Sand Mage of the Burnt Desert Chapter 621

“Mm!”

A tremor ran through Osolo’s eyes, his current guise being that of Lee Yeolsan.

He had already been profoundly taken aback upon their arrival in the slums via the portal.

His preconceived notions of Neo Seoul were of disdain, yet its development was utterly astonishing.

He'd initially dismissed it, attributing it to El Harun's comparable, albeit differently directed, progress.

However, his disbelief solidified only after they ventured deeper into Neo Seoul itself.

The vicinity of the portal, though developed, paled in comparison to the city proper, encased within its walls.

Gazing upon skyscrapers that pierced the heavens, immaculately clean streets, and a technological cityscape, Osolo and his Shadow Tribe were rendered speechless.

El Harun, which they had once considered the pinnacle of civilization, now seemed no more than a humble village compared to Neo Seoul.

“So, ten million people… reside within this place?” Osolo questioned, his voice barely a whisper.

“Indeed, with an additional ten million outside the walls, a total of twenty million souls are gathered upon this compact landmass,” his subordinate replied.

“Incredible,” Osolo breathed.

His subordinate’s confirmation prompted an involuntary utterance from Osolo.

Even El Harun’s population had barely reached a few hundred thousand. Neo Seoul, however, boasted a population dozens of times that number.

The sheer density of people packed into such a confined urban area was almost inconceivable.

“And despite such a dense human populace, there are no apparent issues?” Osolo inquired further.

“I have heard that the mayor of this city is an individual of extraordinary capability,” the subordinate relayed.

“Mm! It is hard to fathom. That mere humans could wield such power.” A deep crease formed between Osolo’s brows.

The Shadow Tribe, under his leadership, possessed a profoundly unique ability: the capacity to meld perfectly into any shadow, concealing themselves flawlessly and assuming the exact appearance of any target.

Osolo, as their leader, commanded an even more remarkable power—the ability to absorb fragments of another’s memories.

This potent combination of stealing both form and recollection, enabling them to become indistinguishable from their targets, made them unparalleled infiltrators and assassins.

It was a power far beyond human comprehension.

Possessing such gifts, they held their heads high even in El Harun, a melting pot of numerous races.

Consequently, Osolo had long regarded humans as utterly insignificant, like dust beneath his feet.

While acknowledging the occasional emergence of rare individuals with special abilities, he firmly believed humanity’s collective prowess was vastly inferior to that of the Shadow Tribe.

However, the moment he witnessed the interior of Neo Seoul, he was compelled to concede the error of his prejudiced viewpoint.

This monumental city, constructed predominantly by human hands, far eclipsed El Harun, a testament to the combined efforts of countless races.

Even if El Harun had remained intact, confronting Neo Seoul would have been an act of utter absurdity.

The latent potential of humans, capable of erecting such a metropolis upon the harsh desert, now struck him as genuinely terrifying.

At that juncture, a member of the Shadow Tribe spoke with caution, “We are losing precious time standing here. We must proceed swiftly to our objective. Any further delay might alert them to the replacements.”

“Right! Let us move,” Osolo commanded.

He nodded and set his course toward the North District.

Their successful infiltration of Neo Seoul’s security checkpoints was facilitated by their disguise as the monster-hunting team led by Lee Yeolsan. Yet, as his subordinate rightly pointed out, prolonged indecision could lead to discovery.

The North District was the intended destination for Osolo and his Shadow Tribe.

Fortuitously, as Lee Yeolsan was known to operate in this area, their presence initially drew no suspicion.

Their objective within the North District was the very building that housed Serion.

As befitted the residence of the North District’s ruler, the building was heavily guarded by numerous soldiers. However, none questioned the entry of Lee Yeolsan and his supposed team.

“Hey, heard you bagged a Crown Lizard?”

“You’re set for months, it seems.”

Occasionally, acquaintances of Lee Yeolsan would greet them casually, causing Osolo a moment of unease.

On such occasions, Osolo would delve into Lee Yeolsan’s memories, formulating responses that mirrored his genuine reactions.

“Just got lucky. Even I didn’t expect to land one that size,” Osolo replied, mimicking Lee Yeolsan’s tone.

“Heh heh! That’s just how skilled you are, hyung,” another individual responded.

By employing mannerisms and phrases characteristic of Lee Yeolsan, he narrowly evaded suspicion, proceeding to the tenth floor of the formidable structure.

His ascent halted there, as access to higher levels was restricted to authorized personnel only.

Lee Yeolsan himself had not yet attained the necessary clearance to proceed further.

