[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 44: The Unexpected Allies

Back at their refuge, the group gathered around the table, the documents scattered before them. Jun, Calla, Miranda, Sora, and Miiko knew that every detail counted in their fight against the Güldenstern Order.

« Let's analyze these files thoroughly, » said Jun, his gaze scrutinizing every word, every symbol. « There must be information about their key members and their next attacks. »

Miranda nodded, leaning over the documents. « They use pseudonyms, but the descriptions of their powers might give us clues about who they really are. »

Calla, though troubled by her encounter with Aiden, remained focused. « We need to understand their weaknesses and strategies. It's our only chance. »

They spent hours studying the files, noting every relevant detail. The code names of the Order's members were linked to dark stories and legends, making their identification even more complex.

« Look at this, » said Miiko, pointing to a passage. « There are mentions of 'The Ice Witch' and the 'Master of Shadows.' These titles correspond to the types of powers we've seen. »

Sora growled softly. « We need to find ways to confront them. Knowing their powers is only part of the equation. »

Jun nodded. « We also need to discover their weaknesses. Maybe the legends they are linked to will give us clues. »

As they worked, Calla found a cryptic note that caught her attention. « There's a message here that seems different from the others. It looks like some sort of journal. »

She slowly deciphered the words, her hands trembling slightly. « It talks about the destruction of villages... and the search for ancient grimoires. This could be related to the destruction of your village, Miranda. »

Miranda clenched her fists. « We need to find the source of these orders. If we can trace it back to who gave them, we'll have a chance to stop them. »

They continued to decode the documents, uncovering attack plans, supply routes, and weak points in the Order's defenses. Every detail was a piece of the puzzle, bringing them closer to their goal.

« We have enough information to plan our next step, » Jun declared, excitement piercing his voice. « We need to strike where it will hurt them the most. »

Calla, though determined, seemed troubled. « There are also mentions of upcoming secret meetings. If we can infiltrate another of these meetings, we could get even more information. »

As they discussed their options, the sound of stealthy footsteps caught their attention. Sora, in his animal form, growled and moved towards the entrance of their refuge. A figure appeared, emerging from the shadows.

« Don't worry, I'm not here to harm you, » said the soft and soothing voice of the woman who had just entered.

Jun stood up, wary but curious. « Who are you and what are you doing here? »

The woman, dressed in simple yet elegant clothes, smiled slightly. « My name is Liora. I am part of the Resistance. We are also fighting the Güldenstern Order. »

Calla, still on guard, frowned. « Why should we believe you? »

Liora raised her hands in a gesture of peace. « We have observed your actions. We know you recently infiltrated one of their meetings. We need you, and you need us. Together, we have a better chance of defeating them. »

Jun exchanged a look with his companions. « What are your plans? »

Liora stepped forward, pulling a parchment from her pocket. « We have information on a secondary base of the Order. It contains artifacts and ancient grimoires they use to enhance their powers. If we can destroy or retrieve them, it will significantly weaken their forces. »

Miranda nodded. « This could be our chance. But how do we know we can trust you? »

Liora handed the parchment to Jun. « You don't have to trust me blindly. Read this. It's a detailed plan of the base and information on some of the Order's members. We can go together and see for ourselves. »

Jun took the parchment, examining it carefully. The details seemed authentic. « Alright. We will work together. But at the first sign of betrayal, we won't hesitate. »

Liora nodded. « I understand. You have nothing to worry about. We are on the same side. »

With this new information and an unexpected ally, the group prepared for their next mission. They knew that every step brought them closer to their ultimate goal: ending the Güldenstern Order and bringing peace to their world.

The next morning, armed with new information and renewed determination, they set off for the Order's secondary base, ready to strike a decisive blow. Together, with their new alliances, they knew victory was within reach, even if the path remained fraught with obstacles.