Chapter 68: Preparing the Plan

"Is what he said true?" Aron stood there, dumbfounded, unable to utter a word.

Anna had not revealed the full truth of the previous transaction to Aron for a simple reason: many external forces were still investigating the forum user "Lucky Pretty Boy."

The details of the transaction were known only to her and a few high-ranking officials.

The fewer people who knew, the lower the risk of a leak. Anna nodded silently. "Aron, your primary responsibility is security. I hope you can understand certain things."

That transaction involved over a thousand pieces of equipment, distributed from top to bottom within the Angel Guild. Some elite members were armed to the teeth, their strength more than doubled.

Inside, Aron was boiling with emotions, his anger gradually dissipating. Compared to the thousand pieces of equipment, those few military supplies really weren't much...

However, Irving wasn't done speaking.

"There's one more thing I need to make clear: this incident has nothing to do with me." Irving paused and then continued, "You just mentioned arresting someone? I think you should start by arresting yourself."

"You should be well aware of the attack in the park last time. And now, those masked men openly launched an attack in the city center. Regardless of their motives, it's a failure on your Angel Guild' part." Irving said bluntly.

He did not disclose his relationship with Sophia.

"As for the [Flowing Light and Dense Realm], I simply didn't want to join, nothing more." Irving shot Aron another glance, "At least for me, there's absolutely no need."

Irving's string of sentences felt like heavy stones smashing into Aron's heart. The anger on his face had completely disappeared, replaced by a mix of shock and guilt.

He had to admit that, whether it was the park attack or the incident in the city center, Irving's actions, in a sense, were fulfilling the duties that the authorities should have carried out.

As for the [Flowing Light and Dense Realm], since it was an invitation, Irving inherently had the right to decline.

Though Irving held the position of chief consultant within the Angel Guild, he had made it very clear when accepting the title that it was merely honorary.

Moreover ,He didn't care about the title at all, nor would he allow any chains to bind him.

"I've said all I needed to say." Irving turned and walked away without looking back.

In the office, Anna watched his departing figure, her emotions a swirling mix. Although every word Irving said had deeply pierced her heart, she couldn't deny the truth in them.

"Didn't I tell you to leave? Are you satisfied with how things turned out?" Anna, exasperated, vented her anger on Aron. "Now that you know about the equipment, you should understand just how important he is to the authorities, right?"

Aron suddenly felt a wave of enlightenment. The guilt on his resolute face deepened, and he quickly said, "I... I'll go apologize to him right now."

With that, he turned and hurried after Irving.

Meanwhile, within the base, members of the Angel Guild noticed Irving walking out of the office alone. Their eyes followed him intently.

These members, although selected as elites from various regions, held great respect for Anna and Aron. Yet, this young man had stormed out without giving them any face.

The most surprising part came when Aron, known for his stern demeanor, hurriedly chased after Irving shortly after he left.

Exiting the underground safe zone via the elevator, Irving immediately saw Sophia waiting outside. Her arm, wounded by a bullet, was now bandaged.

Sophia had initially wanted to follow them down but was told by the guards that she didn't have the necessary clearance.

"Irving, what happened?" Sophia asked, puzzled upon seeing Irving's troubled expression as he emerged from the elevator. S~eaʀᴄh the NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Irving didn't respond and instead headed straight to the parked car. Sophia, seeing this, had no choice but to follow him.

Just as Irving started the car and prepared to leave the military base, he saw Aron rushing toward him from the rearview mirror.

"Aron, is there something else?" Irving said slowly. "Are you planning to arrest me directly?"

Aron detected the mocking tone in Irving's voice, and his face flushed with embarrassment. He quickly said, "Irving, earlier... I really am sorry. I'm just a straightforward person, I say what's on my mind. I hope you won't take it to heart."

"Is it not enough for me to apologize here?" Aron continued.

Nearby, a few guards standing by the barbed wire fence overheard the exchange. Although they maintained their stern expressions, their curiosity was piqued. They couldn't help but glance over. They were well aware of Aron's strict nature. He was known for his rigorous training and for not tolerating even the slightest mistakes, always reprimanding harshly.

