Oasis explained,"If we attack one of these camps, what happens to the slaves? They’ll likely return to the towns, and Belvan will become overcrowded with refugees.""We don’t know how they’ll act, and it could tip off the Crimson Hand."He then pointed to Riffridge, a town nearby. "City lord, what’s your relationship with Riffridge?"Lord Valen frowned. "It’s neutral. We don’t have much contact with their city lord.""Then we need to investigate Riffridge. Two of these camps are near that town, and it would make sense for the refugees to head there instead of Belvan.""We need to find out if their city lord is involved or if he’s trustworthy."Oasis continued, "I’ll personally investigate Riffridge. If their city lord is honorable, he’ll allow the refugees to take shelter in his town.""That will confuse the Crimson Hand a bit about who attacked their camps.""You’ll investigate Riffridge?" Lord Valen asked, surprised."Yes," Oasis affirmed. "We’ll send a small convoy to Riffridge wh
As they walked together toward the exit, Teves kept sneaking glances at Oasis, clearly impressed.Oasis’s unassuming nature made it easy to forget that he was the same young man who had justorchestrated an intricate strategy to bring down a powerful criminal organization.Teves, full of nervous energy, eventually worked up the courage to speak."You’re amazing, you know that?" he blurted out, his voice filled with admiration.Oasis smiled slightly, shaking his head. "I’m just doing what needs to be done."But to Teves, Oasis wasn’t just doing what needed to be done—he was a living embodiment of the hero he aspired to be.Back in Lunalith, within the Bluemoon Estate of the Lunaris Sect,Zane Bluemoon was walking gracefully along the newly expanded pathways, taking in the sight of bustling servants and disciples moving about.He noted the unfamiliar faces scattered around the estate. "Already new people? What’s going on here?" he mused, curiosity piqued.After a few moments, Zane arriv
"Of course we can visit the capital, and our manor remains ours. We are not enemies of the kingdom, just neutral," Conri replied."When Oasis returns, we should head to the capital to see the prince and others along the way," Zane suggested.Conri smiled faintly at his son's enthusiasm, but Zane's thoughts turned mischievous."That prince called me a puppy once. I need to teach him a lesson next time I see him."Conri’s expression turned stern as he unleashed a bit of his aura."That’s not going to happen, young man. As soon as Oasis returns from his mission, both of you will enter secluded cultivation and training."Zane shuddered slightly, feeling the weight of his father’s presence. "I sometimes forget how terrifying Father can be," he thought."Raising our strength is the priority," Conri continued. "It’s also about time your elder brother, Zenon, comes out of his seclusion.""Brother Zenon!" Zane exclaimed with excitement. "I bet he’ll be even stronger now.""With Brother Zion no
Oasis silently assessed the soldiers below.The units were organized into distinct groups: combat units, long-range fighters, and shadow units, each led by their respective leaders.The warriors stood in tight formations, disciplined and ready, though whispers spread amongst them about the mysterious youth standing beside the city lord.Few knew who Oasis was. Most of the warriors had only just returned to the city from various posts, including border patrols and outlying villages.Rumors quickly spread—some speculated Oasis was another son of the city lord, but others disagreed, noting the stark difference in appearance.Oasis’s brown skin and black hair stood in contrast to the lighter complexion of the city lord and his family.The murmurs came to an abrupt halt as Lord Valen stepped forward, raising his hand. The courtyard grew silent.Without a word, he and the vice city lord unleashed their auras, summoning a barrier that enveloped the entire mansion."A soundproof barrier," Oas
There was little sign of wealth or luxury; everything about the town spoke of survival and hardship.The carriage rattled through the uneven streets, and Oasis glanced out the window, taking in his surroundings.The townspeople barely gave him or his guards a second look, used to the comings and goings of traders.Yet, Oasis could sense an underlying tension beneath the surface.Oasis glanced out the window of the carriage, taking in the state of Riffridge.The town, hidden in rocky valleys, was clearly struggling."So, this is the state of Riffridge, huh?" Oasis thought as they passed through the dusty, narrow streets.People moved about slowly, their faces hollow, as hunger and hardship were etched into every step they took.Suddenly, breaking the silence in the carriage, Oasis turned to the guards seated with him."What are your names again?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.The guards exchanged quick glances, surprised that Oasis had spoken.One of them finally responded, “I'm A
As Oasis sat in the inn with his guards, whispers began to ripple through the dimly lit room.Word of men distributing food and money had already reached the ears of the patrons, sparking quiet gossip."Did you hear? Some noble’s been handing out food and coins," one patron whispered to his companion, his voice low but full of curiosity."Yeah, I heard! Who’d do something like that in Riffridge? Must be someone from another town," another person murmured."Who are these people?" a woman muttered. "Could they be connected to the city lord?""Maybe they’re from Belvan. I heard rumors about nobles from that region," someone else suggested, cautiously glancing around.As the quiet chatter continued, Oasis stood up with his two guards, the candlelight flickering off their well-tailored clothing.They made their way toward the inn's counter. The room had grown darker, with the lamps now fully lit to mark the arrival of night."Can we have a room for the night?" Oasis asked calmly, his gaze
Oasis moved silently through the shadows of the city lord’s residence, his steps light and precise, avoiding detection with ease.The mansion, though worn by neglect, had a complex layout.Guards patrolled in predictable patterns, moving along predetermined routes that Oasis had already observed using his spiritual senses.“Their movements are methodical, but uninspired,” Oasis thought as he studied the guards' routines.“The guards stationed near the entrance rotate every twenty minutes. The inner patrols are less frequent, giving me small windows to slip through.”As he moved, his azure eyes scanned the manor’s halls, catching subtle details—scuff marks on the floor indicating where guards commonly stood, and faint energy traces revealing where magical wards were placed.“The layout matches what I sensed earlier,” Oasis thought, gliding between two patrols with practiced ease.“Once I pass through this wing, the room where the city lord is bedridden should be up ahead.”Passing thr
Instantly, they melted into the shadows, ready to evade or strike if necessary.A guard descended the stairs, his form slowly becoming visible in the dim light.He was dressed like the others, but his demeanor was different.He wore the same uniform as the others in the manor, but something was different about him.As he approached the cell, the guards prepared to knock him out—until they saw him pull food from his pockets“It’s been a while, young lord Raven,” the man said quietly, his voice filled with respect.“How is father’s condition?” the boy, Raven, asked, his voice clear and strong despite the abuse he had endured."Still the same, young lord. His condition is declining," the guard replied, his voice laced with sorrow.As they spoke, Raven’s eyes flickered toward the shadows where Oasis’s guards were hidden.“What are you looking at, young lord?” the guard asked, sensing something amiss.“Nothing,” Raven replied calmly. “You should leave before the lackeys of that pig catch y