Outside Count Otadi's Manor, several strangers dressed in black had appeared unnoticed in the shadows beneath the trees.
"Lord Pero, everything is ready, but something has come up."
The man in the middle, addressed as Lord Pero, was burly and slightly dark-skinned, with a large earring dangling from one ear. He looked vicious.
"A carriage arrived outside the manor just now. It seems a noble has come to visit Count Otadi."
"A noble?"
Pero frowned. They had gone to great lengths to sneak into Sacred Dragon City for the Infamy Pearl in Count Otadi's possession. It was something General Mangus had long dreamed of obtaining. If they failed this time, there would be no point in returning. They would have to flee for their lives, or General Mangus would surely execute them when they returned.
"Perhaps it's one of Otadi's friends. It shouldn't affect us much. We need to hurry. This is Sacred Dragon City, after all. If the Royal Family's guards discover us, we won't get out alive."
Pero knew full well that although the Sacred Dragon Empire was now engulfed in rebellion and chaos, no one was permitted to challenge the Royal Family's authority in Sacred Dragon City. Here, the Royal Family was the true ruler.
Pero took a deep breath, a gleam of resolve flashing in his eyes, and said in a low voice, "Move!"
At once, the dark figures slipped into the manor.
"Who's there?"
As Count Stanwen shouted, the hall's doors shattered with a crash, and several men beastified into giant spiders appeared inside.
"Heh heh. Count Otadi, hand over the Infamy Pearl, or all of you will die!"
These giant spiders had all reached the Third Beastification Form. Their leader had even attained the terrifying Fourth Beastification Form. They blocked the doorway, their