Reborn As Noble Chapter 1286: Assessing the Threat ( 1286 )

Armand Nation.Armand Estate.Armand Command Center.

Garius occupied his chair, arms interlaced, his gaze locked onto the expansive screen that showcased real-time Sky Eyes footage. Beside him, his mana portable computer hummed, projecting intricate data and strategic overlays. The chamber buzzed with hushed activity as Armand’s officers diligently worked, capturing notes, dissecting information, and overseeing numerous live feeds from the Sky Eyes surveillance network.

Alf and Erinette were seated nearby, their postures relaxed yet attentive.

Garius observed the Sky Eyes feed displayed on the screen, which presented a live view of Amazarak with remarkable clarity. The novel function implemented by Javier granted an unparalleled degree of detail, enabling zoom capabilities to focus on specific individuals with sharp, distinct imagery.

"Alf?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

A smirk touched Garius’s lips, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Javier's new feature is quite remarkable. It allows us to scrutinize these outsiders with a detail we previously lacked. Their movements, their structures, even their facial expressions and every piece of weaponry they possess… all captured with crisp precision."

Alf inclined his head, his expression grave. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Prince Javier’s innovations continue to exceed expectations. With this level of visual fidelity, we can decipher their speech, monitor their formations, and anticipate their tactics before they even initiate action. The enemy is completely unaware that their every move is under scrutiny."

Garius nodded, his eyes then focusing on the screen, drawing attention to one of the figures.

"That individual, Alf."

"Ah~ The one conversing with an Amazarak resident," Alf acknowledged, leaning forward slightly to examine the image more closely.

"Yes… he appears to be in command," Garius surmised, evaluating the man's stance, his commanding aura, and the deference shown by those around him. "Observe the bearing of the other outsiders in his vicinity. Some exhibit wariness, while others maintain lowered heads, as if yielding to his authority. He is not merely a leader, but someone they hold in respect or perhaps fear."

"You are correct, Your Majesty. His demeanor clearly denotes authority. He is most likely a high-ranking officer or a strategist amongst them."

Garius stroked his chin, contemplating. "I ponder if there might be a method to ascertain their spoken words and discussions. Lip-reading has its utility, yet its accuracy is not always absolute."

Alf shifted his gaze towards him. "Shall I dispatch a request to the Shadow Unit currently positioned near Amazarak? Several are officially stationed within the Beastkin Nation, and others in the Elven Nation. They possess the capability to infiltrate and acquire intelligence firsthand."

"Negative." Garius’s expression turned stern as he looked back at the screen, crossing his arms. "We cannot be certain if any among them possess detection abilities, tracking spells, or the means to detect clandestine units. I am unwilling to jeopardize our operatives. I am confident we can uncover an alternative approach to gather the necessary intelligence."

He turned his attention to one of the officers seated nearby.

"Magron?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Present the Sky Eyes perspective of the Elven Northern Border Town."

"Understood, Your Majesty." Magron manipulated a sequence of runes on the console, selecting one of the multitude of available visual feeds. The primary screen transformed, revealing a live transmission from the Elven Northern Border Town.

Garius watched with keen interest as the image centered on the town's central square. Near the fountain, a colossal orange pekko rested languidly, its feathers catching the morning sunlight.

Alongside it, a young man sat upon the stone rim of the fountain, clad in tattered, patched beggar’s attire. His hair was disheveled and unkempt, and a pair of mana glasses rested upon his nose as he casually reclined, appearing to have no pressing engagements.

Garius let out a soft shake of his head, a faint, amused smile gracing his lips.

"Were I not privy to his identity, I would readily believe him to be a genuine mendicant. The manner in which he carries himself, his seamless integration into the surroundings… he has fully embraced the role."

Alf offered a subtle smile, his voice tinged with admiration. "Prince Javier possesses extraordinary talent. He can infiltrate any scenario, adapt to any persona, and maintain such a convincing illusion. He does not merely don the disguise; he embodies the character. It is a true gift. Keen observation, remarkable mimicry, and a spark of brilliance, all coalesced into one individual. It is truly impressive."

Garius emitted a low chuckle, a rare, gentle smile briefly animating his normally austere features.

"Well… now is not the opportune moment to be impressed by his skill set. We are confronted with more pressing concerns. And judging by my youngest son's current appearance and the way he wears his mana glasses, I have little doubt he is already monitoring these outsiders himself."

Alf smirked, nodding in agreement. "Knowing Prince Javier, he is undoubtedly already dissecting their movements, their strategies, and their vulnerabilities. He would not squander even a single moment."

"Mm..." Garius gave a nod, his hand reaching for his mana talkie and sliding it into his ear. He channeled his mana, and the device hummed to life.

"Javier."

Meanwhile.

In the Northern Border Town of the Elves.

Javier leaned back against the stone edge of the fountain, his mana glasses projecting a live feed from the Sky Eyes street view. He observed the new figure moving through the Amazarak base with an air of calm command.

Hmm... this new individual... just by observing him, it's evident he's no ordinary person. His weapon, his stance, the way he speaks and carries himself... while he may not be the primary leader, he is undoubtedly someone of importance.

He zoomed in on the new person's movements, meticulously studying his gestures and interactions.

He could be strong amongst them, or perhaps he possesses a keen intellect. Judging by his movements, his assessment of the situation, and how he commands others without raising his voice... it bears a strong resemblance to Father's methods. He's thinking ahead, planning, strategizing.

This individual might be their mastermind. The strategist and their tactician.

It's fortunate that I dispatched my micro bug drone into their encampment. It's a minuscule audio device that captures sound and transmits the data via a mana link through the Sky Eyes and the mana satellite.

Javier smirked, his eyes gleaming with a sense of satisfaction.

All of their prior conversations have already been successfully recorded.

He tapped his mana glasses, bringing up the audio logs.

Hmm... perhaps I should configure a live voice feed alongside the recording function. This way, I can listen to their plans in real-time and also retain the recordings for subsequent analysis.

He glanced up at Buddy, who was resting lazily beside him.

"Buddy?"

"Cuquawked?" Buddy let out a soft squawk, tilting his head down to regard him.

"Cover me with your wing so I can utilize my backup portable mana computer to establish the new live audio relay."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy smirked with his beak, lifting his massive wing and draping it over Javier, effectively shielding him from view.

"Thanks, Buddy." Javier murmured in a low voice, already retrieving his compact mana computer. "Tonight, we shall feast on the pre-cooked meat I have stashed within my dimensional storage."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy's eyes immediately lit up, his tail feathers twitching with palpable excitement.