Chapter 64

The city lights blurred beneath Gale and Ganth as they leaped across rooftops, their figures mere shadows against the glowing skyline. The cool night air whistled past them, but their focus remained sharp.

"What's the location?" Gale asked, his voice steady despite the speed at which they moved.

Ganth sighed, keeping pace with him. "Do you think I'd know? Didn't I say they've kept me out of their plans?"

"Then we'll start where such a crime is most likely to happen," Gale replied, his tone resolute as he surged ahead.

Within minutes, they reached the bustling heart of the city. Even at this hour, Tokiyo's streets were alive with activity—a mixture of late-night wanderers, neon lights, and the occasional shadow that flitted too quickly to be ordinary.

Gale led them to the rooftop of a tall building overlooking a busy district. From this vantage point, they could scan the area below.

"Are you sure Tokiyo is where it's happening?" Gale asked, his sharp eyes combing the streets.

"It's the city that demands the most protection," Ganth said. "If the Veil or anyone else is planning something, this is where they'll concentrate their efforts if they want to create a distraction."

Gale nodded, his gaze locking onto a scene near a bank. A large, unmarked van was parked conspicuously outside, its engine running. From the shadows of its open doors, masked figures emerged, moving with purpose.

"Seriously? A robbery?" Ganth muttered, raising an eyebrow.

"Cleaning the city includes dealing with things like this," Gale said, already preparing to act. "Let's go."

Using wind magic and their wing suits, they descended silently to the street below, landing just behind the van. Ganth peered over the vehicle's edge, taking stock of the situation.

"There are still two guards outside," he whispered.

"They're fake," Gale replied. "Planted by the robbers to keep up appearances."

Without hesitation, Gale tossed a small metallic disc to Ganth. Both slid the devices under the van, positioning them at the guards' feet. Moments later, chains shot out from the discs, wrapping around the guards and immobilizing them. The men struggled, but their mouths were quickly sealed by the magic-infused chains. Within seconds, they passed out, collapsing silently to the ground.

With the fake guards neutralized, the two moved swiftly to untie the real security personnel bound in the van.

"Thank you! Wait, are you—" one of the guards started, his voice trembling.

Gale raised a hand to silence him. "Stay quiet. We'll handle this."

Inside the bank, the robbers were fully in action. One was shoving cash into large bags, another stood watch over the terrified workers and customers, and a third, likely the leader, barked orders while surveying the scene.

The man guarding the hostages was actively using magic, a faint glow emanating from his hands as he maintained a barrier to keep the people subdued.

"He's the priority," Gale whispered.

Gale extended his hand, a faint swirl of water forming at his palm. With a flick of his wrist, a concentrated blast of water shot out, hitting the magical robber square in the chest and throwing him against the wall.

The commotion alerted the remaining two robbers. They turned, their hands sparking with magic as they prepared to retaliate. But Ganth was already charging, his body reinforced with mana. Like a battering ram, he collided with them, knocking them off their feet and sending them crashing to the ground.

Within moments, the robbers were incapacitated, their wrists and ankles bound by Gale's magic. The hostages stared in awe as Gale and Ganth moved to free them.

"Are you all alright?" Gale asked, his tone clipped but calm as he freed them.

"Y-Yes," one of the workers stammered, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you so much!"

Gale gave a curt nod before motioning for Ganth to follow him. As they slipped out of the building, a child's voice rang out, cutting through the quiet aftermath.

"It's the Shadows!" the boy shouted, pointing at their retreating figures.

Neither Gale nor Ganth stopped, but the faintest smile flickered on their faces as they disappeared into the night.

High above the city once more, Gale glanced at Ganth. "Not bad for a warm-up."

Ganth smirked. "Let's hope the rest of the night is this simple."

They vanished into the darkness, their mission far from over.