Chapter 149: The Shadow Troupe
Scene: Morning breaks over the quiet town of Zisteria. The group, well-rested and dressed in the sleek, modern clothing provided by Kirito, steps outside of Ryu's house. The cool morning breeze contrasts with the unease lingering in the air, and their resolve is evident in their expressions as they prepare for the next step in their mission.
Commander Elara: (adjusting her sleeves) Alright, Kirito. What's our next move?
Kirito: (nodding) We need to head to the center of Zisteria. That's where Ryu can perform the technique to locate the Shadow Troupe's hideout.
Aria: (curious) How does it work, exactly?
Kirito: (explaining while they start running) The hideout doesn't stay in one place. To keep it hidden, the troupe uses a special mana concealment technique. But every member is trained to find it in emergencies.
Ryu: (joining in) By channeling a massive surge of raw mana, the hideout is forced to respond by emitting a signal. It's subtle, but if you know how to sense it, you can lock onto its location.
Zarek: (gruffly) Sounds simple enough. Why haven't we used this before?
Kirito: (glancing at Ryu) It's not that simple. The process is incredibly taxing. That's why Ryu will handle it—his body is better suited to withstand the strain.
Ryu: (seriously) But to amplify my aura enough, I'll need all of you to release your mana auras and transfer them to me.
Narrator: The group absorbs the gravity of Ryu's words, understanding the delicate balance required. They continue at full speed toward the center of Zisteria, their feet pounding against the cobblestone streets as they race through the silent town.
They reach the middle of Zisteria—a circular plaza with intricate designs etched into the ground. The symbols shimmer faintly, remnants of mana that Kirito explains are centuries old.
Kirito: (pointing at the center) This will do. Let's set up here.
The group forms a circle, sitting cross-legged as they begin to focus. Ryu takes the center position, his hands resting on his knees as he closes his eyes, his breathing steady.
Commander Elara: (firmly) Everyone, remember—no elemental mana. This requires pure, raw mana. Focus.
They release their auras, faint glows of energy radiating from each person. The air grows thick with mana as they extend their hands toward Ryu, transferring their power to him. Ryu's aura grows brighter and more intense, swirling like a small storm around him.
Ryu: (calmly, his voice steady) I've got it… just a little more.
Narrator: The combined energy flows into Ryu, his body trembling slightly under the strain. Sweat beads on his forehead, but he maintains his composure. With a deep breath, he channels the gathered mana, compressing it within himself before releasing it in a sudden burst.
Ryu: (shouting) Here we go!
A wave of energy radiates outward, the air humming with power as the signal is sent out. For a moment, everything is silent—then Ryu's eyes snap open, glowing faintly as he senses the hideout's location.
Ryu: (pointing north) It's there. Deep underground on the north side of Zisteria.
Kirito: (nodding) That's farther than I expected. It'll take us a while to get there on foot.
Eren: (grinning) Not a problem. Leave it to the South Nation.
He looks at the group, his confident smirk contagious. Without hesitation, Eren, Rylan, Aria, and Asher activate their Liquid Mana and Mana Mist, forming ethereal wings on their backs. Zarek steps forward, summoning his Divine Mana, using it to form glowing, angelic wings.
Eren: (smiling) Alright, let's move. Rylan, you carry Commander Elara. I've got Ryu. Asher, you take Kirito.
Zarek: (rolling his eyes) And I'll handle myself, thanks.
The group takes to the skies, the bright wings cutting through the air as they soar northward at incredible speed. The wind rushes past them, and the entire town of Zisteria spreads out below, its silent streets adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Narrator: Minutes later, they land near the edge of a forest, the energy from the hideout's signal strongest here. The ground is dense, the trees twisted and gnarled as if the area itself rejects life.
Ryu: (leading the way) It's here. The entrance should be underground.
They follow him, and soon they find a heavy, ancient-looking door embedded into the ground. Strange markings glow faintly on its surface.
Kirito: (placing a hand on it) This is it. It needs mana to open.
Ryu: (stepping forward) I've got it.
Ryu channels his mana into the door, and it creaks open slowly, revealing a dark corridor leading underground. The air is cool and damp, the faint sound of voices echoing in the distance.
Commander Elara: (whispering) Stay sharp.
They descend into the corridor, their footsteps quiet but deliberate. The voices grow louder, and soon a faint light comes into view. They press forward until they reach a large chamber illuminated by flickering torches. A group of figures clad in dark clothing, their mouths covered by masks, stand in a circle, talking in hushed tones.
Eren: (narrowing his eyes) That's them. The Shadow Troupe.
His gaze sharpens as it lands on one figure in particular—a tall, majestic-looking man with long white hair cascading over his shoulders. His presence commands attention, his aura calm yet powerful. His voice, smooth and soothing, carries easily through the chamber.
Leader of the Shadow Troupe: (calmly) They're here.
The group freezes, their presence clearly known. The man turns to face them, his piercing gaze meeting Eren's, and a faint smile plays at his lips.
Leader: (softly) Welcome… heroes of the South Nation.
Narrator: The tension in the chamber is palpable as the group faces the enigmatic leader of the Shadow Troupe. Questions and anticipation fill their minds, but they know one thing for certain—the answers they seek lie ahead.
The chapter ends with the heroes standing before the Shadow Troupe, the next phase of their journey beginning.