329 On the Crane, The Start of the Fight Between the Powerhouses (1/2)

Day 54 – 10:51 AM – Management Office Building, Industrial Area, South District, Bay City Settlement, Parañaque City, Metro Manila

”Hey Dopp, we have some pests lurking outside. They seem to be helping the military. The shadow people we had are being taken out one after another.”

Flam called out in a playful manner as he gazed at the jib of the tower crane in the center of the Industrial Area. Although he could not see anyone on the jib of the crane, he could faintly see the very streaks created by the sniper bullets that were travelling in a very fast speed. All of those streaks appeared out of nowhere which made him conclude that the enemies were most likely to be concealed in some way.

Hearing those words Senator Estrada was surprised. He had total trust with the abilities of these people especially since they were not human at all. Although they were not omnipotent, humans and even most Mutators were still weaker than a normal shadow person in this organization. The soldiers might be able to put up a good fight with their training and experience but that was it. They would be wiped out after some time.

On the other hand, Devon and Dopp looked rather interested. To be able to take out their shadow people was already a feat for a human. Being able to kill their subordinates that belonged to other races were one thing but to be able to kill the shadow people, it would surely be an interesting event.

”Where are they?”

Dopp asked which made Flam point his finger at the crane.

Of course they all could not see anything. Although they could see the same streaks left by the fast moving bullet, they could not see the source or hear the sound of the gun being shot.

”It's a concealment psychic ability.”

Devon spoke. As he was also a psychic ability user, he could faintly detect it now that they managed to pin point the exact location where he needed to concentrate his senses.

Dopp on the other hand had his eyes change color. His light blue colored eyes turned crimson.

”There are four life signs there. It's hard to tell what they could be though.”

Now that it was really confirmed that there was someone there, Flam was getting agitated.

”Hey Dopp. Let me deal with those pests.”

Flam seemed to be itching for a good fight.

”I don't mind if you want to deal with them but don't forget why we are here.”

Dopp agreed but strictly reminded the easy going guy.

”Geez, I know! Just let me have some fun without thinking about these things, its already driving me nuts!”

Without waiting for any reply, Flam charged out of the windows. This room was in the third floor and normal people would likely get injuries jumping out of there. However, the moment gravity caught up to Flam, a burst of flames exploded under his feet which sent him flying towards the direction he wanted to go.

”That guy…”

Dopp watched Flam jump out of the window with exasperation. But he could only scratch his head under his hood. It was true and their current mission was rather annoying but they had no way to refuse it.

”Devon, you really have no idea? It's your men who had contact with the Great One for the last time.”

Dopp turned to Devon and asked him the question that was already asked several times since they arrive. Although Devon already shared what he knew about the abduction of Mei Xiao and the [Ritual of Blessings], there were still issues that had no answer.

Apparently, there had been no further contact with the Great One since the mission was concluded. As one of the people at the top of the Auraboros, the Great One would constantly contact the headquarters. He would also report things like this that changed the goals of the mission their subordinates were tasked with. Yet, the Great One failed his duty for the first time.

”This country sure is troublesome.” Devon complained. ”First, we lost contact with that International Drug Lord and then, the Great One. Now, you failed on penetrating this settlement from the shadows and needed to use force with our help. These things only happen in this country. We already got control of several settlements in other countries without problems aside from more difficult ones with secret backgrounds.”

Devon then walked and stood in front of the window.

”Now, tell me. What the hell is wrong here? This third rate country should not be able to do much trouble to us.”

His voice was getting agitated. Like Flam, he really hated troublesome things that were no obvious answers. It was more like that these issues appeared to be coincidental. The biggest issue was their loss of communication with the Great One. Even the [Ritual of Blessings] have failed to open a portal to contact him. Without that, more than half of their operations in South East Asia were paralyzed.

”Sir Devon, I really have no idea.”

Devon was starting to sweat profusely. If he was asked of one thing that he did not want to happen, it was for this guy to become agitated. Dopp might sound like a lame name and his personality was nothing else but dandy, but he was one of the most influential figures in the organization. Not only that he had private organizations around the world, the number of his men even outnumbered the main members of the organization.

Furthermore, he was a powerful being.

Ignoring Devon's silence, Dopp called out.

”Shade.”

A robed shadow person emerged from the shadow behind him.

”How are the preparations?”

”We still lacked a hundred and seventy-two people to start the ritual.”

”Then use stop trying to abduct the soldiers silently. Bring out everyone and use force.”

”Yes sir.” Shade answered but the shadow person did not leave immediately. ”Sir, I have something to report.”

”What is it?”

”One of our people found something odd at the church outside this settlement.”

Shade then proceeded with his report before vanishing into the shadows and follow Dopp's instructions.

”A sylph, several strange creatures, an [Alpha Infected] and five humans mingling together, how interesting.”

Dopp's interest was piqued. Specifically because of the existence of the sylph that was a very elusive race of spirits.

”Devon, send someone to investigate. If we can get those creatures to our side, even if we fail the mission in this settlement, it will be worth it.”