Chapter 244: A New Mission and Nolan’s Warning (2/2)

Although he had been busy chatting with Nolan and the others, his attention was fully diverted the moment he heard the words “new mission.”

“What? Did you think that we would be too exhausted and unable to carry out any more missions after that one battle?” As Ayrin stared down Zieg, another thought ran through his mind as he turned and looked at Rinloran before saying, “Don’t worry about Rinloran. When he came here, he already couldn’t move one arm. Although he now cannot move either arm, he can still fight just fine!”

“What a strong fighting intent… Ayrin really doesn’t know fear and danger.”

After hearing Ayrin’s words, everyone present was completely speechless.

“But…” Having never witnessed Ayrin’s fighting intent before, Zieg couldn’t help but open his mouth to reply.

“We will never give up until victory is achieved!”

The moment he heard the ‘but’ come forth from Zieg’s mouth, Ayrin had already interjected. “Although I do not know what Chris’ half of the team and Morgan’s squad are doing right now, I know that if they were in our shoes, they too wouldn’t give up.”

“What is the mission?” Rui straightforwardly asked as he looked at Zieg once more.

Because the situation was always changing during war, all missions were presented by the leading members of the Office of Special Affairs who were directly on the front lines of battle such as Zieg. Thus, there was no care for secrecy as a map was laid onto the ground.

“This is the approximate position of Fallen Shadow Valley,” Zieg said as he pointed towards one of the most prominent dark purple valleys on the map.

From his position beside the map, Ayrin could immediately see the countless interweaving red lines located densely around the valley.

“We call these the Paths of Evil,” Zieg explained as his finger landed directly atop one of the red lines. “These are the passageways which the Evil Dragon Followers normally take as they leave and enter Fallen Shadow Valley. Based on the information which we have gained so far, the two sides of these Paths of Evil are always either two cliff faces or lines of traps. Because these passages are also extremely narrow, only one arcane team can pass through them at a time, making them very unsuited for a sudden large-scale assault. Moreover, there are usually Evil Dragon Followers scattered throughout these passages acting as sentries. In a sense, this Fallen Shadow Valley is a giant labyrinth cave. The only way for us to assault it is to enter all the Paths of Evil at the same time. As of right now, the plan is to first try and seal all these Paths of Evil to prevent Evil Dragon Followers from entering and exiting the valley. This will isolate the valley and prevent them from obtaining supplies.”

“Your mission is to enter one of these Paths of Evil and block it.”

“This can basically be considered an outpost assault then?” Ayrin asked as he raised his head and looked at Zieg following his explanation. “Since they are competing with us, Dragon Breath Academy should have the same task?”

“I believe so. Each team will have raid a nearby Path of Evil,” Zieg replied with a nod.

“When?” Rui only said a single word as he raised his head.

“It is planned for five days from now. The current goal is to finish the encirclement of Fallen Shadow Valley within the next four days. This means that you all must reach this Path of Evil within these next four days.

“Four days?” Whereas Ayrin didn’t think much about it, Rui did as he slightly furrowed his brows.

“Yes. Considering the distance from here to Fallen Shadow Valley, even with four days, you will have to be moving at near full speed.” Zieg turned his head and looked at Ayrin as he continued in a serious manner, “Let me remind you that there is no one within the entire Doraster continent who has a complete and detailed map of the Southam Demon Forest. Although these simpler maps that we have make clear the number of mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes and their positions, they do not note what beasts and monsters appear where. As you near the Path of Evil, there will be archers and warriors of the Evil Dragon Followers as well. There will be countless unforeseen dangers. This is by no means a simple task, even for the strongest arcane teams.”

“If it was some easily completed mission, then how would the winners and losers be decided?” Ayrin looked back at Zieg as he added, “Furthermore, if one doesn’t dare to execute a mission because of the danger, then can one still call themselves an arcane master?”

Zieg speechlessly stared at Ayrin for a long time.

“This fellow, he is truly an innate battlemaster!”

Nolan felt complex emotions surge through his mind as he watched Ayrin accept the mission. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Ayrin, I just have a single reminder for you, and that is to be cautious of Abel Academy should you come into conflict with them.”

“Be cautious of Abel Academy? What do you mean?” Ayrin asked blankly.

“There are bad rumors about them flying around. It’s said that they are not shy about resorting to underhanded methods, and have done so before in previous national tournaments,” Nolan whispered to Ayrin.

“Big Beard also seems to have also said something like that to me before,” Ayrin responded as his eyes widened and he scratched his chin.

“Big Beard?” Nolan and Sarina asked out of confusion.

“Winterfell Academy’s Rekai of course. How come you guys don’t know?” Ayrin surprisedly asked.

“… Although Rekai’s beard is quite a lot, his face is still young… how are we supposed to know you are talking about Rekai when all you say is Big Beard?” Nolan and Sarina felt very helpless.

“You all must be careful.”

Zieg turned towards Rui as he added, “Based on our sources, there is at least one of the thirteen bishops active within this part of the Southam Demon Forest, the Plague Bishop Angelo.”

1. Originally Nason (first appears chapter 195)