"You all go in, not a single one spared!"
Necali looked toward the Mexica samurai beside him and coldly issued the command. Hundreds of elite samurai grasped their axes, silently nodded in agreement, and swiftly, like hunting packs of wolves, disappeared into the large house ahead.
Puap opened his mouth to speak but was met with the cold eyes of the seasoned Scout. He felt the undisguised intent to kill in the other’s gaze and wisely shut his mouth again.
The dark night was peaceful, the warm breeze carried the scent of alcohol. Soon, faint sounds of disturbance arose from within the houses, accompanied by the sound of blood flowing from axe-wounds. Several muffled screams penetrated the air, their faintness belied an eerie intensity. Puap inhaled sharply; he could smell the thick scent of blood as if it emanated from his own hands.
Chiwaco shuddered when he smelled the blood in the air. He lifted his head to look at Weizti beside him. The lanky man stared dumbly at the cold Necali, recalling that he had once harshly struck him twice... He could not help but shiver as well.
Sensing the gaze upon him, the seasoned Scout sharply turned his head, giving a cold smile. Weizti immediately quieted and lowered his head. Necali pursed his lips and continued to patiently wait. Before long, the houses quickly returned to silence, teams of samurai gradually emerged. Their expressions still calm, only their bronze axes hung low, dripping with fresh blood.
"Have you all cleaned up?"
"Yes, it’s clean, captain."
Necali nodded in satisfaction. He looked around, counting on his palms, the number of elite samurai who had entered the city had already exceeded two hundred.
"That’s about right. You, come here, take us to the city gate!"
Faced with the large group of elite Mexica, feeling the boiling killing intent, Puap froze like an insect in the chill, simply nodding silently. He led Necali to the gate of the city. Nearby torches had been completely extinguished, only the faint moonlight from the sky fell on the cold samurai.
"These are the prepared stone shovels... mainly the outer layer... the inside is actually hollow..."
By the moonlight, Necali examined the city gate that would be sealed and frowned again. He pointed to both sides, and nearly half of the Scouts dispersed to secure the perimeter around the city gate.
"How long will this take?"
"About a quarter hour. If there are enough men and they work hard, probably just over two quarters."
"Good. Start working, and make it quick!"
"The moonlight is quite dim. Can you see clearly? If not, light the torches."
Puap hesitated to ask.
"No need. Everyone here can fight in the night... the less noise before the city gate opens, the better."
"That’s right!... Captain lord, there will be patrol teams at night... We have enough people here. It’s best we go there, and watch the intersection in advance."
Chiwaco raised his head. He pointed to a large house half a street away and suggested with a smile.
Necali looked at the position of the house and slowly nodded. A group of several dozen people then headed toward the house. A fire pit in the center of the house had already been lit, surrounded by a circle of clay bowls, some cakes and fruits, and two jars of open fruit wine. From several dozen steps away, an enticing aroma drifted through the air.
"Oh, that’s clever! Whose idea was this?"
Necali instantly understood. He smiled at the group, and the old Militia also smiled. The group sat down in the house, pouring wine into their bowls. From a distance, the gathering of people drinking looked harmoniously united.
The firelight flickered, time ticked away, the ticking sound echoing faintly from ahead. Under the deep night sky, a team of samurai patrolling through the night finally approached, carrying torches and striding toward them!