Chapter 1358
By the early morning, the rain had softened to a gentle drizzle, leaving the air cooler and the night serene. The quiet lull induced deeper, more peaceful sleep in many.
Seven or eight shadowy figures darted through the curfewed city, moving swiftly and silently. They left almost no trace as they traversed the rooftops.
They reached the Capital Guard headquarters. The outer guards had retreated, leaving only Carissa and her companions tensely awaiting them in the main hall.
The group exchanged quick glances and gripped their weapons. The assassins had arrived.
The hall's dim light flickered, and as the black-clad figures descended, a gust of wind extinguished the lamps. Darkness enveloped the room, making even an outstretched hand invisible. Only the faint sounds of breathing and movement betrayed the assassins' positions.
Nicholas led the charge, his skill far surpassing the others. His sword moved with deadly precision, arcing toward Carissa's neck. Carissa leaped, her foot landing on the blade's flat, evading the attack. Twisting in midair, she landed gracefully, her Rose Spear sweeping to clear the immediate danger. Guided by instinct and Violet's scent, she moved to stand back-to-back with Violet, weapons raised.
The battle in the pitch-black was intense, the clash of blades, spears, and swords the only sound. Carissa and the others felt a heavy weight in their hearts; a few moves revealed the assassins' exceptional skill, especially the one relentlessly attacking Carissa. The chilling realization struck them: Nicholas was likely among the attackers. Taking him down would be a monumental victory.
However, before the battle reached its peak, they were already injured, having barely exchanged a hundred moves. Everyone was shocked. Survival, let alone capturing Nicholas, seemed a blessing.
Thankfully, their resolve held strong. Any other group would have crumbled. Huddled together, they fought as a unit, minimizing the risk of separation in the chaotic darkness. Their eyes gradually adjusted, faintly discerning shadows. The occasional glint of a sword guided their movements, helping them narrowly avoid lethal blows.
Carissa's custom-made Rose Spear, with its adjustable length, was retracted, ready for a sudden thrust at her opponent's heart. Yet, the opportunity never arose. Her opponent's relentless, airtight strikes forced her into a desperate defense, leaving no room to counterattack.
Compared to their struggle, Nicholas and his group moved with ease, yet they showed no mercy, focused solely on swift incapacitation.
Nicholas was surprised. He'd expected Carissa to fall within fifty moves. Over a hundred moves later, she had only minor injuries. Adrian's training had been more thorough than he anticipated.
Still, defeating them wouldn't be difficult. Nicholas had personally led the mission to prevent unforeseen complications. Refocusing, he aimed all his strikes at Carissa's vital points, seeking a decisive blow. His relentless targeting of her neck and heart, while ignoring her limbs, allowed her more freedom in defense, which she used to narrowly escape several deadly attacks.
Defense became even harder. Carissa and Kyle possessed the best martial skills among them. With several wounded, continuing the fight meant certain death. But the relentless attacks left them no escape; they were forced to fight on.
Meanwhile, as Nicholas and his men approached the Capital Guard headquarters, someone from the nearby Russell Estate infiltrated Willowbrook Estate. They opened the door to Hayden's room.
The Shadow Guard swiftly appeared; a sword pierced the guard's flesh. A muffled grunt followed, then blood poured out.
A small brocade box landed before Hayden. In return, Hayden threw his emblem to the man. "Go. Quickly!"
Adrian nodded. "Thank you!"
Adrian disappeared into the night. The token was entrusted to Everett, who would leave for Nerovia at dawn. Adrian, armed with a six-barreled matchlock, set off for the Capital Guard headquarters.
Hayden looked down at the lifeless body on his floor—one of the Shadow Guards who had monitored him.
Chaya stepped forward, covering the corpse with a cloth. She picked up the fallen sword and looked at Hayden, her voice low and steady. "Is it time?"
Hayden shook his head. "Not yet."
"They'll act tonight," Chaya said, resting the blade against her neck, testing for the quickest cut. "If we don't die now, we'll face torture, or worse—paraded as a puppet king, branded a traitor and usurper."