Chapter 342: Danger

The artifact car hummed with a low resonance as it tore through city streets with smooth, inhuman precision. Riven had one hand lazily draped on the wheel, eyes sharp and calm as always, while the others settled in the back.

“You guys ready for this undertaking?” Rae asked suddenly, spinning halfway around in her seat to grin at them. She sat with one boot up on the dashboard as if she owned the vehicle. Well, that was until Riven gave her a flick on the forehead for it, which in turn made the tanned woman yelp and look at her sister with eyes of betrayal.

“We’re more than ready!” Aria chirped brightly, practically bouncing in her seat. “We decided we’d keep it simple this time, warm up a little before we go for the scarier stuff. Plus, shorter runs are better for stream content, right? Nobody wants to watch us crawl in circles for two weeks straight.”

Nyx smirked while her fingers were idly tapping against her phone as she live-updated their socials. “You’re very chirpy today, yandere bestie. By the way, Rae, are you and Riven planning to clear your own dungeon again, like last time?”

Rae’s grin widened, all teeth and mischief. “Yeppers. Found a nice one, too. Don’t worry, though; we’ll level up plenty and be back before you miss us.”

Nyx only smirked and wished the duo good luck while not lifting her eyes from her phone’s display.

The car slowed as they approached the looming dungeon gate. This time, it wasn’t hidden deep in some forest or mountain range. The dungeon portal pulsed ominously in the middle of the city itself, anchored into the asphalt like a tumor. Around it stretched a sprawling housing complex. All residents had long been evacuated.

Kaiden’s gaze swept the perimeter, taking in the scene. Diaz was already there, the rogue was leaning casually against a wall, dressed in dark leather. Even from a distance, he noticed Kaiden now that the artifact car turned off its enchantments, which made it invisible to the naked eye.

The man gave Kaiden a short nod, visibly ready for war. This time, they’d be teaming up with another squad from Runewoven. Which, thankfully, meant that there would be no Vaelira.

As Kaiden moved to open the door, his eyes caught on the familiar sight of the masked government guards stationed by the dungeon’s entrance. Their faceless helmets gave nothing away, a wall of silent professionalism.

But just as his hand opened the door and he began stepping out…

*Skrrtt!!*

The car lurched forward violently. Riven slammed her foot on the gas, making the artifact vehicle practically scream as it jumped forward.

“Watch out!” Rae shouted as she reached back and yanked Kaiden back into the car, hard by the collar.

A thunderous blast shook the street. A bloom of fire and concussive force erupted exactly where the car had been moments before. Shards of scorched stone and twisted metal rained down behind them.

If Riven hadn’t floored it, and if Rae hadn’t pulled him back, Kaiden would’ve stepped right into the heart of the explosion.

Masked figures emerged from the shadows, descending in droves from the nearby rooftops and balconies. Their movements were sharp, disciplined, and eerily synchronized. Robes cloaked their forms, masks hiding any trace of identity, making them faceless phantoms against the smoke and fire of the recent blast.

“What’s going on?!” Luna shouted while frantically looking around, gathering information.

“I can’t recognize them like this, they’re completely hiding their identities!” Nyx declared while her fingers were already moving with telekinetic instinct as her eyes darted between the robed intruders.

Riven gritted her teeth while her hands were planted steadily on the wheel as the artifact car roared through the street. But even with her precision, she couldn’t predict what happened next.

From above, a figure plummeted.

*BOOM!*

He slammed down on the roof of the car with the force of a warhead. The impact of his arrival was further bolstered by twin bursts of explosive mana that erupted from his boots. The ground shuddered and then caved beneath the reinforced chassis, leaving the vehicle wedged deep in broken asphalt. The sheer force of his landing rattled every bone in Kaiden’s body.

The masked man crouched on the dented hood, looking inside the car through the window that refused to break.

His eyes were ominous, shining brightly behind the mask. His presence was outright suffocating. He radiated raw power, combined with hostile intent, which made Kaiden gulp as he stared into the man’s eyes through the window.

Riven’s calm voice cut through the tense moment. “We’re stuck.” She slammed her foot against the pedal again, but the car didn’t budge. Its wheels pushed uselessly against the crater. Still, her eyes showed no fear. She glanced at Rae.

The twins’ gaze met, and a silent understanding passed between them.

Rae flashed her teeth in a feral grin while cracking her knuckles. “Finally, the time we earn our keep. We’ve been nothing but decorations thus far.”

Riven’s hand darted down, pressing a hidden runic button on the dash. *Psssshh!* Thick plumes of black smoke hissed out from vents, enveloping the car in a dense shroud.

The doors swung open, and the duo stepped out into the smokescreen. Shapes moved in the haze; Runewoven’s team was already rushing in to engage, blades and spells flashing as masked enemies poured down from every direction. The Awakened Association guards joined as well, breaking their still line into sudden ferocity.

“Kai!!” Aria cried, reaching for his hand to calm herself with worry running wild in her voice.

Kaiden looked out through the smoke; his expression was grim. “… Has our risky path finally caught up with us? It doesn’t seem like a random attack; they are likely here for us…”

Nyx pressed her lips tight. “We’ve been respectfully declining emissaries and invitations from every guild and organization that’s asked for a meeting. Do you think…?”

“One of them ran out of patience, huh…” Luna muttered darkly. Her purple eyes were already shining with lightning sparks.

“Master, I suggest we help the others defeat the attackers. Instead of sitting here and hoping to be saved, we should fight for our lives using our newly gained powers from breaking through the bottlenecks.”

“I couldn’t have said it any better myself,” Kaiden declared and stepped, reaching for the door’s handle.

Just like this, the location edged deep inside the most populous parts of the city became a battlefield.

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