Chapter 168: Luna
As they neared the fifty-meter perimeter of the building, the Fearless Warriors turned their heads in perfect unison, their glowing visors piercing the darkness. The girl gasped, clutching Hunter's arm as a low mechanical voice shattered the silence. "Come closer and die."
One of the Fearless Warriors stepped forward, his voice a grating metallic snarl. The girl let out a small cry and shrank back, tears streaming down her face. Even Hunter, who fancied himself a brave man, felt his legs tremble under the crushing pressure of the warrior's presence.
"S-sir! I-I'm just delivering something for Mr. Zack!" Hunter stammered, his voice barely audible. His words, however, fell on deaf ears. The Fearless Warrior's hand moved to the hilt of his chain sword, the subtle motion radiating lethal intent.
Just as the tension reached its breaking point, Zack's voice called out from within the building, calm but commanding. "Let them through."
The warriors immediately straightened, their thunderous reply echoing across the courtyard. "Yes, sir!" They returned to their positions, their imposing silence resuming as if nothing had happened.
Hunter exhaled shakily, wiping the cold sweat from his brow. "God, is this what they call killing intent? I thought I was dead for sure..."
When he turned to the girl, she was trembling violently, her tears flowing freely. "I-I can't... I can't do this!" she sobbed, shaking her head.
"Stop crying!" Hunter hissed under his breath. "Do you want to ruin your makeup? This is our chance to impress him! If you mess this up, we're all dead!"
The girl sniffled but nodded weakly, wiping her tears and touching up her face before following Hunter into the building. The door creaked open, revealing Zack lounging on a sofa, his back to the door. His exoskeleton armor stood nearby, motionless but imposing, like a silent guardian. "Sir," Hunter said with a deep bow, his voice trembling slightly. "The basement entrances have been cleared, as you requested."