Chapter 629 Rash Decision (5)
Chapter 629 Rash Decision (5)
Ashton ventured slowly through the Xyran mine's dimly lit halls, and his footsteps were silenced by the dust and debris on the floor.
He tried remaining in the shadows, using his skills to blend in with the darkness and his heightened senses to stay undetected. His keen eyes swept every nook and crevice, looking for any trace of Irina and Verina.
A gentle voice crackled through his radio just as he was about to walk inside another tunnel. It was a message from Lycaon.
"Good news, we caught the two Xyrans you sent our way," Lycaon said. His breathing was uneven, probably because of his encounter with the Xyrans.
"Great, keep them restrained. Do not kill them until necessary," Ashton replied. "We can use them as hostages if things go south."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Frank's voice echoed through the radio. "What about the twins?"
"I have a rough idea where they are," Ashton mumbled while passing through a few miners. "I'm heading there at the moment. That reminds me-"
Ashton was about to ask about Vulcan and Flintmace, as they'd have a crucial role to play if things went south. But his masters beat him to it as another voice joined their conversation.
"Don't worry, Ashton. We're right here," Flintmace informed them while Vulcan's grumble could be heard in the background. "It seems you're doing a great job inside. I don't see any irregular movement among the Xyrans."
"Roger that," Ashton said, immediately disconnecting the call, fearing the Xyrans might detect the radio signals and get alert. "This would have been much easier if only I could use the summons..."
It took him a long time to get to where the twins were being kept, but then he ran into another problem, guards had surrounded the entire area.
While it proved something valuable inside, Ashton wondered if his disguise would work there, as it was highly unlikely that someone like Strig would have clearance to enter such a place.
However, before Ashton had the opportunity to act, he sensed someone approaching him. The thought of fleeing entered his mind, but it was too late as the figure was now standing right behind him.
"Private Strig," the Xyran's voice threw Ashton off as the squeaky voice did not match the silhouette before him. "What are you doing here?"
Ashton cursed under his breath before slowly turning to face the Xyran. Once again, Ashton was glad he wasn't walking around the mine in his zompirewolf form, as his raging heartbeat would have certainly alerted the Xyran before him.
But the surprises weren't over yet, because the Xyran calling him was none other than the 'Colonel' himself. At least, that's what Ashton learned from Strig's memories.
"Yes, Colonel?" Ashton replied, trying his best to mimic Strig's smug and confident tone.
"I need to speak with you in my office. Immediately," Colonel ordered, his piercing eyes locked onto Ashton.
Ashton's mind raced as he followed the Colonel to his office. He knew a colonel calling a private into the office wouldn't be for a good reason. He also knew that one wrong move could expose him, and the consequences could be dire.
[I can't believe this jerk is still alive...]
'Wait, you know him?'
[I don't, but I have heard a lot about him. The guy's name is Rikk, and he was a brat through and through. Just like you.]
'...could we please keep our discussions strictly to the guy?'
[Right, so... what should I say? He was a great soldier. Followed orders to the T. A Xyran of his word... until it came to his private life. The bastard was born to Xyran aristocracy, back when it wasn't abolished, and was spoiled beyond limits-]
'How is he like me then? Either way, could you cut to the chase? I would rather know everything about him before~ I have to enter the office here.'
[...he fell for a succubus and destroyed everything he stood for. Worse of all, the succubus turned out to be a spy planted by an anti-elitist organisation. You see where this is going, right?]
'Rikk got his ass kicked out of the Xyran community?'
[Yup. His family disowned him and everything... that's why seeing him here surprises me even more. After all, once someone is exiled from our community, they happen to be exiled for good.]
'Things do seem suspicious.'
Ashton knew Astaroth wouldn't lie to him about someone like Rikk, but if he were to believe his counterpart, it would be impossible for Rikk to have a post as high as a colonel.
They entered the Colonel's office, a dimly lit room with holographic maps and charts covering the walls. Ashton took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.
"What is it, Colonel?" Ashton asked, trying to sound casual.
Rikk studied him briefly before speaking, "I have considered the preposition tossed by your father. Since they have helped me in the past, it is only proper that I repay their favour."
Ashton looked puzzled as he studied Rikk's face. Rikk also saw Strig's expression and decided to elaborate on the situation. Tossing a map in Ashton's direction, Rikk continued.
"You are, at this moment, being promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, effective immediately," Rikk informed Ashton with a straight face. "Now, before you start celebrating, there's a little mission you'll have to complete."
"I'd do anything, with or without the promotion, sir!" Ashton acted his part, but even he could see Rikk was somewhat surprised by his enthusiasm.
"Ahem, so where was I?" Rikk mumbled, pointing at the holographic map. "Ah, right. Take a look here. We've received intel that some mysterious things have been happening in the nearby sector.
"I want you to gather a team, head there within two hours, and have a report ready by tomorrow. That'll be all."
Without wasn't any time, Ashton took the map and left. Why? Because the area Rikk had pointed to was where Ashton and company had hidden their spaceship. If anyone went looking for anomalies there, they would discover the ship and the ones aboard.
[Forget that you only have a couple of hours to save the twins and run. Or they'll find out about the intruder, aka, you!]
'I know! But first, tell me... how strong is Rikk?'
[He should be somewhere between level 301 and 350... and I don't like what you're thinking!]
"Does it look like I care? But let's save the twins first," Ashton mumbled and rushed towards the cells without a second thought while radioing Flintmace. "My beloved masters, it's time."
The very next moment, there was a massive explosion outside, shaking the mine. It was time to either make it or break it.