When everyone completed their defensive formation, they didn’t wait that long before the enemies showed themselves.

The tranquility of the surroundings was shattered by the sudden appearance of a group of cloaked figures. Their menacing auras were even trying to pressure them into submission. 𝒊𝒃𝙖.𝙢

However, Roland had already prepared a Talisman for such an occasion, so none of them were affected by the pressure.

“When did these people get near us?” Roland muttered as he realized how flawed their scouts and defensive circles were.

Elsa swiftly assessed the situation, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the distinct emblems on the attackers’ robes. “Arcanists from the Ruri Kingdom… They’re not even hiding their identity now.” She muttered grimly.

Roland’s expression turned steely, and he barked out orders to his squad. “They must be enemies. Take defensive positions! Denise, Lauren, and Fey find an escape route… Squad Leaders and the rest prepare for a coordinated counterattack. We can’t let them advance any further!” 𝙡𝒆𝙖.𝙘𝙢

The tension increased as Roland realized that no one was sent to them to negotiate. It means that these Arcanists were here to fight them.

“I fear it’s too late for that… We’re ill-equipped to handle these enemies.” Denise interjected, her gaze fixed skyward.

Everyone followed her gaze as they found three imposing Combat Airships looming above them, one exuding an unmistakable air of royalty with its gilded facade and majestic aura.

“What on earth have we stumbled into? Weren’t we here to eradicate the Vampire? How did we provoke the Ruri Kingdom’s royalty?” Roland lamented, feeling the weight of their predicament.

Surrounded by approximately 20 Arcanists and monitored by three Airships, the group faced an inescapable situation.

Perhaps they could only escape this situation if they had a teleportation circle that was set up, but they don’t have the means to do that.

“Let’s maintain our composure. If they intended to eliminate us, they would have bombarded us with those cannons already. Their motives must be different…” Leonel remarked, acknowledging their predicament.

At this time, they could only accept their situation, and they should prepare for a potential negotiation.

In the meantime, Clovis and Pearl observed, recognizing the need to discern the situation before taking action. Clovis certainly had the means of escape, but he would let Denise get captured here.

As they were silently discussing what to do, a figure descended from the Airship.

It was an Elementalist assisted by a Wind Spirit. Clad in a brown trench coat and wielding a steel cane, the gentleman, in his 30s, addressed them.

“Welcome, visitors from the Millton Kingdom. We extend our congratulations on vanquishing the Vampire in the Castle. However, we must ensure that you haven’t brought any cursed items or forbidden artifacts from that place. The safety of our citizens is paramount. We need you to cooperate with us for a brief moment. We will conduct a thorough inspection of your belongings.” The middle-aged man announced as if they should be thankful for that.

Roland frowned at this as he bristled with indignation.

“That’s an outrageous demand! The citizens of your kingdom had never been subjected to such inspection whenever they visited the Millton Kingdom. We have come here at the request of your Arcanist Guild. I want to speak to the Guildmaster of this Region.”

He stood his ground as he looked at the man while emitting his Mystical Energy.

He knew very well that once their items were confiscated, there would be little chance of getting them back.

The unanimous sentiment among the group echoed Roland’s indignation, unified in their reluctance to relinquish their belongings.

They all started emitting a dangerous aura as they prepared for a fight.

While none of them possessed any forbidden artifacts or cursed items, acquiescing to the demands of this person seemed unnecessary.

The gentleman, anticipating their resistance, maintained a wry smile.

“I understand that it’s a preposterous demand. Nevertheless, you have no alternative.”

His words were swiftly followed by the Ruri Kingdom’s Arcanists preparing their spells, signaling their readiness for conflict.

“You have a final opportunity! You have 10 seconds to decide…” The man declared, issuing his ultimatum.

Refusal to comply would lead to inevitable confrontation.

He remained floating above and looking down on them as if he had everything in his control.

The Kirkham City squads pondered their options, compelled to devise a plan. There was no way they would agree to their demands.

“Let’s make our escape… The darkness conceals us, and with their allies nearby, they won’t risk bombardment. I’ll deploy a smokescreen…” Elsa proposed. Her talisman was capable of generating an extensive cover for them, so she felt a bit confident…

She had been carrying this talisman for the past two years in case of such situations. She didn’t expect that it would really be useful today…

Furthermore, her Revenant Squad members also possessed similar Talismans, ensuring the smokescreen’s substantial reach.

“That could work…” Roland murmured, surveying the group. The cover provided an opportunity for escape, a chance they couldn’t afford to ignore.

They also had ways to make a quick escape, so as long as they got the opportunity, they’d be able to escape with the help of the darkness.

“Let’s do it!” Roland signaled as the countdown was nearing its end.

Meanwhile, Clovis harbored a different strategy.

He remained on his spot and watched the situation unfold.

Upon the activation of the smokescreen talisman by Elsa, the Wind Elementalist commanded his Arcanists to attack.

Then, in the midst of the chaos, Clovis took action.

Concealed by the shroud of smoke, he donned his Devil’s Face Mask and armed himself with the Devil’s Dagger.

Employing his Darkness Manipulation Spell, he cloaked himself in darkness akin to the veils worn by Dark Spirits.

With the malicious aura brought by the Doombringer’s Ring, he harnessed his Lightspeed and Levitation, swiftly closing the distance and seizing the Wind Elementalist by the head.

“I have you now…” Clovis murmured beneath his mask, the words resonating in the middle-aged man’s ears like an ominous warning of his impending death.

𝑖𝘦.𝑐𝘰𝘮