Silence and Darkness

Location: Gloria's Temple / Secret Underground Tunnel

Time: Y1503 / 29th day of the Fire Moon

POV: Codename Brain, Elite Assassin and Leader of Darkness

Someone very wealthy hired us to kill a VIP behind the walls of Gloria. A little girl.

We are as ready as we'll ever be. Tonight is the night.

Our clients claims she is the one who weaved that gargantuan caleidoscope half a moon ago. We need to thread carefully.

*whisper* “Our target is a mage. We should consider them a threat of the highest level. understood?” (Codename Brain)

*nod* (Codename Heart, Codename Eye and Codename Claw)

Infiltrating the walls of Gloria's temple complex is not an easy task indeed. Their walls are enchanted. One can't just sneak past them. And yet, no impregnable place exists.

If one can't go from above, it must be from below! Three years ago, my comrades and I started a long winded project. A tunnel that took three years to make. A tunnel that can be used only once. The Church of Gloria would not fall for the same trick twice.

It's a pity, but the prize is worth burning down this asset.

I glance at my comrades. They have finished checking their equipment.

*whisper* “Let us begin.” (Brain)

My comrade, Codename Eye, takes out an artifact with a living eye embedded in it. She starts weaving. During our observation we used this artifact to mark the target. We'll always know where she is.

(Codename Eye)

*whisper* "Target is here. At the top of the Seer's Tower." (Eye)

With the location clear in her mind, my comrade points to a spot on the map we drew of the temple. Unexpected. During our observations the target always spent the night in the eastern dorm. That tower is used by the healers according to our intel.

Is she training?

*whisper* "Do we abort the mission?" (Codename Claw)

*whisper* "No. The target is practicing magic later than usual. She'll likely be exhausted. Be advised, two of our secondary targets might also be close by. At least one is a threat. We proceed with plan three-two." (Codename Brain)

It's a deviation, but one we planned for. We can leave nothing to chance if we wish to infiltrate such a stronghold.

*whisper* “Heart, you are up.” (Codename Brain)

The wall in front of us leads directly to the underground prison beneath the temple. It's the last place they would expect an infiltration to happen in, giving us a monumental advantage. One I plan to take full advantage of.

(Eye)

*whisper* "One guard. And he is about to turn around the corner. We'll have a 12 seconds window in 3... 2... 1..." (Eye)

(Codename Heart)

Using a spell that severs hard material from the inside, Heart cuts a circular opening through the the thick basement wall.

(Eye)

The cut made by Heart's spell leave the surface of the material sleek. One only needs an object manipulation spell to silently move it. Eye slides the rocky cylinder out of the wall and gently drop it on the floor.

I'm up. Before the 12 seconds window expires, I throw myself in the opening. I turn left and move silently toward the corner. I flatten myself against the wall.

I'm dressed head to toe in dark blue fabric, and the lack of light inside the prison makes my cover perfect.

4... 3... 2... 1...

Twelve seconds! The guard emerges from the corner, and a split of a second after that, I am behind him. I cover his mouth and slit his throat with my black knife.

Enemy neutralized.

This was the only guard on this level of the prison. The best entry point we could have hoped for.

As I clean up my knife, Claw, my comrade, carries away the body. Most cells are empty so he picks one and hide the corpse under some hay on the hard floor.

(Codename Eye)

My support mage is already scouting ahead using detection magic. Good. My comrades all followed the plan to the letter, and are on high alert by my side.

*grin* (Codename Brain)

Observing my unit in action never fails to make me proud. We act as one, complementing each other weaknesses. Our teamwork improved over years of perilous jobs, and now we are the best assassins in The Silence.

They call us .

*whisper* "Four guards in the upper level of the prison. Two guarding the stairs to the Ruling Tower." (Eye)

No words are needed. Everybody knows what to do. We proceed toward the stairs to the upper level of the prison. The guards stand no chance against Darkness.

Infiltration was a complete success.

Location: Gloria's Temple / Ruling Tower

POV: Eye

"Have you heard about the visit from the Minister of Magic last moon?" (Guard A)

"Yeah... I wonder what was that all about." (Guard B)

"I think the Gifted One mad~ (Guard A)

*grab* *slit throat* (Codename Brain)

*grab* *slit throat* (Codename Claw)

The two remaining guards had their back facing the stairs. With no prisoner in the holding cells, nobody expected danger to come from there.

