Captain Massa's Patrol (2-in-1)

When it came to infiltration, everyone's eyes turned to Kevin, the only mage in the group.

Kevin shook his head and said, "Impossible. With my abilities, I can at most help one or two people sneak into the city undetected."

Bai Xiaowen said, "Let's try a different approach... We just need to create some chaos in the city, open the city gates, and the Resistance Army soldiers lying in ambush outside can swarm in, thus avoiding losses from the siege. There should be some of our people in Northshire City, right?"

Grima gave Bai Xiaowen a deep look and nodded. "Yes."

Bai Xiaowen understood perfectly. With Usok's talent and strategy, it would be strange if he didn't plant some spies and agents in Northshire City.

"Then it's very simple. Since Master Kevin was able to infiltrate the city, then please have him personally come out and contact our people inside the city. Then, we can open the city gates together from the inside and outside," Bai Xiaowen said.

Kevin frowned, his eyes widening, and he almost blurted out, "Why me?" But seeing the eager looks in the eyes of the other high-ranking Resistance Army, he swallowed the words and coldly said, "Why don't you go?"

"If I could become invisible, of course I would be willing to go; it would be a great honor," Bai Xiaowen said with a grin.

Kevin scoffed. "I have Lesser Invisibility Potion, and some arcane magic to silence you, which can help you sneak in. I'm just worried you're all talk and no action."

"Haha, as long as Master Kevin's potion isn't expired, I'm naturally fine," Bai Xiaowen waved his hand and said. "My sister Charlotte and I infiltrating together shouldn't be a problem either, right?"

At this moment, the way the Resistance Army leaders looked at Kevin was noticeably different from how they looked at Bai Xiaowen.

Kevin sensed this too. However, he was thick-skinned and didn't mind at all, calmly saying, "No problem."

"Then please, Master Kevin, make your move," Bai Xiaowen said.

Kevin took out two bottles of light purple potions and handed them to Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi respectively. He then took out two spell scrolls for the "Silence Spell.

Bai Xiaowen's Insight allowed him to discern the effects of the two potions; they were indeed invisibility potions. Moreover, at this critical juncture, Kevin wouldn't dare to betray him. He took the potions and drank them down in one gulp, instantly becoming ethereal. Even those present, who were allies, could only see a faint, indistinct shadow.

Li Shuyi followed suit and drank the Lesser Invisibility Potion.

"Brother Dio, this is a token for communication within our Resistance Army, along with some code words. Remember them well," Grima said in a low voice, a hint of admiration in his tone. His address of "Brother Dio" was also sincere.

Bai Xiaowen and Grima agreed on a time and then set off.

Kevin tore open the Silence Spell Scroll and cast the Arcane Trick— Silence Spell— on Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi respectively. The two moved like shadows, silently blending into the Northshire City.

In the Northshire City.

The rhythmic clanging of metal striking metal filled the air as Bai Xiaowen met with a spy from the Northern Frontier Resistance Army in a blacksmith's shop.

By first exchanging coded messages and then verifying the tokens, Bai Xiaowen quickly gained the trust of the blacksmith named "Orlan".

Orlan handed over a piece of parchment.

"Dio, this paper shows the distribution of the Imperial Army in Northshire City. It's the result of my and my brothers' observations and summaries," Orlan said in a low voice. "Arinas has now led a large number of soldiers away from Northshire, but there are still many powerful figures in the city. We must be careful."

Bai Xiaowen glanced at the contents of the parchment. The list of names on it consisted of the Boss Tier and powerful figures who remained in Northshire City.

"Patrol Captain Massa patrols the streets throughout the city... High Justice Hurd, Presiding Judge Costello, resides in the Justice Court... City Guard Commander Nazir is stationed at the barracks and will take command after Arinas' departure... Highlord Glandis resides in the North Palace..."

Bai Xiaowen read the list while confirming the other party's location.

This is truly a grand scene befitting Hero Quest. Even though the defenses of Northshire are weak, there are still so many Boss Tier here. Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi exchanged a glance, and this thought flashed through their minds.

"How many people do we have in Northshire City? What is our strength?" Bai Xiaowen asked.

The blacksmith Orlan said, "I know of only seven, all of whom are my equals."

Bai Xiaowen nodded slightly. Orlan was Elite Template level 7. If there were seven spies with Orlan's strength, it would be a force to be reckoned with.

