Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 381

Chapter 381: Convergence III

From his vantage point atop a nearby ridge, Aiden watched the devastation unfold. The depot had been a critical logistical hub for the Abyssal Court, and its destruction would deal a significant blow to their operations. But Aiden knew this was far from a decisive victory. The Court would retaliate—and soon.

“Myne, status?” he asked through the crystal.

“We’re clear,” came her reply, her voice steady but tinged with exhilaration. “No casualties. Charges went off clean, and we’re heading to the extraction point.”

“Good work. I’ll rendezvous with you there.” Aiden cut the connection and turned to descend the ridge.

As he made his way through the forest, his Spirit Sense remained active, scanning for signs of pursuit. The Abyssal Court was notorious for its relentless hunters, and he wouldn’t put it past them to have reinforcements nearby. But for now, the forest was quiet, the air heavy with the acrid scent of smoke and charred wood.

When he reached the extraction point—a concealed clearing bordered by thick undergrowth—he found Myne and the rest of the team waiting. Their dark armor bore the marks of battle, but their expressions were resolute. Myne stepped forward, her usual smirk tempered by a rare seriousness.

“Depot’s gone, boss,” she said, nodding toward the faint glow of flames visible through the trees. “They’ll be scrambling to recover from this for weeks, maybe months.”

Aiden nodded, his gaze sweeping over the team. “You all did well. This mission was a success, but it’s just the beginning. The Court won’t let this go unanswered. We need to stay ahead of them.”

One of the operatives, a wiry man with a scar running across his jaw, spoke up. “What’s our next move, Commander?”

Aiden crossed his arms, his mind already racing through the possibilities. “We regroup, analyze their response, and strike again. The more we disrupt their supply lines and infrastructure, the less power they’ll have to mount a coordinated offensive. For now, though, we need to disappear. The Court will be hunting for us, and we can’t afford to be caught off guard.”

Myne stepped closer, her voice low. “And Kael? He’s not going to sit this one out. You’ve made it personal.”

Aiden’s jaw tightened at the mention of Kael. The Abyssal Knight had been a formidable opponent, and their brief clash had only reinforced the threat he posed. But Aiden wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge.

“Kael will come for me,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “And when he does, I’ll be ready.”

The team exchanged glances, their trust in Aiden evident despite the daunting odds. Myne gave him a nod, her smirk returning. “Well, boss, if he does, I hope I get a front-row seat.”

Aiden allowed himself a faint smile. “You’ll get your chance. But for now, let’s move.”

The team melted into the forest, their movements silent and coordinated. The night was far from over, but Aiden felt a flicker of hope amidst the chaos. The Abyssal Court might be powerful, but they were not invincible. Piece by piece, he would dismantle their empire and free the kingdoms from their shadow.

The team traveled through the dense forest under the cover of night, their movements synchronized and efficient. Myne led the way with Aiden close behind, their senses sharp for any signs of pursuit. The aftermath of their raid would undoubtedly stir chaos in the Abyssal Court’s ranks, but it also painted a target on their backs.

Aiden’s Spirit Sense extended outward, scanning for disturbances. His thoughts remained focused on the next steps. The destruction of the depot was only the first strike, a necessary spark to ignite a larger campaign. But Kael’s involvement complicated matters.

Kael was more than just a warrior—he was a strategist, one who understood the art of war as well as Aiden. Their prior encounter had been brief, but it had left an impression. Kael had exuded an aura of control, as if the battlefield bent to his will. It was a challenge Aiden couldn’t ignore.

They reached a concealed cave entrance carved into the side of a rocky hill. Myne motioned for the others to enter first, her shadowmancy veiling their movements. Aiden paused at the entrance, his gaze sweeping the forest one last time before stepping inside.

The cave was damp and narrow, the walls slick with moisture. The team filed in silently, their breathing steady despite the tension in the air. Deeper inside, the passage widened into a small chamber lit by faintly glowing crystals embedded in the walls. It was a temporary safehouse, one of many Aiden had established throughout contested territories.

