Chapter 287: Infiltration
The Demon Armor is a skill that covers the whole body, similar to a damage reduction shield.
However, it can continuously expand as indicated earlier, and targets identified as enemies by Mo Se will be impacted.
That said, Zane still felt uneasy.
It should be noted that anyone who can reach Diamond rank is not to be trifled with.
For example, Xiin, Aima, Famic, and all the various lords.
Aima’s terrifying output that eliminated the Lord of Contamination in just a few moves was still fresh in his memory.
Of course, one cannot disregard Aima’s wealth of experience, but Kokoni mentioned that the Mad Sword—Xieu’s record is even more frightening, having taken down a total of six lords.
The last time they met, even the rarity was a string of question marks. Who knows, this chaotic swordsman’s real strength might exceed Diamond.
It’s possible that the Blade of Shola might catch up at any time.
One must be fully prepared.
“Kurei, has she caught up?” Every couple of minutes, Zane anxiously asked.
And the officer with excellent dynamic vision would patiently stare for a while each time,
Then conclude, “Not yet.”
Thus, under the intense anticipation, the two arrived at the front of the Imperial City.
…
Speaking of the Imperial City, its name conjures images of splendor and prosperity.
In reality, it seems somewhat different from what one might expect, perhaps due to the longstanding conflict with the Dark Faction.
The streets were eerily quiet, with only a few passersby here and there.
They walked on the edges of the road, seemingly giving way to something.
After a while, the sound of metal striking the ground rang out as a disciplined and solemn patrol unit passed through the city gate and turned towards another direction.
Despite the city gates remaining open, there were over 50 elite guards stationed at every direction.
They were not like the soldiers encountered earlier; at the very least, they matched the standard of Gold-tier monsters, possibly mixed with some Platinum-tier ones.
As for their levels, it was hard to ascertain, but conservatively speaking, they should be around 55 or 60.
If they acted recklessly, the overwhelming level suppression would leave them powerless to fight back.
“Miss, how about… I go alone first, and you wait here for my news?”
Kurei hesitated.
Mo Se had already burrowed underground, refilling the earth he had dug up.
Meanwhile, Zane and Kurei continued to approach and paused when they could faintly make out the city gate ahead.
“…No, you could get into trouble if you go alone. The worst-case scenario is getting detained or even attacked on the spot. Moreover… if I stay outside, Gloris will catch up sooner or later,” Zane shook his head.
“But, miss, you’ve been fully wanted; it’s probably going to be…”
He was right; this was a serious problem.
Perhaps this segment of the plot was triggered.
Just like the contamination beneath the Crimson Plain, if it weren’t for the commotion caused by goblins and gray wolves, there likely wouldn’t have been so many unforeseen events.
Zane was starting to hesitate.
Why did she come here with Kurei?
She was indeed worried about Alna’s safety. However, with the formation at the city gate, they currently had no ability to contend.
Not to mention that there was a possibility of Gloris catching up behind them.
Not only would they fail to save Alna, but they would also put Kurei in danger.
If they died, Yunshui City would be taken over by a newly arrived general.
Perhaps someone like Jiana? Who knows what would happen to Yishui City under such circumstances.
But aren’t other cities faring well now?
After all, this wasn’t something players should be concerned about.
Players only need to maximize their gains from each randomly occurring event or enjoy the fun of the game, nothing more.
If they turn back now, will Alna and Aijue survive because the event hasn’t triggered?
“…I want to go. I want to confirm her safety with my own eyes and then… bring her back.” Contrary to her inner thoughts, Juchan instinctively replied.
Seeing Kurei’s terrified expression, Juchan suddenly realized she had said such a thing.
“Alright, then let’s go together and bring the general back.” Kurei didn’t deny it but nodded instead.
At that moment, Juchan felt a sudden sense of her son growing up.
If Kurei knew the truth, she would definitely hug her chest and shout that she was indeed the son.
Having made the decision, the two no longer hesitated.
However… the golden hair was too conspicuous; they still needed to make some disguises.
Just like before, Juchan used the visual effect of her equipment to replace the Elemental Horn with a hood, concealing her golden hair in a small space, making it look like she was wearing a dark nest on her head.
If they were to use the Elemental Horn, it might lead to their identity being exposed.
“Alright, let’s go!”
……
Considering that mentioning Yishui City’s identity could be dangerous, after a brief discussion, the two decided to pose as siblings.
Of course, Zane suggested brothers, but Kurei shot that down.
“Stop!”
The adorable girl with the hood obediently halted, holding the swordsman’s large hand with an anxious look.
“The Imperial City is currently under lockdown, and idle people are prohibited from passing,” the guard said sternly.
Since checking information seemed to provoke hatred, Zane chose to endure for the time being; it would be disastrous if they faced trouble for merely checking information.
“Is that so? We’re relatives from Qianyan City who came here to seek refuge… could you make an exception?” Kurei said without a hint of change in expression, mechanically reciting her lines.
You’re way too suspicious, aren’t you!?
With that in mind, Zane’s little hand exerted a slight force.
Unexpectedly, Kurei’s already wooden expression became even more rigid.
A moment ago, her body seemed to shake violently; whether it was an illusion or not, never mind that; what mattered was not this now.
Because the guard was already beginning to suspect.
“I say, what are you afraid of?”
“Nothing…” Kurei mechanically shook her head.
There’s no ghost, right?! This guy is quite reliable in a fight; who would have thought he’d become like this at a critical moment?
“Sorry!” Zane suddenly lowered her head apologetically, then steadied Kurei’s body, naturally saying, “My brother has contracted a severe cold, and now he can’t even express basic emotions… Being in the Imperial City has exhausted our savings; if this goes on… ”
“That really is quite serious,” the guard pondered.
Kurei’s expression now was as stiff as a real wooden puppet, yet her cheeks had developed a strange reddish hue.
It seemed to match the description given by the girl.
However, rules are rules.
“I’m sorry, little girl, and this brother. The Imperial City is currently in lockdown, and there are terrifying demonesses inside. Every day, countless people want to escape. If you truly get in, you’ll just be crying to get out, right?”
No, no, no, that kind of thing is impossible to happen.
“Ah, I understand now! It’s the lack of something, right?” Zane clapped her hands, pretending to understand, and took out two gold coins from her backpack, placing them on the guard’s palm.
“These… are all we have left, and I need one gold coin to keep my brother for treatment, I can’t give it to you… will this allow us to pass?” The petite girl gazed at him with bewildered eyes, thirsting for an answer.
Thump, thump!
“…You bastard, what broken rule makes him go to hell! Sister, I can’t accept these two gold coins; you take them and get your brother treated instead; the fees in the Imperial City aren’t cheap. After you and your brother enter the city, just keep going straight, when you see a tall building, turn right, and about five minutes ahead, you’ll find the apothecary.”
“When you get there, just mention my name—Rod, that way the owner won’t dare to overcharge. Go on, hurry and take care of your brother; I don’t think he can last much longer.”
“Got it, thank you, big brother!” Zane waved at him, then took Kurei and walked inside.
“The soldier named Rod said this while secretly telling the other guards beside him, “You guys keep this to yourselves, understand?”
“Hey~ is that so? Do you like it this way?” one of the nearby guards raised an eyebrow.
“Get lost! I just think this is the right thing to do; don’t let it out, okay?!”
“Alright, alright, we won’t tell anyone you like little girls.”
“…”
