Chapter 408
Meanwhile, to the north of Londinium.
A group of people dressed in white cloaks arrived at a cliff with a wide view.
Standing here with a telescope, you can get a bird's-eye view of most of the city; it's an excellent observation point.
One of them observed the area for a long time before instructing his subordinates behind him:
"Notify all Scout to disperse and maintain vigilance. The rest of you, rest here and do not light any open fires. We will infiltrate the city tonight when the time is right."
"Yes, Lord Nine."
Shortly after the subordinates left, a man and a woman walked from the back of the group to the observation point.
The man wore a gray scarf and held a long red knife in his hands. The woman took off her hood, revealing herself to Talulah, who had been missing for a long time.
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Chapter 486 Captain, Don't Shoot (Bonus Chapter)
The Sarkaz Soldier, following the orders of the Confessors, ventured deep into the Shard Building and informed the Regent of the news of the assassin Ascalon's intrusion into the Sardien District and the arrival of the Xenolithic Heir in Londinium.
Theresis is guarding this place to witness the completion of the Death Soul Ship. This is a crucial stage in the entire project, and he will not allow it to be disrupted by outsiders.
"Inform Manfred to find out who's sneaked into the city. He hasn't done much in the past, and I don't blame him. But in the next few days, I don't want any of the Xenolithic Heir's henchmen near the Shard Building."
"Yes, Your His Highness."
The Sarkaz Soldier bowed but showed no intention of leaving, seemingly wanting to deliver a message for someone:
"We understand your trust in Manfred. But I dare say that he is currently busy with the City Defense Cannon and fighting off the resistance forces lurking within the city. Let's look at the facts: the general did not discover the Rhodes Island members entering the city immediately."
Theresis stared at the respectful soldier, knowing he was being instructed by other Royal Court Member.
"Name your choice."
The soldier bowed again, his attitude sincere.
"Your His Highness, the kings have always been interested in that Xenolithic Heir. The Blood Demon Great Lord arrived in Londinium before the King of Scavengers, and he is tired of the long, tedious socializing with the city's nobles. He would be happy to go to the Sardien District to lend Manfred a hand."
Ah, so it's the Bloodfiend.
As the current king of Sarkaz, Theresis possessed at least some magnanimity. Upon learning that the Blood Demon Great Lord intended to participate in this matter, he spoke up to offer a reminder:
"I'll only say one thing: if you discover Xenolithic Heir or the Doctor, bring them to me immediately."
The Sarkaz Soldier nodded and continued to press:
"Your His Highness, what about Lord Kal'tsit?"
Feline, who had been reincarnated several times, was not on Theresis's list of those he valued.
"Let the Blood Demon Great Lord handle it himself."
"Yes, Your His Highness. I trust the Great Lord will be looking forward to this operation. Also, would you like the Confessors Leader to assign more guards to your side?"
Theresis shook her head, showing no fear:
"Tell him there's no need. If anyone wants to come looking for me, feel free to do so if you have the ability to get here."
"One last thing, Your His Highness. If the Empress intends to meet with Rhodes Island, should we forcefully stop her? Or should we temporarily detain her?"
Theresis knew about Theresia's connection to Rhodes Island, and after a moment's hesitation, she shook her head:
"Fine, if she wants to go, let her go."
"Your His Highness, our main concern is: if the Empress secretly visits an old friend, will there be any risks?"
Theresis didn't answer directly, but instead looked at him with cold eyes.
The latter looked terrified upon seeing this, not knowing what he had done to offend the other person, and quickly lowered his head to avoid eye contact.
"Your His Highness, please calm your anger. The very existence of us guards is to eliminate all potential threats to the future of Sarkaz and to consider all possibilities..."
"It makes no sense."
Theresis interrupted, her condescending gaze carrying a regal air:
"I'll only say this once. Don't insult Theresia in any way, or you'll face the consequences!"
Fester and Lolo led Shi Lei and his group through the underground pipes deeper into Londinium.
Suddenly, his communicator received a text message alerting him to an emergency and requesting his immediate return.
Fester glanced back worriedly, unsure of what to do next.
The two sides are not currently in Cooperative Relationship; strictly speaking, they are prisoners.
If we take this person to the Self-Rescue Army's command post, wouldn't that put the other members in danger?
Seeing that Fester's speed had noticeably slowed down, and considering his earlier action of looking at his phone, Shi Lei asked:
"What, is it inconvenient for you to lead us to the base? Then you can leave, we'll walk ourselves. There seem to be quite a few people about a kilometer ahead."
Faced with a wide-area Psychic Scan, the underground labyrinth is as easy as a puzzle game.
"..."
Fester opened his mouth in surprise, because the location mentioned was very likely the command post.
After shooting down the drone, he ran straight towards me through countless walls. Although I don't know what Originium Arts this person possesses, it would be difficult to shake him off.
Amiya, able to sense emotions, knew the two were worried and concerned, and spoke up:
"Gentlemen, if you two are unwilling to place even the most basic trust in us by now, then there's no need to force yourselves to walk this path together from here on out."
"Wait, that's not what I meant."
After much deliberation, Fester decided to take them with him. After all, with him present, he could mediate. If they were to force their way into the command post, the Self-Rescue Army would most likely be routed.
"Don't rush, I'll take you there right away."
More than ten minutes later, Fester climbed up the iron ladder and pulled open the manhole cover above his head.
The people on the ground were startled and asked warily:
Who is it?
"Captain, don't shoot, it's me!"
Hearing Fester's voice, the man peered down into the well and quickly spotted Mudrock and W.
