The night wind scraped across Stuka's wings like an icy file.
Eight thousand meters up.
Beneath the clouds, the Blackstone Mountains lay coiled across the earth like a dormant python. This was the heart of Hector's territory-and the source of that rotten stench.
"Right there."
Mia hugged Ola's thick waist tightly from behind, pressing herself against the dwarf's broad back. Her voice trembled, not from the bitter cold at this altitude, but from a shuddering mixture of fear and excitement.
She released one hand and stretched out a slender finger, pointing decisively toward a pitch-black valley below.
"I don't need a map... Every ridge along this route, every swirl of the air currents, is carved into my nightmares."
Veins bulged on the back of Mia's hand as she gripped the saddle, her nails almost digging into the leather. Her hatred for the former master who had treated her as a plaything and tortured her at will cut deeper than the freezing wind.
[Understood.]
Kale's icy voice projected directly into everyone's minds.
[GEBU squad, prepare to drop.]
[Target: outside Mine No. 7.]
[Kill on sight. Leave no survivors.]
Kale adjusted his goggles and checked the shortsword at his waist. He turned toward the petite figure nearby.
[Scared?]
Xiao Lan shook her head. She was busy slipping the last dagger into her boot, her movements as practiced as if she were arranging cutlery.
[Good girl. Hold tight.]
Kale patted Knight in front of him and issued his command.
[Descend!]
The white birds of prey, which had been gliding steadily at high altitude, abruptly folded their wings.
A powerful sensation of weightlessness swept over them. Ten Stukas silently pierced the thick clouds and plunged toward the valley.
Wind screamed past their ears, but the instant they approached the treetops, the enormous creatures displayed