Chapter 136
Blake 's POV
"Kain is absolutely furious,” Arthur reported with a malicious grin stretching across his face.
"Our spy conveyed that the assassination was executed swiftly and with utmost stealth. The wretched Blood Hound bastards remained oblivious to the attack until the next morning,” he added. "The assassins cunningly left behind no trace except for the dagger lodged in that despicable man's heart. As a result, every pack that had sworn allegiance to the accursed Kain is now frantically denying any involvement. The situation is delightfully chaotic,” Arthur explained, his eyes betraying a cold and calculating demeanor.
In a dimly lit room, the atmosphere was tense, charged with both anticipation and concern. Arthur's malicious grin dominated his face as he recounted the swift and stealthy assassination, relishing the chaos it had caused. His cold and calculating eyes betrayed the satisfaction he derived from the disaster that befell our enemy.
Carrie, seated before Arthur, frowned disapprovingly at his malevolent expression and spoke up, "Could you please give your report without that evil grin?"
A look of surprise crossed Arthur's face, and he swiftly replaced his wicked smile with an emotionless facade. "I-I'm sorry Car... I didn't even realize I was doing it," he said obediently, earning a nod of satisfaction from Carrie.
Observing their interactions, I then turned my attention back to the document clutched in my hand. The report, sent by our trusted spy, provided a meticulous account of the tragic event. According to its official version, Kain's aide met his demise through a swift blow of a dagger to the heart. However, something about it gnawed at me, leaving me with an unsettling feeling.
"How could a man of such physical strength, nearly on par with Arthur and second only to Kain in the entire alliance, succumb to a dagger attack without putting up a fight?’
'It just doesn't add up. The only plausible explanation would be if... he were already incapacitated or deceased when the assassins struck. And the only way that could have happened is... if they employed poison!’
Clutching the document tightly, my chest pounded heavily with each beat as the realization sunk in. "Arthur," I addressed him, and upon hearing his name, Arthur tore his gaze away from Carrie and straightened his posture, looking at me with a serious expression.
"Yes," he replied.
"I wanted to inquire about the reports from our spies sent to the Dalrion region. Have they sent any updates?” I shifted the conversation to a completely different topic from the assassination we had been discussing. Nevertheless, Arthur quickly caught on and understood my intention.
"They have just arrived in the town. Currently, all three of them are blending in as ordinary humans, gathering information. Do you have any specific orders for them?" he asked.
"Yes. Summon them back,” I stated simply, causing Arthur's eyes to widen in surprise.
"Eh? Blake... are we abandoning the investigation?" Arthur inquired, his confusion evident. Carrie observed our exchange, her eyebrows rising in suspicion. Unlike her previous self, who would have demanded answers immediately when curious, the present Carrie remained composed, opting to silently observe us.
"We are not giving up," I began, my tone firm.
“But you said we are summoning them back? Blake, the possibility of them being the group that assassinated Kain's aid is high!” Arthur explained.
"It's precisely the reason why I want to summon them back," I replied calmly, determined to explain my decision. "If that group is indeed the one we suspect, then our current spies stand no chance against them. It's better to call them back and avoid unnecessary losses.”
Arthur took a moment to contemplate my words before nodding in agreement. “Should I send a more skilled group to investigate?" he asked. Although this secret group had already proven themselves as enemies of our enemies by assassinating Kail's aide, it was crucial to delve deeper into their intentions to prepare our pack for any potential threat.
“Furthermore, if my hunch is correct, that secret group could be connected to her..." I tightened my grip slightly, my mind consumed with thoughts, and my heart, filled with mixed emotions.
"No need for that. This group is highly skilled in the art of assassination. Any wrong move on our part could lead to disaster,” I replied, standing up and my expression turning increasingly serious. Seeing me rise, Arthur seemed to understand my intentions and voiced his concern, "This... Blake, don't tell me you're planning to..."
"Yes, I intend to go there alone," I confirmed. Upon hearing this, both Arthur and Carrie stood up, the latter walking towards me and taking my hand in hers. With a worried tone, she said, "Blake, I may not know all the details about this secret pack, and it's not that I disagree with you going out to check on them..."
"But, I am worried," she continued, her brow furrowed with concern.
Looking at Carrie, I couldn't help but feel moved by her transformed demeanor. Once a vibrant and lively girl, she had grown into a mature woman. I gently placed my hand on top of her head and assured her, "I'm the strongest person in this pack. I will be fine.”
"I know I can trust in your strength, Blake... but right now..." Carrie hesitated before suggesting, "If you really need to go, wouldn't it be better to bring Arthur or Teacher Astor along?”
“That's unnecessary,” I simply said before walking towards the door.
“I will return in a week. Carrie and Arthur, the two of you are in charge of the pack while I am gone,” I informed them with a sense of authority before leaving, heading northward to the secret pack. Two days later, my journey led me to the small town nestled in the heart of the Dalrion region. To my surprise, it appeared to be nothing more than an unassuming and quaint settlement, with humans carrying out their daily routines. Everything seemed utterly normal, offering no clue that this seemingly peaceful place could harbor a secretive pack hidden amidst the encompassing lush forest.
Yet, the more I observed the town, the stronger my suspicions grew. There was an air of mystery lingering beneath the facade of simplicity, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something clandestine was afoot.
Disguised as an ordinary traveler, I strolled into the town, appearing aimless in my movements. My senses were on high alert, meticulously scanning my surroundings. After merely ten minutes, my instincts detected a presence trailing behind me. Halting in my tracks, I turned with a cold and commanding tone, "Show yourself. I know that you are following me."