NOVEL NEXT Chapter 246 Arrival H
Ash, Andrea, and Casandra stood at the edge of the dense forest, their figures hidden beneath the shadowy canopy. From their vantage point, they gazed at the sprawling city of Eoqelon in the distance. Its towering spires reached towards the sky, hinting at the grandeur that lay within.
The setting sun cast an orange hue across the horizon, painting the landscape with a warm glow. It was a stark contrast to the darkness that covered the nether realm they called home. Their mission, bestowed upon them by their creator Zero, was clear: to gather information on the corrupt human kingdom of Eoqelon and its ties to the Magic Tower Acesh.
Donning their human disguises, Ash, Andrea, and Casandra made their way through the dense forest, blending in with the mortal world. Zero had provided them with a ring, a powerful artifact that concealed their true forms and allowed them to communicate with one another. But it came at a cost—most of their abilities were sealed away, leaving them with only a fragment of their true power.
Andrea, disguised as a human, made a few adjustments to blend in seamlessly with the mortals. Her dark skin tone was now lighter, resembling that of an average human. She opted for a shorter hairstyle, tying her curly black hair into a neat bun, allowing only a few loose strands to frame her face. Her attire shifted to more conventional clothing, opting for a simple blouse and a knee-length skirt, both in shades of gray. Instead of her usual black coat, she wore a tailored blazer that added a touch of professionalism to her appearance. Andrea's green eyes remained a captivating feature, albeit less intense, and she wore minimal makeup to maintain a natural look. In her human guise, she exuded an air of confidence and authority, befitting a woman of importance in the human world.
Casandra, too, modified her appearance to appear more human while still retaining her enchanting allure. Her vibrant red hair was now a lustrous shade of chestnut brown, styled in an elegant updo. Her pale skin took on a more earthly hue, while her blue eyes shimmered with a gentler radiance. Casandra traded her ethereal clothing for a sophisticated dress that hugged her figure tastefully, with subtle floral patterns adorning the fabric. The wreath of flowers on her head was replaced with a delicate hairpin, adorned with a single flower petal. Despite these alterations, she maintained an otherworldly elegance, drawing attention wherever she went. Casandra's poise and grace allowed her to seamlessly integrate into human society, making her appear as a refined and mysterious lady.
Ash's transformation was the most subtle, with his fair complexion remaining largely unchanged. To fit in with the humans, he trimmed his blonde hair into a more conventional style, slightly longer on the top with shorter sides. His striking red eyes were now concealed with blue-tinted contact lenses, masking his true nature. Ash adopted a more casual attire, donning a button-down shirt and trousers, accompanied by a tailored vest and a pair of polished dress shoes. The silver necklace with the pendant remained a cherished accessory, subtly hinting at his origins. Despite these adaptations, Ash's magnetic charm and confident demeanor remained intact, attracting both attention and intrigue in the human realm.
As the trio set foot in the bustling city of Eoqelon, they blended seamlessly with the humans, their disguises concealing their true identities. With their altered appearances, they appeared as mere mortals. As they approached the city gates, the guards scrutinized them, their eyes searching for any sign of deception. Ash, the charismatic vampire, flashed a disarming smile, his hypnotic gaze captivating the guards and dissolving their suspicions. With a nod, they granted the trio passage into the heart of Eoqelon.
Stepping into the bustling streets of Eoqelon, Ash, Andrea, and Casandra marveled at the fusion of technology and magic. The city was alive with activity—pedestrians hurried along the cobblestone paths, merchants bartered for goods, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. Magical displays intertwined with everyday life, with street lamps illuminating at a touch, powered by magic crystals harvested from slain monsters.
Banners bearing the emblem of the Magic Tower Acesh fluttered in the breeze, symbolizing the close alliance between the kingdom and the mystical institution. The trio observed the seamless integration of magic and mundane elements, intrigued by the advancements achieved through the utilization of magic crystals.
Casandra led the trio through the bustling streets of Eoqelon, their disguises helping them blend seamlessly with the human population. As they walked, she spotted a cozy inn nestled between the shops and houses, its warm lights inviting them in. Entering the establishment, they were greeted by a friendly innkeeper who showed them to a private room.
Once inside, Casandra laid out the plan on the table, her voice steady and determined. Andrea listened intently, her intangibility power already proving to be a valuable asset.
"Andrea," Casandra began, "your ability to become intangible and invisible will be our greatest advantage in gathering information. The royal castle is the most likely place to find records of the nobles we're seeking. They keep detailed documentation, even of the countryside nobles who rarely visit the capital."
Andrea nodded, her eyes gleaming with focus. "I'll phase through the castle walls, search for any records of nobles who resemble Ash, and gather as much information as possible. If we find a match, we can approach them and attempt to buy their noble title. If they refuse, we'll have to take more drastic measures."
Ash leaned forward, his voice filled with determination. "If it comes to that, we'll eliminate any obstacle that stands in our way. But we must exercise caution and ensure our actions go unnoticed. The last thing we need is to expose ourselves prematurely."
Casandra interjected, her tone calm but resolute. "Agreed. We must remain discreet and maintain our human guises."
They discussed the intricacies of their plan, brainstorming various scenarios and contingencies. They knew the risks were high, but they were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Once they had a detailed strategy in place, they turned their attention to their immediate needs. Casandra reached into a small pouch, pulling out a handful of coins. "Before we set our plan into motion, we need to secure supplies and maintain our cover. I suggest we pay for a long stay here and acquire any necessary resources."
Ash nodded, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "These coins were taken from the bandit who attacked us when we first arrived on the world's surface. It seems we'll need more if we’re going to stay here. Casandra, could you use your spirit manipulation to locate the spirits of the bandit's victims? They may have hidden their valuables, and we can retrieve the money we need without drawing attention."
Casandra's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Of course, Ash. I’ll tap into the spirits' knowledge and guide us to their hidden treasures. It will provide us with the necessary funds while keeping our activities discreet as long as we eliminate them."