Chapter 334: Infiltration and Kidnapping
Night fell on the noble residential district of the Imperial Capital.
The towering walls, tightly shut gates, and patrolling guards of a sprawling Count's mansion all displayed the owner's power and influence.
Although slightly inferior to the dukes, this Count was already considered a top-tier figure in the capital.
Not far from the mansion, several figures were quietly observing the estate. It was none other than the squad of Serie's disciples led by Alvin, along with Flamme, who was accompanying them as a bodyguard.
Alvin carefully released a detection spell. The feedback tightened his heart.
There were many energy fluctuations inside the mansion. At least six of them were extremely powerful, completely beyond what the few of them could handle.
"The situation isn't good," Alvin whispered to his companions. "The guards inside are very strong. Charging in head-on won't work."
One of the human disciples, Doc, muttered, "Then what do we do? Just wait here? Wait for the Count to come out so we can find an opportunity?"
The elf Legolas said calmly, "Let's wait. Wait until it gets later and the guards relax. Then we try to infiltrate, find the Count, kidnap him, and try to avoid large-scale conflict."
Another human disciple and the elven girl Thea expressed their agreement.
After all, who knew when the Count would leave the mansion? The chances of success were naturally higher if they found an opportunity to sneak in.
However, if they had the help of a certain someone, perhaps they wouldn't need to consider so much.
Thus, everyone involuntarily turned their gaze to Flamme, who was standing quietly behind them.
This Senior Sister was their biggest reliance.
"Senior Sister Flamme," Alvin began with anticipation, "could you... perhaps give us some help?"
Flamme shook her head. "Teacher Serie said that unless you encounter a fatal threat you cannot handle, I cannot interfere directly in your operation." She paused, then added, "But rest assured, I will act according to the situation. I absolutely will not let your lives be endangered."
Hopes dashed, disappointment appeared on everyone's faces, but they soon rallied.
At least their lives were guaranteed.
Time passed slowly in anxious waiting.
Unknown how long later, nearly all the lights in the mansion went out, and the patrolling guards seemed much laxer.
"The timing is about right," Legolas whispered.
The operation began.
They chose a relatively secluded corner, preparing to cross the nearly four-meter-high wall before them.
Alvin and Legolas cast flight magic first, silently crossing the wall and landing inside to observe the surroundings.
The remaining few cast basic Levitation Magic.
They hadn't learned flight magic yet, so they could only rely on this spell to get over the wall.
After crossing the wall, the group moved quickly toward the main building. However, just as they were preparing to sneak in, Alvin, who was at the front, raised his hand sharply, signaling everyone to stop.
"What is it?" Legolas asked.
"There is an alarm barrier," Alvin said with a grave expression.
"Damn it! So careful!" Doc cursed under his breath, his face very ugly.
This kind of barrier was tricky. Fortunately, Alvin discovered it in time; otherwise, they would have been detected the moment they stepped into the building.
Just as everyone felt stuck, Thea stepped forward actively. "Let me try."
Among Serie's disciples, she had a special talent and interest in magical barriers. She hadn't expected it to come in handy now.
Thea closed her eyes, using her mana to analyze the barrier's energy nodes and rune composition.
Fortunately, the barrier here was relatively small and outdated, so analyzing it wasn't too difficult for Thea.
"Found it..." she murmured, then quickly mobilized her mana to influence the barrier before her.
Hum!
The barrier in front of them became visible instantly, rippling like water, and then a gap appeared.
The group slipped in immediately, having passed the first line of defense. Then, they carefully crept toward the bedroom area of the main residence.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly. They successfully avoided a patrol of guards and kept getting closer to the core area of the mansion. According to intelligence, the target Count's bedroom was likely on the top floor.
However, an accident happened.
A servant suddenly came out of a room and bumped right into them!
"Intruders!!!" After a brief daze, the servant screamed.
"Prepare for battle!" Alvin made a prompt decision.
The infiltration plan had failed. Now they could only break through by force.
In an instant, chaotic footsteps rushed from all directions. Guards armed with weapons quickly surrounded them, moving toward the source of the sound.
Battle erupted instantly!
Alvin and the others coordinated with each other, barely forming a defensive line.
Fortunately, Master Serie had said beforehand that they could act freely without any scruples, and she would handle the aftermath.
So now, facing the sudden situation of exposure and forced combat, the group didn't panic. They unleashed all their means directly.
Initially, relying on the advantage of magic, they temporarily withstood the attacks of ordinary guards. Although these guards were well-trained, they appeared fragile before magic.
But the good times didn't last long. Soon, several powerful auras approached rapidly from the depths of the mansion.
"Careful! Experts are coming!" Alvin sensed the approach of these auras immediately and shouted a warning.
Three warriors with fierce auras and two mages holding staffs appeared on the battlefield. Their arrival instantly shifted the balance.
One of them snorted coldly. Without even using a weapon, he punched through the empty air.
Violent power condensed into an invisible attack, slamming viciously onto the shield Alvin hastily erected.
BOOM!
The magical shield trembled violently, and fine cracks began to spread. Alvin grunted, stumbling backward. The gap in strength between the two sides was obvious.
The other experts acted simultaneously, and the defensive line of Alvin and the others became precarious instantly.
Seeing they were about to be completely defeated, Flamme finally acted.
She withstood the attacks of these five experts single-handedly, even suppressing them while attracting the attention of many guards, indirectly helping Alvin and the others.
"Quick! Now!"
Taking advantage of Senior Sister Flamme drawing away most of the guards, Alvin roared, directing everyone to break through the encirclement.
The group seized the opportunity immediately, blasting open the surrounding walls and rushing toward the room on the top floor at full speed.
Not long after, short sounds of fighting and a terrified scream came from within the tower.
Then, Doc and Legolas walked out, flanking a middle-aged fat man in luxurious pajamas whose face was deathly pale.
"Got him! Retreat!" Alvin shouted.
Seeing this, Flamme stopped fighting.
With a wave of her hand, she took everyone, including the struggling Count, rapidly into the sky, disappearing quickly into the vast night.
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