Acting as one, Claw and I lunged at the throat of our targets, covering their mouth and silencing them forever.

(Codename Eye)

*whisper* “I'll carry him.” (Codename Heart)

Claw drags one of the bodies. Since both I and Eye are required for this phase, Heart offers to dispose of the dead man. They silently disappears in the stairs we came from.

Our plan hinges on remaining undetected. Our chances of survival drops dramatically if we are discovered. We are assassins. We can't face a regular army heads on, but one on one with the element of surprise we are unstoppable!

From here we can either climb the stairs up further to go to the High priestess' chambers or we can reach the courtyard. Had the prison block been below the Seer's Tower, our job would have been so much easier. Alas, that was not meant to be.

*whisper* "About a dozen guards at the wall. At least seven more patrolling in the courtyard." (Codename Eye)

*whisper* "We leave Claw behind to secure our escape route. Once Heart returns, you lead the three of us to the Seer's tower while avoiding their sight. Can you do that?" (Brain)

*whisper* "Who do you think you are talking to?" (Codename Eye)

Eye worries too much and I like to tease Eye from time to time. This is a dangerous place of course, but being worried lowers her performance I need my men to give it their all.

In the meantime, Heart and Claw have returned. They know better than distract us, so they are watching our backs.

Three long minutes pass in total silence. This might be the most critical moment of the operation, I'll let Eye all the time she needs. We need to get this phase right.

*whisper* “There are two~ (Codename Eye)

The four of us gather around Eye's map. She gives us detailed instructions on the patrol routes and the path to take. Some guards are in the wrong place, they get marked for killing.

(Codename Eye)

[Remember that I can't use while sustaining . Follow my lead exactly.] (Codename Eye)

[[Yes.]] (Team Darkness)

Eye saved her most useful tool for last. Her allows our thoughts to perturb the aether in an imperceptible way. The spell uses those minute ripples to allow us to talk using our minds. Not everything is shared, we need to deliberately and clearly think abot something to share it.

[I'll stay here in the ruling tower. I'll keep our escape route open and let you know if something changes.] (Codename Claw)

[You take the lead from here on, Eye.] (Codename Brain)

[Yes~ Go, now!] (Codename Eye)

The second phase of the operation begins.

There are about two hundreds meters of open ground between us and the Seer's Tower. An assassin's greatest enemy. Camouflage magic could allow us to just waltz in, but it's too power hungry a spell to sustain for so long. We have to do it the old fashioned way.

The layout of the temple give us plenty of opportunities to approach stealthily. The perimeter of the courtyard is dotted with columns and trees. A gallery to provide us with a cover.

*run* *take cover* *run* (Team Darkness)

The three of us advance like shadows. We jump from column to column.

[Take her out. Hide her behind that door over there. It's an empty room.] (Codename Eye)

*cover mouth* *slith throat* (Codename Brain)

*gasp* *gurgle* (Guard)

*drags body* (Codename Brain)

We hide behind columns as a guard passes us by. It's a slow night, they suspects nothing. At the right moment I jump out of cover easily surprising her from her blind spot. I cover her mouth and cut her throat with my black knife.

A muffled sound later she is dead. I drag her lifeless corpse behind a door just at my right. I have no time to properly hide her body, if someone enters, our gig will be discovered.

It's a calculated risk. During our observation they only patrolled the corridors.

[A guard is about to turn the corner. Kill them.] (Codename Eye)

More guards patrol the gallery. They must die for our sake.

It takes a full seven minutes, but now we are on the opposite side of the courtyard. The seer's tower in in front of us. With some luck, we won't be discovered until the next guard rotation, a few hours from now. By then they'll notice many guards are missing.

(Codename Eye)

(Codename Eye)

Another open space separates our current location at the end of the gallery to the entrance of the Seer's tower. Eye rescinds her to scout ahead using her detection magic. A lot can change in seven minutes.

*whisper* "Target location is unchanged. Two guards in front of the entrance. People that seems to be sleeping in several rooms. Several people awake and active inside." (Codename Eye)

Pretty much as expected. With our cover intact no one suspects a thing. Things would be different if they had mages scouting around with detection magic around the clock, but no such mage exists. I think we are the first to infiltrate the temple without triggering the wall enchantments in the Church History.

They faith in their walls will be their undoing.

