Chapter 515: Infiltration
[Testing, testing… Can you really hear me?] Vatyra asked, concerned.
Yep. Loud and clear. Thanks, Vatyra, Rael replied with a smile as he strode through the lively streets of the Silver City.
It was daytime, and many soldiers were scattered around. They weren’t patrolling; instead, they were drinking or polishing their weapons at the smithy.
Turns out this city has way more blacksmiths than I thought, but I guess it is the home base of an army the size of a galaxy.
Aside from that, it was almost as if he had never left.
[You sure this is something you want to do?] she asked. [If anything, I feel like you’re just taking an unnecessary risk.]
Is that what you think? Well, I guess it is a little hard to believe, but don’t worry. This isn’t only about you. It’s about the safety of those I care about as well.
With those thoughts, he navigated the streets and eventually arrived at the Silver Palace. It surprisingly lacked soldiers, but there were a lot of civilians moving about.
Some stared at him skeptically, but that was when Rael reached into his inventory and suddenly pulled out a single golden pin connected to ornate black leather.
It was what showed he was part of the Blazing Sun Knight Brigade.
“Mom! Look! He’s an actual soldier!”
“Haha… Even if it’s a single pin, it’s an honor…”
Rael ignored the voices and stepped inside the inner courtyard of the Silver Palace. This was where most of the soldiers were gathered, and they seemed to be sparring.
Among those sparring, he spotted a familiar face, Frederick. He was the leader of the Starlight Division and someone Rael trusted somewhat.
Obviously not enough to tell him anything, but I’d trust him to have my back in a battle, Rael thought as he walked past everyone.
“Aster? Oh hey! Where have you been, buddy!?” Frederick called out, appearing in front of Rael. “Our prized hero seems to have spent some time with his wife, eh? When are you going to introduce us to the little Asters, huh? Hahaha!”
After that mission, his personality did a 180…
“Doubt you’ll have to wait long.” Rael smiled. “On the other hand, where are the others?”
“Ah… A few of them joined a few other divisions as fill-in members. They should be back by the end of the month. Though, that means we won’t be able to go out on a mission any time soon,” Frederick said with a sigh.
So aside from him… only Mathieu is here. Good. That makes things a little easier.
“What would you say to a vacation?” Rael gestured in the direction of the city. “The weather is nice, and I’m starting to feel like time off should be better spent relaxing, not training.” ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NoveI~Fire.net
“What? A vacation?” Frederick tilted his head. “These petty spars are more relaxing than you might expect. On that note, do you want to spar with me? I bet I could teach you a thing or two, even if you’re stronger than me.”
“I’m sorry, Frederick, I’m a little busy at the moment,” Rael replied, slightly narrowing his eyes. Even without his demonic horn, he radiated immense fear.
After spending 74 years alone, Rael’s mentality had shifted slightly, and the fear effect had grown more potent.
As the invisible fear finally hit Frederick, his eyes widened, and he recoiled two steps backward.
“Take that vacation,” Rael cut him off. “And I suggest you take it as soon as possible.”
Rael inspected Frederick’s thoughts at that exact moment. Thankfully, he wasn’t thinking anything stupid.
[I have to stop him before he does something reckless…]
[But that look in his eyes… I can’t even move…]
“Aster, will we be going on another mission sometime?” Frederick asked, bearing through the pressure.
“I see…” Frederick lowered his gaze. “Then this is goodbye. Be safe, and make sure not to involve that wife of yours in something reckless.”
After a brief pause, Rael spoke:
“I’ll invite you to my baby shower if you’re still alive.”
Frederick chuckled. “Appreciate it… Though I will have to cover our asses. I’ll tell them the only reason we haven’t seen you in so long was because I kicked you out after a disagreement. That sound fine to you?”
Rael waved his hand, not caring about the method so long as the outcome was what they wanted it to be.
And of course, Frederick didn’t dawdle for too long as he proceeded to muster all the strength he could to run away.
Rael watched his departing figure, and once he disappeared out of sight, Rael made his move.
He entered the palace itself and began roaming through the hallways. Looking back at the memories he bought from a soldier called Jonathan Light, Rael realized that with a single golden pin, he had a lot of restrictions on where he could go.
Each pin has an individual cafeteria and armory, plus some other benefits… Only with a three-pin can I get where I want, Rael thought. I can’t kill anyone because Solenne will be instantly alerted. Though, my power did increase by quite a lot, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she spotted me already.
If that were the case, then it was highly likely she had sent one of the Five Seats to check the register if anyone had returned from their missions.
Loud clanking footsteps resounded as a tall, fully armored man walked toward him, his gray beard poking through the gaps of his helmet.
Moreover, instead of a sword, he held a cane in his hand, and Rael didn’t need to inspect him to find out who this was.
After all, this man had trained him.
“Roger, it’s been what, a week? My bad for not checking in.” Rael apologized sincerely.
Roger slowly took his helmet off, and after a brief pause, he spoke:
“Aster… No last name. No wife, no background, home, or education. No confirmed mission status prior to joining the Starlight Division, even though you were found on the battlefield. I asked the soldiers who were on that battlefield about you, and no one knew you… And that is not possible considering there were only 250 soldiers in total,” Roger began as a sharp aura emanated from his body, followed by him narrowing his eyes.
“Most importantly… your mana pattern doesn’t match anyone born in the Silver City. So tell me, Aster, how were you able to infiltrate the Silver City under the Goddess’s gaze?”