We began talking in detail about how exactly we were going to make our way into the imperial land.
It wasn’t the kind of place you could just stroll into. A group of elves suddenly appearing there would be suspicious as hell. At best, we’d draw unwanted attention. At worst, slavers might try to grab us the mont we stepped foot inside. Not that I actually believed they could succeed—especially not with people like Hilda around. Just looking at her fra alone, I doubted any common slaver could even make her flinch, much less capture her.
Still, that didn’t change the fact that walking in as we were would only cause problems. Which was why I decided to go with the tactic Artemis had used before.
Her strategy was simple and that was to blend in with the people.
But simple didn’t an easy. In fact, it was the complete opposite.
Artemis had the ability to alter her appearance, just enough to pass as a human. A little tweak of her features, a subtle shift in aura, and suddenly, she looked like she belonged. But the others didn’t have that kind of power. And even for Artemis, she couldn’t possibly use her ability on everyone in our group. It was impossible for her to cloak an entire squad of elves in one go.
So, we narrowed it down. Only those with the highest combat capabilities would infiltrate. Artemis explained she could manage her power for about five to six people—including herself. That ant five others could join her at most. And there was no more.
That limitation forced us to think carefully about who to bring along. Azusa and Hilda were obvious choices. Their strength alone made them essential.
"I’m going to put myself on the mission too," Frey suddenly said, raising her hand with a calm but determined expression.
I paused for a mont, rembering her role in the kingdom. She was in charge of education and training, but that didn’t an she was so sheltered academic. If anything, that role ant she was probably damn good in combat. And since Solaris didn’t show any sign of disapproval, I figured Frey really was capable. I decided to include her.
Then Verra and Serra stepped forward at the sa ti. "We want to go as well," they said in perfect unison, their voices overlapping in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. "We want to do sothing for our people who have been captured."
The way they spoke together felt eerie, almost unnatural. But the determination in their eyes was real. And since Solaris didn’t object, I gave them the nod too.
That made our infiltration team complete: Azusa, Hilda, Frey, Verra, and Serra.
These five would form the backbone of the operation. They’d be the ones to slip into the Empire, scout out the terrain, and secure the area. They’d also be responsible for setting up a teleportation circle, which would be our lifeline—the thod to get the slaves out quickly and safely.
And if anything went wrong, then all hell would break loose. It would an full-scale war with the Empire, fought on their own soil.
Of course, our goal was to make sure it never ca to that. Everything depended on how well we planned, how precise our structure was, and how smoothly we executed it. If we managed to carry it out perfectly, I doubted it would spiral into chaos.
"Um... can I ask sothing?" Clarett suddenly raised her hand. Her tone was timid and hesitant. "I don’t understand... why does it have to be in sumr?"
Her question pulled back for a second. The truth was simple. It was because I still had to attend the academy for the ti being. That was one reason. But there was more to it.
"Because during sumr, the heat is unbearable," I explained. "The Empire’s land is mostly desert. And sumr there is brutal as it would be the hottest season of the year. People cover themselves in robes just to protect their skin from the sun. That works in our favor. It gives us a way to hide your ears naturally, without drawing suspicion. Even if Artemis’s magic suddenly wore off, the robes would keep you covered."
"I see..." Clarett nodded, her expression clearing up as she understood.
"Good. But rember, this is still the early stage of planning. Things may change depending on what happens down the line, so don’t take anything here as absolute. Keep that in mind." Then I turned to Solaris. "And you, Solaris..."
"Yes, Leon?" she answered with a soft smile the mont I called her na.
"I expect you to handle your role properly. You’ll be the centerpiece of this entire operation. That ans you need to be ready for everything."
"Of course. I’ll do my job well," she replied without hesitation.
The others glanced between us. Maybe they thought it strange to see Solaris so obedient, or maybe it was because I casually called her by her na instead of using "Her Majesty." Either way, their stares didn’t matter right now.
"Clarett," I continued, shifting my focus. "You’ll be in charge of the backup forces. If sothing doesn’t go according to plan, you’ll be the one giving the orders. Take everything I’ve said here seriously."
"Yes," she replied firmly, adjusting her glasses as if to emphasize her resolve.
With that, the initial stage of preparation was complete. The infiltration team was decided. The plan was set in motion. The only thing left now was to wait for the right ti.
***
Later that day, I walked toward the construction site where new housing was being built. These hos would be for the elves who had once been enslaved, who had suffered and endured so much. In less than a month, the houses would be finished, standing as a promise of safety and a new beginning.
Watching the walls rise and the structure take shape, I felt a strange warmth swell inside . A small, quiet pride. Maybe even hope.
As I was lost in thought, footsteps approached. When I turned, I saw Aegis walking toward . Her usual sharpness wasn’t there. Instead, her face was turned slightly away, and a faint blush colored her cheeks.
If it had been anyone else, I would’ve thought she was about to confess to . But this was Aegis. That possibility didn’t even exist in my mind.
"I want to talk with you," she said, her voice low but firm.
Sothing about her tone told this wasn’t casual. It was serious. So, I braced myself and decided to hear her out.
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