." Prince Bryon said before cutting the communication link.

"It seems it's been a long while since I used someone to set an example.' Bryon was boiling on the inside.

He was of course not happy about the news he just heard, the only problem was that Major Erik was dead.

He still needed to set an example with someone, but he couldn't wipe out all of Erik's relations because their family had contributed a lot to the Ash Corps and was still contributing.

"I will have to take another approach, but surely they won't escape my wraith." Prince Bryon said with a deep frown.

…

'I have never seen him that angry before.' Blake thought after the call with Prince Bryon had ended. 'I wonder who the unlucky person to witness his wraith will be.'

'Now that is over, we can finally talk about what the red zone did.' Blake said.

The event with the red zone was shocking but after some analysis, it was even more mind-blowing.

'You remember how Ebony and Ivory came out of the red zone?' Blake asked. 

[Yes, through a spatial tear.] The system answered.

'Now remember all the times I have summoned them before, has something like this happened?' Blake asked again.

[Nope.] 

'It most likely means that if it was a physical distance they would cover it through flight, but if it's not a physical distance they would cover it through spatial means.' Blake continued. 'So my hypothesis is that the barrier to the red zone is somewhat like a spatial gate to another dimension. The only difference is that the entrance is not the same as the exit.'

[I must confess, this is a very plausible hypothesis, but there is a flaw to it.] The system said. [In a case where Ebony and Ivory are teleported to somewhere like the Tigeria empire, it doesn't make sense that a legendary weapon would be flying around for months just to get to you.]

[I mean, Ebony and Ivory were created by the God of knowledge. So I am pretty sure that distance, whether physical or dimensional is not an issue for them.] The system explained.

[As for your hypothesis about the spatial gate, the chances of that being correct are very high. I have been having suspicions of this right from the start, but we can't be certain considering the fact that there are multiple other possibilities.] The system said. 

'If Ebony and Ivory can leave the red zone to answer my call, is there a chance that if I were trapped there we would be able to escape through them?' Blake thought.

[Why don't you ask them?] The system said.

Awoo!

Ebony immediately answered the question through their mind link.

Although they had the ability to cut through space and gain access to the void; the only way they could navigate the void was because their soul connection with Blake acted as a spatial beacon.

So, in the case where Blake was also inside the red zone, they would have no clue where they would be heading to.

[The good news is that, if your hypothesis is right, then you should be able to leave if you placed a spatial mark outside.] The system said.

'Should?' Blake chuckled. 'I would like to confirm my hypothesis, but it's not as if I ever plan to enter there.'

The system would have loved to mention that none of the people that ended up there planned on entering, but he decided to keep it in before Blake accused it of jinxing him.

…

Although it was less than an hour since Blake made the report, the news of Major Erik deserting him had already spread to almost all the ash corps in both Calton and Sandhaven.

"What!" Lieutenant Colonel Gunnar smashed his magically reinforced walnut desk into 2 halves when he received the news of his younger brother's death.

Gunnar stood at a height of 6" feet 3 inches tall. His shoulders were broad and his chest filled out his crisply pressed uniform. His muscular arms were visible even under the long sleeves, and his chiseled jawline was set with a look of burning rage.

His usual commanding presence was currently nonexistent as he was just a few seconds away from burning down everything in his office.

"Not only did he kill my brother, but he dares to tarnish his image and soil the name of my family!" Lieutenant Colonel Gunnar yelled as he read the full report. 

There was no way he would believe Blake's story of Major Erik abandoning him, especially since no one else saw it. Also, since his family would somehow get punished there was no way he would accept it even if it were the truth.

'One way or another, he must surely pay for this.' Gunnar thought as he read Blake's profile and began making plans to enact his revenge.

"Inform me when Major Blake returns from Sandhaven." Gunnar called up his secretary before cutting the communication link.

…

Since they were done with their mission in Sandhaven, Blake had to make sure that everyone had rest before they used the teleportation arrays to return to Calton City.

On making his way out of the teleportation array room, Blake saw a muscular with short, neatly trimmed brown hair styled in a classic military cut that was practical and functional, yet also gave him a sharp and professional appearance. Despite the short length, his hair is thick and has a slight wave to it, adding some texture and dimension to his overall look. 

Without thinking, Blake saluted the lieutenant Colonel, but as he was about to pass by he was called back.

"Lieutenant Colonel Gunnar, how may I be of help?" Blake asked.

"I would like to know more about the recently concluded mission." Gunnar said with a stoic expression.

'Yup, something is definitely up here.' Blake thought as he had no idea that Gunnar was related to Erik. Nonetheless, he remained cautious and answered. 

"I mentioned everything that happened in the report, there is nothing more that I can tell you. Unless you want me to repeat the report, sir?" Blake said.

"Please do." Gunnar said without a change in expression.

"When we arrived at the site, we first scanned the ruin for any signs of cursed energy..." With the help of the system, Blake repeated everything he had said and written in the report word for word.

"Is there any other thing you would like to know, sir?" Blake asked.

"No, that would be enough, you are free to leave." Gunnar said. His plan had been to meet Blake and try to check out for contradictions he could use against him but everything was exactly as it was stated in the report.

'Threatening or intimidating him would only lead to an early grave and more punishment. Also, it could possibly be used against me when I enact my plans.' Gunnar thought as he watched Blake walk away.

'It's best I do nothing out of the ordinary and lay low for some time before acting.' Gunna made up his mind and began heading back to his office.

As for his interaction with Blake, it was natural that he was angry and decided to meet with him.

…

"Don't you feel disturbed that Major Erik's elder brother came to question you?" Camilla couldn't help but ask Blake as they walked out of the square.

They had just completed a very dangerous mission, so they were given 2 days off since they didn't sustain any serious injuries.

"That's his elder brother?" Blake was surprised but soon returned to being normal.

"Why should I be bothered? Won't you do the same if one of your siblings died in a mission and it was only one person that saw what happened?" Blake said.

"You are right, but aren't you afraid of getting assassinated?" Camilla said the last part in a hushed tone as she looked around. 

"Of course, I am, but this wouldn't be the first or 5th target on my head." Blake shrugged.