Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 515 - 514- Planned out

Using the teleportation portal, Ruby, Ariana, and Annabelle reached Antonine, their second visit of the day.

It was pitch-dark outside. The moon hung in the sky, veiled behind a curtain of clouds, and the night remained eerily silent. No one wandered the streets at this hour, except for the three women who moved with urgency, driven by a single purpose that pushed them through the city toward the very place where it had all begun.

"Where should we be meeting Tiffany?" Ariana asked.

Annabelle answered without pausing, "Near the venue, or at least that’s what I think."

Ruby followed up, "You don’t know where they operate their Umbral branch in this town?"

Annabelle stayed silent for a moment before shaking her head. "No, I have no clue. I didn’t even know they had an operations center in Antonmine. I only came across Tiffany before the exhibition."

They didn’t need to contemplate over it for long As they closed in on the venue, a familiar figure appeared in the distance.

The green-haired woman wore a hood, though it did little to conceal her face. The three women approached her quietly, remaining cautious of their surroundings.

It was not that they did not trust Tiffany, since she was a member of the Umbral, but the atmosphere of the town itself felt suspicious. And why shouldn’t it be? These people have seen their hero, their God fail today.

There was a high chance if some civilians saw these three then they might attack them in fury.

As they drew closer, Tiffany waved at them excitedly, even though there was no one else around.

"So where are the others?" Annabelle asked, glancing around at the empty space. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"They’re waiting behind the stage," Tiffany replied eagerly.

"Should we wait for someone, or are we going right away?" Tiffany asked.

Ariana shook her head, "It’s just us three."

Ruby then asked. "Have you confirmed the location of those cult members?"

Tiffany nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes. They’re exactly where I suspected them to be, in their den."

Ariana raised an eyebrow. "The abandoned house near the foot of the town?"

"Yes, that’s the one," Tiffany said. "They’re staying there and so is Clark. It’s not very hidden, but they’re there nonetheless. I believe Clark’s support is what allowed them to remain in this town."

Ariana hummed in confusion. "You mean Clark has been supporting the cult members from the beginning? Why would he do that?"

Ruby nodded. "That’s right. Despite his bitchy attitude and mountain sized ego, Clark was never someone who would support the acolytes. He had no reason to involve himself unless he realized that sooner or later, he would be joining them."

Annabelle snarled. "That bastard knew that staying on this side would cost him his position one day, because my darling will take that place of the greatest runesmith away from him."

Ruby and Ariana exchanged a glance. They both knew Annabelle was emotional, but her words were not wrong.

Without further delay, Ruby urged Tiffany to lead them to the other team. The four moved toward the backside of the stage, an area completely abandoned after the chaos that had followed the event, courtesy of Adrian.

In the corner stood seven figures clad in black, their faces partially concealed. Unlike Tiffany, none of them looked excited.

Well, not for long...

As Annabelle approached, the seven flinched and looked up one by one. Ariana noticed their eyes first, bright and attentive, filled with admiration that was evident in their posture alone.

Ruby let out a quiet sigh. "I guess this is the first time you’re seeing them, Annabelle."

Annabelle nodded. "Truth be told, I don’t even know half the people in Umbral. Or maybe I do, but I don’t remember them."

"Maybe it’s time you do," Ariana said. "They’ve been helpful before, and they will be again."

Ruby nodded. "Their role is more significant than you think."

"Let’s leave that for now," Annabelle said. She turned to the seven figures. "Have any of you mapped out the location where those bastards are hiding?"

One of them raised her hand immediately. She was a small girl with frilly violet hair. "I-I did," she said nervously. "My queen." She pulled out a folded parchment from her cloak and extended it toward Annabelle with her head bowed.

Annabelle accepted it without comment and unfolded it as Ariana and Ruby stepped closer.

The parchment held a detailed map of a three-story building. The dimensions were carefully measured and noted, and each floor was labeled with information about the guards expected to be present. The writing was neat and precise, suggesting repeated visits and careful observation.

"This will be very helpful," Ariana said.

Ruby nodded. "With this, we’ll enter the eye of the storm, and they won’t even realize when we arrive."

Annabelle studied the map for a few moments before glancing at the one who had handed it to her. She nodded. "Good work."

The violet-haired beamed instantly, her shoulders gaining life and the whole person seemed to be overflowing with happiness.

Ariana then asked, "Has there been any reinforcement being asked by them?"

One of the seven shook their head. "No. There hasn’t been any additional reinforcement seen in the vicinity today. But there’s a high chance they’ll make their move soon."

Another nodded and added, "The cult members have been trying to recruit Clark for a long time. Maybe he has something they need for their larger operation. We’re not sure what that operation is yet, but if we’re given more time, we might find out."

Annabelle shook her head immediately. "No. There is no time. Whatever their operation is, they can go fuck themselves. I don’t care. They’re going to be destroyed tonight, along with whatever they’re planning. I’m not letting them harm my darling."

Ariana and Ruby exchanged a glance before turning to Tiffany. "How long will it take for your people to prepare for the battle?"

As those words left Ariana’s lips, all seven members reacted instantly. Their cloaks parted from the middle, revealing the armaments they were already holding.

Annabelle grinned at the sight. She clutched the blade hanging at her waist and said, "Now that’s one thing I like about this night."

Ruby let out a quiet sigh at the enthusiasm, though she could not hide the bloodlust stirring within her at the thought of those bastards.

Ariana, too, was clearly eager, her gaze sharp and intent, just as keen on seeing blood spill tonight.

All said and done, they headed toward their destination.

••••••

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment if you are enjoying the story so far.