Chapter 116: The One Behind the Bell Tower
"All available Imperial personnel, we need backup immediately! Code Red! We have a Code Red situation in Helios Reach! A Raid Boss has spawned in the center of the city!"
An Imperial officer shouted into his communication device.
His voice echoed through the communication channels as the situation in Helios Reach rapidly deteriorated.
"Repeat! Code Red! All available soldiers and high-ranking officers are to report to the center of the city! We need everyone we can get!"
The streets were already in chaos.
The enormous dragon stood in the middle of Helios Reach, its massive body towering over nearby buildings. Its wings stretched across the sky, while its roar sent vibrations through the streets.
Imperial soldiers were rushing toward the creature. Officers were issuing orders, trying to organize their forces before the situation became even worse.
However, the Empire wasn't the only faction interested in the dragon.
Players affiliated with the Empire were already gathering. Some were experienced adventurers, while others were treasure hunters and mercenaries who happened to be in the city.
Even independent players had begun approaching the center.
After all, a Raid Boss appearing in a major trade city was an opportunity that couldn't simply be ignored.
A powerful monster meant rare materials, valuable equipment, and possibly unique rewards.
For some players, the danger was worth the potential profit.
"Look at its size!"
"Is that really a Raid Boss?"
"Who cares?! Just look at the rewards we could get!"
"Move! I want to be there before the others!"
The situation was quickly turning into something much bigger than an Imperial emergency.
And that was exactly what Abbyrose had intended.
Meanwhile, away from the center of the commotion, a small group was making their way through the streets.
Ryze kept her rifle close while watching the surrounding area. The streets were becoming increasingly crowded, but most of the people were heading in the opposite direction.
It was the perfect opportunity.
"Looks like the entire city is heading toward the dragon," Volt commented while checking the situation through his communication device.
"Not everyone," SK replied. "There are still patrols securing the streets. Don't let your guard down."
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
Blaze walked a little behind them, his hands resting casually near his sword.
Despite the commotion, he appeared completely relaxed.
Ryze glanced over her shoulder.
"Hey, Blaze."
"Hm?"
"Do you think Abbyrose will be okay?"
Blaze looked toward the distant dragon.
"She'll be fine."
"You sound pretty confident."
"I am."
Ryze looked at him for another moment before turning her attention back to the road.
However, SK didn't seem convinced.
"Sir Blaze, I wouldn't be so certain."
Blaze glanced at her.
"What do you mean?"
"We're in Helios Reach," SK explained. "This city is filled with powerful players. Treasure hunters, bounty hunters, mercenaries, and all sorts of people looking for opportunities."
Volt nodded.
"She's right. The Empire might be the biggest problem here, but they're not the only ones we need to worry about."
He glanced toward the distant dragon.
"Those people aren't necessarily rushing there to help the Empire. Most of them are probably thinking about what they can get from killing that thing."
"Especially if they believe it's a Raid Boss," SK added.
Ryze frowned.
"So, even if the Empire is distracted, Abbyrose could still be in danger?"
"Exactly."
Blaze looked toward the direction they had come from.
"She knows that."
Ryze tightened her grip on her rifle.
"I hope she really does."
"She'll be fine," Blaze repeated.
This time, he sounded less like he was reassuring Ryze and more like he was stating a fact.
The group continued moving.
They couldn't afford to waste the opportunity Abbyrose had created for them.
Several streets away, near the center of Helios Reach, stood an old bell tower.
It was one of the few structures in the area that had survived the city's recent disturbances without suffering significant damage.
Between its stone walls and the surrounding buildings, a figure stood quietly.
Abbyrose.
Her staff was held firmly in both hands, its tip glowing with magical energy.
Above the city, the enormous dragon continued its rampage.
Its wings moved as it turned toward another section of the city, drawing the attention of almost everyone nearby.
Abbyrose watched the creature carefully.
She could feel the magical connection between herself and the summoned dragon. Maintaining it required concentration, especially with so many people moving around the area.
But she couldn't stop now.
Not yet.
Just a little longer.
She glanced toward the streets where Ryze and the others had disappeared.
Please make it out safely.
She had already given them enough time to escape the inn. Now she needed to keep the dragon active long enough to draw the Imperial forces away from their route.
Only then could she safely dismiss the summon and make her own escape.
Abbyrose took a quiet breath.
"Almost there..."
"Hm."
A voice suddenly came from behind her.
"So I was right."
Abbyrose froze.
The voice was unfamiliar.
"I recognized that dragon," the figure continued. "It isn't some sort of Raid Boss from around here."
A brief pause followed.
"It's from Countless Star."
Abbyrose's eyes widened slightly.
"And it's yours."
She immediately turned around.
A figure stood behind her.
Their appearance was partially concealed, but Abbyrose could clearly see the two unsheathed blades held in their hands.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved.
Then the stranger stepped forward.
Abbyrose's instincts screamed.
Someone found me?!
She immediately tried to raise her staff.
"Wait!"
But the figure was already moving.
Their approach was far quicker than she expected.
Abbyrose attempted to begin casting a protective spell, but she didn't have enough time to complete it.
The stranger closed the distance in an instant.
Her eyes widened.
I can't finish the spell!
The attack came before she could react.
And just like that, the person responsible for creating the distraction that had saved Ryze and the others had become the next target.
Back on the streets, the group continued moving away from the center.
A distant roar shook the buildings.
Ryze briefly looked back.
"That dragon is really causing a mess."
"That's the point," Volt replied. "The more attention it gets, the easier it'll be for us to leave."
SK glanced toward the direction of the bell tower.
"Let's hope Abbyrose can get away safely."
Blaze said nothing.
He simply continued walking.
For now, they had no reason to believe anything had gone wrong.
They had no idea that someone had already discovered the truth behind the dragon.
And they certainly had no idea that Abbyrose was no longer alone.
End of Chapter 116
Make the dragon distraction more believableAdd a stronger cliffhanger attack