Official Mission of the Shadows

Meanwhile Anastasia wakes up and giggles to smell the scent of spider lilies and Sakura in her bedroom (reminiscent of Astra's dual nature) for she check on the bedroom desk and pondered to read Astra's letter [I wonder why he left this? Probably just to keep me updated?]

Anastasia's curiosity got the better of her as she reached for the letter left on her desk. Unfolding it, she began to read the message Astra had left for her:

"Dearest Anastasia,

I hope you had a peaceful rest. I just wanted to express my gratitude for being in my life. Your presence has brought a light to my world that I didn't know I needed. I know the path I walk is dark, but having you by my side makes it feel a bit brighter. Thank you for being there for me.

Take your time reading this letter, and know that whenever you're ready, I'll be here. We'll face whatever challenges come our way together.

Yours always, Astra"

Touched by the sincerity of the message, Anastasia couldn't help but smile. She felt a warmth in her heart, knowing that she was making a positive impact on Astra's life, just as he was on hers.

She was so excited then decided to go on her way to work as usual until as she talk to some guest here and there (she is clueless Chocola disguised as a shortie prodigy girl mage was observing how Astra is doing with his mortal connections especially someone as plain and not even supposed to be dragged into this Anastasia as she smiles that her voice of influence reach this lady as to her there's no such things as an empty mortal as maybe Anastasia'a magicless and normalcy of her role as just like any innkeeper is more special to even influence Astra to not be too far gone) as she whispers to the innkeeper with her persona "Hey I heard a lot of Faction Knights stop the search for the rogue Faction Knight - Shadow Knight, but beware some nobles might believe some bounty as they are still devoted to the former Equinox than the new merciful and honest one"

Anastasia listened to the disguised Chocola's warning and nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for letting me know. I'll be cautious and keep an eye out for any unusual guests or situations. It's always good to be prepared."

She continued with her work, her mind now more alert to the potential dangers that might come their way. The world she was drawn into was far more complex and dangerous than she had initially imagined, but she was determined to support Astra and do her part to keep him safe.

Then , Silhouette take the deputy lead for this squad for the next Cultist base as Astra asks "what is different from the branch Cultist base that worships The now dead Estella and Order from our organization that are ex-cultists of the main base?"

Silhouette stepped forward and began to explain the differences. "The branch Cultist base, which worshipped Estella, was fanatically devoted to her rule. They were mostly motivated by fear and manipulation, believing that Estella was a powerful deity. In contrast, the ex-cultists from the main base who have joined us were those who started to doubt Estella's rule and wanted to escape her tyranny. They might be more open to negotiation and less fanatical in their beliefs."

Astra nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. We need to approach these ex-cultists carefully, offer them a chance for redemption, and encourage them to share valuable information about the main base."

Silhouette continued, "Additionally, the Order from our organization consists of highly trained individuals who are well-versed in assassination techniques and have a strong sense of loyalty to our cause. They are excellent assets, but we must be cautious to ensure we maintain their loyalty."

Astra acknowledged this, and they continued to plan their operation to infiltrate and neutralize the cultist base. The safety of the city and their organization depended on its success.

Then he spoke, "Still, what did take you and Cheshie so long to join the briefing?" Silhouette stays composed despite her nervous heart "Ahh , nothing Leader just talk amidst comrades about her mild punishment…anyways we're almost here…and these branch cultists had messnger cultists which are different from the main base that became our organization since they secretly no WE adore you…yet here I think they are unaware the main base cult leader is gone..only associates of branch cultist are here…." Astra noticed something this branch Cult treats normal members as slaves.

Astra's eyes narrowed as he observed the treatment of the normal members within the branch cultist base. He found it abhorrent that they were treated as slaves. He whispered to Silhouette, "These people are living in terrible conditions. We need to be cautious and avoid harming the regular members as much as possible. Our main targets are the higher-ups who were involved with Estella's rule."

Silhouette nodded in agreement. "I understand, Senpai. We'll try to minimize collateral damage. Let's proceed carefully."

As they approached the base, they noticed guards at the entrance. Astra and Silhouette knew that stealth was crucial in this mission. They decided to take a more covert route to infiltrate the base, avoiding any unnecessary confrontations with the guards.

Then they listen to his cue , the Polygon numbers , Uno , Dos , Tres , Quartz (Porcelain Quartet) and Silhouette with other recruits that learn fast he ask "Begin, Assassination SHADOW's resurgence" he uttered as his eyes glimmers a bit as they prepare their positions they are well aware (in special discreet spots to listen what the Cult Associates are up to and one messenger male that is an elven child seems to be mentally abuse to just be blindly obedient.

Astra and his team moved with precision, taking up their discreet positions within the cultist base. Their objective was clear: eliminate the higher-ups and gather any crucial information. Astra kept an eye on the elven messenger child, concerned about the mental abuse he was enduring.