Nevertheless, Osolo, in his assumed identity, was not deterred.

This outcome had been anticipated.

From this point onward, the unique talents of the Shadow Tribe would be crucial.

Shedding their borrowed appearances, they reverted to their natural forms as members of the Shadow Tribe.

“We will now infiltrate Serion’s residence via the most direct route. Everyone, follow me,” Osolo declared.

“Yes!”

Silently, Osolo and the Shadow Tribe slipped into the ventilation system.

The vents were so narrow that even a child would have difficulty squeezing through them. However, the Shadow Tribe possessed the remarkable ability to alter their bodies’ size and shape at will, adapting to any situation.

For them, the narrowness of the vents presented no obstacle whatsoever.

The true challenge lay in the sophisticated detectors installed within.

As expected in a location as significant as Serion’s residence, detectors were strategically placed even within the ventilation shafts to thwart any intrusions.

Yet, Osolo and his Shadow Tribe contingent managed to expertly disable these devices using their unique innate skills.

Despite encountering several detectors and defensive wards during their upward ascent, they systematically neutralized each one, ultimately reaching their intended destination floor.

The very floor where Serion herself resided.

Their ultimate objective was Serion.

Although they had successfully reached her floor with relative ease, the most formidable challenge now lay before them.

Serion was under the protection of numerous powerful barriers and a substantial contingent of elite troops.

The element of stealth, which had served them so well thus far, was no longer a viable option.

“Hoo…”

Just as Osolo let out a deep, preparatory breath—

“Who are you people? How did you manage to reach this level?” a voice demanded. One of the vigilant elves guarding Serion’s personal quarters had spotted Osolo and was approaching them cautiously.

This was the sanctuary of Serion, the esteemed queen of all races.

Consequently, access to this area was strictly limited to an exceptionally small, vetted group of individuals from select races.

Every person entering or exiting was meticulously accounted for, and yet, this particular elf had no record or recollection of Osolo or the Shadow Tribe.

The absence of any prior notification regarding unexpected arrivals naturally ignited a strong sense of suspicion.

Instead of offering an immediate response, Osolo calmly observed the approaching elf.

The elf possessed a youthful visage, appearing barely beyond the age of twenty.

However, Osolo’s innate perception revealed this outward appearance was deceptive.

He sensed the elf was at least fifty years old, and unequivocally a pureblood elf.

In mere moments, Osolo gleaned information far beyond what any superficial observation could reveal.

He understood that attempting to deceive a pureblood elf, already heightened with suspicion, was an exercise in futility.

Shuu!

At that precise instant, a tendril of shadow erupted from Osolo’s form, moving with the swiftness of a whip, and grazed the elf’s neck.

A stark, crimson line instantly marked the elf’s throat.

“An, intrud—”

Thud!

The elf’s head detached and plummeted to the floor before he could utter a single coherent sound.

His life had been extinguished instantaneously, leaving him no time to even register the attack.

The other elves stationed at a distance, witnessing the shocking event, erupted in alarm.

“Intruders!”

“Sound the alert! Strengthen the defenses!”

In that moment of chaos, Osolo and the Shadow Tribe launched their assault with an almost terrifying velocity.

Slash!

Dark, sinuous blades and coiling whips materialized from the very bodies of the Shadow Tribe members.

These deadly weapons were extensions of their shadow-like forms.

The armaments they conjured possessed a destructive power that rivaled that of legendary aura blades.

Slice! Slash!

Wielding their shadow weapons with ferocious abandon, Osolo and his brethren carved through any opposition that dared to stand in their path.

“Aagh!”

“Th-the emergency bell… hurry!”

Their final moments were filled with agonizing screams.

One of the guards, desperately attempting to trigger the emergency alarm, had his wrist severed by a swift strike.

Yet, even after losing an arm, his resolute determination did not waver.

With his remaining hand, he valiantly managed to press the concealed emergency bell.

Thrust!

Osolo promptly impaled the guard’s neck with a shadow-forged spear, ensuring his demise and preventing any further alarms.

“Damn it!”

Osolo uttered a curse, his gaze fixed on the lifeless form of the guard.

Had this guardian been an ally, Osolo would have undoubtedly commended his unwavering courage and tenacity.

Regrettably, the man belonged to the opposing faction.

Even in his dying throes, he had successfully activated the emergency bell, signaling that the elite forces of the North District stationed below would soon be converging on their position.

Osolo addressed his loyal subordinates.

“I shall handle the conversion of Serion myself. Your task is to hold back the encroaching enemies from below for precisely ten minutes.”

