The Mantis Stalks the Cicada (2)

Martinez had patience to spare. Hidden among the dense roadside bushes and trees, he followed the carriage at a steady distance of a dozen meters.

This road was the only route from Landon City, and even Faerun City, to Rhine City. Though Rhine City's economy lagged behind, it was still home to more than a hundred thousand people, and plenty of carriages traveled the road.

About ten minutes later, three black carriages with no identifying crests approached from the opposite direction.

They moved slowly, their wheels riding heavy. They were probably loaded with goods and looked just like the freight carriages that carried trade between Landon City and Rhine City.

Inside his carriage, Green paid the first two little mind. Then the last one passed, and through its window he saw a stern-faced middle-aged man sitting inside.

As if sensing Green's gaze, the man turned. Their eyes met briefly before the carriages continued in opposite directions.

"Someone from the Anomalies Bureau?" Dinio had spotted Green's uniform. A cold smile touched his lips. "A pawn left in Rhine City to watch how things unfold? Is this withdrawal an order from above, or did those two flee on their own? Either way, it means the situation in Rhine City has reached a breaking point."

In an instant, Dinio had concocted a reason for Green and Lola's hasty flight from Rhine City. At the same time, he could not shake the feeling that he had seen Green before.

Before he could think it through, the faintest trace of blood reached his nose. His face stiffened. He immediately closed his eyes and drew in his aura. In that instant, Dinio seemed to vanish. What sat inside the carriage was no longer a person, but a lifeless stone.

A streak of red light concealed among