[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 43: Infiltration of the Shadow Council

The group had barely recovered from their escape from the fortress when Jun, Calla, Miranda, Sora, and Miiko gathered around the table of a small refuge hidden in the heart of the forest. The documents they had retrieved offered valuable clues, but also a new challenge to face.

« We need to infiltrate the Shadow Council, » Jun declared while studying the files. « That's where the Güldenstern Order makes its strategic decisions. If we can access their plans, we'll have a chance to stop them. »

Miranda nodded, her face marked by cold determination. « And find out how to weaken them from the inside. »

Sora, his muscles tense and ready for action, growled softly. « We have to be careful. They'll be on guard after our last assault. »

Miiko, always resourceful, suggested: « I can use my powers to create illusions. That will help us get in unnoticed. »

Calla, still shaken by her confrontation with Aiden, agreed. « We need to act quickly. Every moment we waste makes them stronger. »

The plan was risky but necessary. The Shadow Council met in a secret location, deep within the Eastern mountains. Using the information from the documents, the group planned a stealthy approach, relying on their combined skills to succeed.

After several days of travel, they reached the entrance of the cave leading to the council chamber. Miiko used her powers to project illusions, rendering the group invisible to the guards posted at the entrance.

They moved silently, slipping through the dark, winding tunnels. The tension was palpable, every sound echoing in the narrow passages. Finally, they arrived at a massive door adorned with mysterious symbols.

« Here's the entrance, » Jun whispered. « Get ready. »

Miiko reinforced the illusions while Calla and Sora blended into the shadows, becoming almost invisible. The door opened without a sound, revealing a vast room lit by flickering torches. In the center, a massive table around which the members of the Shadow Council sat, their faces hidden by masks.

Calla and Sora, using their powers to stay discreet, slipped into the room, followed by Jun and Miranda, protected by Miiko's illusions. They hid behind pillars, listening intently to the discussions.

« The next move is crucial, » said a man in black armor, his voice resonating in the room. « We must crush all resistance before they can regroup. »

Another, wearing a mask adorned with ice motifs, added: « The Knights of the Apocalypse will be ready. We must deploy them strategically. »

Jun held his breath. They were discussing their next plans, the use of the Knights of the Apocalypse, and the weaknesses they needed to exploit. He mentally recorded every word, knowing this information would be vital.

Suddenly, a movement caught Calla's attention. Aiden, Calla's brother, stood apart, watching in silence. Calla felt her heart tighten seeing her brother among them.

She signaled her friends to prepare to leave. They had heard enough to understand the Order's plans. But as they retreated, an alarm suddenly blared.

« They spotted us! » Miiko shouted, dispelling the illusions to prepare for battle.

Guards flooded into the room, their weapons ready. Sora and Calla dove into the fray, using their strength and agility to fend off the attackers. Miranda conjured bewildering illusions to sow confusion, while Jun used his powers to create protective barriers.

« We have to get out of here, quickly! » Jun shouted.

The group fought their way through the guards, struggling towards the exit. Aiden, recognizing Calla among the fighters, hesitated for a moment before chasing after them.

« Calla! » he called, but his voice was drowned out by the clash of battle.

Outside, they ran through the tunnels, feeling the ground tremble beneath their feet. They finally reached the cave entrance, emerging into the daylight.

« We made it, » Sora panted, breathless but unharmed.

Jun held firmly onto the documents they had retrieved. « We have what we need. Now we must use this information to plan our next attack. »

Calla, though shaken by the encounter with her brother, showed renewed determination. « We have to stop them, for Aiden and for everyone who has suffered because of the Order. »

The group set off, ready to use the information obtained to deliver a decisive blow against the Güldenstern Order. Their determination was unwavering, and they knew that each step brought them closer to their ultimate goal: peace and justice for their world.