Fight for Destiny

Luo Wei led Eleya through the sewer junction for a while before the two resurfaced. The blinding sunlight made Luo Wei squint—today was an unusually clear day in Saint Callen. His gaze swept cautiously around; the entire city was under strict martial law. The once-bustling streets of the eastern district were now deserted, every household locked tight.

"Next, we’ll rendezvous with Helena outside the royal city. We must be careful not to be spotted by the city defense forces," Luo Wei said, turning back to signal her.

Eleya kept close to Luo Wei’s steps as the two slipped silently through narrow alleyways.

"By the way, where’s Ophelia?" Eleya suddenly asked. Since Luo Wei’s plan assigned roles to both Tilis and Helena, surely Ophelia had one too.

"Her task is critical," Luo Wei replied. "She should be in a meeting with her trusted allies right now."

"A meeting?" Eleya raised an eyebrow. "Plotting a coup?"

"Correct."

Eleya sighed softly. "So, you’re helping her seize the throne. Clever scheming, Luo Wei. If your plan succeeds, you’ll be the one who benefits the most..."

"We’re left with no choice," Luo Wei turned to look at her. "Only this can resolve our current predicament. Isn’t this a win-win?"

"No, you’re deflecting the conflict," Eleya scoffed. "Don’t think I don’t see your tactics. You’re dragging me onto your war chariot to deplete my strength—killing two birds with one stone."

"But you have no alternative," Luo Wei said flatly. This was an open stratagem.

...

Saint Callen’s western district, Riverside Road, an old mansion.

Ophelia studied the city defense map of Saint Callen spread across the coffee table, surrounded by core agents of the Special Affairs Department. They murmured in low voices, discussing the upcoming mission. The atmosphere in the living room was heavy and tense.

A pungent haze of cigarette smoke filled the air. Ophelia wrinkled her nose in discomfort, her gaze flickering toward Sir Fred.

He was frowning at the map, chain-smoking without pause since the meeting began.

Though Ophelia detested the smell, she didn’t stop her old subordinate from using cigarettes to ease his nerves. After all, the coming operation was a matter of life and death for everyone involved.

"By the way, Your Highness..." Noticing Ophelia’s stare, Fred discreetly stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray. "Isn’t this place a bit unsafe? William has eyes everywhere..."

He couldn’t help but wonder why the princess had chosen this old western district mansion as the command center for their "coup plot" when she owned several secret estates.

"There’s no safer place than this," Ophelia offered no further explanation.

"Is that so..." Fred scratched his thinning hair skeptically, thinking a single artillery shell from the city defense forces could flatten this rundown house.

"Focus on the task at hand, Fred. Where are the people I asked you to discreetly contact?" Ophelia asked.

"They’ve been secretly brought into Saint Callen," Fred answered truthfully. "But with the city under lockdown, they might arrive here a bit later."

Ophelia tapped the map absently with her fingers. "They’re the last piece..."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"They’re here!" Fred stood up.

Ophelia hurried to open the door, revealing an elderly man and a middle-aged woman—Elder Roens and Elder Margery of the Arcane Covenant, Tilis’ right-hand allies.

"Finally, you’ve arrived," Ophelia welcomed them inside. The agents of the Special Affairs Department turned their attention to the newcomers.

The name "Arcane Covenant" was well-known to all. Though these two weren’t as infamous as the Calamity Witch, they were still high-ranking dark sorcerers on the most-wanted lists.

"Never thought I’d see the day..." Fred lit another cigarette. "The Special Affairs Department would collaborate with the Arcane Covenant."

"Consider it an honor," Margery shot him a disdainful glance.

"Margery..." Roens lowered his voice. "Remember what the Archmage instructed. We’re all on the same side now."

"I’ve heard orthodox mages look down on humans, treating them like insects," Fred chuckled dryly. "Seems it’s true."

"Eh? Why’s everyone arguing as soon as I arrive?" Inspector Raymond strode into the living room, dust-covered, followed by his escorts—the shadow guards Jason and Caroline.

"Inspector Raymond." Ophelia nodded before scanning the room. "Now that everyone except the vampires is here..."

"Elder Roens said something earlier that rings true," her voice was clear and melodious yet carried undeniable weight. "We’re all on the same ship now. If any part of this operation fails, we’ll all perish in Saint Callen. But if we succeed—"

"Every one of you here—whether mages seeking the world’s recognition, or superhuman agents branded as madmen and dangers—will have your fates rewritten. I can’t promise a brighter future, but I believe it’s better to seize destiny with your own hands. Don’t you agree?"

"Well said, Your Highness!" Inspector Raymond stood and applauded.

Fred side-eyed the rising star of the police force, thinking, No wonder this kid gets promoted so fast.

But the princess’s words had their intended effect. The once-grim atmosphere now buzzed with subdued fervor. "Fighting for destiny" had elevated the meeting’s purpose from a mere coup plot to something far grander.

"Lady Ophelia, we’ve brought what you requested," Roens lifted a suitcase, opening it to reveal rows of faintly glowing magic crystals etched with intricate arcane sigils.

"With illusion and disguise spells, your agents can alter their forms. Paired with robes and fake staves, they’ll be indistinguishable from Hawkins’ Royal Mage Corps. Ordinary folk won’t tell the difference."

Ophelia picked up a crystal and nodded in satisfaction. "The Arcane Covenant delivers. My gratitude."

Margery’s smile held a trace of pride. "The Empire’s fools only know how to turn these into artillery. Little do they realize Gould’s standard magic crystals were stolen from our designs—their prototypes were the Covenant’s enchanted orbs and crystals. The original crystal magic held infinite possibilities."

"Impressive, impressive," Fred remarked.

Ophelia looked down at the map, as if surveying all of Saint Callen from above.

"Everyone, let’s go make some chaos."