Ery and his acolytes were staying in one of the barracks provided within Citadel City. Since returning from the mission, Ery had secluded himself in ditation. His mind lingered on the intense battle against the Red Demon, analyzing every move and strategy while pondering how he could better prepare for the next encounter.
At the sa ti, he awaited word of a new assignnt. The atmosphere within the Citadel was growing increasingly tense. The loss of five Grand Magus in a single mission had sent shockwaves through the ranks, shaking the morale of both magus and civilians alike. The impending siege felt more real with every passing hour. Recognizing the growing danger, Ery had formally requested reassignnt, hoping to relocate himself and his acolytes to a safer assignnt. However, the chaos within the command structure delayed any approvals.
As he waited, whispers of drastic asures circulated throughout the Citadel. Officers held heated discussions behind closed doors, debating the feasibility of a total exodus—abandoning the Citadel entirely. The losses suffered during the mission had significantly eroded their confidence in their ability to defend the stronghold. The situation was further complicated by the ergence of a new threat. With Commander Azrazel rumored to be incapacitated, the dark elves had rallied behind a new champion: Agis the Red Demon. His terrifying power and presence lood like a storm cloud over the Citadel, driving the defenders to question whether they could withstand his assault. After a full day of anticipation, Ery and his acolytes finally received their next mission.
The directive was titled [Civilians Protection] and while it offered a reprieve from the looming siege, it wasn't the assignnt Ery had hoped for. it involved overseeing the safe evacuation of over three million Valaryn residents, who would be traveling over 4,000 miles to reach a secure base—a mission that would take at least 10 days to complete. "Master, they're offering 2,000 points a day for this mission! That's pretty generous!" Hardy exclaid with excitent. "Plus, we can earn extra points for taking down orcs or elves along the way!" The acolytes seed invigorated by the prospect of the mission. For many, it was a rare chance to combine humanitarian aid with opportunities for personal rit. Ery, however, felt a deep unease. He understood that in the current stage of the war, such a mission was fraught with danger. The sheer scale of the operation made it a pri target for enemy forces. As per the mission brief, to ensure maximum efficiency and security, the evacuation was divided into ten batches. Each batch would be guarded by a dedicated squad, while ten additional squads were assigned to protect key checkpoints along the route. These posts would serve as safe havens for the evacuees.
Ery announced to his group. "Get ready. We're leaving in two hours!" "Yes, Master!" the acolytes replied in unison.
As he prepared for the mission, Ery couldn't shake the sense of foreboding. The weight of responsibility bore heavily on his shoulders. Before departing on the mission, Ery entered his domain, making his way to the Khaos Hub. This ti, he was there to et soone specific—a figure stepping through a newly created waypoint door.
The door shimred and opened, revealing a strikingly beautiful female dark elf. She moved gracefully into the hub and, upon eting Ery's gaze, gave a respectful nod. "You've kept your promise," she said in a calm, almost regal tone. "I am now your servant." The woman was none other than Lyanna Darkmoon, now occupying the body of Azula Raine. Following her daring rescue, it had taken her several grueling hours to fully take control of Azula's form. Now, as a bearer of the Khaos Seed, she was able to access the hub and provide invaluable intelligence from within the enemy's ranks. Ery wasted no ti and asked. "Are you certain no one suspects you?" Lyanna's sharp features twisted into a faint smirk. "No one dares to question —not yet. This Azula has far more influence than we anticipated. She was entrusted with Valaryn's planet intelligence and she holds a very close relationship with Azrazel himself. We've struck gold." Her words carried a hint of triumph, but Ery's expression remained serious. He understood the magnitude of the opportunity Lyanna's position provided, but it ca with imnse risk. Lyanna diligently answered Ery's many questions, offering valuable insights.
First, she confird that Azrazel, the dark elf commander, had indeed survived the attack. However, his injuries were severe, and he was currently in recovery—a process expected to take several weeks. In his absence, Agis the Red Demon had risen to beco the highest-ranking figure on the planet. Preparations were already underway for his official anointnt as the new commander, tasked with leading what the dark elves ominously referred to as the Final Day.
"Alright, good work. Keep a close watch, and inform imdiately of any significant movent."
"Yes, Master," Lyanna replied.
Ery noticed her unspoken thoughts lingering and pressed further. "What is it?"
Lyanna admitted, "There's a chance Azrazel might uncover my true identity. If he does, it would jeopardize everything. I've been considering… removing that threat."
Her suggestion was as bold as it was dangerous—assassinating the severely injured Azrazel. Ery couldn't deny the appeal of such a move, especially as a way to honor Major Kouga and his ghostblade team, who had given their lives in their mission. However, he was equally aware of the imnse risk it posed to his valuable spy.
After a mont of deliberation, Ery spoke with asured calm. "I have a better solution"
Ery retreated to his apothecary workshop, blending rare and potent ingredients to create a high-grade poison.
The concoction he prepared was designed to act subtly, a slow-working venom that would steadily weaken Azrazel over ti. Its effects would mimic the natural deterioration of his already critical condition.
With Azrazel weakened and vulnerable, Lyanna could control the narrative, maintain her position of authority within the elf forces, and prevent any suspicion of foul play.
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