[43] Tragedy struck

As Ash departed from the disputed territory following a series of peculiar events, the situation in the Asura Kingdom, particularly over the Roa Fortress in the Fittoa region, began to show disturbing anomalies. As predicted by Raphael, a massive energy vortex started to form in the sky, coalescing into a terrifying magical storm.

Above the fortress, Hassan's team, consisting of four members, gazed at the increasingly ominous dark sky.

"This is truly frightening, just as Lord Raphael predicted," said Hassan, code-named Alpha, removing his black cloth mask to reveal a large scar that split his mouth. His face displayed deep tension and concern.

"Alpha, how should we handle this situation?" asked Hassan, code-named Beta, his voice filled with anxiety as he watched the ever-darker sky.

"For now, we must retreat," Alpha replied firmly, his gaze fixed on the expanding energy vortex. "Our master has given orders that if the situation worsens, we are allowed to fall back. Use Shadow Step to hasten our departure."

"But what about the residents of Roa Fortress?" Beta asked, worried about the fate of the city's inhabitants.

"About that... there is not much we can do. The city's ruler has been warned by our master. What the city's ruler does after receiving the warning is not our responsibility. Our task here is complete. All personnel, withdraw now!"

"HAA!" the other members shouted in unison. The three members of Hassan's team dove into shadows, vanishing from sight in an instant.

Alpha stood a moment longer, staring at the dark and threatening sky. "May the gods guide you," he murmured solemnly, as if praying for the safety of the city's inhabitants he could not protect. After that, Alpha too disappeared into the shadows, leaving the scene with a cautious and deliberate pace.

---

The movement of Hassan's shadow troops was so swift that it seemed like teleportation. They glided through the shadow world with an agility almost invisible to the naked eye. Meanwhile, the sky above Roa Fortress grew increasingly menacing, with mana clumps swelling and shrinking, resembling atomic reactions colliding and triggering an unpredictable chain reaction.

Suddenly, a pillar of light, extremely bright and powerful, pierced the sky, striking Roa Fortress and the Fittoa region within a 100-kilometre radius of the explosion. The light emitted an immense energy, causing everyone within the area to be teleported to unknown locations, mysteriously disappearing from the site.

In the capital city, Ars, Raphael sat calmly at his desk, sensing the occurrence of something tremendous. His sharp instincts alerted him to the disaster that had just struck. As he was still trying to process the sensation, a group of Hassan emerged from the shadows and knelt respectfully before his desk.

"Lord Raphael," said Hassan, code-named Alpha, the leader of the shadowy group skilled in handling dirty work. "We report that the events at Roa Fortress occurred exactly as predicted. A massive pillar of light struck the region, and everyone within the explosion radius has been teleported to unknown locations."

Raphael nodded slowly, his expression showing no signs of surprise despite the seriousness of the situation. "What of the other personnel on mission?"

"The other personnel who were on a mission have safely arrived in the Purplehorse region," Alpha replied. "They managed to avoid the direct impact of the explosion."

Raphael pondered for a moment, his gaze fixed on the large map on the wall. "Very well. We need to monitor this situation closely. This event may be part of a larger scheme. Ensure we gather more information about the new locations where the victims have been teleported. We must be prepared for any eventuality."

Hassan nodded in respect, then stood and vanished into the shadows once more, leaving Raphael deep in thought about what might come next. Raphael remained in his chair, his eyes full of contemplation and concern about the significant impact of the recent events.

Just as Raphael settled back into his chair, the door to the room burst open, revealing two familiar figures: Zephyr and Aurelia. They were dressed in formal attire that looked neat and elegant, but their faces reflected deep anxiety and concern.

"Raphael! Is it true that Roa Fortress has experienced a major disaster?" Zephyr exclaimed, his voice filled with evident distress.

"What about our employees there? Were they successfully evacuated?" Aurelia asked, her eyes filled with deep concern.

Raphael sighed deeply, touched by their empathy and care for the Costatine employees stationed at Roa Fortress. At the time, around fifty workers were there, carrying out missions to train local farmers in modern agricultural techniques to improve their yields.

"Do not worry," Raphael replied soothingly. "All personnel have been safely evacuated. The incident occurred two hours ago. However, how did you both learn about the disaster?"

Zephyr looked slightly confused and unsure where to begin. However, Aurelia stepped forward with a calm and confident demeanor. "It's because I have a heightened sensitivity to mana flows in the atmosphere. After my sixth mana circle upgrade, I can sense significant changes in mana flow, even from about a mile away. When something substantial happens, like a massive mana buildup, I can perceive it."

Raphael looked at Aurelia with admiration, recognising the value of their abilities in such situations. "Your ability is indeed remarkable, Aurelia. The good news is that all our employees are safe. However, we need to continue monitoring the situation and prepare for any possible developments. Thank you for informing us."

Aurelia nodded gratefully, while Zephyr sighed in relief. Raphael continued, "You two can return to your duties. Continue to monitor mana movements and report any significant changes. We must be ready for any possibilities arising from this situation."

Zephyr and Aurelia bowed respectfully before leaving the room, leaving Raphael with a mind full of questions and strategies.

Raphael observed the view from behind the large window of his office, a sly smile forming at the corner of his lips. From this height, he could see the cityscape bustling with usual activity.

"How will the royal palace respond to this disaster, hmm~" Raphael murmured to himself with a tone of satisfaction.