The Eminence of Not-Shadow

Chapter 7 - Prelude: The Fake Shadow in Alexandria

[Lambda POV]

It was a normal day here in Alexandria. I was training the Numbers per usual during the day and training more Numbers in the night.

During one such night, I was observing a quick practice skirmish between Numbers as training for the upcoming battles against the Cult.

I was impressed by their improvements today, but unfortunately my proud mood had to immediately change as I heard a loud noise come somewhere North in my direction.

This noise did not come from the Numbers, as I restricted them from using magic-related techniques. As such, I had no choice but to cancel their training and prepare for the worst situation.

"Numbers! Halt your training and prepare yourselves for anything that can happen!"

I say with a strict, stern tone.

"Yes!"

The Numbers stopped battling and regrouped themselves into two groups. Luckily, all the training they have done made this process efficient compared to when they initially started.

They were no longer tired, exhausted, or hesitant, instead they were now prepared behind me to confront this unknown threat. And how I was aware that this was a type of magic? The intense pressure of mana could be felt from even here.

I led the charge by dashing my way towards the source of the condensed mana first. It was about a 10-minute distance away from Alexandria, and I wanted to ensure that the Numbers would not be harmed in any way.

Even with all the strict and harsh training I do to all of them...

They are like family.

As I got there, my first assumptions regarding this situation were way off. It was not a typical monster uproar in the forest. It was not Delta fighting Zeta for the 48th time either. Instead, I observed a chunk of forests gone with the defeated figure of our protector that guards this forest.

Nearby, I see two unknown figures, of whom I could not recognize at all. Both did not contain any uniform that was similar to a Cult-like outfit, nor appear to be warriors or explorers that so happened to stumble onto the forests. In those cases, the Mist Dragon would have already killed them or scared them to flee from this location.

I signal to the Numbers to stand aside and be ready for a potential combat situation as I walk to the unknown trespassers.

"Oh? It appears that we have guests as well \\\\."

"I see, but they are not dragon warriors from what I see. They all look like Ninjas or something."

Ninjas? Seems familiar to something Shadow had once said long ago.

"You should have not come here... is what I would like to say." I begin.

If they are stronger than the protector of the forest, then it would be wiser to negotiate first and find their intentions.

"But I don't believe that you both intentionally came here on your own."

The clear reason is that they had made too big of a scene if they really wanted to seek into Alexandria. Even then, the dragon would have noticed them long before they were able to get this close regardless.

"You are right. We both came here randomly, out of nowhere."

"..."

"You can believe my statement or not. It does not matter initially."

"Initially?"

"Yep. \\\\ be on standby."

The other person reveals a metal-like sword from his scabbard and assumes a stance.