CHAPTER 22 : CORRUPTED

The world wrenched nauseatingly around me. Empty space ripped as I passed through the portal with 15 other people besides me.

Then I was…somewhere else.

A rush of cold air. The hard ground beneath my knees. The vague impression of sharp, fanglike peaks in the distance.

There were people all around me, dozens and dozens of them.

The feverish confusion I felt cooled, and my mind seemed to shift back into focus. I was in an enclosed courtyard surrounded by heavy grey buildings. In the distance, the faded blue outlines of the Basilisk Fang mountains clawed at the sky. I was in some kind of military base or encampment, probably around the eastern edge of Vechor based on the position of the mountains and the brutalistic, military styling of the encampment.

The soldiers and mages in the courtyard were all wearing the red and black uniforms and armor of Alacryans.

"Mark Fisher, John Halemen and Asher Croft' A man wearing black uniform, implying his status as a soldier walked in front of us, and spoke up in a commanding tone.

"Commander Smith has tasked me to take you immediately to him on your arrival." He said, coldly eyeing us.

In his reply, "Lead the way, soldier," Mr Fisher said calmly, But I could tell by just looking at his pale face that he was everything but calm.

Nodding at him, The soldier turned around to lead the way, Mr Fisher following behind him.

Asher and I looked at each other for a moment then nodded our heads as we also followed suit.

.....

.....

"Mark Fisher, For failing such an important task, as your punishment I hereby demote you from your post as a Senior researcher. You will have to prove yourself worthy enough to Alcrya to be promoted again." said the middle-aged burly commander sitting in front of us.

Short grey hair, combed neatly on his head as he gazed at us with his cold dark black eyes.

Blood extinguished from Fisher's face hearing his words. His mouth moved to say something but looking up at the commander's cold expression. He didn't dare to speak.

Then the commander turned to me. "John Halemen, you will take fishers post temporarily for now until another senior researcher is sent here from Central Dominion. In around one week, you will be sent to another dungeon in dicathen, and Asher Croft will be your assistant." He said, getting a nod from both of us in return.

After everything was settled, he asked me to stay behind while dismissing Asher and Fisher.

Looking at the commander, I felt something was wrong here, as I didn't understand the reason why he promoted me instead of Asher. Before coming here, I asked everything he knew about John to not blow off my cover. And the one thing I understood about the guy was that he was extremely dumb and lazy. And was only able to get his post because of his uncle's influence. who was apparently a renowned retired soldier in the Alcryan military. while on the other hand, Asher really worked hard to get where he is right now.

"John Halemen, now listen carefully as I'm gonna give you an extremely secret mission you have to complete and I assure you, the rewards will be worthwhile if you get success," Commander said with probably as serious expression as one could make.

I sighed internally, hearing the commander's shameful words. 'Does he think this John guy was that stupid? Well Im gonna get out of here after getting enough amount of that solution anyway. So let's just play along for now.' I thought as I also straightened my back on the chair, wearing a serious expression, trying to act like the commander's most loyal servant.

"Worry not commander, whatever mission it is, I'll definitely complete it" I replied, confidence almost leaking out from my mouth. "Though can you also..umm...t-tell me what will be the rewards on success," I asked, with greed evident on my face.

Commander smiled and nodded in satisfaction at my reply as he said, "John, if you really complete this mission successfully, your temporary position as a senior researcher will be made permanent and you will be transferred to any base you want in Alcrya.

I widened my eyes, trying to act surprised, then making a little hesitant face, my brows furrowed a little as I carefully asked him, "Sir, can you tell me what the mission is about?"

Hearing this, his mouth twitched a little as if unsatisfied by my question but still answered it

"You have to eliminate Asher Croft while you are in the dicathen's dungeon, without making it too obvious," he said, narrowing his eyes at me. He also added, "Remember, you will be serving directly under a retainer."

And with these words, I finally understood what was going on here as I connected the dots.

I guess Commander is paid by someone to kill Asher, probably the high-blood nobles who conspired against his family. As for if they really have relations with any retainer, I don't know.

Of course, he could not assassin Asher in a military base as if it is revealed. It might cause him unnecessary trouble. So instead he asked Fisher to get the job done, which he failed at miserably. At last, his only option was to ask me or wait for another person assigned to be sent here from central dominion. And he chose the former"

As for why John was sent to his death, Fisher probably thought of him as collateral damage.

'Poor guy." I thought inwardly, feeling bad for John.

Looking at the commander in front of me.

I said in an extremely resolute voice, bowing my head a little, "If that is the case, Then I will definitely complete this mission with all my heart commander."

He beamed a smile at me, failing to hide the triumphant grin hidden beneath.

After talking for a couple of more minutes, I was dismissed as well.