Chapter 71: The Final Battle 5
The three of them—Raiden, Alora, and Soul—positioned themselves at the mansion’s entrance while the gray crest bearers advanced through the sea of assassins. Raiden clutched his necklace, double-checking that the key remained secure as he locked eyes with the approaching figures.
His hands felt oddly weighted, fists clenched tight as he glared at the assassins. They moved with cocky assurance, completely unbothered, their arrogant swagger broadcasting their inflated pride.
"Don’t you think we should spread out?" Alora asked with a raised eyebrow.
Raiden kept his gaze fixed on them, heart pounding as the thrill of taking them all on single-handedly sent tremors through his body.
"Yes, but not yet." He triggered Gaze Beyond, focusing on their crests. All bore the number six. "Gray crest bearers supposedly wield chaotic magic—if we split up now, they could easily overwhelm me while you’re too far to help."
He looked toward Alora. "They’re number six—all of them. I wouldn’t stand a chance if they coordinated."
Alora flashed a brilliant smile. "Words of the Bookkeeper," her saccharine grin widened while her eyes went sharp. "...so very thoughtful."
Raiden turned back toward their approaching foes, dismissing Alora’s sarcasm. The rush of excitement was slowly draining from his thoughts.
Despite facing powerful enemies, Raiden found their strategy surprisingly shallow for an organization of this caliber. They had successfully split the focus of all four kingdoms through the war, but still, were they so desperate for the books that they’d fallen back on such an obvious tactic?