The inside of the cavern was a world unto itself. As Anvis advanced, the rocky walls gradually gave way to Magical Metal structures. Patrol guards, hidden spell traps, and warning Magic Arrays appeared one after another.
However, to Anvis, who had already become a Ninth Rank Diviner, all of this was futile.
At the level of the Web of Fate, Anvis directly obscured the Fate Lines connecting himself to this base.
Though he appeared to be advancing normally, every guard and defensive Magic Array remained completely oblivious to his arrival, as if they existed in two separate worlds that did not interfere with one another.
This infiltration, as though he were entering an empty place, was not discovered until Anvis had already approached the true core area.
"Stop immediately! This is the top-secret base of an Imperial Marquis. Leave at once, or you will be considered to be challenging the dignity of the Empire!"
The projection of a young man with crimson eyes, dressed in noble attire embroidered with golden trim, appeared before Anvis and issued a stern warning.
"So it was you? I see!"
At the sight of the figure, Anvis immediately showed a look of realization.
This figure was Marquis Vent's Mana Avatar. His appearance here meant that the true masterminds behind Fiona's disappearance were these Marquises who had taken advantage of the crisis.
As representatives of the New Nobles faction, they had secretly abducted Fiona while the Olyvendi Family's forces were tied down by the Rebel Army. That also explained why even the Family Guardian had failed to protect Moonrise Fortress.
At the same time, Gray Mist seemed to have been involved as well, thoroughly twisting and concealing the Web of Fate connected to the matter, leaving the Olyvendi Family unable to trace Fiona's whereabouts after her