Victor’s eyes flashed, and he quickly cut him off with a sharp glare. "Shhh! Don’t talk about them." His tone was low but urgent, as if even speaking of them might invite disaster. He leaned closer, lowering his voice further. "We’ve been ordered to keep our mouths shut about those masked ones. Don’t ask questions, don’t spread rumors, and don’t even think about prying into who they are. If you value your life, you’ll never ntion them again."
Both Darius and Gareth fell silent instantly, but the fear in their eyes spoke volus.
The masked individuals had beco the unspoken shadow among the ranks—figures draped in black hoods that seed to devour the light, their faces hidden behind expressionless masks carved with faint, ominous runes.
Their presence was suffocating; they spoke little, if at all, and when they did, their voices carried an unnatural resonance that chilled the bones. It was said that even the higher-ups of the Void Soul Tower kept their distance, never daring to approach too closely.
Rumors had spread in hushed whispers, despite the warnings: so claid the masked ones were executioners from an ancient order, bound to serve powers older than the Middle Domain itself. Others said they were remnants of a forbidden cult long thought annihilated, their souls branded by shadowy contracts. A few even whispered they were not human at all, but sothing wearing human skin.
Victor didn’t believe half the tales, but the truth was worse than rumor. He had stood near one of them once, close enough to feel the air twist unnaturally around their figure. Their aura wasn’t like a expert—no, it was sothing different, alien, a crushing presence that pressed down on his chest until he felt his knees might buckle. For the first ti in his life, Victor Kane, a man who had fought monsters and n alike, had felt utterly powerless.
He looked back at his two subordinates, his voice low but deadly serious. "Those masked ones... they’re not people you or I should even be talking about. So shut your mouths. If you want to keep your heads attached, you’ll pretend they don’t exist."
High above, cloaked in invisibility, Max’s eyes narrowed as he listened. ’Masked individuals in black hoods? With such power that even Void Soul Tower dogs are afraid?’ His heart thudded once in his chest. ’Interesting...’
His eyes narrowed as he listened from above, invisible and utterly still. The ntion of these masked individuals had hooked his interest imdiately. He understood the arrogance of the Seven Overlord Forces better than most—he had seen their pride, their disdain for all others, and their unwillingness to bend before anyone.
Yet, here were mbers of the Void Soul Tower—one of the most ruthless and conceited forces in the Middle Domain—speaking in hushed tones, trembling even at the thought of those mysterious figures.
’To make such people feel fear without lifting a finger...’ Max thought, a faint spark of intrigue flickering in his eyes. ’That’s no ordinary power. That’s dominance at a level that seeps into one’s bones. If even Void Soul Tower dogs are shivering, then whoever those masked individuals are—they’re worth investigating.’
He leaned back slightly against the bark of the tree, his invisibility never faltering. His goal hadn’t changed. He had co here to save Lenavira, and that remained his focus. But now, a second thread wove itself into his mission—these masked n. Whoever they were, whatever their purpose, they had stepped into the spotlight in a way that disturbed even the mighty.
’Since I’m here anyway,’ he mused silently, ’I might as well check it out. But saving Lenavira cos first.’
Below him, Victor’s voice cut through the air, low and commanding. "Let’s go. And don’t talk about the masked n again." His tone was edged with warning, and both Darius and Gareth fell silent imdiately. They fell into step behind their leader, the three of them moving deeper into the forest without another word.
Max’s gaze flicked toward the direction they were heading. His Three Dinsional Body had already stretched its senses outward, scanning every ridge, tree, and fold in the terrain.
There were no signs of human structures, no camps or bases nearby—just endless forest, dense and quiet. That, more than anything, made him curious. ’If there’s no sign of habitation, where did they co from? And more importantly... where are they going?’
He made his decision in an instant. ’Let’s follow them. Who knows? They might lead straight to Lenavira.’
Moving with silent precision, Max descended from the tree. His body blurred as he landed noiselessly on the forest floor, his invisibility skill keeping him hidden as he slipped after the trio.
They moved at a steady pace at first, their boots crunching softly on the undergrowth. Max trailed them carefully, each of his steps landing in the silent gaps between theirs, his breathing asured so as not to disturb the faint rhythm of the woods.
Then, without warning, Victor gave a signal with his hand. The three of them lifted off the ground, qi surging faintly as they took to the skies. Their bodies rose above the treeline, flying swiftly toward the distant horizon.
Max’s eyes flashed, but he didn’t panic. ’Flying would be easier,’ he thought, ’but in the sky, I’d risk being seen if were to use my skills to fly or use mana. If the Void Soul Tower or Thunder Monarch Hall really have their eyes everywhere, even a ripple of energy could expose .’
Instead, he bent low, muscles coiled like springs, and darted across the ground. His movents were fast yet controlled, weaving between the towering trunks and leaping gracefully from branch to branch when the forest grew too dense.
Each leap carried him further forward, shadowing the three from below while keeping just enough distance to avoid being sensed. His Three Dinsional Body pulsed faintly, guiding him with a map-like awareness of their positioning above.
Through the undergrowth, through the rustle of leaves and the whisper of wind, Max pressed forward silently, invisible and relentless.
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