High above the clouds, the rhythmic thumping of the helicopter rotors served as a backdrop to Ethan’s thoughts. He leaned back, staring out at the hazy horizon, recalling his recent conversation with the Matriarch. Her voice, seductive and mature, still echoed in his mind.
"What a pleasure to hear from you, Ethan. I thought you wouldn’t call so soon," she had purred over the secure line.
"I’m sorry it took so long to call you, it’s been a tough few days but you were right." Ethan had replied. "I received the invitation from the Capitol. After thinking it over, I decided that not going would be a sign of weakness. I’m leaving in a couple of days. I wanted to know if you were still attending."
"Of course I’m attending," she said with a light, dangerous laugh. "I don’t care much for the eting itself, but there are several people there I’ve been aning to have a... ’chat’ with. Those rats have stayed hidden long enough. Perhaps I’ll take the opportunity to exterminate the pests once and for all."
"It’s a relief to hear that, Matriarch. I didn’t feel entirely safe walking into that place alone."
"You are my benefactor and soone I appreciate deeply, Ethan. Even if I had no business there, I would go for you. Do not worry. If anyone tries to harm you, I will make sure it is the last thing they ever attempt in this life."
"Thank you, Matriarch. Your words are appreciated. I’ll be arriving a couple of days early by helicopter. I have a few things to settle before the official eting."
"Understood. I will arrive tomorrow afternoon. If I show up too early, the rats might catch the scent and scatter. Their senses are quite sharp."
"Understood. Send a ssage when you land, and I’ll co to pick you up. We can enter the lion’s den together."
"Fine. I’ll ssage you then."
Ethan stared at the phone for a mont after hanging up. Even though he trusted the Matriarch, he knew he was walking into the mouth of the wolf. A rare sense of impotence gnawed at his gut.
"Crul," Ethan whispered. "Have you found anything? Are there ambushes waiting?"
[Master, I have scanned every cara in the city. The situation is critical. There are over 15 individuals with power levels significantly higher than ours. Furthermore, I have tagged over 50,000 lower-level cultivators gathered across the city. More than 90% are here for the summit. While they are not all in agreent—which provides us an opening—annihilating them is statistically improbable. At best, we can retreat with our lives, but our escort will not survive a direct confrontation.]
Ethan remained silent. The situation was dire, but staying away was worse; it would be an admission of fear, and in this world, the fearful were devoured. He had to maintain his montum. Even if it ant risking the lives of his n, he had no choice. This was the price of the crown.
"We are descending. Falcon Team, stay alert," Falcon 6’s voice crackled over the comms.
"Confird. Ready for insertion," Falcons 7, 8, 9, and 10 responded in unison. Their faces were set in grim determination as they gripped their specialized weapons.
The helicopter touched down on the luxury hotel’s helipad. The team exited in a perfect tactical formation, scanning every corner of the roof. They expected an imdiate ambush, but the air remained eerily still.
"Clear, sir. It is safe to disembark," said Falcon 6.
Ethan stepped out onto the roof. "Crul, show the watchers."
Imdiately, his vision shifted. Red thermal silhouettes flickered into existence, illuminating figures hidden on surrounding rooftops and in high-rise windows. Over thirty people were monitoring them. Legends appeared next to each silhouette, detailing their power levels. Most were weaker than his Bone Refinent soldiers, which eased his tension slightly.
They moved toward the elevator. Ethan had rented the entire luxury building in advance to ensure no civilians were caught in the crossfire and to eliminate internal hiding spots for assassins. Anyone wanting to reach them would have to co from the outside.
Inside the elevator, the hotel manager bowed low. He was a common mortal, completely unaware of the supernatural predators currently occupying his lobby.
"Welco, sir. As requested, only a skeleton crew of chefs and maids remains. All floors are vacant. There will be no disturbances," the manager said, treating Ethan with the reverence reserved for a king.
Crul’s voice spoke through the team’s intercoms.
[The hotel is clear. Proceed with the plan.]
Ethan nodded to the manager. "I don’t want to be disturbed. Send the nu to the rooms and then withdraw all staff from the upper floors imdiately."
The manager bowed again and stepped out. With a flick of his hand, Ethan dismissed him. The building was twelve stories of glass and steel. As they reached the 9th floor—their designated base—the Falcons moved with lethal efficiency. They had chosen room 911; it was centrally located, perfect for an entrenched defense, and had a hidden advantage. A false sheetrock wall separated the room from a direct ergency exit leading back to the helipad—a secret escape route for a quick withdrawal.
While Ethan entered the suite, the Falcons fanned out across floors 3 through 8. They began planting specialized explosive charges at structural points indicated by Crul. These mines were remotely controlled by Crul, ready to turn the building into a deathtrap for anyone attempting to storm their position.
One by one, all the Falcons returned to the room reporting the situations. With caras on their helts, Crul had finished mapping the entire building, making sure not to leave any blind spots or vulnerabilities. Hundreds of explosives were deployed, and hundreds of additional caras had also been placed.
The base was set. They had their fortress, and they had their insurance policy. Now, they just had to wait for the wolves to show their teeth a strange emotion filled everyone present, impatient for everything to begin..
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