The night was pitch-black.
An icy wind circled the top of the abandoned Western Tower like the whispers of ghosts.
Cui Ciyou and Ghislaine stood silently before the heavy stone door, its surface coated in dust and covered with withered vines.
To make their surprise attack as stealthy as possible and avoid detection by the enemy.
Cui Ciyou had the Boreas family and Roxy wait at the stairway landing one floor below for the signal to act.
Cui Ciyou's decision was based on strictly rational tactical analysis:
As a Water Saint-level mage, Roxy has considerable ranged firepower, but no close-combat ability. And as a ranged mage, she's physically frail and unsuited to stealthy ambushes.
As for Philip and Hilda, their strength is only at the Intermediate Swordsman level. They aren't suited to taking part in the initial assault either.
Even Sauros, who was once at the Sword Saint level in his youth, is old now. His vitality has declined, and there's no telling how much of his strength remains.
Thus, having Cui Ciyou and Ghislaine, the two Sword Kings, lead the charge was the best choice.
The main reason for checking beyond the door before attacking was to confirm Alice's safety.
In fact, just moments ago, Sauros had been burning with rage.
He had wanted to smash through the door and charge into battle regardless of the consequences, but Philip, who had kept a cool head, had forcibly held him back.
"Father, please calm down! This is no time to act on impulse. Alice's safety must come before everything else!"
Philip's earnest pleas earned him a furious punch from the old man, instantly leaving his face bruised and swollen.
Yet this noble lord, who normally cared more than anyone about his appearance.
Simply used his body to hold his father