Chapter 545
Louis and Timothy were frustrated. How could they have failed to keep Victor at bay, given the insincerity of the negotiations? Now, they could only hope Rafael completed the rescue mission before Victor's return. Otherwise, the consequences would be dire.
Meanwhile, Rafael successfully rescued Law. Exiting, he found a fierce battle raging. Several of Thomas's group were injured, but Everett's presence had minimized the damage. However, the enemy numbers were rapidly increasing, necessitating a swift retreat.
A dozen enemies closed in as Rafael dashed out. With a swift leap, he handed Law to Dylan, who carried the injured man and disappeared into the night. Rafael used his Lightfoot Skill to rejoin the others, knowing that rescuing only one person while losing several others would constitute mission failure.
Sunstrike in hand, Rafael flew to Jacob's side, cutting through the surrounding soldiers with a powerful swing. Everett, meanwhile, faced the enemy's elite forces. Though Victor had taken many of his top fighters to the negotiations, a dozen remained. Seeing Law rescued and the iron door no longer needing guarding, Everett unleashed his full strength.
Their combined skills were nearly unstoppable, but the sheer number of enemies hampered the escape. They could only rescue one person at a time.
Rafael knew they couldn't delay. Worried about Victor's return and reinforcements, he held nothing back. With his golden sword, he unleashed a whirlwind attack, cutting down several enemies with a single powerful swing. It consumed much of his energy, but he bought them time to escape.
Seeing Rafael's determination, Everett matched his effort. They worked seamlessly together, retreating to the platform atop the surrounding walls. The walls were high. Thomas could barely manage the climb with his Lightfoot Skill; others used iron hooks and chains, making them vulnerable.
Rafael and Everett exchanged a glance. Everett held the line while Rafael guided others to safety. After rescuing three, they heard the ground shake—horse hooves. Rafael's heart sank. Victor had returned.
Ignoring his exhaustion, Rafael swung his golden sword, creating an opening. He grabbed one person in each hand and soared out, carrying them. Thomas, seeing this, attempted the same, but his injuries hampered him. Enemy blades struck his back as he barely managed to lift Ben to safety.
With three people left, Rafael took two. Everett quickly scooped up Felix and vanished.
Victor, on horseback, surveyed the blood-soaked ground. His men were dead or wounded. Septimus had been rescued, and he hadn't seen Rafael. In a rage, he roared, "Pursue them! Send word to the garrison! Conduct a city-wide search—leave no corner unchecked!"
Under the cover of night, Rafael led their escape. Wounded, Thomas collapsed. Rafael helped him, staunching the bleeding, then carried him, leading with his Lightfoot Skill. They needed to reach Jacob's safe location and reunite with Dylan.
Chapter End
The location, chosen by Jacob, was one Victor wouldn't immediately search. If they evaded the city-wide search, they could escape.
After an hour, they reached a Sandorian soldiers' cemetery—a location near a mountain range. If unharmed, they could cross the ranges to the grasslands, where a path led to the mountain where Liam had captured Aurora. There, they would be safe. Victor wouldn't suspect a search of the cemetery. Without his orders, no one would dare.