Chapter 29 - The Legion’s First March
The dawn was silent. Rygar moved like a predator among the shadows, his footsteps leaving no trace. He had memorized the locations on the map drawn by Yan, following the least-guarded path to infiltrate the branch. The city still slept, and darkness was his greatest ally, his heightened senses alerting him to any nearby presence.
Observing the main building of the branch, Rygar noticed two guards stationed at the front entrance. They spoke in hushed tones, but he didn't bother trying to listen. Confronting them directly would alert the others. He scanned the structure until his gaze landed on a partially open window on the upper floor.
With a swift leap, he used wind magic to propel himself upward, gripping the windowsill with precision. Pulling himself up silently, he slipped inside. The room was dimly lit, carrying the faint smell of mildew and candle smoke. Rygar landed lightly on the floor.
He glided down the narrow hallway, guided by the faint glow of light at the corridor's end. Upon reaching the room marked as the chief's office, he paused and listened. The sound of a pen scratching against paper and steady breathing confirmed the presence of someone inside. Rygar approached carefully, as silent as a wolf.
Inside, a demon-like man sat at a desk, engrossed in his writings.
The figure's skin was dark gray, nearly black, with two short horns curving back from his forehead. The flickering candlelight partially illuminated his face, revealing a focused expression and narrow eyes. He was so absorbed in his task that he didn't notice the blue blade of Rygar's sword pressed against his throat.
"If you resist, you die," Rygar murmured, his voice firm and as sharp as his blade. "If you call for help, you die. If you fail to answer any question I ask, you die. Understood?"
The man swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on the glowing blue sword reflecting in the candlelight. "Y-yes," he stammered, sweat beading on his forehead.
Rygar studied him for a moment before continuing. "What is the strength of your brother, the Black Troll, and who are the strongest in this organization besides him?"
The man hesitated but, feeling the increased pressure of the blade, began speaking quickly. "My brother... he's strong. Very strong. He recently defeated a North Saint who joined us. It was a tough fight, but he won. I'd say he's on that level."
Rygar narrowed his eyes. It was what he expected regarding the Black Troll's strength, but this North Saint was new information.