Chapter 185: Prelude to Cooking

Chapter 185: Prelude to Cooking



Under the dim light of the torches lining the cavernous vault, the dwarves moved swiftly. The large, reinforced crates containing the precious minerals were being hoisted onto carts by strong hands and carefully wheeled toward the exit.

Vincent stood at the mouth of the vault, his sharp eyes scanning the activity. The Blackhawk helicopters awaited outside the kingdom, engines running, the rotors stirring the cold air. The hum of their blades created a rhythmic sound that seemed to echo through the entire kingdom.

"Move with care!" Velara's voice rang out, her command carrying authority as she directed the dwarves loading the crates. Each crate was handled as if it contained the heart of the Dwarven Kingdom itself. Dwarven warriors stood in formation, their weapons at the ready, prepared to defend the convoy if any threat emerged.

Outside the kingdom, the Blackhawks hovered, kicking up small clouds of dust and dirt with their powerful rotors. The three sleek helicopters were positioned in a tight formation, ready to escort the valuable cargo to Akarios Island. Their black frames blended with the night sky, making them nearly invisible against the dark landscape.

As the first cart approached the loading area, Vincent turned to one of his officers. "Make sure every crate is secured properly before loading. No margin for error."

"Understood, sir," the officer replied, moving quickly to oversee the loading process. The dwarves worked efficiently, lifting the crates onto the helicopters with a combination of muscle and carefully constructed lifts. Each crate was strapped down securely, metal clamps locking them in place.

Velara joined Vincent at the edge of the landing area, her expression serious as she watched the final preparations.

"Once the crates are loaded, I'll stay here with the rest of the warriors. I'll trust you and your air support to see that the shipment reaches Akarios Island."

The minutes stretched on in silence, the rhythmic thrum of the Blackhawks' engines the only sound breaking the stillness of the night.

"Approaching the coastline," the pilot of the lead Blackhawk announced. "ETA to Akarios Island, fifteen minutes."

Vincent glanced at the view below as the mountains gave way to the dark expanse of the ocean. The sea shimmered faintly under the moonlight, the waves crashing against the distant shore. The island lay ahead, a secure base for the next phase of their mission.

As the convoy neared Akarios Island, the outline of the base became visible, illuminated by faint lights from the runway and the surrounding security outposts. Vincent felt a sense of relief as the Blackhawks descended toward the landing pads. They had made it this far without incident, but he knew the real battle was still to come.

The helicopters touched down on the island, their rotors slowly winding down as the team disembarked. The dwarven crates were unloaded carefully, dwarven and human hands alike working together to transport the precious cargo into the secure storage areas beneath the island's surface.

Vincent stepped onto the solid ground of Akarios Island, and he couldn't help but feel a brief moment of satisfaction. After all, he missed this place.

The Blackhawks had landed in a row, their rotors gradually slowing as the team worked quickly to unload the crates. Each one was carefully handled, the reinforced metal and protective locks still intact from the journey. Vincent observed the process closely, ensuring that every step was taken with precision. The stakes were too high for any mistakes.

Around him, the island's security personnel were on high alert, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of approaching danger. The defenses on Akarios Island were formidable -towers with long-range sensors and anti-aircraft systems, designed to thwart any incoming threats. But Vincent had learned not to underestimate the Demon King's forces. They were relentless, cunning, and capable of launching attacks when least expected.

"Get them to the R and D asap. I want to cook."