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“Despite the forces of the order scattered across the nation, there are still regions considered strongholds.”

“According to what we know, the order already has seventeen cities under their power. Whether small or big. The number of towns under them has crossed fifty. It is sad to say that some towns are willingly submitting themselves to the order. For their profit of course.”

“Due to this, we cannot expect all towns to be on the nation’s side. And anyone with suspicious activities will be snuffed out.” Elder Adonis addressed Noah and his group. They had all agreed to follow as long as Noah was with them.

“Mind you, the cities under their hold are completely different from their default bases. These cities are either in partnership with the order or have been subjugated. We believe the case here is a partnership. Since all seventeen cities have refused to heed the calls of the royals. And those sent to said towns or cities usually never come back, or report suspicious actions.”

“The royals have marked out a few sure ones and shockingly they have asked that we infiltrate them rather than cause destruction.” Elder Adonis paused, silently sweeping his gaze on that group. They all listened attentively.

“How are we going to do that?” The expert named Jade raised the question. “We are too large a group. And will our powers not be too conspicuous?”

“True. But you won’t be going to just any city…” Elder Adonis stated. “The city chosen was already one of the largest and more successful ones. And since many tier fours not belonging to any organizations have risen throughout the recent years. Most go to such cities to find something.”

“According to the little info we gained. The order is always looking to gather more experts. This is what you’ll enter posing as.”

“Experts looking to make money from working for the order. It’s probably better than hunting beasts and selling them,” Noah chipped in and the elder nodded.

“Won’t our size still be a problem?” Cora agreed with Jade.

“I doubt,” Noah answered before Elder Adonis could. “A group this size and not possessing any of the oaths make us less suspicious. Sure our origin can be questioned. It still stands that having this many in one team and not belonging to any organization is rare… and most likely sought out.” He explained and the lady could only nod.

“He’s correct. Knowing fully well that you cannot be hired without bearing the oath, you’ll all seem like a group that has advanced through the years together.” Elder Adonis spoke.

“They could hire you temporarily, but the rules of the oath will apply to you. Even if it’s only temporary. It’ll end only after you’ve fulfilled the task and gotten paid”

“Unfortunately that isn’t part of the mission here.”

“You’ve yet to tell us exactly why we want to infiltrate the city,” Davis commented watching the stunning elder nod.

“You are to go there in search of a person and an item considered important to the interest of the guilds and the royals.” Elder Adonis stated, needless to say, he had to explain further for his audience to fully understand the scope of their mission.

“The person had been abducted a few years ago and we believe has been made to leak vital information, even if it’s against their will. They are one of the descendants of the royals, but had been captured.”

“After seven years the royals finally managed to pinpoint her location, as she had been moved many times throughout the years.

“The item on the other hand is only a cauldron capable of brewing potions and items in the fifth tier. It’s obvious that it’s important, considering that there’s only of its kind as it produces special effects and was taken along with the kidnapped lady.” Elder Adonis explained.

Those experts nodded but it didn’t completely sit well with Noah and a few others.

“All that trouble only to rescue a person and steal back a big pot,” Noah straightened his back to lock gazes with the elder. A soft smile brewed on the expert’s face at that point.

“On paper, those are your tasks. But there is still one ordered by the guild itself…wipe out the families in charge of the city.” the elder announced with a dark tone, catching them by surprise, even if they understood.

“We’re well aware that noble families are the ones in charge, so we’ll give you the names and faces of your targets but your mission is the total annihilation of those families.” He continued, starting to pace slowly.

“The royals have held back on taking the lives of defected nobles due to the oath, but you all aren’t bound by the oath and can decide not to carry out the task. You’re not getting any rewards after all.”

“In short, we’re the best bet, since you know we’re all ready to do it,” Davis remarked, shaking his head. Elder Adonis nodded. 𝘰𝑣𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

“The royals don’t exactly know that we’re sending a group of individuals not bound by the oath, we only informed them that we had a group available. So I hope you’re all sensible enough to keep quiet about your real relationship with us. To whoever asks, you’re a member of the divine lightning guild.”

Silence fell in the room at that point, as they nodded in understanding. They were essentially carrying out an assassination.

“You have three target locations, and a possible fourth.” Elder Adonis continued after some time.

“The three are all the residents of the three noble families that defected. They hold the power over the city and thus also possess strong experts. They also have an alliance with the order according to what we discovered.”

“Won’t the elves be trouble then?” Trella asked and the grand elder nodded.

“According to the information we gathered, those families had ensured the order never interfered with their private life.” He paused. “In short, you won’t find any elves in their estates.”

“The mission here is to completely wipe them out as quickly as possible, without letting word reach the outside world. Thus we expect you to divide yourself and attack at the same time.” His pacing had gradually increased.

“Do we have layouts of the estates and a possible number of tier four experts to encounter in each family?” It was Noah’s time to speak, but the elder shook his head.

“They allow little to get out, so you’ll all have to proceed with caution. Make sure to spread your strengths amongst whatever group you create.”

“The best that we have are the locations, prime targets, and a few things to expect,” the elder revealed, not happy about that reality. But unfortunately, those families kept a whole lot secret, and suspicious individuals would quickly be snuffed out. They had already nearly lost the spies they sent.

“Let’s dive deeper into what we have, however, and how you’ll deal with the group sent by the royals to aid you on your rescue mission.”

“The royals must only know of this assassination after everything is done. So you have to be intentional about your actions. And of course very cautious.”