Chapter 425 426-Windwolf

Chapter 425 426-Windwolf

"As long as Lilianne is in Red Eye's grasp, I can't break free from his control."

Harry wasn't surprised that Antalya knew he had leaned towards Red Eye, nor was he surprised that Antalya hadn't disclosed this fact, because their goals aligned.

To ensure Lilianne's safety, Harry's safety and status had to be secured.

"I want to meet those three knights," Antalya continued.

"You intend to warn them? Then let me give you some bad news: the meeting has already decided to conduct a comprehensive, covert search of Lorinda. Before negotiations begin, we aim to pin down Red Eye's whereabouts, set an ambush, and take out Red Eye during the negotiations."

"Then you'll slip up during the search, lure out those from Breeze City, and launch a surprise attack," Antalya finished the plan Harry had left unsaid.

"They're too confident in their own strength, honestly, they don't even match yours."

"This isn't normal, Harry," Antalya frowned.

"Why is Red Eye's power so formidable? It shouldn't be. If the Three Knights can't handle Red Eye, then why hasn't he attacked Breeze City? Even if worried about the siege from other cities, they've had ample time to leave."

Looking back at her several encounters with Red Eye, although he always initiated retreats from battles, Antalya also found it difficult to gain the upper hand.

A real showdown's outcome remained uncertain.

"Finally caught on, did you, obtuse woman? The answer to this problem is something you need to figure out on your own," Harry said with a cold laugh.

"Remember this term: 'Old Nobles.' It's Red Eye's biggest secret. Once you understand what that means, Red Eye will just be an old hound."

...

In the shadowy alleyway, the small half-orc ran with her head down.

She heard faint screams behind her, knew what they signified, but Howard had told her not to stop, so she didn't.

But then, a figure appeared in front of her.

It was Ali.The most uptodate novels are published on n0velbj)n((.))co/m

"Jelia!" Ali reached out to stop Jelia, gently tousled her hair and let go, asking, "What are you doing here? What happened to you, why did you leave your post? Is someone chasing you?"

Jelia stared blankly at Ali's face for a few seconds before reacting, pointing in the direction she had run from, "Howard! Howard is back there! I ran into Howard, and someone was following us! You have to help him."

This wasn't entirely true, at least not the part about Howard needing help.

But if she returned alone, Howard would undoubtedly scold her.

It seemed better to bring Ali back as a shield.

"Howard?" Ali froze.

Although no one had seen Howard's body, no one believed he could have survived a mana collapse of that magnitude.

Subsequent events seemed to confirm that grim assumption; Howard hadn't sent back any message.

With no sign of him, alive or dead...

Though he was only missing, everyone had given up hope that Howard was still alive.

If this "Howard" was an impostor and used this opportunity to set a trap for Antalya, the chances of her falling for it were too high!

If Antalya was compromised, they would lose any capacity to retaliate!

They must rendezvous with Antalya!

Ali halted her steps.

"Here's what we'll do, Jelia. You go back to the inn immediately, find Sister Vivia, and confirm Howard's whereabouts these past few days," Ali crouched in front of Jelia, adjusting her cap carefully to cover her beast ears, "I'll go find Sister Antalya now. If I don't return by evening, you have Sister Vivia take you all out of Lorinda."

Originally thought to be a simple entry-level mission, the situation has now progressively worsened.

Facing Red Eye, Ali truly experienced that feeling of coming face-to-face with death.

It's definitely not an experience worth reminiscing, yet it is these very experiences that clarified the meaning of being an adventurer to Ali.

To seek life in the face of death, to dance with the Grim Reaper, that is the norm in the life of an adventurer.

"Okay," Jelia nodded.

Although not fully understanding Ali's concerns, Jelia too wanted to know what Howard had gone through these past few days.

Vivia is not someone of simple mind; she wouldn't have given out such critical information regarding her location without confirming Howard's identity.

That implies Vivia must be aware of Howard's experiences over the days.

"Be careful on your way. Avoid eye contact with anyone and ignore anyone who tries to stop you," Ali patted Jelia's hair, signaling her to leave.

Jelia didn't linger; if Howard chose to stay hidden, then it was impossible for Jelia to find him.

Watching Jelia's figure disappear into the crowd, ensuring no one followed or noticed her, Ali turned and headed towards the prearranged rendezvous point.

The meeting spot had been set from the beginning—if there were any major changes to the plan, they would convene there directly.

Given the current situation, Antalya should have abandoned the plan and be waiting there.

This time, Ali was wrong again.

...

Howard did indeed meet the Three Knights from Breeze City, though not in the manner he had anticipated.

Clang— A short sword, a foot in length, landed in front of Howard.

Its blade and back formed a beautiful arc, reminding Howard of the marlins he had seen before.

Their silvery scales resembled the blade, and the straight yet slightly curved dorsal fin mirrored the arc of the sword's back.

"Speak, who are you?" A bearded, rugged face filled almost all of Howard's field of view.

The smile on the large face carried a hint of simplicity, its craggy features resembling those of a farmer.

Yet, it was this very man, the owner of the large face, who had subdued Howard with a speed beyond his ability to react just ten minutes ago.

He was the only level 3 magus among the Three Knights, one of the leaders of the Breeze City guard, known by the moniker "Windwolf" – Sorovo!