Deep into the Bandit’s Den

The immense profit margins of illegal hallucinogens, coupled with their addictive nature, have driven countless individuals to ruin. Consequently, the organizations behind the trafficking of such drugs are often backed by formidable armed forces.

A fully armed detachment of the Guard, bolstered by a novice superhuman sheriff and a mid-tier superhuman inspector, is an exceptionally powerful force against any criminal organization. Yet, Levin and Arios both knew that there was still another novice superhuman in their midst—the deputy sheriff.

"How have you been these past couple of days, Levin?" Arios asked, patting Levin's shoulder as they marched forward, attempting to engage in conversation.

"Well... it's been alright. Just busy with investigations, staying occupied," Levin replied cautiously, unsure of why the inspector, who had already seen through his facade, was now trying to get close.

Unfazed, Arios continued, "You've been quite efficient. The task was assigned yesterday morning, and by evening, you had already apprehended the relevant individuals and uncovered their hideout by the next night."

Levin chuckled, "It's all thanks to Captain Aeri's leadership. I'm just following orders."

Though uncertain whether Aeri's words were entirely truthful, it was indeed she who had scouted the hideout alone, so it wasn't wrong for Levin to downplay his role.

"Your Captain Aeri is indeed capable. The higher-ups are considering moving her to the Special Operations Unit," Arios casually mentioned.

The Special Operations Unit is a prestigious group within the Guard, comprising elite members, many of whom are superhumans. This unit is specifically tasked with handling situations beyond the scope of the regular Guard, such as dealing with superhuman criminal organizations, espionage, and large-scale magical creature disasters.

"Oh? Is that so? Then I'll have to congratulate Captain Aeri on her promotion," Levin responded with a smile. Even the lowest-ranked member of the Special Operations Unit holds a higher position than the commander of a regular detachment, making this a significant promotion.

"However, Aeri isn't interested. She feels uneasy leaving the East Fourth Detachment without a superhuman she trusts to oversee it. We can't force her," Arios continued, casting a meaningful glance at Levin.

Levin understood—Arios believed that if he revealed his superhuman status and made an outstanding contribution during this operation, there would be no issue in him taking over as the commander of the East Fourth Detachment. This would allow Aeri to confidently pass the command to him and accept her promotion to the Special Operations Unit. Or so Arios thought...

But Levin wasn't so sure. Aeri's reluctance might just be an excuse. If she did join the Special Operations Unit, she'd face stricter scrutiny and lose much of her personal space. Her "little secret" might not stay hidden for long. Moreover, the attempt on Levin's life remained unresolved, making him wary of exposing his superhuman abilities.

"Apologies, sir. Matters decided by the higher-ups are not for me to discuss," Levin deflected, hoping Arios would understand his reluctance.

"Oh? Alright then. Edel suspected as much. By the way, your case has been handed over to the Special Operations Unit. It's being investigated alongside other related cases," Arios said, acknowledging Levin's unwillingness to reveal his strength and shifting the topic.

"Oh? So there have been other assassination attempts on Guards?" Levin asked, curious about the people who had targeted his life.

"Indeed. We've been swamped these past few days—six or seven Guards have been killed, causing widespread panic. You're the first and only one to have survived," Arios spat on the ground, clearly filled with hatred for the mastermind behind these attacks.

"Since the Special Operations Unit is handling it now, have they found any leads?" Levin probed further.

"They haven't identified the culprit yet, but I've heard from friends in the unit that it's likely the work of a foreign spy organization. I'm telling you this because you're involved, but keep it to yourself," Arios warned Levin.

"Understood. I know it would cause unrest," Levin agreed, tacitly ending the discussion on the subject.

"How did you find this place?" Arios asked, gazing at the large warehouse before them with amazement.

The warehouse, hidden among a cluster of similar structures, bore the name "Orava Trading Company" on its door and appeared entirely unremarkable. To Arios, it was indistinguishable from the others.

Aeri leaned in close to Arios and whispered, "A brave informant provided the information. He fears retribution and wishes to remain anonymous..."

"The reward for the tip will be given to you to pass on discreetly. We won't inquire further," Arios nodded knowingly.

"First and Second Squads, cover the exits. Third and Fourth Squads, breach with me. Begin the operation!" Aeri signaled with two hand gestures, directing the first two squads to secure the exits before leading the third and fourth squads toward the entrance.

Levin followed closely behind.

"Yes, ma'am!" The first and second squads swiftly took up positions at the exits. Once Aeri received confirmation of their readiness, she slashed through the lock with a single stroke and kicked the door open.

"Guard! Nobody move!"

*Swish!* A volley of arrows shot toward Aeri from the front, evidently triggered by some mechanism.