*whisper* "The patrol routes will give us a fifteen seconds opening in forty. Get ready." (Codename Eye)

*whisper* "You are up, Heart." (Codename Brain)

*weave magic* (Codename Heart)

Heart focus and weave magic. If our intel is accurate, no guard of the night shift is gifted with magic sight. A few seniors guards do, but they are not on patrolling duty. No one should be able to notice her magic in the making.

*whisper* “I'm ready.” (Codename Heart)

*close fist* (Codename Eye)

(Codename Heart)

At Eye's behest, Heart unleashes her spell. The guards are visibly wobbling, Eye and I sprint forward and catch them before they fall.

We attach two hooks to the wall and peg the guards from their uniforms. This will keep the guard standing, preserving appearances. Others would notice something is amiss if the door to the Seer's tower is unattended.

With several seconds to spare before a patrol crosses our path we open the door.

We follow eye. She rushes toward a room, open the door and disappear inside. Heart and I soon follow and close the door behind us.

*cover mouth* *stab* (Brain)

*open eye* *close eyes* (Woman)

A woman was sleeping in a bed. I can't risk her waking up. I cover her mouth and stab her in the chest. She opens her eyes in terror, only to close them again a few seconds later, and this time forever.

(Codename Eye)

I turn toward the door behind me. Heart is standing guard, while Eye is weaving detection magic again. Now, to wait until she feels it's the right moment.

*whisper* "Before we proceed, let's inform Claw of our progress so far" (Codename Brain)

(Codename Eye)

Eye is skilled enough to be able to weave spells like without help of artifacts. Her magic reaches to the opposite tower, connecting us together and with Claw.

[We are inside the Seer's Tower. Plan is progressing smoothly.] (Codename Brain)

[Two guards came inside the Ruling Tower, I neutralized them. Escape route is secure.] (Codename Claw)

So far so good.

[At least ten active persons above us. More sleeping. Target is three levels above, active and weaving magic. Guards on the lower levels unaware.] (Codename Eye)

[Heart, secure this level. Eye and I will proceed alone.] (Codename Brain)

Four more women are sleeping in this level, Heart will take care of them. Eye and I go on with the plan and climb the large spiral stairs to the upper level of the tower.

We flatten ourselves against the walls. I wait for Eye's signal.

"How many potatoes did Liara peel, yesterday?" (Sister)

"One hundred kilos! I swear that girl is such a jewel! You know, I saw her climbing the stairs a while ago. She is sure to be hard at training. I was thinking about preparing her something. She didn't eat anything for diner, poor thing." (Sister Bella)

"Oh my! I'll let you use my cooking utensil then! I hav~" *muffled scream* (Sister)

*cover mouth* *slit throats* (Codenames Eye and Brain)

Eye and I crawled the wall, then jumped on the two women, covering their mouth and slitting their throat. They barely had the time to realize they were going to die.

We then drag their lifeless bodies inside the room.

The target might be sick. This woman gave us precious intel. She deserved her quick and painless death.

[This is the last place I can safely weave magic in. If we get closer, and the target is weaving, she might feel me.] (Codename Eye)

[Agreed.] (Codename Brain)

Let's see how our companions are doing. It's the last opportunity before the final phase.

[Status report.] (Codename Brain)

[Escape route is secure.] (Codename Claw)

[Ground level is secure.] (Codename Heart)

[Good. We are two levels below the target. Preparing to engage. We'll be silent until the job is done.] (Brain)

(Codename Eye)

With Mind talk rescinded, Eye make on last check on the target to be on the safe side.

(Codename Eye)

(Codename Eye)

*whisper* "Situation is unchanged. Five active persons above us. Two persons beside the target two levels above. Two more asleep in this level." (Codename Eye)

We enter the two rooms and kill the two women inside. If things go south we can't risk their interference.

Finally, one last trick before we move for the kill.

*whisper* “Do it.” (Codename Brain)

After gathering magic for four minutes, Eye unleashes her trump card.

(Codename Eye)

The artifact she holds in her hands was once the prized possession of a nobile family. Deposing them is the job that made us famous.

*ngggg* (Codename Eye)

Nobody knows who created that artifact. It requires an enormous amount of magic to activate, pushing my support mage to her limits. The effects, mort than compensate for the price.

*heavy breathing* *whisper* "We are now invisible. *pant* Furthermore only a spell stronger than my own can detect us. *pant* It will last ten minutes at least." (Eye)

Eye is spent. My comrades did everything they could. The rest is up to me.