As they listened in, they gathered information on the activities and plans of the cultist associates. The child's mistreatment troubled Astra deeply. He whispered to Silhouette, "We need to ensure that child's safety and perhaps extract any valuable information from him. Let's prioritize non-lethal approaches where possible."

Silhouette nodded, her eyes never leaving Astra. "I agree, Senpai. We'll take care of it discreetly."

The Porcelain Quartet and other recruits continued to eavesdrop and maintain their positions, waiting for the right moment to strike. Astra knew that their teamwork and precision would be crucial in completing this mission successfully.

Then he gestures with his hand and shadow figures to assassinate the Associates while concealing with a shadow fog to save the cult members (slaves) for he and Silhouette are dragged to tie up the messenger of anything necessary to know and Astra promises this. Elven child gets rest and support

Astra and Silhouette worked efficiently, using their shadow abilities to eliminate the cultist associates without harming the innocent cult members who were essentially slaves in this operation. As the last of the associates fell, they focused on the elven child messenger.

The child was visibly relieved when Astra and Silhouette approached without any hostile intent. They quickly tied him up, ensuring his safety, and offered him a reassuring smile. Astra spoke gently, "You're safe now. We won't harm you, and we want to help. Please, tell us anything you know about this cult and its activities. Your cooperation can make a difference."

The elven child, still scared but seeing kindness in their eyes, began to share what he knew. Astra and Silhouette listened carefully, gathering valuable information that would aid them in their mission to dismantle the cult's operations.

Once they had obtained the necessary details and ensured the child's well-being, they left him in a safe place with the promise of protection. Then they rejoined the team to continue their mission.

Then Astra told one of his recruits to take the Elven child to base discreetly as it vanish in the blink of an eye as they continue on with other branch cultist places that Astra spoke "are each branches unique? In addition how many left?"

As Astra and his team proceeded with their mission to eliminate branch cultist bases, he couldn't help but ponder the differences and numbers of these branches. Silhouette, who had been observing the situation closely, spoke up.

"Ad Astra, it appears that each branch has its unique traits and practices. The cult associates in this branch, for example, treated the cult members as slaves. As for the number of branches, I've gathered information about five so far, including this one. It seems that there may be more scattered throughout the region. We'll have to continue our investigation to identify and neutralize them all."

Astra nodded, realizing that their task was far from over. He was determined to dismantle each branch and put an end to the cult's influence once and for all. They moved on to the next branch cultist base, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Silhouette internally admired him like an idol yet due to her good obedient devoted disciplined nature (she also thought it was best this way as she didn't mean to ruin her leader's image due to her selfish desires) Astra then hushed and noticed the remains of Prime Entertainer - Mad Hatter that he killed back then is now attempted to be revived but this group and this time the cult use the members as energy sources and extract their mana to the point it seems most of them are at death's door and the associates insist it's to revive the most loyal right-hand person of Estella.

Astra and his team arrived at the branch cultist base, only to witness a gruesome sight. The cult associates were using the captured members as energy sources, draining their mana to the brink of death in an attempt to revive the Prime Entertainer - Mad Hatter, Estella's right-hand person. Astra's heart sank at the cruelty of their actions.

He knew that they had to act quickly to put an end to this horrifying ritual and save the innocent lives being drained of their mana. Astra gestured to his team, silently instructing them to take down the cult associates while sparing the members who had been unwittingly caught up in this dark magic. The battle that followed was intense, but Astra's determination to stop the cult's resurrection ritual fueled their efforts.

As the dust settled, Astra took a moment to ensure the safety of the captured members, offering them assistance and support. Silhouette, though admiring him deeply, knew that her leader's priority was to protect and save lives. Together, they continued their mission to dismantle the cult, driven by the desire to put an end to the dark influence that Estella had left behind.

As it ended someone tried to use crossbows and spears to hit Astra as he calmly let Silhouette parry them to protect him while the Polygon Numbers casually slay the others and spare the associates to gain information for Astra thought (2 more to go as my organization was the main base 5th and this is the second branch base) "Say. associates, you are aware of the Shadow Knight that killed your precious Anti-Goddess and her right-hand man with countless pawns no?"

Astra's team had successfully taken down most of the cult associates and captured the remaining ones for interrogation. As they were about to gather information, someone attempted to launch a surprise attack with crossbows and spears, targeting Astra. However, Astra remained remarkably calm, trusting Silhouette to protect him.

Silhouette expertly parried the incoming attacks, ensuring that her leader remained unscathed. The rest of the Polygon Numbers swiftly dealt with the attackers, eliminating the threat. Astra, while maintaining his composure, turned his attention to the captured cult associates.

He posed a question to them, his voice carrying a hint of authority, "Associates, are you aware of the Shadow Knight who put an end to your Anti-Goddess and her right-hand man, along with their countless pawns?"

The cult associates looked at each other, their fear and confusion apparent. They knew that their dark ambitions had been thwarted by someone, but they did not know the true identity of the Shadow Knight. Astra was determined to extract information from them and uncover the remaining branch cultist bases.