Eternal Undying Chronicles-Chapter 194: Where It All Started

The city was cloaked in darkness, the sun yet to rise and cast its light on the looming confrontation. Preparations were complete, and a handful of Nightshades had gathered. It was far fewer than Carrisa would have preferred, but it was better than none.

Alicarde was still absent, and she had resigned herself to proceeding without him. The final act of this dangerous play would commence regardless of his presence.

Carrisa stood motionless, gazing at the towering structure before her.

It was ironic, she mused. The building stood in the heart of the central district—a government facility belonging to the Bureau of Intelligence. This very place had marked Alicarde's infamous debut as the Reaper. Yet, hidden within its walls all this time had been his most formidable enemy: Zagarath.

Her violet eyes narrowed as she considered the implications. This was where the tracker had led them. The kidnapped alchemist, the one so crucial to Zagarath's schemes, had been brought here.

'The humans of this city must have provided him shelter in this building,' she thought bitterly.

Her gaze hardened.

'Which begs the question: is he actually collaborating with the World Government, or merely with a few corrupt politicians?'

It was a critical distinction, one that could have far-reaching consequences.

After all, Zagarath wasn't hiding in some abandoned warehouse or obscure hideout. He was entrenched in a high-level government facility, on its top floor no less.

But whether he was aligned with a shadowy faction or the government itself didn't matter now.

The time had come to act. The Nexus Fragments were about to manifest, and Zagarath remained the last significant obstacle in her path. He had to be eliminated, no matter what.

A small sigh escaped her lips as she crossed her arms. She had hoped Alicarde would return in time to face Zagarath himself. It would have been the perfect opportunity for him to conquer the psychological knot that had plagued him ever since his first defeat at the hands of the Strigoi.

But she could wait no longer.

"Forgive me my dear… it seems I may have to avenge you myself."

---

The evacuation was nearing completion. Civilians in the immediate area were being discreetly moved by the Nightshades. It was an imperfect solution, and Carrisa was fully aware of its limitations.

In truth, the entire city should have been evacuated. But logistically, that was impossible. All they could do was minimize the collateral damage, though even this came with its own risks. Their movements were bound to alert the enemy.

Carrisa let out a low, ironic chuckle as she watched the shadows scurry to and fro.

"Since when did I start concerning myself with civilian casualties? I fear I've grown soft."

Her self-reproach was interrupted by the arrival of Mercy, the young Nightshade who had once dueled Alicarde. The world truly worked in strange ways, Carrisa thought, considering that this same Nightshade now served as his shadow.

Mercy approached silently, her steps so light they barely stirred the air. Bowing deeply, she spoke with practiced deference.

"Princess, the evacuation is complete. Most of the civilians in the area have been moved."

Carrisa studied her with a calm, detached air.

"Very well," she said simply.

Mercy hesitated, her head still bowed.

"If I may, Princess," she began cautiously,

Th𝗲 most uptodate novels are published on ƒгeewёbnovel.com.

"while we have succeeded in evacuating the human civilians, I have doubts about our ability to keep the battle contained. The Strigoi are beasts they are unlikely to fight covertly. They will not hesitate to expose themselves."

Carrisa's expression remained impassive. She had anticipated this outcome.

"It is difficult to conceal a supernatural war of this magnitude, particularly when both sides lack a tacit agreement to maintain secrecy. We neither have the manpower nor the resources to concern ourselves with such matters."

She swept her hair to one side, her violet eyes gleaming in the dim light.

"Victory is all that matters. Once we win, we can weave the narrative as we see fit. Besides," she added with a faint, almost imperceptible smile,

"this presents us with an opportunity, don't you think?"

Mercy looked up, her brows furrowed in confusion

. "An opportunity, my lady? I'm afraid I don't understand."

Carrisa's gaze grew sharp, her voice laced with quiet authority.

"This battle is an opportunity to demonstrate our strength to the Three Great Powers. Through this conflict, we can announce the birth of a new force in the world—one that is not to be trifled with."

Understanding dawned on Mercy's face, and she nodded resolutely.

"I see. I will do my utmost to ensure our success."

"Good," Carrisa replied, her tone cool and commanding.

"Prepare the team to storm the building."

---

The final preparations were underway. The Nightshades moved like phantoms, silent and efficient as they took their positions. Carrisa stood apart, a commanding figure in the shadows, her mind razor-sharp and focused.

The Bureau of Intelligence building loomed ahead, its sterile façade concealing the chaos about to erupt within. Carrisa's thoughts drifted briefly to Alicarde. Would he approve of her taking down his prey? Perhaps not, but she had no choice.

Time was running out.

The air grew heavier as the Nightshades completed their positions. Mercy returned, her steps as soundless as ever.

"The team is ready, Princess," she reported.

Carrisa nodded, her gaze fixed on the building.

"Good. Begin the assault."

Mercy bowed and disappeared into the darkness, her figure melting into the shadows. Moments later, the first wave of Nightshades breached the building's perimeter.

The assault began in earnest, their movements precise and methodical. The Soldiers were quick to respond, their human forms emerging from the depths of the facility. Battle cries and the sounds of bullets echoed through the air as the two sides collided.

Carrisa watched from her vantage point, her expression unreadable. The conflict below was fierce, but she had no doubt about the outcome. Victory was inevitable, but at what cost?

For now, all she could do was wait. The stage was set, and the final act was in motion.