Chapter 266: Leads On The Dark Guild

The morning sun cast golden rays over Everhart Manor, illuminating the grand dining hall where Adrian and his companions gathered for breakfast.

The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee and buttered bread filled the air as they settled into their seats.

Plates were adorned with a variety of dishes—fluffy eggs, roasted meats, and ripe fruits, ensuring a hearty meal after the previous day's grueling training.

Sophia leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms. "I could get used to mornings like this. No monsters trying to kill us, just good food and good company."

Chris chuckled, slicing into her steak with deliberate ease. "Enjoy it while it lasts. Knowing our luck, something will disrupt this peace soon."

Eve smirked. "And when it does, we'll be ready."

As if on cue, the grand doors to the dining hall burst open. A breathless soldier rushed inside, his face flushed with urgency.

"My Lord Adrian! We've received critical intelligence!" the soldier announced, bowing deeply. "We've located a lead on the dark guild responsible for spreading the curse throughout our territory—including the one afflicting Lady Chris and Lady Christine's mother."

Silence fell over the hall for a moment as the weight of the soldier's words sank in. Adrian's golden eyes gleamed with intensity as he set down his cup. "Tell me everything."

The soldier took a deep breath. "Our scouts intercepted a messenger traveling through the outskirts of Ravenshade. Upon capturing and interrogating him, we uncovered information about a hidden base—an underground stronghold within the Black Hollow Caverns.

It's heavily warded with dark magic, but our informants suggest it's where the curse originated. The guild members there might have the key to breaking it."

Chris clenched her fists, a storm brewing in her eyes. "So this is where those bastards have been hiding."

Christine's grip on her fork tightened. "This might be our chance to undo the curse, we have to move quickly."

Sophia smirked, rolling her shoulders. "Finally, a worthy target. I was starting to feel restless."

Isabella, ever the tactician, leaned forward. "If this stronghold is protected by dark magic, we'll need to counter it before we launch a full assault. Seraphina, can you analyze the wards and find a way to break them?"

Seraphina crossed her arms, a sly grin playing on her lips. "Of course. I'll need to inspect the perimeter first, but breaking through won't be an issue."

Eve tapped a dagger against the table, her mind already planning. "A frontal assault would be too risky. I suggest a stealth approach first—get inside, gather intel, and disable as many defenses as possible before we engage."

Adrian nodded. "Agreed. We'll split into two teams—one for infiltration, the other to provide support in case things go south. We can't let even one of them escape. If this is where their hideout is, it's possible they have more dark rituals planned."

Chris took a deep breath, determination hardening her gaze. "I want to be part of the infiltration team. I need to see this through."

Adrian's gaze lingered on Chris as she declared her intent to join the infiltration team. His fingers tightened around his cup, and he let out a slow breath, contemplating his next words carefully.

Chris had grown stronger in the training chamber, pushing past her limits. But that was under controlled conditions, with Seraphina ensuring their safety.

The monsters they fought were powerful, but they were just that—monsters, predictable and without the cunning of human opponents, as they were programmed in the virtual training chamber by the system.

This would be different.

This wasn’t just any mission. They were walking into the den of the dark guild responsible for spreading the curse, a place teeming with malicious sorcery, traps, and assassins trained in the darkest arts.

Even with the protective charms he had given them—purchased from the system shop to shield them from curses—he couldn't fully trust those safeguards in the very heart of their enemy’s stronghold.

Chris’s first real battle shouldn’t be against such dangerous foes. She didn't have experience for this kind of situation.

Adrian set down his drink and met her determined gaze. "No."

Chris's brows furrowed. "What do you mean, no?"

"I’m not taking you or Christine on this mission," Adrian stated firmly. "It’s too dangerous."

Chris clenched her fists, frustration flashing across her face. "I’ve trained hard for this. We all have! I won't just sit back while others fight for me."

Christine, who had been quietly listening, placed a hand on Chris’s arm. "Adrian... we need to be there. This is about our mother. I can’t just—"

Adrian raised a hand, stopping her.

"I understand how you feel. But this isn't about your resolve. This is about survival." His red eyes burned with authority.

"Fighting in a controlled environment is one thing. Fighting humans who specialize in curses, assassins who won't hesitate to kill you—is something entirely different. I refuse to risk your lives on your first real battlefield, especially against enemies like these."

Chris's jaw tightened, her expression unreadable.

Sophia exhaled, setting down her utensils. "He's right."

Chris shot her a sharp look. "You’re siding with him?"

Sophia leaned forward, her gaze serious. "I’ve fought real battles before, Chris. And trust me, this isn't the type of fight you want to cut your teeth on. One mistake, and you’re dead."

Eve crossed her arms, nodding.

"I agree. We’ll be facing opponents who use underhanded tactics. These aren't noble warriors following a code. They'll cripple you, break your mind, and curse you without a second thought. If Adrian says no, then it’s no. He is concerned about your safety, we all are."

Chris bit her lip, struggling to contain her emotions. She wasn't naive—she knew this would be different from training.

But to be left behind, to do nothing while their mother’s fate was at stake... it hurt. She really wanted to tear apart the bastards that caused her mother's suffering.

Christine lowered her gaze, her shoulders slumping. She wanted to protest, but deep down, she knew Adrian wasn’t saying this to be cruel. He was protecting them.

Even though she was a saintess, she didn't have experience a fight against humans aiming for her life.

Christine clenched her fist but eventually a sigh escaped out of her mouth.

Isabella, who had been silent, finally spoke, her voice gentle. "Chris, Christine... I know it’s painful, but trust Adrian and all of us on this. Your time will come. Just not today."

Chris let out a shaky breath, closing her eyes for a moment before nodding stiffly. "Fine. But you better make them suffer for what they’ve done."

Adrian smirked, his red eyes flashing. "That was always the plan."

Seraphina leaned back, stretching her arms. "Good. Now that we've settled that, let’s discuss the infiltration strategy."

With the matter decided, Adrian and his team turned their focus to the mission ahead.

The dark guild had no idea what was coming for them.