ATAPOW Chapter 240
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Chapter 240: Preparing To Set Off
Specks of silver light illuminated a rocky cavern shrouded in darkness.
Dewdrops clung to the tips of the rocks, resembling pure agate stones in their translucency and luster.
“Well then, let’s conclude our discussion here. Here’s to a joyful cooperation, revered Divine Heir of the Human Alliance.” The man speaking had a modest and refined smile. After utilizing probing magic to ensure their conversation had not been monitored, he terminated the magical transmission.
His features were shrouded: First by the brim of his hat, then by the mask of an octopus monster obscuring half his face. Clad in a fitting white ceremonial robe, he was leaning on an intricately carved staff with a dragon head at its tip.
“The Soul-Sacrificing Destruction Array? …Interesting. What exactly are you plotting here, Divine Heir.” He mulled over those words with interest.
“Could there be some sort of conspiracy at play here, Your Grace? I’ve racked my brains over it, but I see no benefit for the human alliance to construct such an array within their territory. What could that human official be up to?” A tall, thin man asked in bewilderment, his face obscured by a crow mask.
“Who knows? Their motives are irrelevant. All we need to do is stir up chaos – the more souls that perish, the easier it will be for the Ancestral Lord to descend.” The man scoffed, dismissing his subordinate’s concern.
“Traceless.”
“Your subordinate stands ready.” A disembodied voice resounded from the void, accompanied by a fleeting black mist.
“Inform Falsehood to head to the ruins of Swan Goose Castle and wait there. He should spare no effort to keep our guest entertained and not let them grow weary of waiting. He will know how to proceed from there.”
“Understood.”
“Also, head to Shattered Star Pavilion and summon my precious daughter… Oh, seems like there’s no need for that after all.” Seeing a wisp of silver gradually approaching in the shadows, the corners of the man’s lips revealed a trace of joy.
Magical light spilled across the cavern walls, illuminating strands of dazzling long silvery hair that bled into a soft pink blush at its ends.
“Father~” The owner of the hair, a girl, greeted the middle-aged man with respect in her tone.
Her exquisite, petite body lowered into a bow, causing her long ceremonial dress — of aqua blue and elegant yellow — to sway gracefully with her movements.
Her slender, perfectly proportioned legs were sheathed in black and white-striped stockings. Above them a cascade of silver hair flowed down her back, a mesmerizing blend of frosty white that warmed into the softest blush of pink. This striking effect made her seem like an unapproachable, ethereal saint.
A pair of exquisitely beautiful bat wings adorned both sides of the girl’s temples. Her cherry-red eyes, fixed on the man with unwavering loyalty and respect, were framed by a face of exquisite beauty, so pure and holy it could put the most flawless flower to shame. Though emotions rarely flickered across her features, a smug, confident smile was currently hanging on the corners of her lips.
“What brings you to me instead of waiting in your room, Little Wing?” A smile softened the man’s features as he approached her.
“Seems like my heart has a way of steering my feet in the right direction… It sensed that Father needed me and brought me here.” The young girl known as Cherrywing hid a shy smile behind her hand.
“Looks like our hearts are connected.” The man could not help but chuckle, as he tenderly caressed Cherrywing’s pure-silver hair with his white-gloved hand.
“What would you have me do, Father?” Cherrywing narrowed her eyes as she obediently nestled against his hands.
“Whatever you ask of me, Father, I promise not to let you down.”
“I’m sure you won’t, my precious. You execute your tasks so perfectly, no one could ever find fault with you.” The man crouched down to her level.
“Tomorrow, our esteemed guests will arrive in the basement of Swan Goose Castle to talk about a cooperative venture. Given the importance of this deal, I wouldn’t be surprised if some meddlesome fool had already caught wind of it. That worthless Falsehood has nothing else going for him but his wagging tongue, so…”
“Rest assured, Father. Cherrywing will uphold her duty without fail.” Cherrywing revealed her sharp fangs. “I’ll tear your enemies to shreds.”
