Chapter 174

Chapter 174: Shadow Warrior

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"...If I remember correctly, you have already analyzed the barrier that blocks Macht. However, even in peacetime, the Empire's defense barrier has always been openly enforced by the Magical Special Forces, while the Shadow Warriors operate in secret to prevent anyone from analyzing it."

As one of the most crucial national defense mechanisms, even the Great Demon Clan should have no opportunity to analyze it while dealing with these two troublesome organizations.

After all, analyzing the barrier requires placing one's hand on it. While the enemy cannot launch an attack through the barrier, they can still open small gaps to harass anyone attempting an analysis. This means the opponent retains complete control over the situation.

It is precisely for this reason that Solitar has always had a strong interest in the Empire's national defense barrier. Now, she tempted him with a smile:

"So... at this moment, I need your and Linie's protection. As long as I can fully analyze the barrier, the Empire's defenses will be easy to dismantle in the future, and they will no longer be able to stop you. Isn't this gift enough?"

"...Wait a moment. They've already sent more people. It looks like they intend to take the initiative to break our barrier."

Although he understood that Solitar was framing this as if she was doing it for his sake, he knew full well that she was actually just satisfying her curiosity by analyzing the national defense barrier.

Still, since they were all in the same boat, he chose not to say anything more. Together with Linie and Solitar, he temporarily retreated to the small town behind the pass—a town primarily used to support the checkpoint.

Upon arrival, he received a secret letter sent back by imperial noble spies through the garrison generals. The information was even more precise than what the spies from the Magic Association had gathered.

Not only had the Holy Staff Court and the Magical Special Forces already set out, but their personnel hadn't even originated from the Empire. Instead, they had been lying in wait within the Kingdom's rear lines for the past ten years, only now finally being activated. However, there was still no way to determine whether their goal was to instigate massacres in the rear or to launch attacks on the logistics troops.

...

...

Since the Empire's three major organizations—the Holy Staff Court, the Magical Secret Service, and the Shadow Warriors—were all directly accountable only to the Emperor, even the Magical Secret Service, which was the only publicly acknowledged organization, had its members' information kept confidential. They could all be considered the Empire's core institutions.

As a result, even though the Kingdom had planted numerous spies within the Empire, they had been unable to obtain much intelligence regarding the identities of these members.

When Ash learned that the enemy's agents had infiltrated from behind, he naturally couldn't relax and return to the Magic City. Instead, he temporarily stationed himself in the small town behind the checkpoint.

With a simple wave of his hand, he ordered the fully armed soldiers to discreetly surround the entire town, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving.

Leading Solitar and Linie through the town's streets and alleys...

Given that they were dealing with magicians and the Magical Secret Service from the Holy Staff Court, these individuals should possess exceptionally powerful magic, making it relatively easy to detect them.

Compared to himself, Solitar was far more adept at detecting magic. Before long, she had already locked onto a house on the side of the road.

"The reaction inside suggests that they are all quite skilled." Solitar looked at the building with a smile and remarked, "There are three in total. Their ability to conceal their magical power isn't bad, but... in front of demons, this level is hardly worth mentioning."

"...So, the report mentioned that three magicians were living together?" Ash turned to look at the logistics officer and the mayor, who were following closely beside him.

As a military-controlled town supporting the pass, although merchants and travelers were not prohibited, every individual had to be reported in detail, including their place of residence. Additionally, a curfew had been imposed during this tense period, preventing people from staying overnight or gathering in others' homes at night.

Since all key military personnel had been placed under obedience magic, the mayor, who was aware of the demons' presence, was not surprised by Solitar's words. He quickly flipped through the recent records and shook his head.

"No, this house belongs to Elton. He is a warrior, and there are no magicians in his family. As of now, only his wife and three children should be at home."

"The magic wolf didn't react, which means there's no scent of blood... Are they just being held hostage?" Ash mused, glancing down to see that the magic wolf Linie had brought was heading straight for the building.

When he reached the front of the two-story stone house, he merely touched the door with his fingertips. A faint light flickered, and in an instant, the door disintegrated into fine powder, vanishing without a trace.

Calmly stepping into the dimly lit room, he was met with rising dust. However, as soon as he entered, the magic wolf behind him became restless.

Inside, he quickly dispelled the simple barrier that had been blocking sound and breath. At that moment, the stifling scent of fresh blood filled the air, now perceptible to everyone outside.

Before he could take in the full scene, a massive fireball hurtled toward him, accompanied by the lethal glow of combat magic.

Yet, Ash did not retreat a single step. Instead, he raised his hand and threw a punch.

Boom!!

With a brief explosion, the fireball was instantly dispersed, its light extinguished in an instant.

With just one strike, he had obliterated the incoming attack.

From behind and above, the sound of breaking glass signaled an attempted escape. But before he could even turn around, the sharp sound of a blade slicing through flesh echoed through the air.

Glancing slightly over his shoulder, he saw the fleeing magician who had barely managed to rise into the air. Linie, who had leaped more than ten meters high, had already flashed past with her longsword in hand.

The man's head and body suddenly separated in midair.

The remaining two magicians, who had been restraining the occupants of the house, were unable to launch further attacks. Instead, they simultaneously conjured a magic circle. In the next instant, flames erupted forth—only for Ash to raise his hand.

Boom—!!

An invisible repulsive force expanded outward in an instant, crushing the furniture along its path. The flames, too, were effortlessly scattered by sheer brute force.

The two magicians were slammed against the wall in the same moment, their bodies splayed out in a spread-eagle position. For a brief period, even the simplest movement was beyond their ability.

At that moment, the soldiers who had been waiting outside swiftly entered, drawing their swords and pointing them at the immobilized magicians. As Ash released his repulsive pressure, the soldiers surged forward and restrained them without resistance.