NOVEL NEXT Chapter 470: Depature A1
Captain Aurelius, with annoyance etched on his face, snapped, "Well, go find the damn traitor, or better yet, let's beat the shit out of everyone until we find who it is!"
Captain Ishiro nodded but responded, "While that is one approach, it could also send the traitor into hiding and set off a chain reaction, leading to an all-out invasion of the Angelic Kingdom. We might even have some of our own worlds at risk at this very moment."
Before Aurelius could respond, Ishiro pulled a small disc from his pocket. "I pulled this off the recording before I came. The lady you see with me is Janice."
As the video began to play, Aurelius muttered, "Yeah, I know who she is. Who wouldn't?"
The video flickered to life, casting a harsh light in the room. Aurelius's eyes widened as the scene unfolded.
Bodies around Janice fell one by one, their lifeless forms hitting the ground with dull thuds. The creature emerged, a hulking mass of sinew and darkness, roaring as it tore through the crowd. The air filled with the sounds of screams and the wet crunch of bones breaking.
Suddenly, Caelum appeared on screen, charging at the creature with unwavering resolve.
The intensity of the battle was evident as he fought, each strike precise, each movement driven by desperation. Blood splattered across the ground, mixing with the dirt and sweat of the fallen.
The room was silent as they watched Caelum, determination etched on his face, slice off his own arm to gain an advantage. The creature eventually dying as Caelum unleashed a massive attack on it.
Captain Ishiro watched as the video ended, the room's silence heavy with unspoken tension. "I'm surprised you let the entire video play through without getting mad or anything," he remarked, his eyes fixed on Aurelius.
Captain Aurelius placed a finger under his chin, his brow furrowing deeply in thought. His eyes, usually sharp and commanding, were now shadowed with concern. "So, dear Caelum lost an arm and killed the creature. The medical team should be able to stitch it back on good as new. And he killed the intruder," he mused aloud, his voice carrying a mix of pride and worry.
Ishiro's confusion deepened. "I'm failing to see what might be worth getting so worked up about?"
Aurelius's face hardened, and he crossed his arms tightly across his chest. "I mean, clearly we have a major issue, but instead we're talking about it, just you and me, like some gossiping schoolgirls. We need to direct action and move accordingly," he said, his tone sharp and impatient.
The room felt charged, the air thick with the urgency of their predicament. Ishiro nodded, his expression serious.
"Yes, I will be hosting a meeting with the king to discuss the best course of action here, but what Caelum killed was likely a monster bred to die fighting. It likely isn't a one-for-one type of thing."
Aurelius's eyes narrowed, the intensity of his gaze piercing through the dim light. "So you think more will start showing up?"
"The way things went, I feel like there could be hundreds, if not thousands, already planted or just ready to attack, Aurelius. That's why it's important we don't alarm anyone," Ishiro said, his voice low and urgent.
Aurelius's eyes darkened with realization. "Whoever the traitor is, they are likely content with the one dying and us assuming that we killed the main issue. They want us to shift our entire focus to the human worlds under invasion."
Captain Ishiro nodded. "I pondered for a good minute on my way over here, but I am sure this has some tied links to the Vampire realm at least."
Aurelius frowned, his mind racing. "While that does make sense, I believe discussions for that should remain in a more secure area. I suggest we hold a 12 summit meeting with all the division captains and the King to discuss these findings and go from there."
The room fell silent. Ishiro could feel the cool air, contrasting with the urgency of their discussion.
The distant hum of the base's machinery echoed around them.
"Vice Captain, head down to Earth and eliminate every non-human creature on that planet. I expect a full report by the time our summit meeting concludes. Personally, I would enjoy going down there myself and wreaking havoc, but my energy pressure would rip the planet apart, and I'm not good at holding back."
The Vice Captain bowed and replied, "Yes, sir. I will head down to collect my gear and meet the group on Earth for backup."
As he headed out, he added, "Make sure Kieran doesn't get killed and watch your back. We don't know who could be an enemy."
"Right. Yes, sir."
As he departed with the guard, both Captains exchanged a glance. "So, moving forward, we should keep our caution," Captain Ishiro said, his tone measured.
Captain Aurelius nodded, his eyes narrowing. "And I assume you have Janice here because she's likely a target of some kind?"
Meanwhile
As the Vice Captain headed down the corridor, he found a group of guards in a circle, deep in conversation. He broke it up and barked, "What the hell are we doing?"
They all snapped to attention and replied, "Hello, Vice Captain. Sorry, we were just deciding on who should go down to Earth to back up Kieran."
"What? Why are you deciding? Just get a group and go!"
"Well, some of the men are worried about the Vale creatures and the reports of zombies."
"We're Angelic creatures. We're safe from stuff like that. What the hell are you crying over?
You know what, never mind. You're coming with me. We're heading down to Earth in the next five minutes. Meet me at the departure station and be ready to go with whatever weapon you fight with." Your next read awaits at empire
One soldier shuddered and stammered, "Ar-are you sure?! You could really pick anyone else. I'm the lowest-ranking soldier in our division, sir."
"That sounds pathetic. This will give you a chance to get stronger then."