In the eyes of the Victorians, the Sarkaz were all the same kind of villains, invaders of the country.
"Fester, you son of a bitch! So it was you who brought the enemy here."
"Bill, wait, don't shoot! They might be the people the commander is waiting for."
The Self-Rescue Army members above, holding muskets, looked on with disdain upon hearing this, disbelieving such a claim:
"Bullshit! The commander is waiting for reinforcements, not a bunch of Demon Race!"
Seeing the situation turning bad, Fester was so anxious he was almost in tears, and tried to explain:
"Bill, even if you don't believe them, you should believe me! Do you think I could be a traitor?"
Thinking about his relationship with the commander, Bill finally put down his musket.
"Indeed, you have no reason to betray them. But were you forced into it? If so, blink."
Fester was speechless. Who asks that in front of others? Lolo was right below!
"There was no coercion. I brought them here. Bill, step aside, I'll go first."
After he climbed up, the others gradually came to the surface from the well opening.
Bill stared intently at Sarkaz, his posture suggesting he might draw his gun at any moment.
Fester looked embarrassed and took the initiative to apologize:
"I'm so sorry, everyone. I can assure you that you're all very friendly. It's just that a few of you have appearances that might make others feel hostile. Things should be much better after the Commander speaks up. Come with me, they're having their meeting up ahead."
Shi Lei scanned the surrounding area and found that there were about one or two thousand people. However, they were scattered and most of them were unarmed, making it difficult for them to have a significant impact.
The group walked through a closed workshop, and before they even lifted the curtain, they could hear a heated argument inside.
"Are you all deaf? Or have your brains been fried? Those Demon Race have already Entrance/Exit the City Defense Cannon today. Who knows when they'll attack the Residential Area? We have to evacuate. We can't stay here any longer; the risk is too great."
"The Demon Race have very strict control over the Sardien District. If we leave, it will be difficult to come back and rescue people."
"You want to save them, and so do I. But do you know where they're being held? Are we supposed to search them room by room in front of the Demon Race?"
"Sigh, let's wait a bit longer. Fester and Lolo have taken the repaired drone and gone out to gather information."
"By the time he returns, we'll all be dead in the ruins of the shelling. What use will intelligence be then?"
The scene was just like a market, which made Fester feel a little embarrassed. He explained with an awkward laugh:
"Our team members come from very different backgrounds, and we often disagree. But don't worry, the commander is the one who makes the final decisions. She pulled us out of dire straits and brought us together."
The argument inside grew heated, with everyone urging the commander to make a decision. A moment later, a woman's voice rang out:
"Everyone, calm down and stop arguing. Time is of the essence; this kind of arguing is pointless."
"We must rescue our people. If we allow the demons to harm our warriors, who will be willing to fight alongside us in the future? We are the Londinium Citizens' Self-Rescue Army, an organization established to save Londinium. No matter how difficult the rescue may be, we will fight with all our might and will not let our comrades' hopes be dashed."
Upon hearing the voice, Crownslayer frowned slightly, finding it very familiar. However, she couldn't immediately recall who the voice belonged to.
As Fester lifted the curtain, the arguing abruptly ceased. A multitude of gazes fell upon the people entering the room.
"Greetings, everyone from Rhodes Island. My name is Clovicia, and I am the commander of the Londinium Citizens' Self-Rescue Army Commander. It's a pleasure to welcome you."
Shi Lei crossed his arms and showed no intention of stepping forward, letting Amiya negotiate with the other party.
"Hello, my name is Amiya, and I am the leader of Rhodes Island. It's a pleasure to meet you all as well."
Like everyone else, Clovicia noticed that there were quite a few Sarkaz in this team.
Knowing that the Self-Rescue Army present all harbored some degree of hatred towards the Sarkaz, she took the initiative to introduce them:
"Rhodes Island is a pharmaceutical company that addresses the problem of infected individuals, and I'm sure some of you have heard rumors about them. It's perfectly normal for there to be Sarkaz in your team infected with Originium-related illness."
After a brief description, she turned to look at Amiya and changed the subject to what the Self-Rescue Army was more concerned with:
"In front of everyone here, I'd like to ask Miss Amiya a question. Did you come to Londinium to fight against the Sarkaz army?"
"Sarkaz is not a problem."
Clovicia forcefully interrupted, pulling the topic back on track:
"No, the Sarkaz are the problem! The current situation is that the Sarkaz are invading Victoria!"
"Miss Clovicia, please calm down. This war has already dragged on for too long, and both Victoria and Sarkaz have shed enough blood. If the war escalates further, it will draw in more countries, and we cannot allow such a tragedy to occur."
Shi Lei stood aside, shaking his head inwardly.
The two of them were completely talking past each other, with absolutely no communication skills whatsoever.
The core demand of the Self-Rescue Army is to drive the Sarkaz out of Londinium. As long as Amiya is willing to make this happen, a consensus can be reached with them.
To spout nonsense about national righteousness and preventing more bloodshed and sacrifice is utterly pretentious and empty.
Could it be that Kal'tsit taught him that?
That woman doesn't like to speak like a human being; she just likes to pile up fancy words, which is completely out of touch with reality.
The Doctor, seeing Amiya and Clovicia debating the war, had the same thought.
He silently moved to Shi Lei's side and whispered:
"Doctor Zhongli, I have a favor to ask."
June 23, 0:40 pm
After receiving a notification from the Sarkaz Soldier, Manfred sent for Heredrey.
"The Rhodes Island agents have already infiltrated the city. I have a task for you."
Heredrey wasn't stupid; upon hearing this, he immediately understood why he had been summoned and asked to confirm:
"You want me to find them?"