In the heart of the Shadow Blade headquarters, a large room was illuminated by the dim light of torches on the stone walls. Dozens of figures in black robes gathered, masks covering their faces. The air was cold, smelling of damp stone and cloth. Some whispered softly, their voices muffled by thick robes. In the corner of the room, a supervisor observed them calmly. Silence enveloped them, only broken by the sound of dripping water from the ceiling. They waited, in deep quiet. In this organization, there were no names, only numbers that represented them.
Blaze, or as known as Sixty-Nine, stood tall among his comrades, the members of the Shadow Blade in black robes. The dim light from the torches on the stone walls danced on his mask, creating shadows that played on his hidden face. He observed Thirteen, the organization's leader who stood at the front of the room, a tall and sturdy figure exuding a calm and experienced aura. In the room, there was a distinct aroma of the Shadow Blade headquarters: a faint smell of blood mixed with the damp aroma of stone and cloth. The cold stone floor felt ordinary under his feet, a feeling that had long been familiar. His gaze was sharp, observing small details in the room, from cracks in the wall to dust clinging to the floor. He glanced briefly at the long sword hanging on the wall, a sword that had become his extension in many missions. There was no nervousness, only focus and calmness. For shadow assassins like Blaze, nervousness was the greatest enemy. Number thirteen was known as one of the best Shadow Blade executors, someone who never failed in his mission.
Thirteen stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative. "We have received a request from a client with a very high fee. Our target is Duke Reynard Vale, and we will ambush him on the path leading to his plantation." As those words were uttered, a faint pale blue light appeared from the tip of Thirteen's finger, slowly swirling to form a small glowing circle. The circle then shot out, forming a three-dimensional holographic projection that displayed the narrow, winding path that Duke Reynard would take, complete with details of the surrounding environment: shady trees, steep cliffs, and a small river flowing by the side of the road. The projection also showed the estimated time Duke Reynard would pass through the road.
Hearing the ambush plan, some members of the Shadow Blade exchanged glances, their eyes hidden behind masks showing a hint of interest. Ninety-seven, pulled out a strand of deep black silk from his sleeve. The thread spun in the air, forming a miniature spider web that glowed dimly. The web then displayed detailed information about the path: road conditions, points where ambushes could be carried out, and even possible escape routes for Duke Reynard.
Everyone in Aetheria's underworld knew of Duke Reynard's cruelty. Forty-two moved his hand, and a number of small blood-red runes appeared in the air, forming a tactical map that showed strategic points for ambushes along the path, including the best positions for each Shadow Blade member. The runes pulsed softly, showing possible infiltration routes and the best points for a surprise attack. Their magic abilities, combined with accurate intelligence information, painted a complete picture of the ambush operation they would face. He squeezed the common people, destroyed villages that refused to pay his taxes, and was even rumored to have close ties to the Carmesim Order, which had killed many Shadow Blade members, including Master Kael.
"He won't be traveling alone," said Thirteen, his voice calm but filled with determination. As he spoke, his fingertips lit up with an icy blue light, forming a small, rapidly spinning ball. The ball then shot into the air, expanding into a holographic projection that displayed details of Duke Reynard's escort: the number of soldiers, the type of weaponry, and even an estimate of each individual's magic power. The projection also showed the formation of the escort force, revealing weak points in their defenses. Small details such as the type of armor and weapons used were also clearly visible, showing the extraordinary level of detail of the projection.
"We know that many nobles have private armies, but Duke Reynard goes a step further," Thirteen continued, simultaneously moving his hand. A number of blood-red runes appeared in the air, forming a three-dimensional tactical map of the forest path leading to Duke Reynard's fortress. The runes pulsed with a dim light, showing various infiltration routes, strategic points for ambushes, and also the location of the Carmesim Order escort force. Some runes even blinked brighter, indicating areas with stronger protective magic.
The room fell silent. The Carmesim Order was not just a group of soldiers with extraordinary pay. They were brutal warriors with extraordinary magic power. Ninety-seven, pulled out a strand of deep black silk, the thread spun and formed a small web that displayed intelligence information about the Carmesim Order: their history, strength, and battle tactics. The information appeared in the form of text and symbols that were easy to understand. Another member, forty-two, moved his right hand, and a golden light emanated from his palm, forming a small statue depicting a Carmesim Order soldier complete with his equipment and magic weapons. The statue slowly rotated, showing the various fighting techniques and magic abilities possessed by the soldier.
"We need a lot of members for this mission because dealing with them is not easy," Thirteen emphasized. "We will ambush them on the forest path leading to his fortress. In that place, no royal guard can interfere."
Several people nodded softly, their heads slightly bowed. In the air, a faint green glow appeared, shaped like a branching tree. The tree slowly formed a three-dimensional map of the battlefield they would face, showing the optimal infiltration routes, strategic points for ambushes, and also the location of the Carmesim Order forces. The branches of the tree glowed brighter in areas considered more dangerous, showing different levels of risk. Careful planning was essential. If they were careless, they could end up like their comrades who had previously been slaughtered by the Carmesim Order.
Thirteen looked at them one by one, his gaze sharp but calm. As he did so, a number of golden runes appeared around him, swirling to form a circle of light that protected them all. The runes emitted a calming energy vibration, dispelling fear and enhancing their concentration. "We move tonight," he said, his voice echoing in the silent room. "Prepare yourselves." Along with his words, a purplish-purple light emerged from Thirteen's hand, forming an hourglass that slowly turned. The sand inside the hourglass represented time, showing the time remaining until the ambush operation began.
Blaze didn't say anything, but behind his mask, a faint red glow could be seen. The light pulsed softly, showing the emotions hidden behind his cold mask. This opportunity was more than just a paid mission. The memories came and went repeatedly, showing a sense of loss and determination to avenge. If the Carmesim Order was truly involved, then this was another step in his journey to avenge the death of Master Kael.
That night, shadows moved silently among the dense forest trees. The full moon was high in the sky, its dim light penetrating the foliage, creating intricate patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. The cold night air pierced the skin, the smell of damp earth and leaves filled the sense of smell. Blaze, hiding behind the lush bushes, observed the winding dirt road in front of him. His fingers, wrapped in cloth, gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, ready to act. He felt a slow, pounding pulse behind his mask, not out of fear, but because of the adrenaline that flowed freely. The forest was silent, only the sound of the wind rustling softly through the leaves and the occasional chirping of night insects could be heard. Other Shadow Blade members were scattered around, each hiding behind large trees and behind rocks, waiting patiently. Darkness became their protector, making their presence almost invisible. In the distance, the sound of horses' hooves could be faintly heard.
Duke Reynard's entourage was getting closer. Blaze behind his mask, he smiled slightly. In a matter of minutes, they would attack.