Silence settled once more over the cooperage alley.
The two spies lay unconscious among the oak barrels, their mana circuits temporarily locked down by the flow of the Ancient Way.
Aoi brushed the dust from her gloves as she looked over at Haruto, who was sifting through the weathered documents and transmission crystals retrieved from the crossbowman’s belt.
“Find anything useful?” Aoi asked, stepping closer to look over his shoulder.
“Lucian didn’t just deploy trackers,” Haruto said, crushing one of the crystals between his fingers to analyze the magic matrix inside.
“He set up a covert command post at the docks in Valoria’s river port.
That’s where he controls the barges supplying holy fuel to the Vatican.” “The river port…” Aoi narrowed her eyes.
“If they control the barges, they can lock down the river or use the ships to transport Inquisition troops without alerting the Merchant League.” “Exactly.
It also means that port is our fastest route out of Valoria toward the free southern kingdoms without having to cross the heavily guarded mountain passes.” Aoi offered a smirk that blended sheer fatigue with a hunger for a fight.
“Then there’s not much to think about.
If Cardinal Lucian wants to play cat and mouse, we burn his hideout to the ground.” Haruto tucked the map of the river routes into his coat and took Aoi’s hand.
The Primordial Resonance between them pulsed gently, channeling a steady stream of energy that soothed the strain in their muscles.
“We won’t burn the entire port,” Haruto said, his eyes burning with resolve.
“We only take the main flagship, neutralize their vanguard, and make it clear that the Inquisition no longer holds power over us.” They slipped out of the alley, melting back into the city’s shadows.
In the distance, the torches of the river port flickered against the dark waters, setting the stage for their next move.