SFDI: Chapter 77

"Rebellion"

Drake ripped off the man's coat, revealing his full appearance.

The man's face and body were disproportionate; his body was unusually bulky. Underneath his coat, he wore combat gear and a tactical vest, with numerous magazines and grenades attached.

Drake hadn't acted because of this; his keen sense of smell detected a peculiar odor—the pungent smell of industrial oil, gunpowder, and metal. He knew what this combination meant.

Drake sensed the man's ki; the chaotic, murky malice was obvious. It wasn't directed at anyone specific but at everyone in his line of sight.

This was undoubtedly a dangerous individual. Drake didn't know his intentions, but intervention was necessary.

Seeing the assault rifle, the others understood Drake's actions, but identifying the man was crucial.

Nagi Arisuin said, "That gear… he's from Rebellion!"

Drake asked, "Rebellion? Alice, are you sure?"

Nagi nodded. "I've been involved in similar incidents; this is Rebellion's standard equipment. If it's Rebellion, it's trouble; they never act alone. There are others in this mall; they're planning something."

Drake didn't doubt him. "It's urgent. Ikki, contact the principal; report Rebellion's presence. Have her contact the security forces. And request authorization to use spiritual armor!"

Ikki nodded, contacting the principal.

Drake turned to the others. "You three, evacuate the civilians. I'll find the other Rebellion members. Time is short; let's move!"

They knew the urgency and acted. No one underestimated Rebellion—one of the world's three major forces.

The International Magic Knights Alliance, another major force, called sword masters "Magic Knights," hoping they'd follow the knightly way—"protect the powerless." This formed the basis of societal structure.

Rebellion was different; they misused sword masters' abilities. They believed sword masters were "chosen by God" and considered ordinary people "inferior."

Their terrorist acts aimed to destroy the current societal structure and create their utopia—a new world ruled by the "chosen" over the "inferior."

Ironically, Rebellion consisted mostly of "inferior" people, called believers, who caused more destruction than the sword masters, seeking "new world citizen" status. Only a few were actual sword masters, most notably the "Twelve Apostles."

This was Drake's knowledge of Rebellion, from official sources. They weren't just terrorists.

However, Drake had never seen Rebellion in action. His first impression wasn't good. If they were all like the man he'd subdued, he'd just defeat them.

Wait… this setting… another White Night Eye?! Two worlds had the same villainous organization. He was an expert at dealing with Rebellion!

In the previous world, Drake hadn't stopped Patri from sacrificing the Eye of the Midnight Sun; he wouldn't show mercy to terrorists here.

Drake's eyes were filled with killing intent. Time for some exercise!

…

Initially, Drake relied on the smell of firearms and malice to locate Rebellion members, but it became unnecessary. In the hot weather, their attire was conspicuous.

Drake dragged a short man to a deserted corner, discarding him like trash. This was the fifth Rebellion member.

To avoid panic and alerting others, Drake had to act cautiously. The others gathered.

Ikki said, "I contacted the principal; she authorized spiritual armor use. The security forces are coming."

Nagi said, "Civilians outside are evacuated. Many Rebellion members are inside; they're holding about fifty hostages in the food court plaza. They're likely targeting the mall for funding."

Drake nodded. "I caught four more; likely guards. The others are in the food court."

Ikki said, "The situation is unclear; the security room is likely occupied; a direct assault is risky."

Nagi said, "This is my time to shine. My ability is perfect."

He summoned his spiritual armor—a silver dagger, Darkness Hermit, perfect for assassination, combined with his shadow manipulation ability.

"Hold on tight!"

Everyone held on; Nagi used his ultimate technique, Shadow Walk. Their shadows became a black pool; they sank into it.

They entered the shadows, moving through shadow pathways—perfect for infiltration. They bypassed Rebellion's defenses and reached the plaza.

Shadows in the corner rippled; Nagi emerged, pulling the others out.

Drake experienced shadow space for the first time; it was like a dark gray river—no air, but less resistance than water.

They assessed the situation. About twenty believers, each with an assault rifle—an action team. A sword master Apostle would lead them.

Drake saw a tattooed man in a black robe with gold embroidery—Rebellion Apostle attire. Even if they defeated him, the believers might shoot the hostages.

They had to eliminate everyone before they fired.

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