According to our intel, the target can weave remarkable barriers. We won't have the time to finish the job is she weave one. But no matter how much of an abnormality our target is. Not even the queen would be able to escape my fangs in this state.

This has to end with one strike.

(Codename Brain)

While not as proficient as my trusted magi, I can weave magic to an extent. I gather a small amount and activate the enchantment laid upon my dark knife

I will be able to cut through lesser barriers with this.

Eye and I climb the stairs.

We are invisible, but we move slowly. If we run, our invisibility becomes imperfect. I'm holding hand with Eye, it's the only way to coordinate with her.

There are two guards and three woman facing the wall with their eyes closed. Praying. Your goddess won't save you.

I tap Eye's hand. A code we invented for this kind of situations. I get behind one of the guards.

*slit throat* (Codename Brain)

*slit throat* (Codename Eye)

Simultaneously, the other guard dies. We accompany them down, without noise. The three woman still haven't noticed a thing.

I move to the next target.

*slit throat* (Codename Brain)

The woman dies. I look at my right, the second woman is looking at her comrade falling down, her eyes opens wide. It takes a second for her to realize something is wrong.

*gurgle* *fall* (Woman)

As she is about to scream, a gush opens on her neck without any apparent reason and only a muffled sound comes out.

The lifeless woman is gently lowered to the ground by my invisible companion. Eye is very efficient. She took out the two women in the blink of an eye.

Our hands are covered in blood, compromising the invisibility. We clean ourselves using the dead white dresses.

Eye and I hold hands once again and climb the stairs.

The target chest is waiting for my dark knife in the next level.

Life and Death

Location: Gloria's Temple / Seer's Tower

Time: Y1503 / 29th day of the Fire Moon

POV: Codename Brain

This is it. The topmost level of the Seer's tower.

This is a wide open space, but invisibility is covering both Eye and me.

The large room is lit by a strong magical light high in the dome of the ceiling. There is a large pond of water near the centre of the room and a balcony above us. This is where the healers of the church trains according to our intel. We killed many of them on our way here.

Near the centre of the room, there are three Fair Skin women. One is a tall beautiful woman twenty years of age with long silver hairs. The second is an old woman with deep scars and sparse white hairs. She wears a blindfold. The third is a young girl, no more than three years of age sporting short white hairs.

All three of them have their eyes closed. My magic sight allows me to see the adults enclosed by a remarkable barrier, while the young girl is surrounded by a tangle of thick and long magic threads.

Eye taps my hand. She can't do anything about the barrier around the two women. I'm impressed.

Surely, they are training the endurance of the little girl. This is a test to see how long can she hold the barrier. It also explain why she is awake in the middle of the night.

Still, we are fortunate. The barrier isn't enveloping the only person it should. Our target. And once she dies, the barrier will unravel. Eye and I will be able to kill the adults. Both of which are actually secondary targets!

Perfect.

I tap Eye's hand, and she taps back. We are in agreement. I let her hand go.

The water is troublesome. If I walk in there, the displacement can be seen. Furthermore, if the girl's magic touch me, she might feel my presence even through the invisibility. I doubt she is stronger than the artifact, but better safe than sorry.

*step* (Codename Brain)

I'll have to lounge at her before she realizes.

*step* (Codename Brain)

I close to about three meters from her back, and prepare myself.

*step* (Codename Brain)

I'm as ready as I'll ever be. My invisibility will only wear thinner.

*jump forward* (Codename Brain)

I put strength in my legs and lounge forward! The death of the girl will serve as signal for Eye.

My knife enchanted with magic edge is inching toward the little girl's heart from her back. There is no dodging th~

*swish* (Magic Thread)

My sight is split in two? Why can I... half...

*bisect in two* *two halves fall* *splash* (Codename Brain)

POV: Liara

*swish* (Magic Thread)

*splash* (Water)

[ Activated! It cut through something solid!] (Soldier Me)

I open my eyes and look behind me. I see splashes of water, and I can see depressions in the pond. There is nothing there? I have no idea what's going on here...

[It's invisible! Something is there, and is invisible!] (Gamer Me)

[Quick soldier! Weave a mobile barrier!] (Soldier Me)

(Liara)

This barrier forms closely about one centimetre above my skin, it's mobile and flexible, like a dress. Furthermore it's designed to distribute impacts uniformly. It has reflective properties as well. Next barrier I'll have to find a way to dissipate kinetic energy on top of the current properties, but it's not too shabby.

