Chapter 682
683
Caleb asked, “Does Arressto know the route to the Solemnity Guild?”
Caleb thought, “The main road to the Solemnity Guild is littered with traps and ambushes, and only its members know the way.’
Curtis colluded with the Wolfshade Syndicate, enabling them to bypass the traps and reach the Guild’s doorstep.
Emmett used this incident to root out Curtis’s faction within the Solemnity Guild, discreetly eliminated them, reinforced the defenses, and temporarily sealed off the route.
Dorian said confidently, “There’s nothing in this world that Arressto doesn’t know. We even have intel on the routes through Mount Soultaker. That’s why the Blood Association chose to cooperate with us, to minimize casualties.”
Caleb shot Dorian a mocking look. “So Arressto is bringing Blood Association members straight to the Solemnity Guild’s doorstep. Are you really sure Echohawk would want to join you after that?”
Dorian replied, “Echohawk has already left the Solemnity Guild. Besides, their training is downright brutal. Your sister’s a pampered heiress. Are you sure she even went there willingly?”
Caleb didn’t bother to point out how far-fetched Dorian’s idea was. He smirked, “Let’s make a deal. I’ll convince my sister to join Arressto, and you give me the route through Mount Soultaker.”
Dorian narrowed his eyes. “What do you need that for?”
“So, I can make my escape when the Blood Association and Solemnity Guild start fighting,” Caleb replied.
Dorian thought this deal was a steal for them. “I can tell you, but how can you guarantee you’ll convince your sister?”
Caleb replied, “No guarantees. If we don’t cooperate, I’ll just make sure she never joins you.”
Dorian frowned. “Are you threatening me?”
“Just negotiating.”
Dorian felt thoroughly outmaneuvered but relented. “Fine. You get five minutes with the map.” He thought there was no way this guy could memorize it within a limited minutes.
“Sure.” True to his word, Caleb didn’t look at the map for a second longer than the agreed five minutes. He handed it back and stood up to leave.
Dorian called out, “Where are you going?”
Caleb replied, “There’s a stream over there. I’ll catch some fish. You guys get the campfire ready.”
Dorian motioned for Charles to follow him. Caleb caught four fish, then tossed something into the water. The fish instantly swarmed around it.
“What did you throw in?” Charles asked.
Caleb dropped in a small piece of a ration bar. “Just a ration bar. What’s up?”
“It’s okay. Do as you like,” Charles replied.
Caleb picked up the fish and left. Two members of the Blood Association came over to try their luck. One of them peered
1/2
into the water, a surprised look on his face, and said, “Oh my gosh, there’s really some fish in the water.”
Aria and her group encountered a fierce tiger. While trying to drive it away, they stumbled into a trap and had to spend some time rescuing their teammates.
Then, Wade’s team caught up with them. One of Wade’s men gloated, “You set traps, but we still caught up with you.”
Seeing they were still out of breath, Wade ordered sharply, “Attack!”
Guns were banned for the test, but blades were allowed. Still, both sides opted for hand-to-hand combat.
Aria and Wade locked in combat again, this time head-on.
After narrowly dodging Wade’s heavy punch, Aria suddenly snatched a dagger and flung it. Wade’s pupils constricted as he helplessly watched the blade whiz past his ear, missing by inches.
A pained shriek echoed from the shadows. The fighting stopped instantly. Harry and Joel quickly dragged out a man who had tried to escape and brought him before Aria.
Harry yanked the dagger from the man’s shoulder, wiped the blood clean on the man’s shirt, and handed it to Aria. “Here you go, Aria.”
“Thanks,” Aria replied, taking the dagger.
The man’s Wolfshade Syndicate uniform instantly gave away his identity. Wade’s face darkened. “You’ve got some nerve, trespassing on Mount Soultaker.”
The injured man clutched his shoulder, glaring venomously at Aria. “Your man is with Mr. Tyree Remar. Deliver Russell’s corpse within 24 hours, or you’ll be collecting your man’s remains.”
Harry and Joel scanned the area. Owen was gone. Harry blurted out, “When did Owen disappear?”
‘He’s no slouch in a fight. How’d they nab him so easily?’ Joel wondered, frowning.