Assassin

"Gregory, have you received word from the Olocke City stronghold yet? The boss wants the report. He says it's relevant in figuring out the identity of the attacker."

"I haven't. Most likely they didn't find anything, and don't dare report it back out of fear of being punished. I can't even understand what kind of clues they could find in Olocke. Shouldn't we be researching why he attacked the base in Crystal Mind City. That's where the clues will be."

"I am only the messenger, I don't know why the boss does the things he does. I do as I'm told, just like you, and just like your subordinates are supposed to. I need you to rush them. By tomorrow morning I expect the report on my desk, got it?"

"Got it"

"I'll let you get to it then, also before I leave. There will be another person appointed as core protector, your chances are good. Don't screw it up."

Giddy with joy after hearing the news and seeing the messenger out the door, Gregory sat down at his desk where he pulled out a mirror, ready to urge his subordinates to act faster, lest he disappoint the boss. There was no way he was going to put his promotion at stake for a few lousy bastards who can't do their job right. Before he could activate the communication effect of the mirror, however, he saw in its reflection an individual lounging at him. Ready to attack, Gregory pulled out his common battle ax, preparing to cut off the head of his assailant. Before he could though, a golden wave surged towards him, bringing with it the feeling of withering. Not knowing what the effect of this abnormal attack was, Gregory didn't want to take any unnecessary risk, choosing to jump through the ceiling of the room to avoid it. As he prepared himself for impact, and the backlash he would experience from the formation, a black tear appeared, and sucked him into it, bringing him to a place of hellish temperatures. 

"ARGH"

Before the tear could fully close, an extreme but muffled scream sounded from the other side.

"The fact that their stronghold is above a natural earth flame is perfect. If I can't deal with them quickly with withering wave, then I'll merely send them on their way to hell through burning them to death. I'm giving them a chance to grow accustomed to the pain they will experience after death. Even to the most degenerate of people, I am so kind. Why am I such a saint?" 

Samuel was relieved at the revelation that his assassination mission would prove to be easier than expected. Unable to use his Singularity, as it would cause too much commotion, his damage was limited. You need to remember that he is almost bridging two stages of strength. Being able to be a threat to them with his 'normal' abilities is already an amazing achievement. 

Samuel quietly proceeded to the next house standing in his way of reaching the center of the headquarters. According to his calculations, he would be required to dispose of 123 such individuals before coming close enough to the core of the formations covering the place. He was one down, with 122 to go. What brought him comfort however, was the fact that when he disabled the formation, he would be able to act however he wanted to. Samuel was never afraid of the people currently in the base, but what those people could do to him with a peak level Enlightenment attack formation. That is simply not something he could withstand, leading to him having to act in the shadows, rather than broad daylight like he normally does. 

"Why do I have to be on patrol today? I'm supposed to have the weekend off."

"The boss is cautious, with only one being more cautious, and that is Old Lu. That old monster had never been in danger for hundreds of years, yet he died without any trace of his body. If someone can kill someone as shrewd as Old Lu, then he can kill us all. Naturally the boss is on edge. So shut up. Do your job. Keep your life. Then, and only then can you relax. Understood?"

"Well, when you put it like that, it's hard not to."

"Good. You have 15 minutes to get to your post."

Samuel, instead of targeting the one who was going on patrol, chose to follow the 'messenger', the very same person who was in the previous house. He clearly had a certain level of status and respect within the organization, and it would prove difficult if he were to be present in every house Samuel needed to be in. As such, he decided to open a tear to the earth flame and push him in whenever he got the chance. 

Being akin to a tiger hunting its prey, Samuel merged with the surroundings to keep track of the best opportunity to pounce. He didn't need to wait long for a good opportunity to arrive. The only problem was, if he chose to execute his plan now, he would alert the presence in the house the messenger was about to enter. If he didn't attack now, he would potentially extend the time spent 'undercover' many fold, but if he did, he had to act fast to avoid the person sounding the alarm. Choosing to enter the time sphere to ponder on this dilemma, Samuel soon came to a decision. Attack!