Chapter 103: Twelve Seconds

Dawn tore through the dark curtain of the data sky, casting a cold, pale light over the silent villa. The three members of the Abyss Squad had already assembled in the living room, and an oppressive tension hung in the air. No one spoke unnecessarily. They all understood that today’s operation was different from their previous battles. This was not a dungeon clear or an open confrontation. They were hunting a specific player, and the success or failure of the operation would directly determine whether Aiden could activate his most important ability.

Aiden stood at the center of the room with a detailed holographic map of Flame Canyon projected before him. Numerous markings covered the map, including movement routes, potential observation points, escape paths, and several locations that could provide natural cover. His expression was calm, but his eyes were exceptionally focused.

"Let’s confirm the operation plan one final time."

His voice was steady and cold, carrying the restrained sharpness of quenched steel.

"Target: Element Controller, Chief Mage of the Dragon Sovereign Guild’s Elite Second Squad. Location: the outskirts of the Molten Heart cave in Flame Canyon. Estimated time of contact: around three PM, shortly after their squad finishes clearing the final wave of Lava Hounds outside the cave."

Aiden raised one hand and pointed toward a weathered basalt formation marked on the holographic map.

"We’ll arrive at the designated ambush point two hours early. This basalt formation gives us a clear view of the canyon and their expected route while providing enough natural cover to conceal our movements. The surrounding rock should also interfere with the detection of our energy fluctuations."

His finger moved across the map, tracing the planned approach and retreat routes.

"Once we’re in position, we remain there until the target appears. No unnecessary movement, no unnecessary communication, and absolutely no premature engagement."

He then turned toward Silas.

"Silas, your heavy armor, tower shield, and arm crossbow are all in good condition. You’ve also been equipped with two [Advanced Fire Resistance Potions]. Each lasts thirty minutes and will significantly increase your resistance to fire-based attacks. You also have one [Rock Skin Scroll], which temporarily increases your physical defense. Keep it ready and use it if their frontline or Element Controller’s damage becomes too dangerous."

Silas nodded firmly.

Aiden shifted his attention to Luna.

"Luna, your cloth armor and staff are also in good condition. You have one [Mental Concentration Potion] to temporarily enhance your mental power and perception, along with two [Mini Mana Gems] for emergency recovery."

His expression became more serious.

"Your most important item is the [Silence Barrier Scroll]. It’s Rare quality and can temporarily block communication and teleportation fluctuations within a small area. The effect lasts fifteen seconds."

Luna’s fingers tightened around the scroll.

"You must activate it the moment the operation begins. Don’t wait for my signal if the opening presents itself. The instant we commit, seal the area."

Luna nodded.

"Understood."

Aiden then turned back to the holographic map.

"My equipment is standard, with three additional items. First, the [Shadow Cloak]. Its stealth effect and weak optical camouflage will allow me to approach the target without immediately drawing attention. Second, the [Pain Chain Scroll]. It causes continuous pain while slightly suppressing the target’s abilities. Third, the [Soul Tremor Scroll]. It has a high probability of interrupting spellcasting and inducing short-term fear."

His gaze swept across Silas and Luna, making sure both understood exactly what each item was meant to accomplish.

"Now, the operation itself."

The map changed, highlighting the expected location of Element Controller’s squad.

"First, infiltration and observation. Once we reach the ambush point, maintain absolute silence and wait for the target squad to appear. Don’t focus only on their location. Watch their condition, especially Element Controller’s Mana reserves and skill usage. We need to know how much he has spent before we attack."

Aiden moved to the second stage.

"Second, timing. We attack immediately after they finish clearing the Lava Hounds. They’ll have just spent a significant amount of Mana, and their attention should naturally relax once the monsters are dead. They’ll likely spend a short period collecting loot or recovering. That is our opening."

The map shifted again.

"Third, the raid begins."

Aiden looked directly at Luna.

"Luna, activate the [Silence Barrier Scroll] and cover the entire target squad. At the same time, use the Gray-White Dice to trigger Bad Luck interference. Prioritize effects that can disrupt his Mana or cause his defensive items to fail. We don’t need a catastrophe. One failed Mana Shield or one delayed emergency item could be enough."

Luna nodded seriously.

Aiden’s eyes then moved to Silas.

"The moment the barrier goes up, Charge."

Silas’s expression hardened.

"Don’t waste time fighting their other members. Your objective is Element Controller. Use your shield and your body to force a path through their formation and get directly in front of him. Use the [Taunt Arm Crossbow] to draw his attention if necessary. I need his eyes on you, even if it’s only for a second."

He pointed at the [Rock Skin Scroll] on Silas’s equipment.

"If their counterattack is stronger than expected, activate it immediately."

"Understood."

"Fourth, decapitation."

Aiden’s hand rested on the hilt of the Devouring Soul Blade.

"I’ll follow directly behind Silas. Once his charge disrupts their formation, I’ll use the [Shadow Cloak] and his cover to reach Element Controller."

