Five minutes ago, outside the cave, more than ten guards stood against the cold air while trying to follow the faint lights coming from a distance. The sound of dripping droplets and the faint smell of rain were already overwhelming their senses.
In less than a minute, the lights approached close enough for the guards to see them. Before them, ten storm-resistant vehicles charged in and stopped in front of the cave.
"What is this?" one guard whispered, waving his hand towards the lights. "Are we ready to face them?"
"They seem to be mercenaries," said another guard nervously.
"Don't you think their strength might surpass ours?" asked a third, worry visible on his face. "If we confront them, we might lose our lives."
"Don't be a coward," the first replied anxiously. "If we don't fight, we'll lose our lives here. Someone needs to hurry and inform the others inside."
"But we need a plan," another guard said. "We can't attack randomly. We must coordinate with the commander."
The guards exchanged tense glances before heading towards their leader, who was closely observing the situation.
Before them, Gaius dismounted from his vehicle and jumped into the mud, seemingly uninterested in the heavy rain around him. He grabbed a broad sword and looked at the group of guards before him, saying seriously: "Which of you is Oliver? Give me his head, and we will leave."
"What are you babbling about, you fool?"
"Has he lost his mind? Does he think he can threaten the lord of our tribe with just a group of twenty people?"
"Haha, another fool wanting to embarrass himself."
All the guards before him began to laugh and mock him, but he didn't care. The rest jumped behind him and began to extend their bodies.
"It looks like there will be a good fight." Logan cracked his neck left and right, then waved his hand at one of the guards, sending a flying knife that pierced his throat.
The guards fell silent for a moment and began to retreat. When their commander saw this, he shouted at them quickly: "Advance and defend! Reinforcements are coming now. Whoever retreats, I will kill myself."
In front of their commander's shouts, the guards had no choice but to move forward and began to fight against the group. The commander grabbed his sword and yelled through gritted teeth, charging to fight Gaius.
The sounds of battle were already spreading from inside the cave, and many people came to join the fight as soon as they saw the battlefield, two against one or even three against one. Even so, the mercenaries were not at a disadvantage.
...
Old Sun rushed to the only tent in the cave, where he found Ashur, Owen, and some others. He stood in front of Oliver and asked quickly: "What's happening? Who is attacking?"
"They're the Black Blood mercenaries," Oliver replied to Old Sun's question, then turned to command the people around him: "Some people should take the bows and arrows and target the fox tail, Harith."
Oliver looked at Old Sun for a long moment before speaking: "Old Sun, take Kieran and bind Logan, the one with the dragon tattoo."
"Ashur and old Owen, take the rifles and secure the area, and try to target their leader, Gaius." Oliver finished issuing his orders, then walked over to Ashur, speaking in a low voice: "I suspect that William Connor is the one who moved them. I will search for the lord and follow you."
...
In a distant place, William sat in his light white cloak, his delicate features visible. After taking a glance through the binoculars, he held a black rose and spoke softly: "Uncle Chris, the fight has begun. I think he will soon show up who is ready."
A single petal fell from the flower and floated away in the air.
...
"Honorable sir, please help us. I think the Connor family and their lord, Chris, have also moved for the inheritance." In the tent, after everyone had left, he took out a bottle filled with black shadow and began to recount what had happened.
Moments later, a human shadow formed in front of Oliver, throwing Ryan aside before speaking to Oliver: "That damned bastard never tires of ruining my plans. You take care of those insects outside, and I will handle him."
"I understand, my lord. I will ensure that no one disturbs you." Oliver quickly bowed as cold sweat formed on his back.
"You'd better do that." The shadow dissipated, leaving these words behind.
As soon as he left, Oliver looked at the unconscious Ryan before he departed.