Getting past the frontline enemies is not an easy task. It took a heavy toll on their strength. Nonetheless, the four of them march forward. Alastor held aloft the sword as they walked on their way on the designated floor. Now that they’re on the unknown territory of the enemy, they can’t just waltz in, especially if they have no backup.

They were freezing not because of Linda’s ice sword but it’s because of the damaged walls, the wind entered the premises and desist their senses from a quiver. They’re shriveling in cold.

“Damn, I’m freezing,” Cid complained.

“Well, get used to it.” Linda reprimand. “It’s not like you have never been through this before.”

“Easy for you to say.”

The entire time the place remained dormant as they try to find the stairs or elevator. They entered a stadium of some sort and struggle to adjust their eyesight because of the darkness. Ken uses magic to conjure fire magic.

“Something’s not right,” Alastor said. He glances around and noticed one-by-one, dim red lights shining in the darkness. “On your feet, they’re above us!”

The enemies landed around them. Their body flexes and snapped as they stand up.

“Before we start, why did you make Liber go back to the base?” Cid asked.

“Because it would be a waste of money for him to die,” Alastor replied.

They were able to interpret the enemies' sketches but weren’t sure what are they. It’s like there is made like a puppet. They can rotate part of their bodies unlike any other human can do. Blades sprung out of their hand.

“Ken, we need a better vision if we want to live,” Linda said.

“Roger,” Ken answered.

The fire eventually grew and float on top of them. The light it produced was enough for them to see within teen feet away. A moment of tension had taken over. Their eyes remained unsettled on the enemies. There’s a lot of them. They’re unsure how many of them filled this place. The enemies gazed over them and remained stationary.

“I think they’re docile,” Ken suggested. “Should we go, now?”

“No. It’s not finished yet.” Linda said.

“Then it is better if we give it to them first,” Cid said. “Here I go!”

Cid used his gun and shoot the enemy. It was unexpected witnessing the downside of his attack as the enemy quickly evaded it and moved fast like a liquid, traversing his way.

“It’s fast,” Alastor said.

Cid stood in shock, dumbfoundingly allowing the enemy to get near to him nearly costing his life, but Linda shielded him. Linda chased off the enemy and attacked it, it retaliated and parried her attack. The two exchanged attacks and Linda finally caught it off guard as she is now holding two swords.

The rest of the enemies alerted and started to attack them. They fought valiantly and managed to keep the tide on their side. What makes them at disadvantage is that their attacks are impossible to outmaneuver because of the lack of space to retreat. The enemies’ defense was not tough as to them, but faster and quicker.

Although, they may seem winning the kindest fate has not offered them the best chance to hold on longer. Their large number will somehow best their stamina.

“There’s no end of them!” Alastor shouted. “Linda!”

“I know!” Linda replied.

Linda conjured magic and an ice wall emerge keeping them at bay safe from the enemies.

“We need a plan. Stat.” Cid said.

“There’s a whole bunch of enemies out there and I don’t think our combined strength would be enough to finish them off. Our stamina would get drained before we can get past them.” Ken said.

Time might seem not on their side to give them a viable option. The walls showed an indication of crack. They prepared and make their stand.

“So much for a few minutes out,” Alastor said.

They’re prepared and about to make amends of their carelessness but apparently, they were spared of the trouble. A bolt of lightning flew and flung the mannequins above midair, before destroying them into pieces. There are two of them, they dance around the fireball and move in inconceivable speed destroying the enemies.

They draw into a halt and walk towards the crystalline wall. Their reflection was not clear and scattered around by the dancing ball of flames that Ken produce, but they remember, specially Alastor who’s spitting image they belong.

“Enemies. Ken!” Alastor shouted.

Ken directed his palm to the fireball floating above and closed it – dragging it down. The fireball multiples into pieces and crashes onto them. Linda undone the spell, she was still unsure who’s Alastor talking about, but she knew, if he reacted like that, it is not good news. Alastor didn’t hesitate and leaped towards the enemies, his sword swung down but was parried by a baton. He backed off and evaded Ina’s attack.

“You again?” Alastor asked. “What do you want from us? We don’t have time for this.”

“And neither do us,” Lance said. “My name is Lance.”

“Like I care!” Alastor pushes forward and furiously attacks him. “Let’s settle it this time.”

“We did not come here to fight,” Lance said, he parried his attack and in a flash, he’s gone. “We have the same goal.” Lance teleported behind him. “Taking down Theo is our top priority. It just happened that you guys were on our way.”

Alastor was about to draw his weapon towards his throat, Linda step in and caught his hand before it befalls Lance.

“Alastor, stop,” Linda said. “I think we should hear what they say. As far as I’m concerned, we need everyone’s help. That includes those people who are on our bad side.”

Alastor calmed down and stand down

“This is insane,” Alastor said.

“What is it you want?” Cid asked. His sterned gaze remains checked to their weapons.

“Theo’s head, of course. He’s the center of this mess. Our boss is quite pissed about the recent development that Theo had made.” Gary said as he walked out in the darkness.

Linda closed her eyes and gave a moment of thought about their proposal.

“All right, let’s do it then,” Linda said.

“Hey! How come are you sure that they won’t double-cross us?” Alastor asked. “We’re wanted, persons.”

“I know that, but there’s no way we can make it on him if we don’t have any help,” Linda explained.

An unexpected surprise came to them. Two persons walk in the middle of their conversation. Ken caught a glimpse of him. He’s covered by thick armor and was equipped with various items.

They quickly guard themselves the moment they saw him.

“Who the hell are you?!” Alastor asked.

He didn’t show any kind of signs of hostility. He calmed and collected. The man who’s clad in a thick layer of armor stepped forward.

“Just men of consequence.” He coldly replied.