Chapter 481: Infiltration
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 481: Infiltration
"Are you sure this is the place?"
"If the address you provided is correct, Lord Bruce, then this is it."
In a remote corner of the Lower District, tucked away in a secluded alley, Muen and the Rat King crouched within the shadows, peering at a small courtyard not far away.
It was a sprawling duplex-style building surrounded by a two-meter-high perimeter wall. From their vantage point, they could only see eaves that looked no different from any ordinary residence and a clock tower shrouded in darkness.
On the surface, there was nothing remarkable about the architecture. Compared to the palatial estates of the great nobles in the Upper District, this place was little more than a common farmhouse. Even the rusted iron gate suggested the courtyard had seen better days.
However, Muen’s keen senses perceived extremely well-hidden auras deep within the yard, behind the walls, and even atop the clock tower, constantly sweeping the surroundings.
The security here was airtight, as if it were a prison.
"Sam, go over there."
Muen scanned the area and pointed toward a dark alley on the opposite side of the courtyard.
"Position yourself there, fire a single bolt at the top of the clock tower, and then turn and run immediately."
"I... I won't get caught, will I?"
The Rat King wiped cold sweat from his brow. He had clearly sensed that something was off about this place.
"As long as you run fast, you'll be fine. These aren't the Guard Corps; they won't chase you to the ends of the earth. We'll meet up at our designated spot afterward."
"...Alright then."
The Rat King knew there was a certain level of risk involved, but he gritted his teeth and accepted the task.
With Old Ghost constantly tightening the noose around him, if he wanted to maintain his status in the Lower District, he had no choice but to cling tightly to the powerful benefactor before him. He was already on this sinking ship; if he didn't pull his weight, a single wave might toss him overboard.
"I'm going."
The Rat King vanished into the shadows.
As the leader of the Rat Society who had survived in the Lower District for so long, he naturally possessed his own methods of concealment. While they might be useless against mages specialized in detection, they were more than enough to evade most eyes lurking in the dark.
The Rat King crept to the designated position, raised his repeating crossbow, and aimed at the clock tower silhouetted against the night sky. He held his breath.
In the gloom, his sharp eyes caught a shadow flickering in the distance.
That was the signal.
Without a moment's hesitation, the Rat King pulled the trigger.
The bolt pierced the silence of the night, whistling through the air like a young girl’s distant, soft hum.
Without waiting to see if he had hit his mark, the Rat King stowed his crossbow and bolted, turning to flee without looking back!
The instant his bolt cut through the air, he felt a sharp, piercing gaze lock onto his position.
"Intruder!"
A low shout erupted from the clock tower.
The deathly silent courtyard suddenly surged to life. The sounds of swords being unsheathed and scale armor clashing rang out as numerous figures leaped from the darkness, their senses rapidly spreading toward the Rat King’s direction.
The Rat King ran with his head down, not daring to steal even a single glance behind him.
Several formidable auras were rising from the courtyard. His instincts told him that one more look would be his end.
Under the terrifying threat of death, the Rat King’s speed exceeded even Muen’s expectations as he vanished into the night like a streak of smoke.
It seems I don't need to worry about him...
While the Rat King briefly drew the attention of some of the guards, Muen had already quietly reached the base of the wall.
Peering through the gaps, he saw figures moving. The guards were searching the alley where the bolt had originated, but they hadn't actually left their posts.
Just as Muen had suspected, the guards' primary objective wasn't necessarily to capture intruders. Protecting their target was their highest priority, so they wouldn't commit to a full-scale pursuit.
Therefore, he had to be fast.
Muen flicked his wrists. As his hands crossed, the sleeves of his formal suit brushed together, and the blades hidden within touched, producing a nearly imperceptible chime.
Alchemy Domain, expand.
Silent arcs of electricity enveloped Muen, completely masking his presence.
But that wasn't enough.
After a moment's thought, Muen raised his hand and tossed out several motes of light.
The light merged into the air around him, causing the environment to shimmer. His silhouette began to distort and turn transparent until he eventually blended perfectly into his surroundings.
Illumination Spell: Modified Invisibility First Form.
"To think I'm using a god-tier skill meant for sneaking into girls' bathhouses for something like this... what a waste of talent," Muen sighed softly. He then focused his mind and leaped nimbly onto the wall.
The moment he crested the wall, he felt a nearly invisible line of mana barring his path.
These lines densely covered the entire exterior of the wall; the gaps between them were too small for even a mouse to squeeze through.
This was a trigger mechanism for a magic formation. Whether one tried to sneak in or destroy it with brute force, the formation would undoubtedly be activated.
Muen took a deep breath. Instead of trying anything fancy, he walked straight toward the lines.
The alarm lines constructed of mana slowly made contact with Muen, who was already one with the environment. However, no fluctuations occurred. As they touched the electric arcs surrounding him, they slid smoothly over his body, failing to detect any anomaly.
"I'll have to buy that Old Loli a few more strawberry lollipops later."
Muen’s tensed nerves relaxed slightly. He dropped into the yard and moved swiftly across the exposed garden.
The Rat King’s arrow had stirred many figures into motion, revealing several hidden sentries Muen hadn't noticed before. He moved with extreme caution, carefully navigating around the defenders.
"But... which room should I go to?"
Crouched in a corner where the corridor branched, Muen found himself in a bit of a predicament.
With his intelligence network, he only knew the target was here, but the specific room was a secret no outsider could possibly know.
Was he supposed to search every room one by one?
That was impossible. Not only would it waste too much time, but the probability of being discovered was far too high. If he were exposed here, the consequences would be dire.
"What should I do..."
As Muen pondered, his expression suddenly froze.
Someone was coming.
Without hesitation, Muen pressed his hands against the walls and propelled himself upward, wedging his body into the blind spot of the shadows above the corridor corner. He held his breath.
Clack, clack...
It was the sound of armor plates rubbing and clashing with every step.
Through the faint glimmer of the lamplight, Muen caught sight of exquisitely crafted golden light armor.
The Royal Knight Legion. As expected, the people guarding this place were theirs.
Muen became even more vigilant, melting completely into the darkness as he silently watched two squads of knights meet and cross paths.
"Time for the shift change."
"Understood. You all go get some rest."
"Was there an intrusion just now?"
"The Third Squad went to investigate. They haven't caught anyone yet. We suspect it might be a diversion, so they didn't pursue too far."
"Do you need backup?"
"No need. We just need to hold the most important positions. There are always plenty of petty thieves in the Lower District."
"Understood."
The two squads exchanged a few brief words and quickly parted ways, the entire interaction lasting less than a minute.
However, the eyes of the hidden Muen lit up.
As one squad disappeared down the end of the corridor, he moved soundlessly, trailing behind the other squad that appeared to be heading off to take over their posts.