“We shall block their advance with our very lives, Master Osolo.”

Accepting their solemn vow, the Shadow Tribe swiftly moved to secure the stairwells and elevator access points leading upward.

Osolo cast a brief, assessing glance at his warriors before turning his attention forward.

There was absolutely no room for hesitation now.

They were deep within enemy territory.

Regardless of the potency of their shadow abilities, once the elite forces of the North District and the formidable warriors of Neo Seoul were mobilized, their chances of survival would dwindle to nothing.

Osolo was acutely aware that he needed to succeed in converting Serion before his subordinates were all tragically lost.

This critical mission was the sole reason Osolo and the entirety of the Shadow Tribe had breached this heavily fortified stronghold.

Creak!

With a decisive push, Osolo opened the chamber door and stepped inside, revealing Serion seated calmly in a high-backed chair.

Serion’s gaze met Osolo’s, her eyes radiating an icy, unwavering resolve.

“So, it is the esteemed guests from El Harun who have caused such a disturbance. Judging by your unique appearance, you must be members of the Shadow Tribe. Am I correct in my assumption?”

“We extend our sincerest apologies. Had our circumstances not been so dire and urgent, we would never have resorted to such discourteous and aggressive actions.”

“Then you genuinely intend to initiate a full-scale conflict?”

“The war, esteemed Serion, has already commenced. We have been displaced from El Harun, and now, we desperately require a new homeland.”

“And so, your intention is to seize control of Steel Fortress? That is an impossibility. The elite forces of Neo Seoul have already been dispatched to defend it.”

Serion gracefully rose from her seated position.

The moment she had perceived the sounds of intense combat erupting outside, she had already meticulously prepared herself for battle.

Although a considerable amount of time had passed since she last actively engaged in combat, dedicating herself instead to governing the North District, she harbored no intention of submitting passively.

Even as Serion adopted her formidable combat stance, Osolo maintained an air of composed tranquility.

“We anticipated such a response. Any rational individual would undoubtedly construct numerous formidable weapons and establish extensive defensive fortifications to safeguard a crucial asset like Steel Fortress.”

“And with full knowledge of these preparations, you still choose to declare war?”

“Did I not emphasize the urgency of our situation? We are in no position to afford the luxury of being selective about our methods or our objectives.”

“Thus, your arrival here is solely to persuade me to join your cause? I regret to inform you, but your request is futile. I shall not align myself with your faction. This place, this fortress, is my home.”

“I never imagined you would choose to fight on our behalf.”

“Yet, you have journeyed this far, implying you possess a means, correct?”

“Indeed, I have Bark’s Scales in my possession.”

“You cannot possibly mean… the malevolent deity Bark?”

“Precisely!”

“Heavens above. To think the Shadow Tribe has descended to such a state. How could you possibly hold one of Bark’s sacred artifacts?”

Serion appeared utterly incredulous.

Among the Twelve Great Deities of Kurayan, Bark stood alone as the embodiment of evil.

Though he bore a superficial resemblance to the Shadow Tribe, their fundamental natures were worlds apart.

Had the Shadow Tribe aligned themselves with Bark, they would never have found acceptance within El Harun.

The divine relic that Osolo now wielded contained the formidable will of the evil god Bark.

Any individual ensnared by that will would find their very nature contorted, and more critically, would become an unquestioning servant to the wielder’s commands.

“You are all lunatics. To even contemplate such a scheme of mind control against me.”

“Your attempts to delay are futile. My retainers will undoubtedly intercept any who approach this location.”

“Do you truly believe I will capitulate without a struggle?”

“Judging by appearances, it has been an considerable period since you last engaged in combat. Nevertheless, struggle as you might. An individual such as yourself can be subdued with relative ease.”

Bang!

With a powerful thrust from the ground, Osolo propelled himself toward Serion.

As Osolo’s shadow whip lashed out, Serion met the assault with the swift counter of her rapier.

Clang!

The sharp rapier and the ephemeral shadow whip collided in the air.

Thus began the fierce engagement between Serion and Osolo.

＊＊＊

“The distinctive scent of the Shadow Tribe emanates from this vicinity,”

Hera declared, prompting Zeon to lift his gaze towards the structure before them.

Having frequented this location on several prior occasions, he easily identified the building.

“They are currently targeting Lady Serion.”

“So, this is her current abode?”

“Indeed! Please, follow me.”

Zeon took the lead, entering the building.

WEEOOO!

Within the confines of the structure, the piercing wail of the emergency alarm suddenly erupted.