"Gather the brothers, kill the city gate guards at the agreed time, open the city gate and destroy the winch, let the brothers outside into the city," Bai Xiaowen ordered softly.

The blacksmith Orlan asked in astonishment, "Lord Dio, aren't you coming with us?"

Bai Xiaowen shook his head and said, "I have an even more important mission... I'm going to the military camp to Assassination Commander Nazir! Once this guy is dead, the Imperial dogs in Northshire City will be in chaos, and our army can occupy Northshire with fewer losses."

Orlan was filled with awe and shame for his earlier thoughts. He gave a Resistance Army salute and said in a deep voice, "Lord Dio, please rest assured, my brothers and I will complete our mission and open the city gates!"

"All for the liberation of the Northern Frontier."

Bai Xiaowen said something, nodded encouragingly, and then parted ways with Orlan.

Assassination a commander in a military camp is incredibly difficult. By this time, Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi had already removed their Lesser Invisibility Potion and Silence Spell. Each of them wore a cloak to cover their faces and walked towards the military camp with their heads down.

Sometimes, plans don't always Transformation as expected.

"Stop."

Just as Bai Xiaowen could see the sentries standing guard at the entrance of the military camp, a dignified voice called out to him and Li Shuyi.

The sound of leather boots echoed on the cobblestone street. A man dressed in fine-lined leather armor and wearing an Imperial Army -issue helmet walked up to Bai Xiaowen and continued to speak authoritatively, "Who are you? Take off your cloaks and let me see you."

Behind the man were four Imperial Army soldiers.

Bai Xiaowen cast an Insight and immediately cursed his bad luck—this man in leather armor was actually Massa, the patrol captain on the list, a level 7 Boss Tier.

Massa is an agile warrior, similar in role to Li Shuyi. Both rely on high attack speed and nimble footwork for head-on combat. After a brief analysis of his skills, Massa's strength is not particularly high, but fighting on this street is not a good idea.

Once the battle begins, a steady stream of the Imperial Army soldiers will pour in.

This would certainly relieve the pressure on Orlan and the others at the city gate, but Bai Xiaowen is really not the type to sacrifice himself for others...

So Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi cooperated by lifting their cloaks, revealing harmless smiles.

"Sir..."

"I'll ask, you answer," Massa interrupted Bai Xiaowen's attempt to get closer without any politeness. "What are your names? What's your background? Are you from Northshire City?"

Massa's questions were a trap, but Bai Xiaowen was not fooled. He chuckled and made up two very ordinary, almost unrememberable, fake names, then said, "Sir, we are not locals, but sailors who came with a fleet. We brought three boatloads of rice from Samo Port..."

Massa nodded slightly. "Are you sailors? What's the captain's name?"

"The captain's name is... Bergani Deke, sir."

"Is that so?" A mocking sneer appeared on Massa's gaunt face. "Take him away!"

Four Imperial Army surrounded them, swords pressed against Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi's backs. Massa immediately turned and walked north.

"Should we make a move?" Li Shuyi asked in a low voice in the Team Channel.

"Hmm, not for now." Bai Xiaowen narrowed her eyes.

Imperial Army soldiers' Intimidating Shout rang out. "What are you all standing there for? Get on board! You two are suspicious!"

Li Shuyi followed behind Bai Xiaowen and asked in a low voice, "Were our answers okay? Where did we give ourselves away?"

Bai Xiaowen thought for a moment and said, "This guy named Massa must have seen a lot of sailors and knows what sailors who are constantly exposed to the sea breeze look like. Maybe some details about us don't match the image of a sailor... but he's only suspicious."

After a pause, Bai Xiaowen continued, "Massa didn't go in the direction of the military camp, but rather towards the Security Command further north... This means he didn't intend to report directly to Commander Nazir. I suspect he wants to question us first, and only report upwards once he has solid evidence."

As expected, the two were forced to their deaths with swords at their sides and were dragged to the interrogation room of the Security Command.

"Now you have two choices... One is to tell the truth, and you can suffer less. The other is to continue to resist, and I will have a friendly talk with you using my whip." A sickly smile appeared on Massa's gaunt face. He gave a half-hearted flick, and the tip of the whip cracked in the air.

Bai Xiaowen calmly said, "I don't know what you're talking about, sir. I'm a sailor from the Deck Family's fleet, and I demand fair treatment."

