Chapter 363: _So Brute For A Witch

Lucian’s POV

*****

“No—”

He snapped the neck of a guard like a twig, watching him plop lifelessly to the ground before him without a sound.

The Alpha King’s eyes and instincts scanned the perimeter. From the bodies of other Arcadian guards they took down—to the metal pillars and other crafts boarded beyond this point.

There were other Arcadian guards ahead, but even he knew trying to fight them would set their plans back.

Capturing this single Arcadian sky craft was all they were here for.

“That’s the last of them.” He turned to Elian and the soldiers.

They were already inside the stolen sky craft, the ramp slowly unfurling.

Elian beckoned to him to hop in… which he did with a leap.

He’d just called Aurora literal seconds ago that they’d completed the first stage of their group’s mission. Now he could relax knowing that was indeed the case.

“I was able to grab intel from one of the soldiers’ minds,” Elian announced, walking to the command centre after brushing Lucian’s shoulder for a beat. “This craft was meant to carry mana stones,” he pointed at the far back where crates of mana stones were stashed, “for the Holy Tower Mages. Specifically those training so-called disciples who’ll take after their arcane knowledge.”

Lucian found himself staring.

Gods… When exactly had Elian become this good?

Usually Kyren would be the one to show how useful magic can be in missions like this.

“We’ll disguise ourselves,” the Omega snapped his fingers, causing the armours of everyone onboard to switch to exact copies of the ones the Arcadian guards wore. “Anyone facing any problems, you report it to the mind link I’ve created. Either the Alpha King or myself will give you directives or come assist if we can.”

Lucian couldn’t help but gawk at Elian.

The black, metallic full-body armour fit him like a glove—sleek and glowing with violet Runic symbols running down his arms and legs.

He held a plasma rifle, tapping a button on his wrist that automatically materialised a helmet with a horizontal glass visor where his eyes should be over his head.

Elian’s head swerved to Lucian.

The Alpha King nodded, spinning to his soldiers.

“Your future Luna King has spoken. Are we ready?

“Yes, Alpha King!”

Lucian and Elian sat on the seats in front of the command screens.

Fortunately, Elian was able to operate the craft, making it lift off the ground. It took off into the night sky of the Arcadian capital, zipping through a path only crafts heading for the Obsidian tower used.

The Alpha King’s senses stayed sharp.

No signs of anyone tailing them or trying to stop them.

‘It’s working.’ He relayed to Elian. ‘We’re actually doing it—’

‘Don’t jinx it, babe.’

‘Right. Sorry.’

The sky craft kept on moving toward the Obsidian tower, pausing for only a second before a small section of the mighty black floating structure opened up. It flew in, navigating past a few hundred meters of a narrow tunnel with flashing golden white lights on the walls.

Once they were out of the tunnel, Lucian’s mouth parted at the live view of what lay ahead being projected on the screens.

A massive, well-polished courtyard with a crystal dome ceiling that was several tens of meters high and showed a magnificent view of the starry sky. It was lit by floating blue crystals, some of them occasionally following anyone who needed extra light.

Witches in shimmering white robes moved about the courtyard, whispering to each other or simply walking in solitude.

Above all, this place in particular brought unpleasant memories.

Of a certain evil hag nearly obliterating him to the atomic level in front of his mate.

His fists clenched on his lap.

He wasn’t that weak Alpha Prince anymore. He was a fucking Celestial sovereign, capable of levelling this entire place if he put in enough effort.

If they followed the plan smoothly, he’d have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Definitely sensing his brief mental distress, Elian reached for his hand as the sky craft slowly landed onto the courtyard alongside a few other shipping crafts like it.

“You okay?” Those violet eyes locked on him with a warmth that made all his fears disappear. “Your jaw’s ticking in that way it used to when you’re upset. Plus, your bond’s literally squealing for attention right now.”

Lucian snorted at the last part. “No, it’s not.”

“… Fine, you caught me. But it was a convincing lie given your current state, no?”

They both shared a short laugh.

If not for the rifles and disguises, Lucian would’ve almost believed they were simply travelling together again. He practically left logistics and speeches to Elian just to let his future Luna King shine.

And gods, did he deliver.

“Stay sharp.” Lucian rose first, helmet covering his head and face in a blink.

He and Elian took the lead forward, the soldiers carrying the crates before following behind. The main door opened, ramp unfurling to the courtyard.

A few Holy mages stood before the craft’s entrance, arms either folded behind their backs or chests. One of them—a man with a twirly grey moustache—was the first to speak.

“Those look heavy indeed.” His head tilted. “I’m surprised you all aren’t using your telekinesis to lift them.”

Lucian’s heart skipped a beat.

‘Is this the part where you use your magic for some telekinesis or…?’

‘He already called it out. That’ll be too suspicious.’ Elian’s mental voice was a huge tell that his expression was calm. ‘Whatever you do, follow my lead. He’s most likely going to ask questions relating to the mana core.’

Before Lucian could answer that, Elian brushed past him, stepping onto the pristine marble floor first.

“I thought I’d keep the boys sharp by making them carry them by hand this time,” Elian answered with a voice far different from his usual one.

The voice of the craft’s commander.

He almost forgot the Omega could perfectly mimic voices before ever gaining magic.

“Ah.” The old mage chuckled. “Commander Corvus. Always so brute for a witch.”

“I won’t call a little physical exercise ‘brute’.” Elian stood squarely as the soldiers dropped the crates before the mages. “In front of you are mana stones from the Bashirian mines. They have a rich affinity with the elements of fire and lightning.”

A snap of his fingers opened one of the crates.

The mages, soldiers and even Lucian gazed into it.

Inside were mana stones with a rich fiery red glow. They dazzled like blazing starlight made solid, illuminating the faces of all who beheld them.

The old mage picked up one of them—no bigger than a fist.

For several seconds he just stayed like that, scrutinising the stone without a word. It held on for so long that Lucian subconsciously thought there was something wrong.

Did they damage the stones while seizing the craft?

Wait—that can’t be possible.

Gods, what’s taking the old geezer so—

“Delightfully exquisite, Corvus.” The old man finally pocketed the stone into his robe, nodding with a small smile. “Your men can go keep the crates in the chambers you usually take them to. You deserve the rest of the week off.”

Lucian let out a breath.

He, Elian and the others had just begun to lift the crates when the old man raised his hand again.

“Ah, ah, ah.” He placed a finger in front of Elian’s face. “I said your men, Corvus. You stick with me.”

Without another word, he pivoted and began waltzing away from the other mages.

Lucian blinked.

It was only after Elian gradually began inching after the old mage that alarm bells rang louder than they ever have in his head.

‘You’re really going to follow him?’

Elian didn’t glance back. ‘Lucian, act natural and go with the others. I’ve got this. Remember the rest of the plan.’

‘But I—’

‘I’m sending you the location of the chambers I extracted from Corvus’ memories. It should be easy to follow.’ The Omega angled his head by just a fraction. ‘Go.’

He quickened his pace until he was walking just a few feet behind the older mage.

When the soldiers began lifting the crates and Lucian was the only one standing like a sore thumb—reality finally slammed his chest.

What the fuck just happened?