God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 494: Royal Crest

Few beings did Gabriel wish to evade, particularly during the early phases as he worked to solidify his position in this realm—namely, the sovereigns ruling over it.

Seizing the eastern camp alone—a trivial faction amid the vast landscape—had granted Gabriel close to a thousand stat points.

Should such a minor outpost yield that much, then King Alveron of the Vermilion Kingdom undoubtedly commanded at least a million stat points, or even beyond, thanks to its profound and ancient legacy. He stood nearly, if not fully, as a divine figure on this plane.

The king embodied a mobile apocalypse. Armed with over a million stat points, he could shatter an entire kingdom with mere strikes.

Rumors swirled that his overwhelming might kept him from public view, a notion that rang entirely true.

Once power amassed to such heights, one's grasp on the world shifted. Comfort came solely from fellow rulers whose realms boasted legacies as storied as the Vermilion Kingdom's.

Yet now Xman insisted Gabriel must slip before such a titan and pilfer from him.

Breaching the castle solo proved daunting, guarded by multiple hero-rank sentinels. Still, bolstered by his latest surge in strength, Gabriel felt assured of entry. The true challenge lay in reaching the royal quarters and the king's private sanctum.

Just as turmoil gripped his thoughts, his passive Undead Heart stirred to life, soothing his nerves and restoring sharp focus.

"Are you certain of your words?" Gabriel asked, voice steady.

Xman nodded with assurance. "I've never felt such conviction in my life. Infiltration poses the sole hurdle. But grant me some time, and I can sketch a basic castle layout. It won't be precise, yet it might aid you somewhat."

Gabriel arched an eyebrow. Curiosity burned to probe how Xman would manage it. Even in his previous existence, he'd shunned the castle, leaving its interiors a mystery.

How could one like Xman possess even a crude diagram?

Ultimately, he held back his queries. Time had come to embrace Xman's enigmatic resourcefulness.

"He'd pair perfectly with Legendary Logan," Gabriel mused inwardly.

"Fine, go ahead. Though I'm intrigued by your method, proceed as you wish."

With that, Gabriel settled in, accessing the forum to pass the time as Xman set to work.

Xman explained that crafting the rough map required logging out, since vital tools and references resided in reality.

Gabriel had no issue with this.

Thus, he awaited Xman's improvised map.

....

In New Dawn, affairs progressed smoothly.

Post-Gabriel's departure, Sophie assumed command of the camp without dispute. Her poise, efficiency, and commanding presence ensured obedience—even from the camp's mightiest warriors, who stayed in line under her subtle yet unyielding oversight.

Her leadership restored the camp's order, perhaps surpassing its prior state. Naturally, none voiced such thoughts aloud.

Whispers about Gabriel's abrupt exit persisted, yet Sophie kept everyone occupied with tasks.

Amid managing operations, Sophie discreetly probed another matter.

Sarah.

Gabriel had named Sarah interim head of Division Three upon leaving, yet Sophie knew nothing of her beforehand. Such a capable leader shouldn't be obscure, but camp logs and Gabriel's recruits yielded scant details on Sarah.

Sophie thus sought to uncover her background.

She inquired subtly of others, sifted through ancient camp archives, even racked her memory for any prior mention by Gabriel. Nothing substantial emerged.

Sarah seemed to materialize from thin air.

This fueled Sophie's wariness, though she concealed it. She accorded Sarah full Division Three reins as ordered, maintaining a facade of normalcy while quietly hunting clues.

Currently, Sophie occupied her mansion, mere steps from Gabriel's. Scattered documents covered her table as she scrutinized Arnold's meticulous supply and patrol summaries.

Moments later, a knock echoed at her door.

"Lady Sophie."

Sophie glanced up. "Enter."

The guard stepped in, bowing deeply. "Visitors await at the camp gate. They demand the camp's leader."

Sophie's face shifted subtly; she set aside her papers, fixing her gaze on the guard.

Visitors? None anticipated—nor had Gabriel hinted at any, or he'd have notified her.

"Describe them," Sophie queried.

"Multiple vehicles accompany them," the guard faltered. "But crucially, they bear the Vermilion Kingdom's royal emblem."

"Royal emblem?" Sophie's eyes flared wide, pulse racing.