The grinding of what it seems to be coming from the metals clamored their reverberations across the streets. Alastor stole a glance at the metropolitan wherein the two parties of mercenaries and police along with the inventions of the Kelby Hives firing at each other.

The mercenaries somehow managed to put up a good match against enforcers. Although it may seem to be that they have the advantage because they were able to use magic and empower the weapons, the enforcers have advanced technological devices in means of countering their magic. Such as the robots, can nullify magic to some certain degree, but has to use shields if they can’t take the damage any longer.

The two parties welled up in anger as they exchange fires. Alastor along with Linda and Ken, they’ve sprinted across the alleyway, avoiding any unnecessary fights. With Alastor leading the way, Linda and Ken were able to focus watching their back and remain their guard high.

Alastor glance cautiously at the road. The road and the establishments are empty. This part of the city was one of the liveliest places in the city. This often was visited because of the foods they served. But now, it is tampered down because of the menace they’ve failed to realize and contained.

For once, he felt unhappiness seeing how this place was wretched and was torn into pieces by the fight that they had nothing to know nor involved about. The once lively grill shop was closed and was barricaded, the lanterns that were once displayed were left hanging and shut down.

He scanned the surroundings and confirmed that there was no threat.

They quickly spread out to their position as they skulked out. The Kelby Hives should be across the street, but the problem is that the road to the company is two kilometers long to run. They might want to keep up the pace because there is no telling when will Theo be pissed and decide to use all of his weapons at his disposal against the mercenaries.

“Holy shit,” Ken said. His heavy breathing creates a white puff and quickly it disappeared. “Two fucking kilometers. We’ll be fully drained before we got there. I am not built for this.”

“Stop complaining!” Alastor sniffed. “We’ve wasted enough time for this bullshit. We’re not gonna fail our mission.”

“To be honest,” Linda started, “I never thought that we’d be able to get this far. I… I should have been more careful and been direct to you all. It wouldn’t have come to this if I did not let this happen.”

Alastor did not respond. Her words are true. If she has been more assertive rather than being passive, the group wouldn’t break apart and maybe they were able to stop earlier this commotion.

“I was not built for being a leader.” She exclaimed. “Forgive me, Alastor.”

“Hey,” Ken said, “We all make mistakes. No matter how much effort we put in, we will always be bound to doing mistakes. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

Alastor saw a hint of regret in her eyes, “Forget it. It doesn’t matter. We should focus on what’s up ahead.”

Alastor's eyes fixated forward.

“That’s right.” Linda nodded, concurring with what he said. It seems that Alastor has forgiven her.

As they reached the security door they were stopped by men in armor. Their weapons apparently are different than before, their guns have a different design and aside from that, they also have a rod that is currently unknown what it can do.

“This is as far as you go!”

The patrolman shouted. There were a lot of them. They’re clearly waiting and patiently hold their position for an ambush if there’s should anyone try to take the fight in the Kelby Hives.

“Damn it.” Ken muse, “I thought they’re supposed to be inside the facility.”

“Well, we’re wrong,” Alastor said. “We could use some back up here.”

Their position is solid to the finest. Barricades suddenly surfaced from the ground blocking the way and having the position guarded at each corner, making it impossible to break through.

A patrolman broke off and move forward. He’s observing them thoroughly.

It’s a good thing that they had a mask and put it on. For now, their identity is safe.

The man gets closer and watched the three stood in froze. When he finally came to the realization of where he saw them, he held his gun towards them.

“I know who you are.” He said, “You’re the one who messed with Don Trifalgo.”

“Crap,” Ken said. “It’s nice knowing you guys.”

Scarcely to put a thought on this, they were disturbed by something. Apparently, the ground shook, moving with a pattern, from right to left, until it gradually stopped.

“Stop!” the patrolman demanded.

“We’d like to, but, it’s not us,” Linda said.

Before the man could find a grip from the sudden earth-shaking, the ground split, and the patrolmen screamed as they fell. Some survived but the big shots did not.

The patrolman didn’t hesitate and pulled the trigger.

Linda raised her palm creating a shield that protects them against the bullets. There’s something different on it. The bullets were covered in light.

The magic wall barely stands against the bullets, but they were given enough time to see the enemies stop as their weapons began to spark.

“What the hell?!” asked one of the patrolmen. “What did you do?!” he shouted.

“Nuh-uh. It ain’t us.”

The ground trembles, this time cracks trailed like a crack from broken glass, until- ground crumble – swallowing the half of the infantrymen.

The trembling ground gradually slows down as it finally returns to normal.

The leader of the infantry ambush unit gritted his teeth. His movement was sluggish but was determined to put an end to their madness.

Alastor and his team were shaken by the attack too. A question continues to linger in his mind, why does it seem to be that the attack was meant for them? Or perhaps, someone intentionally attacks them.

Unfortunately, his deduction was scarcely put into realization as a bullet hits his ankle. Alastor fell down on his knees as the infantryman came to him. He was about to finish Alastor but his fellow soldier came to him, rushing.

“Sir,” he whispered to him.

The leader showed a bitter face as he heard the report of the soldier.

He put up a tough face and said to him,

“Theo demands you to yield.”

A triumphant grin formed, not because of the fact that a large amount of the enemy was dead, but Theo recognized them as worthy enough for his attention, at the same time, this put their position at risk.

“You can tell Theo he can suck on this…” said Alastor as he raised his middle finger.

The man hisses, “You are in no position to oppose. We outnumber you.”

Alastor glances at his back, Ken and Linda seem to be in the middle of gathering their strength. Alastor already knows how perilous their position they are in. The threat was clear as crystal, abide or die? What choice does he have?

He lies down on the ground and called the two to do the same. Linda and Ken reluctantly lie down.