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A polished, cross-shaped helmet encased his head, and his body was covered by a set of well-maintained brigandine armor. Sturdy leather boots clad his feet, and a pair of longswords—one silver, one black—were crossed on his back.
Long before the break of dawn, Ji Bai was already waiting outside the dormitory, resting against the concrete walls in contemplation.
The cross-shaped helmet obscured his face, rendering his current emotions unreadable.
Yesterday, in the planning room—
“…So, the Chivalric Group of Radiant Knights are secretly dealing with some unknown organization?” Ji Bai repeated Lin Tuo’s words, carefully considering their implications.
“That’s correct.” Lin Tuo spoke with certainty. “The top-brass has directed us to look into this matter. While it looks like we’re overstepping our bounds here, they’ve determined it to be a matter of concern that necessitates our involvement. Even the slightest bit of oversight could endanger the human alliance and throw the world into chaos.”
“Is there any evidence to back up this claim? And how did this information come to light?” Ji Bai scrutinized him with a discerning gaze.
“The higher-ups haven’t said anything about that… And as for evidence, there’s an old adage that the innocent have nothing to fear. If they have nothing to hide, then what do they have to fear from a little scrutiny?” Lin Tuo replied calmly, completely unfazed by his slight loss of composure.
“As this isn’t an emergency request, we’re not requiring everyone to participate. If you’re not up to this, you’re welcome to sit this one out, Ji Bai…”
“Please make sure to bring me along.” With a firm voice, Ji Bai cut Lin Tuo off before he could finish.
“Okay then. Tomorrow at 8 AM, we’ll meet at the dormitory entrance. Everyone in Tomato class is expected to attend. Our objective: To infiltrate the place where the Radiant Knight will meet up with this unknown organization and investigate the dealings between them. Location: The ruins of Swan Goose Castle. Also…” Lin Tuo switched gears, moving on to a different subject.
“Ji Bai will be your squad leader for this operation. Everyone must follow his orders and refrain from taking any independent actions on their own.”
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“Hey there, old chum. Didn’t expect to see you here so early.” A boorish voice jolted Ji Bai out of his thoughts.
Not far from him, Huo Lei was waving at him with a large traveling bag slung over his back.
The ever-punctual Lin, and the inconspicuous Daoist, Pian Zi arrived one after the other. Each came prepared with their own armaments.
“…” Ji Bai stared at Huo Lei in silence.
“Uh?!” Huo Lei was startled when he noticed Ji Bai eyeing him up.
Has he gotten more handsome lately?
Huo Lei ran his fingers over the stiff outlines of his face, suspecting that there was more to the story than met the eye.
“Huo Lei, Swan Goose Castle is still under human control.”
“Oh.”
“You…” Ji Bai stared at Huo Lei’s tall and large figure with a complicated expression on his face.
‘So? What are you acting so nonchalant for? Everyone here can pass off as humans, except you.’
“Oh! So that’s what was bothering you.” Huo Lei smacked his head as he finally understood what Ji Bai was referring to. He reached into his bag, took out a necklace and put it on.
His figure changed dramatically in front of everyone’s eyes. The burly, sinister troll had vanished, replaced by a middle-aged man of ordinary appearance.
‘That’s pretty amazing… Is it illusionary magic?’
Ji Bai focused his gaze intently on the necklace he wore.
“Haha, I always knew this day would come, so I prepared ahead of time… This little beauty is something Pian Zi sold me. I’ve tested it and it worked like a charm. Let me tell you, this magical doohickey is out of this world!” Huo Lei bellowed with laughter.
“You honor me with your praise, benefactor. This humble Taoist only knows but a little knowledge, nothing more.” Pian Zi answered, the wave of his horsetail whisk underscoring his humble tone.
After sweeping his gaze at the crowd who were poised and ready to go, Ji Bai nodded his head.
“Let’s go.”
He was determined to see firsthand what had become of his Chivalric Order – the institution he had forged with his own two hands.