Chapter 207: The Owner of Tecas (1)
Since Harthol City was situated near the Tabor River, foggy nights were common. Now, long past sunset, the city was once again shrouded in thick night mist. The streets were empty. Citizens had long since retreated to their homes, leaving only the occasional night watchman making rounds.
Through the deserted streets, a group moved silently. They were clad in black robes for concealment, yet heavily armed beneath. It was Karnak’s party.
Scanning their surroundings, Lapicel murmured softly, "There's no one nearby, just as expected."
Aura users could perceive their surroundings without relying on sight. Now that Lapicel had awakened her aura, her heightened perception allowed her to move unnoticed even in this dense fog.
Karnak’s group kept out of sight as they continued toward their destination. Eventually, through the mist, a large three-story building emerged. It was a dignified piece of architecture made of elegant granite. But being located in the heart of the city, it lacked a garden and was closely nestled between other buildings. But aside from that, it could have easily been mistaken for a noble's mansion. This was the Tecas merchant guild's manor, their target.
Hidden in the alley opposite the building, the group observed the premises. There were no guards standing at the entrance, nor were any patrolling the grounds.
Leven muttered quietly, "The security isn't particularly tight."
That wasn't unusual. It wasn't as if this was a military fortress in the middle of a war. There was no need for constant night patrols. A few magical barriers and guard dogs were more than sufficient for standard security. And given that this building was within the city itself, there was no need for additional sentries.
Good. I’ve had Serati review it, and now I have a relatively humanistic plan...
Nodding to himself, Karnak whispered, "Begin the operation."
***
Karnak's relatively humanistic plan was simple.