Chapter 542
Three shadowy figures swiftly darted out. Their plan lacked a good opportunity. The area around the small hut, while not brightly lit, was sufficiently illuminated to reveal any movement. With over a hundred watchful eyes, speed and skill wouldn't guarantee success; eventually, they would have to approach the hut, break down the door, and enter the dungeon—a trap with no easy escape.
Rafael and Everett, having scouted the area, knew this. Their plan involved Everett and Jacob engaging the guards while Rafael rescued the prisoner. After the rescue, Rafael would transfer the prisoner to Dylan, then return to help Everett and Jacob escape. Thomas and his group would provide further distraction.
Rafael charged directly at the hut's iron door. Breaking it wasn't easy, but the prince wielded Sunstrike, his golden sword—a blade sharp enough to cleave iron. Despite weighing twenty-eight pounds, its sharpness was exceptional. Infusing his inner force, he struck the door repeatedly. The iron yielded, and a powerful kick forced it open. He glanced back; Everett guarded the doorway with a long blade, while Jacob was already engaged with heavily armed guards.
Rafael wasn't worried about Everett but was concerned about Jacob. While Jacob's martial arts skills weren't his strongest point, his agility was exceptional. He could use his Lightfoot Skill to tire his enemies and find openings to strike. Still, it was dangerous.
One last glance showed Thomas and his group had also arrived. Rafael breathed a sigh of relief. Their numbers would allow them to guard the door and prevent reinforcements. This bolstered his confidence in rescuing the prisoner.
The garrison's dungeon was a strategically built underground chamber and tunnel system, intended as a refuge in emergencies—a hiding place should war spread and Sandoria fall.
Rafael underestimated the tunnels' complexity. The lower levels were a maze, a single path branching into at least a hundred secret chambers. The garrison itself wasn't that large, indicating expansion into other areas.
Despite this, Rafael followed the scent of blood, finding the prisoner in a chamber off the third tunnel. The strong smell of blood, and the iron door (unlike the others, which were wooden), were telltale signs.
The entire tunnel system was unguarded. With so many guards outside, inner sentries were unnecessary; breaching the outer defenses rendered further guards pointless. Rafael also detected faint breathing inside, confirming someone was present.
Unsure of the prisoner's identity, he knocked and called out, "The Sinclair Army is here to rescue you. If anyone inside is from the Sinclair Army, please respond."
After a moment of silence, rapid breathing and a weak voice answered, "Yes… I am…"
Rafael hacked through the iron chains securing the door and kicked it open. Inside, a bloodied figure hung by his hands, his feet dangling. His body was bruised and wounded; tattered clothes did little to conceal whip marks and burns. His swollen face was unrecognizable.
When Rafael cut the chains, the man collapsed. As the prince helped him up, he saw bleeding knees—a serious injury hindering movement.
"I'm Rafael. What's your name?" Rafael asked, noticing the man's cracked, blistered lips.
Despite being of similar height, the man was incredibly light, a testament to his ordeal.
Chapter 542 (+25 BONUS)
"Law…" he rasped, his voice strained, as if his throat burned. He gripped Rafael's sleeve tightly, his eyes wide with concern. "Are they… safe?"
Rafael felt a lump in his throat. "They're safe. We're here to rescue you."
"That's… good…"
His words trailed off; his hands went limp, his eyes closed.
Alarmed, Rafael checked his pulse and breathing, relieved to find him alive. Hoisting him onto his back, Rafael hurried to their escape.