[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 42: The Assault on the Hidden Fortress

After their discovery in Lysandra, Jun, Calla, Miranda, Sora, and Miiko set off towards the isolated fortress, their next target. Armed with the valuable information found among the ruins, they knew this mission would be crucial in destabilizing the Güldenstern Order.

« The documents indicate that this fortress is a nerve center for the Order, » explained Jun en consultant la carte. « We need to infiltrate and discover everything we can about their operations and members. »

Calla, though still shaken by the encounter with her brother, was resolute. « I'm ready. We need to find out why Aiden made this choice, and if there's a way to save him from the Order's influence. »

Sora, in his human form, was also ready to use all his strength for this mission. « The fortress will be well defended. We need to be strategic. »

Miiko, always curious and determined, added: « I can use my powers to create distractions and illusions. That will give us an advantage. »

The group traveled for several days, crossing rugged terrain and dense forests until they finally reached the fortress. It stood, imposing, at the top of a rocky hill, its black and gold walls glinting in the light of the setting sun.

« There's our target, » murmured Miranda, her gaze fixing on the imposing towers. « Let's stay discreet and find a way in. »

Thanks to Calla's stealth skills and Miiko's illusions, they managed to penetrate the fortress without being detected. Inside, they sneaked through the dark corridors, avoiding patrols and searching for clues about the Order's plans.

In a secret room, they found a vast library filled with scrolls and grimoires. Jun approached a desk cluttered with documents and began to examine them. « These files... they use pseudonyms to designate the members of the Order. Look, there are descriptions of their powers. »

Calla read aloud: « The Puppeteer, specialist in mind control. The Knight of Shadows, master of darkness. The Ice Lady, manipulator of icy elements... »

Miranda froze. « Those names... The Puppeteer must be the one who destroyed my village. And Aiden... he is the Knight of Shadows. »

« We need to find more information, » said Jun, continuing to search. « We need to know their weaknesses and their next moves. »

Suddenly, footsteps echoed in the corridor. Jun looked up, alarmed. « We are not alone. Prepare yourselves. »

Güldenstern Order guards burst in, led by a masked man whom Calla immediately recognized by his voice. It was Aiden, her brother. « I told you to stay away, » he said coldly. « But you are too stubborn. »

Calla stepped forward, her sword ready. « Aiden, stop this. You don't have to follow them. Join us. »

« It's too late for me, » Aiden replied, raising his sword. « The Order is my family now. »

The fight broke out with fierce intensity. Jun and Miranda combined their powers to create shields and illusions, while Sora and Miiko repelled the guards with brute force and magical distractions. Calla, tears in her eyes, faced her brother.

« Aiden, please! » she cried, parrying a blow. « Remember who you were. »

But Aiden, relentless, continued to attack. Their swords clashed repeatedly until Calla, in a desperate move, managed to disarm her brother. She looked at him, breathing heavily, hoping to see a sign of remorse.

For a moment, Aiden seemed to hesitate. But, in a final burst of determination, he turned and threw a smoke bomb, disappearing into a thick cloud.

« He escaped, » said Jun, coughing from the smoke. « We must leave before more guards arrive. »

The group quickly gathered the documents they had found and fled the fortress, narrowly avoiding the Order's reinforcements. They found themselves in a clearing outside, breathless but unharmed.

« We have crucial information, » said Miranda, examining the files. « We now know who some of the key members of the Order are and their powers. »

Jun nodded. « This information will give us an advantage. But we also need to find a way to save Aiden. There is still hope. »

Calla, though shaken by the confrontation, gritted her teeth with determination. « We will save him. And we will stop the Güldenstern Order, no matter the cost. »

The group set off again, ready to use the information they had obtained for their next mission. Their determination was stronger than ever, and they knew that each step brought them closer to the truth and victory over their enemies.