"Sailor?" Massa sneered. "Looks like you think I'm blind. You and this fair-skinned chick, what makes you look like sailors? You're more suited to acting in plays."

"This is our first time sailing," Bai Xiaowen said calmly. "Perhaps you think I'm too handsome for a sailor, but you can't judge a book by its cover, sir. I love the sea."

Li Shuyi's lips twitched slightly, and she almost burst out laughing.

The reason of boarding the ship for the first time was impeccable, but Massa sensed something was amiss.

"A novice sailor on his first voyage, and he's already in the interrogation room, and he's still so calm?" Massa slammed his hand on the table. "Looks like you won't tell the truth unless I teach you a lesson..."

Bai Xiaowen shook his head and sighed, "Commander Massa, you really lack a sense of humor."

"You audacious fellow... well, you know my name?" Massa's eyes turned cold. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly heard a commotion outside.

Two Imperial Army soldiers rushed over, shouting urgently, "It's terrible, Captain Massa! The rebels... the rebels have entered the city!"

"What? Report to the commander immediately..."

Startled, Massa suddenly felt a sharp pain in his back! He groaned, and the whip in his hand curled backward like a venomous snake, entangling the Shadow Assassin who had attacked him. With a burst of strength, he threw the assassin, who slammed against the wall and slowly slid down.

Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi made their moves simultaneously, targeting the two Imperial Army soldiers standing behind them.

Li Shuyi drew her sword, turned, and lunged forward, striking an Imperial Army soldier squarely in the heart, killing him instantly! Bai Xiaowen's movements were even more concise; with a bent elbow strike, another Imperial Army soldier coughed up blood and staggered back. Immediately afterward, Skeleton Champion appeared behind him, slashing down with his greatsword and killing him.

Bai Xiaowen smiled and looked at Massa: "Commander Massa, no need to trouble yourself. After you die, I will personally go to your commander."

"You... you really are spies of the rebels!" Massa gritted his teeth and tore off the hem of his shirt, wrapping it tightly around his chest to reduce the Severe Bleeding to Mild Bleeding. At this moment, several of his trusted soldiers rushed over and engaged Bai Xiaowen and his companion in a fierce battle.

Massa drew his longsword, about to join the battle, when suddenly a gust of evil wind attacked from behind. He hastily dodged the attack and abruptly discovered that purplish-black mist filled the surroundings, and he felt as if he were trapped in a swamp.

Turning his head, he saw a hideous, grotesque Corpse Monster, dressed somewhat like Brownfolk from the Hanmo Province, its body emanating a disgusting purplish-black mist. It was wielding a Giant Serpent Cudgel, about to smash it down on his forehead again.

Although the Giant Serpent Cudgel was powerful, it wasn't fast. Massa easily dodged it with a leap, circled around to the Corpse Monster's flank, and thrust out his sword like a venomous snake.

However, when the sword struck the Corpse Monster, Massa felt a sense of weakness. The sword was like a stab to a rhinoceros hide, unusually Sluggishness, only leaving a small wound, completely different from the expected Piercing wound that went deep into the hilt.

With a swift movement, Massa suppressed the eerie feeling and, with a flick of his wrist, unleashed three Triple Stab! He had already used his skill.

Massa's "Threefold Thrust" was extremely skillful, both ruthless and accurate. The three thrusts struck the Butcher's waist, armpit, and groin respectively, clearly intending to find the Butcher's vital points. However, the Butcher took the three blows without seeming to notice, and then smashed the Giant Serpent Scepter down on Massa's waist.

Massa was greedy for damage in this move, and his recovery was a bit slow. Normally, with his agility, even if he used the same move repeatedly, he wouldn't have had a problem dodging the Butcher's staff, but he overlooked the slowing effect of the Rotting Toxin surrounding him.

The slowing effect of the Rotting Toxin wasn't high, but for an agile expert like Massa, whose profession is fraught with danger, even the slightest mistake could lead to a huge deviation—a small error could result in a huge mistake. He had calculated he could dodge the blow, but he still couldn't avoid it in time, and it grazed his abdomen, causing a burning pain.

"Damn it..."

While Massa was locked in combat with the Butcher, Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi had already dealt with several of his trusted soldiers and surrounded him along with their summoned creatures.