Chapter 492: Squad in Position
Over the course of two days, Henwell makes preparations while sorting out his next moves.
First, he asks McComb and Sosie, “I have a friend who was coerced by Veil. She escaped the Veil training camp with me, so technically we’re both free. But through some twists of fate, she ended up back in their grasp. If she genuinely wants to switch sides and cooperate, would the church be willing to show leniency?”
McComb and Sosie exchange a glance before Sosie speaks up, “Henwell, you mean that woman named Michelle, right?”
Henwell isn’t surprised they know. Given his important role in the church, of course they’ve investigated his background thoroughly.
Though his past before being sold into slavery was erased by Newwood, almost everything from the moment he entered the Forge Furnace training camp has been uncovered by the Holy Spirit Church.
Henwell has long been aware of this, so it makes sense that McComb and Sosie know about Michelle.
Besides, that old immortal Marquess of Nothing keeps feeding intel to the Penitence Squad.
They’ve probably already learned about Michelle’s return to Veil.
“Yes. She’s a tragic case. Starting from Forge Furnace, then to the gladiator arena. Many of the kids from our group didn’t survive, and she’s the only girl left. If possible, I want to help her. I promise she’ll never have anything to do with Veil again. She’ll stay in Peace Haven for life and won’t hurt anyone else.”
McComb advises, “Henwell, we know you’re loyal, but sticking your neck out for one woman could seriously hurt your mission evaluation. It’s not worth it.”
Henwell sighs, “It’s not about sentiment. Michelle and I are comrades, just bonds forged in battle. Honestly, it’s because of me she fell back into Veil’s trap. I recommended Fun House to her back then. But I never imagined that the underground network I’ve run in Yinxin City all these years was actually backed by Veil.”
Sosie snorts, “Billie’s king compromised with Veil. This kind of sacrilege is nothing surprising.”
McComb tries to smooth things over. “Henwell, we understand. If you insist, it’s doable. As long as Michelle agrees to redeem herself, we can make this look better. If she helps us take down some Veil strongholds, we can present her as your planted spy inside Veil.”
Henwell knows exactly how to handle this, but he needs their support.
After all, this will reduce the overall credit the Penitence Squad earns.
Since this affects the entire team’s interests, Henwell must get both deputies to agree.
Otherwise, he risks being suspected of harboring Veil remnants.
Now that they’ve given him favor, Henwell will owe them some compensation in future operations.
For example, when clearing out Veil bases later, most of the credit should go to them.
Henwell doesn’t mind this at all, since he doesn’t really plan to develop his career within the Holy Spirit Church anyway.
Two more days pass, and the remaining squads gradually arrive.
The five field squad leaders hold a meeting to discuss the operation plan.
Among the church’s Paladins are Pakrik and Zoffern.
Both are seasoned Grand Knights, nearing fifty years old.
Henwell senses these two are at the peak of the Grand Knight rank and will soon ascend to Iron Knight.
They’ve led the Penitence Squad on missions across the continent for nearly a decade, with far more experience combating the Veil Organization than Henwell.
But neither is arrogant; their age and experience command respect.
They treat Henwell, a promising young talent, with considerable respect.
In their conversations, they show a clear intention to win Henwell over and build rapport.
Like McComb and Sosie, they see Henwell as a rising star with a bright future.
Once they both become Iron Knights, they’ll no longer lead the Disciplinary Squad.
At that point, if they want to advance within the church, they’ll need support from promising successors like Henwell.
The Groias Empire’s two hunter squad leaders, Diara and Kimir, are also present.
Both are over forty and have reached the peak of Grand Knight strength.
Though from a different organization, they also display friendliness toward Henwell.
They want to win him over, partly because their superiors ordered it, and partly because they genuinely want to build a good relationship.
As members of the empire faction, they naturally respect a powerful lord like Henwell.
Having worked on the continent for years, they understand the value of having a local strongman’s cooperation. It can make a huge difference.
The four squad leaders raise no objections to Henwell’s command.
On the contrary, they warmly support and help refine his plan.
Henwell’s suggestion to capture Ulysses alive is also agreed upon by the others, they believe it will bring greater benefits to the Western Federation.
Three days later, the operation officially begins. Under the Marquess of Nothing’s arrangements, all five squads enter Divine Revelation City.
At a military camp beside the royal palace, a Grand Knight guard named Leician briefs Henwell and the others on their upcoming palace infiltration.
“First, we need to enter the palace posing as a centurion of the royal guard legion. You’ll all disguise yourselves as his subordinates. This way, you can carry your weapons and gear into the inner city.”
Paladin Pakrik asks, “So we’ll be wearing the royal guard’s official uniforms?”
Leician nods, “Exactly. Otherwise, you’ll have to fight your way in. The palace is heavily guarded by over 1,500 elite fighters. If you get bogged down, nearly ten thousand royal guards outside will quickly flood the battlefield. And as the fight drags on, more reinforcements will arrive. The most troublesome are the royal knights, over two thousand of them stationed nearby.”
Paladin Zoffern says, “We’re carrying out a joint mission for the empire and the church. Why would they attack us?”
Kimir, the empire’s hunter squad leader standing nearby, replies, “Why wouldn’t they? Only the top brass of each country know about this mission. We’re capturing a king, not some minor noble or merchant. The stakes are too high.”