His voice became quieter.

"The first move will be the [Soul Tremor Scroll]. I want his casting interrupted and his reaction slowed. If it induces fear, even better. Immediately afterward, I’ll strike."

Aiden paused briefly before continuing.

"If the first attack doesn’t kill him, I’ll use the [Pain Chain Scroll] to suppress him further and create the conditions necessary for Soul Devour."

He looked at both companions.

"Once Element Controller is confirmed dead, we leave immediately. Whether [Soul Devour] activates or not is secondary at that point. We do not remain behind to fight his squad."

The map displayed their predetermined evacuation route.

"Silas takes the rear. Luna stays in the middle. I’ll cover the front and handle any necessary interference. We follow the escape route exactly as planned."

Aiden’s expression became stern.

"Remember, our target is Element Controller. Nothing else."

He glanced toward the timer on the holographic display.

"The entire decapitation has to be completed within twelve seconds. The Silence Barrier lasts fifteen seconds, and I want the final three seconds reserved for our withdrawal. Once those twelve seconds are gone, we leave."

Silas struck his armored fist against his chest.

The heavy impact produced a dull metallic clang.

"Understood! I’ll smash a path straight through them for you!"

Luna took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the Silence Barrier Scroll.

"I’ll make sure the timing is right."

Aiden nodded.

There was one final matter.

"This operation must remain completely secret. Once Element Controller dies, the Dragon Sovereign Guild will investigate immediately. Damien will want to know who attacked his people, and if possible, he’ll mobilize every resource available to find us."

Aiden’s eyes became cold.

"We cannot leave direct evidence connecting the attack to Abyss."

He gestured toward the equipment they had prepared.

"The scrolls and potions were purchased anonymously through Dark Abyss and are difficult to trace. During the operation, avoid using skills that have obvious characteristics unique to us. In particular, don’t use any recognizable variations of [Heaven-Binding Roots] unless absolutely necessary."

Silas and Luna listened carefully.

"We want Damien to know that someone attacked his people," Aiden continued. "But he shouldn’t know who. If we’re fortunate, he’ll suspect another hostile faction instead."

The plan was meticulous.

Every part of the operation had been considered, from the target’s daily routine and preferred hunting grounds to the condition of his Mana, the weaknesses of his squad formation, and even the methods they would use to conceal their involvement afterward.

This was not a battle that could simply be won through superior strength.

It was a carefully prepared hunt.

Aiden had spent days examining every possible variable and refining the plan until there were as few unknowns as possible. The actual confrontation might last only a few seconds, but those few seconds would be the culmination of countless decisions made beforehand.

"Check all your equipment and consumables one final time," Aiden said. "Make sure everything is present and undamaged. If anything needs to be replaced, do it now. We have ten minutes for the final inspection. Once everything is confirmed, we leave."

The next ten minutes passed in silence.

Aiden repeatedly drew the Devouring Soul Blade from its sheath and returned it, familiarizing himself with the weapon’s weight and movement until the action became completely natural. With every repetition, he became increasingly aware of the restless hunger contained within the blade. The sensation had grown stronger as the operation approached, as though the weapon itself could sense the class energy waiting to be devoured.

Silas focused on his own preparations. He carefully wiped down his enormous tower shield and inspected every section of its surface for damage. He then turned his attention to the arm crossbow, checking its mechanisms and carefully adjusting the tension of its straps and fastenings. A malfunction during the operation could cost them the entire mission, so he refused to overlook even the smallest detail.

Luna sat quietly nearby with her eyes closed. She repeatedly visualized the sequence of events in her mind—activating the Silence Barrier, throwing the Gray-White Dice, and immediately following the result with the necessary actions. She practiced the movements until the sequence was deeply ingrained, leaving as little room for hesitation as possible.

None of them spoke during those final minutes.

They were all preparing themselves in their own way.

Finally, everything was ready.

Aiden was the first to move.

He pushed open the main door of the villa and stepped outside into the biting morning air. Beyond the quiet streets, the ruined city stretched beneath the cold data sky, filled with hidden dangers and enemies that could emerge without warning.

Before walking away, Aiden paused and glanced back.

Silas and Luna were still standing inside the doorway.

For a moment, the three exchanged silent looks.

Then Aiden spoke.

"Remember who we are."

Silas straightened.

Luna’s grip tightened around her staff.

"We are Abyss."

Aiden turned toward the eastern horizon.

"Today, the hunt begins."

The three figures soon disappeared into the shadows of the ruined streets, moving quietly toward Flame Canyon in the eastern part of Ashford City.

Behind them, the villa fell silent once more.

Ahead of them waited Flame Canyon, Element Controller, and the first true test of Aiden’s [Sovereign of Souls].

Every detail of the operation had been prepared.

Every escape route had been calculated.

Every weakness of the prey had been examined.

A carefully woven web of death had already been spread across the canyon.

Now, all that remained was for the prey to step into it.