Emisarry Of Time And Space Chapter 213 214: Done.

(A/N Huge thanks to all of you for the Power Stones and Golden Tickets; they genuinely mean a lot. As always, please feel free to leave comments or reviews. ENJOY)

Power Stones, give them to me.

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"Let's commence," Seris declared, her expression hardening the moment the door swung shut behind Falad.

"Wait—before we do that," Arlen interjected. "We've encountered an issue."

The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. Jalen sat up straighter. Selene's stance became more alert. Erevan's eyes narrowed.

"An issue?" Erevan inquired calmly, though a steely undertone underscored his words. At this critical juncture, vagueness was unacceptable.

"Jak is a traitor," Arlen stated bluntly.

Seris' eyes widened almost imperceptibly. "How do you know?"

"He dispatched a child the instant we departed," Arlen elaborated. "Didn't even hesitate. Used chalk paper. A whistle. A seamless exchange."

The gravity of his words settled upon them.

Seris moved towards the window without breaking stride. "Then we pursue him."

"Jak or the child?" Arlen questioned.

"The child," Erevan responded without missing a beat. "Jak has already revealed his intentions."

Seris nodded, her gaze still fixed on the view outside. "You recall the signature?"

"Naturally," Arlen confirmed.

She turned, her attention now on Thaddeus. "Thaddeus."

"Finally," Thaddeus exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face as he lightly cracked his knuckles.

"Once you locate him," Seris instructed, her voice resolute, "do not engage. Do not attempt capture. Merely follow."

She then turned her attention to Erevan. "You will accompany them. Whatever arises, I trust your discretion."

Erevan gave a single, slight inclination of his head.

"And remember," Seris added, her tone hardening, "if the situation appears too perilous, disengage and return. No heroic actions are permitted."

The three individuals acknowledged her command with nods.

Then, they were gone.

A few moments elapsed. Even with his spatial senses extended, Seris could no longer detect their presence.

Thaddeus had activated his spatial veil.

"What is our next course of action?" Selene inquired softly.

Seris turned to Jalen. "We shall survey the area."

They reappeared several streets away, cloaked in an immediate silence.

Thaddeus positioned himself at the center of their formation, his presence so faint it was almost undetectable, even to Erevan's attuned senses. Over the years, his Spatial Veil technique had evolved beyond mere concealment, becoming a far more comprehensive form of obscurity. It didn't just hide them; it rendered their existence irrelevant. Mana currents were diverted. Spatial distortions were absorbed. To any observers, it was as if nothing existed there at all.

His Veil Weave extended, seamlessly enveloping Arlen and Erevan.

Arlen meticulously expanded his spatial awareness, focusing on mapping different layers rather than mere distances. The capital of Sylgrid was immense, far exceeding its appearance from the outside. Roads branched out in intricate, concentric patterns. Elevated pathways linked structures built from clay and molding compounds, shaped into domes and terraces. Open-air markets teemed with an abundance of goods: fragments of jade, various powders, intricately carved talismans, and living plants artfully shaped into tools and decorative items.

Thousands of Sylgrid citizens navigated the bustling streets.

The air thrummed with cacophonous sounds, the din of commerce, and constant movement.

"I have him," Arlen murmured after a brief period. "A child. Moving with haste. Towards the northeast."

They proceeded to follow.

Teleportation was employed judiciously – short, precise jumps, executed with perfect timing. Thaddeus maintained the integrity of the veil continuously, adjusting for variations in local density and the flow of pedestrian traffic. Despite passing within mere arm's reach of numerous Sylgrid individuals, none reacted. No one cast a glance. No one faltered.

The child navigated the throng with practiced agility, weaving through market stalls and descending into narrower, less-traveled paths. He deliberately avoided the main thoroughfares, opting instead for alleyways partially obscured by cascading vines and exposed root systems.

After several minutes, the surrounding environment underwent a noticeable transformation.

The ambient noise began to recede.

The buildings grew closer together, appearing older and more weathered. Their ornate features diminished. The child halted before a wooden edifice partially concealed by dense, overgrown roots. He cast a final glance around before discreetly entering.

They followed him inside.

The interior opened into a confined network of tunnels, crudely constructed yet fortified. The walls were scored with ancient runes, and the stony ground was stained with jade dust. The air carried a metallic, stagnant odor.

They ventured deeper into the subterranean passages.

The child's pace slowed as he approached a modest doorway, flanked by two imposing Sylgrid guards. Their physiques were heavily muscled, and they held jade-like weaponry with casual ease. They noticed the boy's arrival immediately.

"Well, look who it is, Jak's little messenger," one of the guards chuckled.

The child visibly recoiled. "I—I have something for you," he stammered, extending the paper with visibly trembling fingers.

The guards exchanged a significant look.

"Always bringing trouble," the second guard grumbled, snatching the paper from the boy's grasp. "Now be off with you."

The child needed no further urging. He turned and fled immediately.

One guard turned away and knocked on the door before proceeding inside. The other guard remained stationed outside.

The trio remained motionless, concealed and mere steps away from the guards.

Then, they followed the guard who had entered the room.

The space within was surprisingly vast—and deeply unsettling.

This was clearly no ordinary hideout.

The Sylgrid were a blur of activity, occupied with their grim tasks. Some were busy sealing green powder into containers, while others hauled shackled Sylgrid across the floor – clearly slaves. A rough fight ring was set up in one corner, its stones stained with blood. In another area, humans were confined behind bars, their faces etched with the despair and fear as the Sylgrid moved among them without any hesitation.

Arlen's jaw clenched tightly.

Erevan's gaze turned steely, yet he did not falter in his pace.

They continued to follow the guard, observing everything.

At last, the guard halted before a heavily reinforced door and delivered a knock.

"Come in," a deep, gruff voice commanded from within.

The guard pushed the door open and stepped inside.

They followed hot on his heels.

The chamber was not large, but an aura of authority emanated from it. Seated behind a substantial table was a large Sylgrid, his green skin marked with numerous scars. A brown beard defined his jawline, and his eyes glinted with a sharp, predatory intelligence.

The guard presented the parchment.

The leader glanced at it once.

Then, he let out a snort of derision.

"Hmph… humans."

A slow, wide grin began to spread across his face.

"Jak has certainly done well."

"Falad has truly outdone himself this time," he remarked, clear amusement lacing his tone. "Smuggling humans during such a sensitive period?"

He let out a laugh, a sound both deep and unpleasant.

"He’s already caught the Emperor’s attention. This merely seals his fate."

The leader leaned back in his chair, radiating satisfaction. "Another obstacle removed from our path."

His laughter reverberated within the confines of the room.

"This must be delivered to the emperor immediately," the leader stated.

"And what about the humans?" the guard inquired, a grin playing on his lips.

"We cannot lay a hand on them. If we are to report this to the emperor, he must witness the humans himself. Should we take them, it would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention. And I detest attention," the leader declared, his voice taking on a harder edge towards the end of his statement.

"However, we must still verify the situation. We cannot afford to trust anyone, not even Jak. If we deliver false information, then we will be the ones facing the consequences," the leader added, a contemplative expression settling on his face.

"Summon Gaf to my presence."