A shoutout to my dear reader ‘Silver’. He is my top voter with a whopping 252 votes. This number might sound low for power stones, but for one single person who can only vote by a limited quantity daily- it’s a lot. One has to vote 3 power stones for 84 days to get there. And my book is not even 120 days old yet. Thanks a lot!

What stood between the Empire of the East and Confedration of the West was a mountain range, a dense forest, and a gulf.

At the north, was the Ariel mountain range. At the south, was a gulf that separated the Empire from Darkshore. And at the centre was the Wyvian forest. But the Wyvian forest was not attached to the mountains of the North.

Something stood between them- something that had been protecting the Empire from the Confederation for centuries, something that also worked as the centre of all attacks made by the Empire on the west.

The city of Edenshield.

It was the Westernmost city of the mighty Empire- the one closest to the Confederation. The city had been standing tall for centuries, growing year by year- becoming only stronger as time went on.

The Confederation had made many attempts to take the city for themselves and tilt the balance of power in their favour. They even succeeded once before, at the hands of Charles Greatwoods, the now Everking. But alas, that victory was only momentary; since, the Emperor himself had come with his personal elite army to take his city back.

Decades have passed since then. And the city now- was standing taller than ever before. But no matter how impregnable a fortress was, there were always gaps that one could use.

*Creak.*

A small hatch opened underneath a shabby looking storeroom.

A young man wearing a sleeveless shirt came out. He began to dust himself while a tanned young lady and a tall, scar faced middle aged man came out.

Following them was a gorgeous looking young lady with unique traits- icy blue hair and purple eyes. Her body proportions were perfect as well. Her face was devoid of any sort of expressions.

And finally, a devilishly handsome young man came out. He dusted his hands off and looked at his icy comrade.

“So you wear black.”

“Panties? Yes.” She answered with a blank face.

*Cough.*

The other woman in the party, Ley grabbed their attention. “Now that everyone’s here. We should go back to the base.”

The others nodded.

“Cover yourselves.” The middle aged man said. “It’s dawn already. It’s time the whole world wakes up and the underworld goes to sleep.” He took out a piece of cloth that was tied to his belt and wrapped it around his face.

The young girl Ley took out a headwear and covered her hair and and eyes. Asmond, the young man, masked the lower half of his face with a black cloth.

Adrian followed and wore his hood. Irene followed and covered her head.

“Follow me.” The young man said. “I know where and when the guards will be around here like the back of my hands.”

He opened the door and walked out.

The other two- tall middle aged man and the short tanned girl nodded at each other and followed. Irene looked at his ‘tutor’.

Adrian nodded and beckoned her to go ahead.

She walked out of the door. Her powerful senses were locked on the other three. Adrian, the last one remaining, set forth as well. He knew the path anyway.

Adrian looked around as he dashed through the narrow alleyways of the city. Clearly, it was the outskirts of the city- where the commoners and the families of the slaves duelled. The buildings were shabby, made of nothing but clay, straws and rusted metals. Only there were a few buildings scattered here and there, made with bricks.

He spotted many destitute people around, lying on the streets- searching for leftover foods here and there. Begging? That was not even an option here in the Empire. Which noble would want to show mercy to lower beasts?

After half an hour of scurrying through the mazes, they finally reached the market, blending in with the crowd. It was not the main marketing area of the city by any means. This was a place where the well off commoners and the lower nobles would come to get things with much lower rates.

And of course- this was a place where the underworld had their hands on.

Soon, all five of them reached a tavern- a bustling tavern. The moment they entered through the doors, they were met with the shouts of people chattering amongst themselves. Even the loud bickering could not stop the even louder music that was being played by a bard on his lute.

The entrance of the party did not put even a dint. The five walked past the crowd and headed to the door at the other side of the building.

The moment the door closed behind.

Silence.

The endless chattering and the loud rhythmic music- none could penetrate through to this room. Evidently, there was a good quality soundproofing magic circle set up in this room.

Adrian darted his eyes through the room. It was not that large, but not small either. There was a table, some crouches, a shelf to store wines, beers and glasses.

Undoubtedly, it was a place designated for meetings.

Adrian took off his leathery black robe and hanged it on a stand. Irene followed and did the same.

The other three took off their covers as well.

The muscular young man turned to their guests and smiled. “This is our base.” He open his arms wide open.

Irene looked around with a straight face.

“Ley.” He turned to the tanned girl. “Go and fetch a drink for our guests.”

“Guests?” Adrian smirked.

“Yes.” The young man raised his brows. “You.”

“I am sure you are not the only ones who compose the syndicate.”

“Of course!” Asmond nodded. “There are others.”

“Good.” Adrian commended. “Gather them around.”

An evil grin formed on his face.

“The one in charge just changed.”