[The barrier around Mother is holding strong. It will last hours even without us sustaining it. What do we do now?] (Science Me)

I look at Mother and Meridia. Mother especially looks worried, but she is not saying anything right now. I mean, I am sorrounded by my best barrier yet. Have faith in me, Mother!

Uhm... I notice that the bad feeling that was tangling my guts is gone. Did I do it? Will everything be alright, now?

[Focus, Soldier! Sounds the alarm! That was an assassin. If there is one, here may be more, stealth is their strength, let's take that away from them!] (Soldier Me)

Yes. At least I won't have to kill anyone else, tonight...

(Liara)

Around my neck is an artifact used by the guards, a miniature wooden horn. I direct a one of my magic threads inside it. A minute amount of magic is used, activating the artifact. That's easy enough.

*woooooooo* *woooooo* (Security Horns)

Every building has big magical horns that start sounding when the little ones are activated. A warning system! Only it uses magic rather than electricity.

Now everyone will wake up and know that there are intruders.

I stand up and turn around to see what's going on.

*gasp* (Liara)

The water is turning red.

Two halves of a man wearing a dark fitting robe can now be seen with his guts spilling~

I feel sick.

If not for the experiences of Soldier Me that are hardening my feelings, I would have vomited at the sight already.

[It was you or him. Easy choice in my book.] (Soldier Me)

Maybe. But I still took a life.

I'm a killer now and I'm not okay with that.

[You are not alone, later you should open up with Mother about this.] (Doctor Me)

[Still, our magic saved us! Our enemy was far deadlier this time, and we had an easier time than against Thomen!] (Gamer Me)

is a one of my prototype spells, but it' s really effective. More than I hoped.

I gave the threads physical presence and sharpness, and willed them to leash upward had anything touched them.

As Meridia said, no mage would think about using threads themselves to do something. They thought I was focusing on mother's barrier and ignored the threads themselves.

It worked well as trap.

Of course I had a reactive barrier in place and ready to pop up as an additional safety, but I'm glad I didn't have to test it. My spells are just prototypes after all.

My saving grace is that I can pour huge amount of magic in my spells than anyone else, making up for imperfections in the construction with sheer raw power.

[More surprisingly, your prediction came true! You CAN see the future! Am I the only one amazed by that?] (Gamer Me)

True. I wasn't sure something would happen tonight either, but it did! I'm so relived that I listened to the others Me.

“Was he the only one?” (Serina)

“Seems that way... Keep your guard up, I couldn't see them at all, not even a glimpse with my magic sight.” (Meridia)

“Neither could I~ *pray* (Serina)

Mother and Meridia are restless. I think Meridia is focusing on her magic sight, while Mother is praying.

Uhm...

Even if there are more assassins here my barriers and my are still up. I don't think they can sneak past them at all... That was their best shot, was it?

What should I do now?

[NOTHING!!! You are their target! You stay right here, soldier! Don't you dare move a step out of this room! You understand???] (Soldier Me)

But...

[NO BUTS! Amigarde herself couldn't pierce your barrier if she wanted. We are safe here. Your only priority is to stay safe. That's an order!] (Soldier Me)

I get it! Don't shout!

I'm just worried about other Sisters.

[That's the Order of the Knights' job. Let the professional do the rest. You are a three years old little girl. You defended yourself and Mother. Chasing after invisible assassins is not something you can do. STAY PUT. I won't repeat myself, soldier.] (Soldier Me)

If you say so~ Remember that your so called professionals let death come close to me for the second time!

[Please, Liara. Listen to him. Don't make Soldier Me angry.] (Bookworm Me)

Fine.

I'll stay put.

I just hope the other Sisters are ok.

[The assassin was invisible. Maybe he went full stealth stright to us. A surgical strike if you will. Maybe he was alone. Being more would only invite more opportunities for failure after all.] (Science me)

[That invisibility is pretty broken if you ask me. That spell needs a nerf!] (Gamer me)

Let's hope Science Me is right.

(Serina)

"Liara, I informed the captain of the guards with . They'll handle things from here. Just sit tight." (Serina)

*nod* (Liara)

“Liara, can you let me out? They might need an healer on standby. It is my duty.” (Serina)

"I'm not letting you out. Stay with me, please." *teary eyes* (Liara)

I couldn't forgive myself is something were to happen to Mother.

