While they walked along the road, one of the n in the group suddenly noticed sothing.
"Leader?"
"What?" The leader glanced around the road.
"You notice it, leader?" the man asked.
"Notice what?"
"There are no guards around. From what I heard, there’s no place the Armand guards don’t patrol except in the jungle. That’s where they have a special unit called the Armand Forest Guards."
"What are you talking about? We just t the Armand Pekko Patrol a minute ago." The leader snorted. "Just focus and make sure you’re not looking suspicious, dumbass. And stop being weird. You’re going to blow our cover."
"Y-yes, leader."
"We’re going to reach it soon, leader," one of the other n said.
"Are you sure the house we’re heading to is Kay’s house?"
"Yes, leader."
"Good. Now act casual."
"Yes, leader."
They arrived at the house’s front lawn.
The leader glanced around. Neighboring houses sat close by, curtains drawn, gardens tidy. As he stepped toward the door, soone shuffled out from next door, an old woman with sharp eyes.
"Who are you!?" she demanded, hands on her hips.
"Ah... we’re Kay’s relatives. Here to visit him," the leader stamred, forcing a smile.
"Really?" Her gaze swept over the group, lingering.
"Yes... is he ho?"
"Saw him co in earlier."
"Thank you." He offered a shallow bow.
The granny nodded slowly, then turned back toward her house, pausing behind the curtain, still watching.
Once she disappeared inside, he snorted softly.
Nosy old woman, busybody.
He knocked three tis.
From inside, Kay’s voice drifted through the wood. "Who is it? Are you looking for sothing? I’m not accepting donations."
"Ah, it’s . Ca to visit. Thought we could hang out and talk. Perfect day for it, right?"
Kay’s voice ca from inside.
"Are you bringing bread?"
The leader glanced around, then replied low, "I don’t have bread, but I do have butter."
The door opened. Kay stood there, rubbing his head as if just waking up. He yawned, scratched his stomach lazily, then gestured them inside with a sleepy wave.
Once they were all in, the leader spoke in a hushed tone. "What’s with the... manner?"
"Hmm?" Kay glanced at him, blinking slowly "What? I don’t want anyone getting suspicious. This is how I act all year. If I suddenly change, people notice."
"Oh... okay." The leader’s eyes narrowed. "So... the layout?"
Kay exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Leader... don’t just rush into the topic. Check the windows first. Look around. I have it, but at least pretend you’re really visiting a relative."
"What’s with the tone!" one of the spies hissed.
Kay’s eyes snapped toward him, narrowing sharply. "Shut the fuck up. I’m the one who’s been doing the work here, gathering intel, blending in. How dare you raise your voice at . No wonder they sent here alone."
He lowered his voice, cold and serious. "Have you not learned anything about this job? Impatience leads to what, huh? Stop acting high and mighty and learn to wait. And don’t forget, for a year, none of you visited. No support, no funds. I made do with nothing."
The leader stepped forward, hands raised. "Chill, chill... Kay’s right."
Kay exhaled roughly. "The layout’s here." He tapped his temple. "In my head."
"Don’t joke with us!" another spy growled under his breath.
Kay’s glare hardened. "You doubt my work? I observed. I befriended guards, rchants, locals. You think intel just falls from the sky? You think trust cos free?"
"One thing you forgot," Kay glared back, voice low and sharp. "Leave no proof behind. You think I busted my ass for a year just so you could ruin this plan? Now act like real relatives. Smile. Be normal."
The leader stepped between them, voice low. "Alright, alright. But you’re sure about the layout for the secret area?"
"Yes. I have patrol timings, guard rotations, blind spots, shift changes, and the best ways and places to sneak in. You can count on . I didn’t spend a year here for nothing."
"Alright. We move tomorrow."
"No can do, Leader. We move tonight."
"Why?"
"Tonight’s the only night this month the guards are relaxed. Most are stationed around the Armand Estate during the celebration. That ans the Gaze Town Barrack will be lighter." Kay leaned in. "There’s a sealed room in the lower level, restricted archives. That’s our target."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. I got close with one of their captains. Drinks with him, listens when he rambles after one too many ales. He’s let slip schedules, patrol gaps, even which guards fall asleep on watch." Kay’s voice dropped to a whisper. "He trusts . Thinks I’m just another local rchant. If we didn’t move tonight, there wont be any chance like this."
The leader nodded, satisfied.
But the two other spies didn’t buy it.
"I don’t trust you."
Kay just looked at them. "Go ahead and leave. Or better yet, all of you go. Tell the master you didn’t do anything because you were suspicious of . The door’s open. Go." His voice turned cold. "But let tell you sothing. I’m not responsible for any failure. All the success will be mine to claim. And the reward? Mine. You’ll get nothing."
Kay walked away, then paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "I can do this alone. I don’t need any of you at all."
The two spies fell silent. The leader glared at them.
"If you’ll excuse , I’m going to rest for tonight. The main door is there... if any of you wish to leave."
Javier smirked after leaving the living room.
He lay down and pretended to rest.
If those two leave... Alf’s Shadow Unit isn’t far. They’ll be silenced before they reach the border.
But I doubt they will. When I ntioned "master," they flinched.
If it’s not Kimar... this "master" must be terrifying. Go back empty-handed? They’ll be... silenced for sure.
Javier smirked, checking his magic disguise.
Still perfect, still Kay.
Can’t wait to give them a surprise.
Since... eheheheh...
A real gift from . To them.
anwhile, in the living room.
The leader glared at them, then spoke low.
"If any of you want to go, go. I don’t want to face the master empty-handed."
"But Leader... Kay looks... different."
"Because he’s one of the best. A year here, and no one in Armand suspects a thing. I doubt any of you could pull that off."
"But still..."
"No. You know we have another mission besides getting in, right?" the leader’s voice dropped lower.
"Y-yes, Leader..."
"Good. Make sure your blades are coated with the strongest poison. Once he leads us inside... you all know what to do."
"Y...yes, Leader."
( End Of Chapter )
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