Main Mansion, Synders Estate.

Ten minutes passed since the family’s passing.

At one corner of the main hall, an axe was attached to the wall. It was simple without any magical or extraordinary traits.

Just beside it, an intricate circle was drawn. It was the alarm circle, that would send signals to all the neighbouring estates and also the Citadel.

Seven points on the circle were bleeping, flashing red lights. Each corresponded to the incoming emergency signals from the neighbouring noble houses. The spots represented the coordinates with the mansion at the centre.

It was time to set off this alarm as well.

Adrian snatched the axe from the wall. Unlike the other circles, which required either touch or infusion of magical energy- this one required a sharp force to break it. If it was sensitive to touches, the Citadel might be accidentally disturbed. If magical energy was required, the maids and servants without magical energy would not be able to activate it when necessary.

Adrian struck the magic circle, breaking the wall and thus- destroying the circle. The seven flashing signals stopped. Who would care about others when they themselves were in a pinch?

Adrian walked back to Irene. She remained on the floor, absorbing energy as fast as possible.

She should be ready in less than five minutes. Adrian sat down on the cold floor as well, cross legged. He summoned two dark magic crystals from the stone and began to absorb as well.

He did not expend much energy last battle. Moreover, his property was getting more and more efficient with every use. Two minutes would be enough for him to recover to the peak.

******

Outside the Synders house.

Six Sentries rode to the gates. All of them were wearing black robes with orange stripes. Two of them had three stars stitched to the chest while the others had two.

One of the two leaders had a thick beard. “The Synders, out of everyone, sounded the alarm. There should be at least one level 9 enemy in there. Should we go in.”

His comrade had a short scar on one of his temples. “We can take care of a level 9. The Rebellion might have unparalleled numbers, but high level circlers? They only have a handful. If we can just drive them back, we win. The Synders are powerful allies. We cannot desert them.”

The bearded leader nodded.

All of them trotted in. Some of the guard rushed forward.

“Greetings, sirs!” They bowed.

“What happened?” The bearded man asked.

“We heard explosive sounds from the inside. Clearly, the Lord was engaged in a battle. But a couple of minute later, it stopped.” The guard captain said.

The man frowned. “How long ago was it?”

“Fifteen minutes.”

His eyes furrowed further. “Did you go and check in?”

“We thought the Lord won, so we did not bother. Still, I sent a subordinate five minutes ago. But…”

The bearded man looked towards his comrade. “This is…”

“A trap. The Synders- all of them are immobilised.”

“What shall we do now?” This brother-in-arms of his was always the smarter one. Besides, his strategies had won them many battles battles before.

“Two option- this is a failed mission anyway. The Synders are dead. We just go away. Or- we go in and investigate. There will be two enemies at most inside- considering every neighbouring estates are under attack and the intruders were able to get in avoiding all the guards. Even if they are two level 9s- we will be able to hold our own. We can use formations after all, unlike those untrained slobs.” The man with the small scar turned to his comrade, giving him a look.

The bearded man took in a deep breath, understanding what his smart friend meant. The whole family was dead? They could not let those treasures, hoarded over generations, fall in the hands of those filthy rebels, could they?

“Men, we are going in.” He ordered.

They rode to the entrance of the main mansion before hopping down.

He stepped forward and scanned the building with his senses. There were no energy signatures in the building. The Synders were really dead. He turned to his comrade.

“The intruders we’re able to sneak in despite the monstrous sense of the previous Count. They have some extraordinary concealment abilities. Either they are dark circlers, have concealing artefacts, or…”

“Or what? Don’t say-“

“Calamity class.”

The bearded man laughed. “The Rebellion had only one calamity class, and he is dead. Why else do you think the family treats it like air?”

“I am just saying. Anyways, we should be careful. The ones inside are most probably assassins. That’s why they were able to kill the Synders fast. The sounds of explosions lasted for only a couple of minutes.” The scarred man turned to two of the two star subordinates. “Ethan, Leo- the enemies are fast. You will be the core attackers with your wind attributes.”

He then turned to his comrade. “You will work with Esle- defence. Me and Subash will cast spells.”

Everyone nodded.

The bearded man took in a deep breath. His instincts were telling him it was dangerous inside. But how could he leave all those magic crystals alone? The more magic crystals he had, the more chance he had to become a general. At their level, every single one of those resources matter. Every three stars had the same salary. One extra crystal would give them a boost in the race.

“Let’s go.” They came all the way here. It would be a shame to turn back.

The squad of sentries entered the mansion.

Any source of light, be it the circles, torches or the lamps- everything was turned off. It was dark, and eerily so.

But all of them were high levels- two level 8s and four level 7s. They could see through the darkness, albeit dimly.

All of them took careful steps, maintaining formation, deeper and deeper into the hall- two on the front, two at the centre, and two at the back.

“Welcome.” A cold feminine voice sounded.