[Good call. Serina and Meridia are the VIPs. Don't let them be heroes, because heroes die.] (Soldier Me)

[Soldier Me!] (Bookworm Me)

He is right. Don't worry, I can take it.

I do feel like a coward, and I know I could do more.

But Soldier Me is right. I can't go around chasing invisible assassins with the body of a three years old little girl. I'll stay put and protect Mother and Meridia. This is something I can do.

Escape: Codename Eye

Location: Gloria's Temple / Seer's Tower

Time: Y1503 / 29th day of the Fire Moon

POV: Codename Eye, Team Darkness, Support mage

The topmost level of the Seer's tower. We are in position.

Primary target is in sight. Two secondary targets in sight but shielded by high tier barriers.

No guards on the balcony. No living in the lower levels.

Primary target is waving magic and fully open.

Our infiltration was a complete success!

The plan now is simple.

I wait behind the two women. Brain will kill the primary target, the barrier sustained by her will unravel and I will take care of the secondary targets.

That little girl is as good as dead already.

Brain should move in any moment now.

~

*swish* (???)

*fall* *splash* (???)

What happened? Did Brain stumble??? I cannot see past his invisibility either!

I can see the water is depressed. The women see it too! Get up! Move, you idiot!!!

(Little Girl)

The little girl weaved another barrier, this time around herself!

It's too thick! I won't be able to penetrate it!

The assassination failed!

Move, Brain!

What are you waiting for?!?

*woooooooo* *woooooo* (Horn)

The horns!

We are in deep shit!

We have to leave!!!

Why is~

*invisibility fade* (Codename Brain)

He~ is dead.

...

*flee* (Codename Eye)

...

We lost Brain. The assassination has failed.

With the horns sounding and no communication from me, Heart and Claw must be running for their lives, following the escape plan.

I have four minutes of invisibility left. Let's make the most of it!

I dash through two levels. My feet are wrapped in cloth to muffle my steps, but my running can be heard.

Good thing there is nobody alive to listen. It was the right call to kill everybody along the way.

What the hell happened back there?

No. We'll have time later to consider it.

...

I'm at Ground level.

The spiral stairs from the ruling tower leave me wide open. As I run, guards emerge from the flight of stairs in front of me that leads underground.

Damn it! I should have cleared the lower levels while I had the time!

"Where is everyone? There are supposed to be~ *slit *fall* (Guard)

"Jaden!!! Where are you you little!~ *slit* *fall* (Guard)

*heavy breathing* (Codename Eye)

Luck wanted that the stairs the guards come from face the exit door, and away from me.

I take my chances and run toward the guards. At the edge of the hole in the floor I jump, and land directly behind the two men. They have but one moment before I bring out two small knives and slit their throats from their back.

*look around* (Codename Eye)

Had the guards had faster reactions, or had I left to shallow a wound, they would have been able to retaliate. I was lucky.

I can't fight the whole church alone!

I need to get out of here!!!

Weaving this invisibility spell took a lot out of me. My stamina is running low, my head feels light and my sight is getting blurry.

Heart is not here, hopefully she is gone. I have two minutes of invisibility left. This might just be enough to dash through the open space between the towers!

*flee* (Codename Eye)

"Geron is still alive!" (Guard)

"This one too!" (Guard)

There are guards in front of the tower. The guards we put to sleep before were taken down from our hooks.

I have to be careful.

Slip past them without letting them bump into me.

"Hey! We have a lead! A dark figure was seen running toward the Ruling Tower!" (Guard)

"Let the Order deal with them. We have to secure the Seer's Tower first." (Guard)

Damn. They saw Heart.

The ruling tower must be swarming with guards! My invisibility is running thin.

We should avoid the walls at all costs, but I just have no other options.

Please.

Let me make it before my invisibility runs out!

*run* (Codename Eye)

"What's with this gust of wind?" (Guard)

"If you have the time to care about the wind, than follow me inside the tower. And be careful. We still have no idea who we are dealing with, here." (Guard)

Escape: Codename Heart

Location: Gloria's Temple / Seer's Tower

Time: Y1503 / 29th day of the Fire Moon

POV: Codename Heart, Team Darkness, Mage

*woooooooo* *woooooo* (Horns)

The horns.

