[Ariana reporting. I am at the mark.]
Ruby smiled as she marched forward.
Their mission was simple—get inside the base and attach the artifact Adrian had given them.
That was why they split up, each entering from a different side. No Acolyte was allowed to escape alive.
Ruby had only come across a few lesser Acolytes so far, and she cut them down without losing any time.
Now, she was heading straight for the front entrance, her grip tight around the artifact.
But then—
Above.
She felt a sharp wave of killing intent and moved on instinct—
SCRATCH
Even so, her shoulder was grazed, blood spilling from the cut.
She clicked her tongue and leapt back.
Her eyes locked onto the figure of a long-haired man, a sword gleaming in his hand.
He looked to be in his thirties, slim in build, exotic features, with sharp grey eyes fixed firmly on Ruby.
"I cannot allow you to advance any further," he said calmly. "Though I respect your courage, I suggest you turn back."
