Countermeasure

The hunched old man leaned on a wooden cane as he strolled through the more secluded streets of southwestern Darcyval.

After several twists and turns, he passed through a series of narrow alleys.

"I wonder how the other Sonnet members are progressing... I'm the only one here in Forsaka, and the ordinary 'White Doves' Tara sent are pitifully few. It's truly inconvenient getting things done."

The old man thought to himself as he headed toward the end of the alley.

It led directly to the back door of a tavern.

"The next time I contact Tara, I should request more manpower. The Revolutionary Army's development has stagnated. If we want to continue conquering Forsaka from within, I'm afraid it'll be exceedingly difficult..."

"If it weren't for that, there would have been no need for me to go to such lengths to secretly manipulate a kingdom minister and push him into the position of consul..."

"I just didn't expect the Empire to move so quickly. They actually sent an envoy delegation, along with Gilan Iros, the newly appointed foreign minister. Are they trying to win over Forsaka and turn this place into a backup 'energy base'?"

"Hm?" The old man abruptly stopped.

A grave look suddenly appeared on his otherwise expressionless face as he looked around warily.

Deep within his mind, the Kingdom Brand began trembling for no apparent reason. The intense feedback from his spirituality seemed to be warning him that taking even one more step forward would bring catastrophic disaster!

"Damn it, I've been ambushed...?!"

The old man's sharp gaze swept over every corner of the alley, yet he found nothing.

The surroundings were utterly silent.

Even the daylight was obscured by clouds, leaving the alley dim and gloomy.

Tap.

The old man did not rashly turn around. Instead,