Shane had no intention of letting Phoenix Phalanx or any other clan know the true timing of their march toward Sector 19. He knew eyes were always watching… There were informants, scouts, opportunists, and others that he had to fool, so he crafted a layered deception.
First, he sent the vanguard team led by Kael and Jaxon in the Armored Car. Their departure was hidden through secret roads carved out over months, paths that twisted through abandoned tunnels and collapsed highways.
Shaman Aya herself had prepared shroud talismans, cloaking their movents from detection. To any observer, it seed as though Eclipse Domain was quiet, unmoving.
Two days later, Lysandra's convoy followed. Trucks carrying Warden Units and Aegis ch Fras rolled out slowly, deliberately concealed. They advanced cautiously, resting often, and using cover to mask their progress. To informants, it looked like a sluggish supply run to New Genesis Shelter and not the backbone of an assault force.
Finally, after another two days, Shane himself moved out… but this ti with fanfare. His departure was loud, visible, and deliberate, announcing that they were targeting the Phoenix Phalanx.
This made all the visitors aware of their supposed intention…
Because of that, scouts watching Eclipse Domain reported his march as if it were the beginning of the campaign. In truth, Kael, Jaxon, and Lysandra were already far ahead. By the ti Phoenix Phalanx calculated their arrival, the timing would be wrong. Even if they prepared for their arrival, it would already be too late…
Shane smiled at the thought. 'They'll never know our true ETA. By the ti they realize, Roan will already be within reach.'
***
Back in Blue Salt Shelter, Jaxon and Kael were keeping a low profile with their Armored Car. But Tara had noticed it since yesterday.
She wasn't about to let such a prize slip away.
As soon as she found the owners, she confronted them in the marketplace, her soldiers forming a wall behind her.
The Armored Car could be seen from this part of the market, and they knew that these people were already planning to leave.
"You've got sothing valuable," Tara said as she looked at the group. "That vehicle is ours… Well, sell it to us, or surrender it, and I will give at least give you so compensation. Either way, it won't remain yours."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "This car isn't for sale."
Jaxon stepped forward… "We built it. We bled for it. You don't get to take it just because you want it."
Tara smirked.
After being this close, she already confird that these guys were indeed people who had completed the Ascension Quest and obtained special physical traits on their bodies.
It would be easy to defeat them. Even if they fight here, this Blue Salt Shelter might get destroyed in the process. They couldn't let that happen since Spirit Threads were being produced here.
Tara considered for a mont before she spoke again.
"Then prove it. No weapons, no tricks… Just strength. Three of your best against three of mine. If you win, you keep the car, and I'll give you five bicycles so you guys can leave... If you lose, the car is ours."
The crowd stirred as they heard that there would be a fight. Survivors gathered quickly, eager to see raw strength tested.
Kael shook his head. "That's ours. You don't get to decide what belongs to us."
Jaxon, on the other hand, was already prepared to go all out… "You've already taken this shelter. But this car isn't yours to claim. It's ours, and it stays ours."
The three Super Soldiers behind nodded in agreent…
The crowd stirred as they knew that there would be a battle to watch even without their agreent on the duel.
Since they weren't accepting Tara's terms as fair, this would beco forceful soon!
Tara's smirk hardened into a glare. She raised her hand, and her soldiers shifted, weapons ready.
"Enough. You think you can stand against Phoenix Phalanx? Refuse this duel, and it won't end with three against three. It will be all of my soldiers against all of you, right here, right now. And when the dust settles, your precious car will be ours anyway. I'm offering you generosity… a chance to defend it in front of everyone. Take it, or bleed for nothing."
The threat hung heavy in the air. The Super Soldiers exchanged looks before turning to the two…
They could certainly fight against them all, but doing it here now could compromise their main mission.
Jaxon's jaw tightened. He glanced at Kael, then back at Tara. Finally, he gave a single nod.
He knew that Tara was also wary of their abilities. As a matter of fact, her main mission might actually be to find out their true strength and their affiliation…
"Fine. We'll take your duel…"
***
The duel was set in the open square of Blue Salt Shelter.
On one side stood the three Super Soldiers… They wore no armor beyond simple vests…
On the other side, three Phoenix Phalanx warriors stepped forward. They were veterans, chosen by Tara herself. Each carried the aura of discipline…
They weren't Foreign Survivors like the Super Soldiers, but Gladiators from her Epic Recruitnt Stones.
The rules were simple… no weapons, no Survivor skills, or any mystical accessories. Just brute force. The duel would be decided by strength, endurance, and willpower.
Jaxon had no idea why Tara chose this thod but it was definitely not so simple…
Nonetheless, this could also be their own way of determining the strength of Phoenix Phalanx!
The crowd roared as the duel began.
The first Super Soldier charged and swung his arm…
His opponent t him head‑on, blocking the strike with his forearm before countering with a crushing elbow to the ribs.
Bam!
The impact echoed, but the Super Soldier gritted his teeth, refusing to fall.
He grappled, lifting the Phoenix warrior off the ground, and slamd him onto the pavent!
Boom!
Dust rose, the crowd gasped as they saw the scene...
But as the battle started, Kael realized a small thing that was creeping up to him…
"Hmm? You're already here? Aren't you fast, little thing?" Kael whispered as he smiled at the small rat.
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