Prepared, Aeri sidestepped, and the two shield-bearing members behind her moved forward, raising their tower shields to cover the advance.

*Clang!* The arrows clattered against the pure steel shields, a sharp contrast to the panicked cries emanating from inside the warehouse.

"Damn it! The cops are here!"

"How did they find us? Was there a mole?"

"Get the goods out of here, fast!"

Chaos erupted within, with footsteps, shouting, and the clattering of objects creating an uproar.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!* Gunfire rang out from the positions secured by the first and second squads, signaling that they had already engaged the enemy.

With Arios overseeing the operation from outside, Levin and Aeri felt reassured.

*Whoosh!* An arrow flew toward Levin, but he dodged swiftly, the projectile grazing his armor with a sharp screech.

These criminals...

Levin grabbed his baton and charged forward with the other squad members.

The mission's goal was to dismantle the entire operation and capture as many suspects alive as possible, so Levin and the others were using non-lethal weapons.

The drug traffickers stood no chance against the well-trained Guard, and the fight quickly became one-sided. The menacing criminals were swiftly subdued, collapsing under the Guard's coordinated assault.

The greatest threat wasn't from the knife-wielding thugs who attempted to engage the Guard in close combat, but from those hidden in the shadows, launching long-range attacks with crossbows.

Though the armor provided excellent protection, the joints and face remained vulnerable. A well-aimed shot could render a Guard incapacitated or even kill them on the spot.

These ranged attackers were the primary targets of Levin and Aeri.

*Bang!* A gunshot echoed as a bullet struck a crossbow-wielding thug in the shoulder. He cried out in pain, falling to the ground and writhing in agony.

Levin, quick to react, charged forward and knocked him unconscious with a single blow.

*Swish!* In that moment, a hidden assailant took advantage of Levin's brief isolation, thrusting a dagger toward him.

Raven easily evaded the assailant's attack, the thug's blade missing its mark. With a swift motion, he struck the attacker's wrist, causing the weapon to clatter to the ground. The defeated criminal, attempting to flee, was quickly caught by Raven, who delivered a sharp blow to the back of the head, rendering him unconscious.

At that moment, a booming shout echoed from outside the warehouse, causing Raven's heart to skip a beat. It was Arios, signaling for assistance—something they had previously agreed upon. The fact that Arios, a mid-level Transcendent, was calling for help was deeply alarming.

As the battle inside the warehouse was nearing its conclusion, Raven exchanged a glance with Ellie, who had also heard the signal. Without hesitation, Ellie issued her command, "You stay here with the Third Squad, sweep the area, and secure the prisoners. The Fourth Squad and I will assist Inspector Arios!" Like a silver whirlwind, she leaped through the warehouse window, leading her team out into the fray.

"Yes, ma'am!" The Fourth Squad swiftly disengaged and followed Ellie, exiting through the main door.

With Ellie and the Fourth Squad gone, Raven stayed behind to ensure that the remaining enemies were subdued. These remaining adversaries were seasoned fighters, possibly on the verge of becoming Transcendents themselves, but none could withstand more than two rounds against Raven. He deftly dodged the final enemy's arrow, rushed forward, and with a powerful strike, incapacitated him.

"Third Squad! Secure the prisoners and keep a tight watch! I'm going to assist the Chief!" With that, Raven, uneasy about the silence from Arios and Ellie, leaped through the same window Ellie had used.

The scene outside was brutal. The First and Second Squads had suffered significant casualties, and the Fourth Squad had abandoned the goal of taking prisoners, now locked in mortal combat with the enemy. Arios, meanwhile, was besieged by three opponents.

The central foe wielded a massive two-handed sword in his right hand and carried a tower shield in his left, pressing hard against Arios. Flanking him, one enemy struck with a rapier, exploiting any openings in Arios' defense, while the other, crouching low like a predatory wolf, threatened with dual daggers, forcing Arios to divide his attention.

Despite being a mid-level Transcendent, Arios was on the defensive, his dual military sabers creating an impenetrable barrier against the relentless assault. Raven immediately recognized that the central opponent was also a mid-level Transcendent, not as strong as Arios, but effectively aided by two low-level Transcendents, making the attack overwhelming.

This stronghold harbored not just one, but three Transcendents! Or perhaps even more. Raven's eyes shifted to Ellie, who was also locked in battle with a low-level Transcendent wielding a longsword. 

Had Arios been fighting four Transcendents at once before they arrived?

Focused on her own battle, Ellie hadn't noticed Raven's arrival, nor had her opponent. Seizing the opportunity, Raven's eyes gleamed with resolve. Drawing his longsword, he found the perfect moment and thrust it toward Ellie's adversary.