Brain was clear, we can't fight an all out battle inside the temple.

If the horn blows, then we all focus on escape, and escape only.

Time is short.

(Codename Heart)

I wasn't waiting idly for them. I took my time to gather a sizeable amount of magic.

My simply changes the color of my cloak to blend in with my surroundings. It's a far cry from Eye's , but it will have to do.

*flee* (Codename Heart)

I reach the exit of the tower, the two we left attached to the walls are still here.

I don't like rushing things, but the more I wait, the worse it will be. I trust my weak camouflage spell and run, trying to stay far from brightly lit areas.

I shadow the tree trunks, dash, and crawl. Guards are swarming like ants. Especially troublesome are the guards on top of the walls.

Only fifty meters left, I can do it!

“There! Near that tree!” (Feldris, Scout)

"I can see him! Knights, with me!" (Steffen, Leader)

"Yes, leader!" (Stella, Mage Knight)

Damn it!!!

I see the entrance. I can make it!

*dash* (Codename Heart)

*swish* *hit leg* (Arrow)

*fall* *scream* (Codename Heart)

*groan* A volley of arrows~ From the walls~

"Stella, capture him alive! Second unit, with me! To the ruling tower! That's where he was heading. There might be more of them!" (Steffen)

The pain... It's hard to focus on my magic. This might be my last spell. I'm done for, but I can buy time for Claw and the others!

(Codename Heart)

“Careful! The enemy is weaving a spell!” (Stella)

(Stella)

That's bad!

The enemy is can dispel magic! She wills the magic I carefully weaved back into disorder! My spell already weak spell fizzled!

I can't block the entrance!

...

It's over.

...

You are on your own, Claw. Please, you have to make~

*stab* "Ahhhhhh!!!" (Codename Heart)

"It's only your shoulder, low life. No more weaving for you. Now go to sleep." (Stella)

(Stella)

My eyelids feel heavy.

The pain is fading.

This is were I die~

Escape: Codename Claw

Location: Gloria's Temple / Seer's Tower

Time: Y1503 - 29th day of the Fire Moon

POV: Codename Claw, Team Darkness, Muscle

*woooooooo* *woooooo* (Horns)

The horns!

I knew striking the main temple of Gloria was a mistake, but Brain wouldn't listen. Gold is of no use to a dead men, I said.

Well, I can only hope Heart and the others will be able to escape on their own. The three of them have camouflage spells, so they should be alright.

Brain plan for this eventuality was for me to hold the entrance if I saw a glimpse of them running, flee otherwise.

I know which signs to look for to spot their camouflage. They are not in sight.

*flee* (Claw)

There are people alive in the upper levels, but they will be defending those rooms. They won't leave the High Priestess unguarded.

And we killed everybody on ground level and below, nothing will impede my escape.

*far voice* "Bodies! Two, up stairs! The rest with me!" (Steffen, Leader)

Only now they entered the tower. Not a bad response actually, barely two minutes have passed. The Knights of Gloria are not to be taken lightly.

Disobeying orders I waited for my comrades in front of the tunnel we made, but I cannot wait any longer. They must have taken the alternative escape route over the walls.

We'll meet at the rendezvous point as planned. They won't die that easily.

I'll have to plug the hole we made.

*grunt* *lift debris* (Codename Claw)

*slam!* *plug hole* (Debris)

I can't do it as gracefully as Heart or Eye could. That's not my gig. In Darkness my role is to use force, when subtlety is not enough. Brain wanted diverse teammates to handle everything this would throw at us. He is the greatest leader I ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Who else would have picked the big clumsy me to be an assassin?

*grin* (Codename Claw)

Yes. There is no way Brain or the others are dead!

*push* (Codename Claw)

*slide* *thump* (Debris)

There! The silent cutter used by Heart is great, the plug is seamlessly part of the walls once more. They will find it, upon close examination, but I will be long gone by then.

One last surprise.

*slide* (Device on a keg)

A keg of oil rigged with a proximity enchantment trigger. It might be enough to make the whole tunnel collapse, and surely kill the fools that will follow.

Courtesy of Heart of the Darkness! He he he.

Now to the rendezvous point in the eastern district.

Brain is like a fox, he probably carried out the assassination anyway and will show up alongside the others like it's nothing and say that it was easy and my worries were for nothing.

Yes. Everyone will be alright. They have to be.

*run* (Codename Claw)