Eric was acutely aware of the fish slipping through the net, their marked locations hinting at a discernible plan. His foremost concern, however, revolved around Sylvia's safety. Had these Catellonians included her in their assassination scheme?Equally pressing was the presence of transcendent shadow warriors in Salt City. Without them, Sylvia's security wouldn't be significantly compromised.Perhaps only Stealthbane held this crucial intel. With this in mind, Eric promptly dialed Stealthbane. "Your information network is extensive, with numerous avenues. Can you confirm the presence of transcendent Catellonian shadow warriors heading to Salt City?"Comprehensive gathering of intelligence was paramount for clandestine operations, and it was likely that Catellon's intelligence system paled in comparison to Stealthbane's.Stealthbane's response was reassuring. "Mr. Johnson, grant me half a day. I won't divulge any further, but rest assured, I'll procure clear information on the tran
Robert's tone carried a hint of urgency. "The team we sent to the orphanage has gone missing."Those dispatched were well-trained individuals—no one from Salt City or elsewhere would likely lay a hand on them.Eric immediately suspected the hands of Catellon were at play.With this realization, Eric spoke up. "Robert, their target is me. Your subordinates' safety shouldn't be an issue. I'll head over immediately. Robert, wait for my message!""Mr. Johnson, I'm coming with you!" Robert shouted.Without further ado, Eric hung up and summoned the Lockes to the Williams residence to ensure Sylvia's safety."Have they attacked?" Sylvia asked.Eric nodded. "Vee, stay home. I'll meet with Robert first. He should bring some men. Don't worry."Eric left before he could even change his clothes. Spotting the silver needle case on the display, he grabbed a few needles before departing.-Robert indeed brought a troop of about 20 men.Glancing at them, Eric said, "Robert, there's no need
As they stepped out of the car, there was nothing but the wind whispering through the silent streets, devoid of any human presence. The dim glow of the streetlights cast eerie shadows, and the rustling of branches echoed in the air.Robert pulled back the slide of his gun, flicked off the safety, and turned to Eric. "Mr. Johnson, are they really here?"Eric nodded. "They must be here. Our tire's been punctured, and besides, the atmosphere here..."Be cautious. Absolutely! Do not pursue the enemy!" He had learned his lesson in Catellon. Ruth, that fierce woman, had almost been ambushed when she chased after a few shadow warriors. If Ruth had died in Catellon, it would have caused quite a stir."It's a shame..." Robert sighed. "Our team lacks proper equipment. If only we had night vision goggles."In the midst of pitch darkness, Robert stood beneath the lamplight, vigilant against potential threats. However, no sign of danger emerged, just the silhouette of a figure stumbling along
Several sounds of breaking air echoed.It was Robert's turn to demonstrate. He raised the submachine gun in his hand and squeezed the trigger a few times in succession.The bullets hit several flying knives and fell to the ground."Robert, impressive!" Eric couldn't help but admire him.Robert's skill was quite remarkable—three flying knives, three bullets, each shot hitting its mark! Such precision was rare nationwide.Targeting a moving object wasn't difficult. The real challenge lay in hitting the mark and then swiftly moving on to the next, and the next after that!Graciously accepting Eric's praise, Robert smiled. "Just rapid aiming and shooting, basic training."Eric knew Robert was being modest. However, Robert also felt somewhat frustrated. "If it weren't for regulations, I'd empty these magazines into these trees to see where they're hiding!"He noticed the flying knives coming from the treetops, shrouded by dense foliage, making them difficult to spot. Although he car
Robert took a deep breath, sensing the danger lurking in the night.It seemed that the shadow warriors, aware of Eric's prowess, had halted their assault.Robert was about to call for backup when suddenly, the fog rolled in. It was peculiarly thick, and visibility dropped to just a few meters within moments."This fog..." Robert frowned. While fog in the mountains was common, such dense fog in Salt City was unusual."Back to back!" Eric knew this was the work of the shadow warriors. Their methods were even more diverse than he had imagined. While the fog didn't affect Eric, it greatly hindered Robert.Back to back, Robert primed the trigger!He took a deep breath. "Mr. Johnson... I saw a shadow pass by..."Faced with this situation, he felt a twinge of panic. Despite his military experience and rich investigative background, this was uncharted territory."Use your pistol!" Eric advised. "The fog obscures vision. Who knows if they'll bring your subordinates here? What if you acc
"I must admit, I'm a bit curious. With all the turmoil in Catellon, and you being a highly regarded shadow warrior, why leave the situation there to come here and attempt to kill me?" Silence ensued. Not even a whisper filled the air.But in the next moment—the sound of rattling iron chains echoed.Eric's ears perked up as he swiftly turned, simultaneously reaching out to grasp a dangling iron chain. Tethered to one end was a sickle, a classic weapon of the shadow warrior, though utterly futile against Eric.He seized the chain, looping it around his wrist before stepping back with force, yanking it harshly! As he reeled in the chain, Eric delivered a powerful punch!A resounding thud reverberated, hitting a soft mass. The force of his blow dispersed the fog ahead, revealing the female shadow warrior.His movements were lightning-fast. After retracting his fist, he plucked two silver needles from his garments and hurled them in her direction.The silver needles disappeared into
Robert's face paled entirely. He had been sitting in the car, on high alert. He had assumed that the guns would handle the female shadow warrior. Yet, before he could even draw the trigger, he was overtaken.Having weathered many storms, he shouted, "Mr. Johnson, don't mind me! Kill him!" Before he could finish speaking, blood trickled down his neck.Eric quickly raised his hand, eyeing the shadow warrior. "What do you want? Your leader is dead. Do you think you still stand a chance?"The shadow warrior glanced behind Eric, visibly startled.A transcendent shadow warrior had been slain in Salt City!His mind went blank.A transcendent shadow warrior was their legend—their heaven. Yet, she was now lying there, growing cold.It was in that moment of his stupor that a silver needle flew, piercing his forehead.The shadow warrior's eyes widened, and then he collapsed.Robert gasped for air. He didn't want to die.What he had said earlier was to deny the shadow warrior any chance.
Several shadow warriors lay dead, their fate sealed within the confines of the scene.Robert would handle what he could, but if matters escalated beyond his purview, the Combat Department would assume control.Upon tallying the casualties, five Catellonians had fallen, including the esteemed female shadow warrior. Only one had survived, whisked away to the hospital.Swiftly, rescue teams arrived and commenced their search and recovery efforts.Recalling the ordeal, Robert couldn't help but break into a sweat. It was evident that their assailants had intended to intercept Eric at this precise location. While their endeavor had failed, the chilling intent lingered.Robert couldn't shake the thought that had an ordinary soul stumbled upon this scene, they would have likely met their demise this very night.Yet, Eric had managed to turn the tide, an unexpected twist in the tale.He had witnessed the lifeless bodies, two with needles piercing their necks, claiming them instantly, whi