God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 537: Sparing with VV

Gabriel didn't let much time pass after his awakening.

While the memory fragment didn't yield the direct answer he sought, it presented him with something valuable nonetheless. The developer was becoming active behind the scenes, and the IceQueen path remained one of the few avenues that could bring him closer to that individual.

Later the same day, Gabriel made his way back to ChaosKnight’s tower, resuming his guise as White Phantom. IceQueen was already present within her office, seated at her desk, with ChaosCleric and Vv positioned nearby.

"I will accompany you," Gabriel stated with a calm demeanor.

A subtle shift occurred in IceQueen’s eyes, though her expression remained composed. It was evident she was pleased, yet she managed to conceal it effectively.

"Excellent," she responded. "Prepare what you deem necessary. We depart for Tianlan in two days' time."

Gabriel offered a slight nod. "Understood."

Leaning back slightly in her chair, IceQueen added, "This mission will prove to be far from simple. There are merely ten invitation slots available, and every group venturing there will include formidable individuals. Fortunately, we now have you. We can only hope you'll be able to lead the team."

"That should pose no challenge," Gabriel replied.

ChaosCleric cast a glance in his direction but remained silent. Having witnessed the fate of Black Star, he no longer entertained the same doubts concerning White Phantom's self-assurance as he had previously.

Far away, within the confines of New Dawn, similar arrangements were being finalized.

The core members reconvened, and the atmosphere within the room was noticeably more subdued than usual. Sophie stood at the forefront, while Sarah occupied a seat to the side, maintaining her characteristic relaxed posture. Ragnarok99, Arnold, Cassie, Bunny, Sniperbowlegend, Samantha, and the others listened with rapt attention as Sophie concluded her explanation of the situation.

"So, Gabriel will not be returning before the mission commences?" Arnold inquired.

Sophie turned her gaze towards Sarah. "How did your search conclude?"

Sarah offered a faint smile, crossing one leg over the other. "He indicated he will meet us at the destination."

Upon hearing this, a few individuals exchanged meaningful glances.

Ragnarok99 stroked his chin, murmuring, "So, he is already aware."

Cassie folded her arms. "Naturally, he is aware. That individual invariably discovers crucial matters before anyone else."

Holding the token, Sophie spoke with measured calm. "Very well, we shall proceed. We will assemble the team, organize our provisions, and set forth for Tianlan along the prescribed route provided by Martial Palace. Gabriel will join us there."

The subsequent two days elapsed with surprising swiftness.

Preparations were diligently undertaken on both fronts. New Dawn meticulously selected those who would represent their guild. Likewise, ChaosKnight made their choices, ensuring that White Phantom's participation remained concealed from all outside the innermost circle. By the time the journey commenced, news of the Buried God’s Tomb had yet to permeate the public sphere, adding to the mission's air of exclusivity and secrecy.

The train bound for Tianlan traversed the vast, untamed wilderness. Its tracks wound through dense forests, across arid rocky plains, and past ancient, desolate ruins where monstrous creatures occasionally strayed too close. The train itself was engineered for perilous journeys, boasting a reinforced exterior and segmented private compartments designated for more powerful guests requiring undisturbed rest.

Gabriel was granted a specialized compartment at his own request.

ChaosCleric voiced a brief complaint regarding the associated expense, but IceQueen sanctioned it without a second thought. Considering all that had transpired, affording White Phantom a private space was a minor consideration. If anything, he required adequate rest prior to reaching Tianlan.

Within the train's interior, Vv, ChaosCleric, and several key members of ChaosKnight shared a common section. The majority maintained a respectful distance from Gabriel. Some did so out of wariness, while others simply felt unsure how to engage with him.

The journey itself was far from uneventful.

On numerous occasions, monstrous entities obstructed the tracks or emerged from the surrounding wilderness to assault the train. Each incident necessitated the deployment of teams to venture outside and neutralize the threats. At times, ChaosKnight took the lead; on other occasions, a different contingent from a separate train would proactively engage. These skirmishes were brief but served to keep all passengers on high alert.

One particular night, when the majority of the train had finally succumbed to slumber, Gabriel emerged from his quarters. It was his designated watch to monitor the train's path and confront any encroaching monsters.

Ordinarily, this duty would be shared by more than one individual, but Gabriel was an exception. ChaosKnight held a firm conviction in his capacity to manage whatever the wilderness might present.

The dimly lit corridor offered a cool ambiance, with low-wattage lamps affixed along the walls. The rhythmic rumble of the train wheels on the tracks provided a constant, subdued auditory backdrop.

Gabriel moved with notable quietness, a practice cultivated through his recent augmentation in power.

His initial intention was simply to stretch his limbs and survey the immediate vicinity. However, as he passed an unoccupied training compartment, he detected subtle sounds emanating from within.

Faint footsteps. The rustle of metal. A hushed exhalation.

He halted at the entrance of the half-ajar door, peering inside. A figure, clad in familiar armor, was present within.

Gabriel observed the display in quiet contemplation for a period.

His fascination grew with each passing moment of observation. While the techniques lacked ostentation, their effectiveness was undeniable. Vv's stability was unshakeable, and his command of timing was exceptional. It was evident that the individual encased in that armor had dedicated themselves to rigorous training.

Following another swift, clean cut, Gabriel finally offered a single clap. The sound reverberated gently throughout the room.

Vv ceased his movements instantly, swiveling towards the entrance, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. His undetected presence was a testament to Gabriel's skill in perfectly masking his aura, leaving Vv entirely unaware of his approach.

Gabriel entered the room, his hands resting loosely at his sides. "Impressive," he commented.

Without lowering his weapon, Vv faced him. "How long have you been observing me?"

Gabriel's demeanor remained composed as he responded, "Sufficiently long."

A brief, charged silence descended between the two.

Vv remained quiet for a moment longer. Though his face was concealed by the helmet, Gabriel could sense the armored warrior's intense scrutiny, undoubtedly assessing his intentions.

Meanwhile, Gabriel's gaze drifted to the sword clutched in Vv's grasp, his head tilting slightly.

"Care for a spar?"

...

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