Chapter 26: Invasion

It had been 2 weeks since Reed Rowley retreated to the Alchemic Order. At that time, Derrick Foster, Naoto Gan, and Favio McLoren gathered their relative forces and agreed upon the meeting location, the Mathers City Sewer systems, abandoned railroads, and ghost towns were common bases for secret organizations. The lack of government or societal control over such regions of the city served as convenient methods of travel and hiding. 

There are many Solari here, but Favio McLoren seemed to be absent. He didn't seem like the fighting type anyway. He probably used his immense wealth and social ties to hire such fighters. Thank the Lord he is working with me and not against me...

Roughly 5 of the 10 people gathered for the operation were apart of McLoren's conglomerate. They were all of the Solari tribe as seen from their unique birthmarks that appear across their body, as well as their white hair and sharp ears. Some of them were shamans who specialized in purification while others were combat mages. Among them was a very particular man standing around 6 feet 4 inches tall. His muscles were clearly outlined by his tight clothing, so much so that even his veins were visible. He wore a blank mask that obscured his face. Only two small holes were made in the mask for visibility.

Upon glancing at the strange Solari, a wave of insane and illusory howls invaded Derrick's mind; causing him to fall to his knees. 

W-What was that? How can he be still when his spirituality is so unstable?! It's like diving into the soul of a monster! Even after becoming a Rank 6 Wraith, I'm still not strong enough to fight back against the intense madness.

"Derrick!" Ying offered Derrick a hand, but Derrick declined the offer. 

"I'm fine, Ying. Thank you." 

I told him to call me Desmond while we're on the mission...

The monster turned his head away from Derrick. It was as though he had seen Derrick as an insignificant bug that wasn't even worth his attention. Suddenly, McLoren Favio arrived at the meeting location with a talisman attached to his ear. 

"Everyone, gather around. These talismans are called long-distance communication devices, LDC for short. I've had a friend from Hawthorne acquire these devices for our operation. They will allow us to communicate over long distances in areas without service. I hope this will do us well."

Noato Gan placed the talisman on his temple and felt the slight pulse of Spirituality. Its current was stable and consistent, much more so than an actual radio device.

"Alright, I suppose we're done with preparations. It's time to review the general plan." Gan pulled out a large rolled-up map from this coat's interior. "According to the blueprints of the Mathers City Sewage System, this area is composed of one large area that branches off into three sub-areas. It's largely been abandoned since the 80s, so many civilians sought refuge within the tunnels. Countless innocent homeless people and refuges call these tunnels home, so it is important to remember that this is an infiltration, not an assault or raid. We don't intend to harm civilians, so avoid combat at all costs."

"Understood." Ying nodded in confirmation.

Ying looked at Derrick with a confused expression. "So where is your other friend? What was her name...Elizabeth?" 

"She's out of commission for now, but that's fine. I've got another special friend for this operation."

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[In the depths of the Alchemic Order]

"Father Gregory, we've completed the preparation for the ritual. It is time to gather up the materials for 'that thing'." A member of the Order, Lewis Cramwell, entered the room of Father Gregory with a snake-like smile. Father Gregory maintained a cool, stoic demeanor. His bulky yet tall frame coupled with his slicked-back hair gave off an imposing, almost unbreakable impression. 

"I see. I believe it is about time we relocate anyway." He turned to the next page of the tattered book in his hand. "How long will the activation of the magic circle take, Disciple Cramwell?" 

"It will require roughly an hour before the magic goes into effect."

"Good...that will make them easy to eliminate. Evacuate all of the lower-ranked disciples from the premises and notify 'those two' of the situation. We don't want any hopeless unbeliever to ruin the ritual."

"Your wish is my command, Father Gregory."

Upon hearing the iron door shut, Father Gregory returned to his studies. On the worn-out wooden desk lay a plethora of notes, potions, journal entries, and Factors belonging to various races within The Hole. A particular document emanated a distinct madness that surpassed the likes of ordinary artifacts. They seemed to carry a distinct accent that originated from another era entirely. The preserved texts were the Notes of King Gordou.

I wonder, does the enemy at our door seek the wisdom of the notes? Just what information was King Gordou hiding inside these notes? Perhaps these challenges are merely a test to prove my worth to you, Oh Lord. I thank you for granting me such harsh tests of faith, Oh Lord my God.

Upon kissing the blood moon necklace hanging from his neck, he left the room and locked the door with latent spirituality. 

"The ingredients will certainly be plentiful this time."