It was hard for them to believe that such a resolute and uncompromising person was now apologizing to the young man in the car.

"Alright." Irving shook his head, then gestured for Aron to get into the car.

Although slightly puzzled, Aron complied.

"Irving, if you're still angry, I'll apologize in any way you see fit." Aron said.

Irving didn't respond to that. Instead, he looked out the car window, his expression turning serious. "The masked men who attacked the city center today are from a guild called The Brotherhood of Night Blades."

"The Brotherhood of Night Blades?" Aron asked, puzzled upon hearing the name.

Seeing this, Irving realized there was no point in continuing to ask questions. It was evident that the authorities were not yet aware of this guild's existence.

This was understandable, as Sophia had mentioned that The Brotherhood of Night Blades used shelters as leverage whenever they took over a guild. Players who wanted to stay alive had to comply with their demands.

"This Brotherhood of Night Blades is likely connected to Night Blades. They all bear similar tattoos. They've already taken control of several guilds..." Irving explained everything he knew.

Aron's face grew graver.

It was clear that the Brotherhood of Night Blades' goal went beyond merely enslaving players to do their bidding. Every guild, in reality, represented a familial power.

The Schrader Family, to which Sophia belongs, is undoubtedly one of the most prominent families in Starling City. If even they have been controlled, one can only imagine the situation of the other families in Starling City.

Aron thought about the numerous recent betrayals abroad and immediately sensed the danger.

"Irving, what are you suggesting?" Aron asked.

"This can't be delayed any longer." Irving's eyes flashed with a cold light as he laid out his plan.

First, there was the incident in the park, and now this attack at the intersection. Especially troubling was the threatening message sent by Night Blades earlier, making him feel like a dagger was hanging over his head.

The message had even listed his home address in detail, implying that they had the upper hand and could strike at any moment.

There's a saying: "The early bird catches the worm."

By the time Irving and his group left the military base, the sun was already setting.

In the car, Sophia, seated in the front passenger seat, occasionally glanced at Irving. Even though she knew that the Angel Guild was joining the plan, her face still showed worry.

"Irving, I spent some time with The Brotherhood of Night Blades. Their strength is far greater than you can imagine..." Sophia sighed and continued to explain.

The Schrader Family was considered one of the top powers in Starling City. Most members of their family guild were warriors, and besides her, there were two other mages.

It's worth noting that the mage class was already rare in the game, especially in its early stages. It was uncommon for a guild to have even one mage, let alone three.

Yet, even with such a lineup, the Schrader Family was still completely subdued by the Brotherhood of Night Blades, without the slightest ability to fight back...

The most critical point was that The Brotherhood of Night Blades didn't only control the Schrader Family. If a conflict were to erupt, other families under their control would undoubtedly fight desperately to survive.

In the game, the shelter is directly linked to the players. Once it's destroyed, it's equivalent to the end of their lives. Controlling the shelter is tantamount to seizing their lifeline.

Throughout the journey, as Sophia voiced her concerns, Irving's face remained emotionless.

It wasn't until Sophia had voiced all the worries pent up in her heart.

Irving's eyes began to flicker with even greater determination. In a deep, resolute voice, he said, "If that's the case, we need to act even sooner. Are we just going to sit back and watch them snowball, growing larger and larger?"

Backing down now and allowing The Brotherhood of Night Blades to continue their expansion would only make things worse. Even if the entire Angel Guild were to mobilize in the future, they might not be able to deal with this malignant force.

Some hidden dangers are akin to a person falling ill. The longer they are left unattended, the more dire the consequences become. On the contrary, if one resolutely decides to cut out this malignant tumor with a single decisive stroke, all the problems will be resolved effortlessly.

With this thought, Irving floored the accelerator, causing the Maybach to speed along the suburban roads.

Half an hour later, Vicky, who was preparing dinner at home, heard a knock at the door.