As the team settled in, Myne approached him, her arms crossed. “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice low.

“Kael?” Aiden replied, meeting her gaze. “Of course. He’s the biggest threat we face right now.”

She tilted her head, a sly grin tugging at her lips. “You sound almost excited. Don’t tell me you’re actually looking forward to another round with him.”

Aiden allowed himself a small smile. “Maybe. He’s dangerous, but he’s also predictable. He’ll want revenge for this, which means we can use his anger against him.”

Myne chuckled softly. “You’re a bold one, boss. Just don’t let that confidence get you killed.”

Before Aiden could respond, Liam’s spectral form materialized near the edge of the chamber. His presence was accompanied by a faint hum of energy, the air around him charged with unspoken urgency.

“We have a problem,” Liam said, his voice cutting through the room like a blade.

Aiden straightened, his expression sharpening. “What is it?”

“The Abyssal Court has already begun mobilizing reinforcements,” Liam explained. “And they’re not just sending soldiers. They’ve called in their Shadow Blades.”

A ripple of tension passed through the room. The Shadow Blades were the Abyssal Court’s elite assassins, known for their unparalleled skill in infiltration and elimination. Their involvement meant the Court was taking the raid far more seriously than Aiden had anticipated.

“How many?” Aiden asked, his tone calm but steely.

“At least two squads,” Liam replied. “And they’re heading this way. We have maybe an hour before they reach the forest.”

Myne whistled softly. “Well, isn’t that a lovely surprise? What’s the plan, boss?”

Aiden’s mind raced as he weighed their options. Staying in the cave was no longer viable. The Shadow Blades would find them eventually, and a direct confrontation wasn’t ideal. But running wasn’t an option either—it would only delay the inevitable.

“We’ll set a trap,” Aiden said, his voice firm. “If they want to find us, we’ll make sure they regret it.”

The team exchanged glances, their confidence in Aiden unwavering despite the odds. Myne grinned, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “Now you’re speaking my language.”

“Liam,” Aiden continued, “I need you to pinpoint their exact location and guide them to us. Myne, you’ll handle the ambush. Use the terrain to our advantage. The rest of you, follow my lead. We’re going to hit them hard and fast.”

The team moved quickly, preparing the trap with practiced precision. Aiden’s mind remained focused, the weight of the situation only fueling his determination. The Abyssal Court had underestimated him before. They wouldn’t make that mistake again—but by the time they realized it, it would be too late.

The forest turned into a battlefield as Aiden’s team moved silently through the dense undergrowth, preparing the ambush. Myne melted into the shadows, her presence vanishing entirely as her shadowmancy spread like an unseen net across the area. The others fanned out, positioning themselves strategically under Aiden’s direction.

Liam’s spectral form hovered near Aiden, his translucent features set in a grim expression. “Two squads of Shadow Blades—twelve operatives total—are approaching from the northeast. They’re moving quickly but cautiously. These aren’t amateurs.”

Aiden nodded, his Spirit Sense extending outward to confirm Liam’s intel. He could sense their presence, faint but distinct, like whispers on the wind. The Shadow Blades were good, their movements precise and calculated. But Aiden’s team had the home-field advantage now, and he intended to exploit it fully.

“Myne,” Aiden called softly, his voice carrying through their mental link. “Are the traps in place?”

“All set,” came her reply, a hint of mischief in her tone. “The moment they step into our playground, they’re done for.”

“Good. Everyone, stay sharp. No mistakes.”

The air grew colder as the Shadow Blades drew closer, their approach silent and methodical. Aiden crouched low, his dark armor blending seamlessly with the shadows. He could feel the tension in the air, a coiled spring waiting to snap.

Then, the first Shadow Blade appeared—a figure cloaked in black, their presence so faint it was almost imperceptible. They moved like ghosts, their forms blending with the forest as they scouted ahead. Aiden remained still, his breathing controlled, his focus absolute.

The lead operative raised a hand, signaling the others to halt. They sensed something was off, their instincts honed by countless missions. But it was too late.

With a subtle gesture from Aiden, the ambush was sprung.