Chapter 910: Strange Feeling

Later that night, Adam found himself in his underground laboratory.

This was the most secure place in his estate, away from the prying eyes of mortals and Magi alike.

It also contained a secret portal to his personal vault underneath Saratoga Castle.

However, he hadn’t come here to travel to his massive underground vault filled with riches. No, there were things far more important than that at the moment.

Not only were Anna and her entourage leaving the following day, but he had just learned from Elrod that the forces of the Cult of the Bones had already arrived within the city.

The raven-haired youth sat at a large wooden table, his expression dark and contemplative.

He leaned forward, elbows resting on the surface, and interlocked his fingers beneath his chin as his eyes fixed on the items laid out before him.

His mind wandered.

I haven’t sensed the presence of any Mana Core Magi in the city…

Could it be that they haven’t arrived yet?

No!

His expression hardened.

It is safe to assume that they have probably arrived, but are in hiding. Perhaps, on the outskirts?

Or they’re not in Ravenfell at all.

But the question remains…

Adam’s eyes narrowed.

How were they able to breach Ravenfell’s security and enter in the first place?

Lady Benton has put countless measures in place, ensuring nothing like this happens. Is there a mole within the city’s armed forces?

As far as I know, the other Councilors cannot interfere with anything even remotely related to the city’s armed forces…

That means there has to be a spy hidden deep within the armed forces of Ravenfell!

These were merely speculations, but Adam felt like he wasn’t far away from the truth.

To be able to have a spy deep within the ranks of the city’s armed forces…

Adam’s heart was gripped by a foreboding feeling.

Just how long has the Cult been planning this?

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the turbulent emotions bubbling inside his heart.

Elrod had mentioned to him earlier that the following day, the members of the Twilight Brotherhood would be secretly gathering, and that he had to be present as well.

Among them, there would be several Mana Vortex Magi!

The arrival of the Brotherhood’s Mana Vortex Magi means only one thing, he thought, his expression dark.

The battle between the Twilight Brotherhood and the Cult of Bones is not far away!

No… it has probably already begun!

He took a deep breath again. The feeling of foreboding continued to bloom in his heart. He knew that the upcoming battle would be unlike anything he’d ever participated in.

Usually, he’d be excited to participate in such battles.

But this time…

No. He had a feeling something would go wrong. Terribly wrong.

At the very least, Anna won’t be in Ravenfell, he thought, relieved.

Thinking of Anna, he turned his attention back to the items on the table.

There were several Grade 3 magical ingredients, a rune carver, and finally, at the center of it all, a clump of his hair.

He cast a series of hand seals, causing his strands of hair to converge into one thick strand of hair. Then, he grabbed the rune carver and started inscribing runes on it.

It was going to be a long night…

***

The following day, Anna and her entourage had finished packing their luggage and were ready to depart for the Southern Federation.

Their plan was to head to the nearest port town and board a ship there. The harbor at Ravenfell was severely congested at the time, and it would be weeks, if not months, before they could catch the next vessel out of the city.

Anna and the rest felt a subtle sense of urgency for some strange reason. Or else, they wouldn’t mind waiting a few weeks until they could board a ship from Ravenfell itself.

However, they thought nothing of it.

“Ready?” Adam faintly smiled as he gazed at the crimson-haired princess.

Anna turned to him but didn’t immediately answer. She cast a look at the silhouette of the main manor in the distance, then turned around to gaze at the sprawling, luxurious estate.

“Something… feels strange,” she murmured.

Turning back to Adam, she asked, “Are you going to be alright?”

Adam’s heart ached. But on the outside, he displayed a brilliant smile. “Don’t worry, sister. Of course, I’ll be alright.”

Anna’s brows furrowed as she lowered her head. Her eyes flashed with a peculiar light. She felt like she was overlooking something.

But… she couldn’t quite put a finger on it.

Suddenly, Adam gently grasped her hand and began walking toward the concealed exit. The rest of the entourage followed close behind.

“Remember, the overseer of that place is a little… eccentric,” Adam said, trying to divert his sister’s attention.

“But as long as you show him the calling card and tell him you’re my sister, things will work out just fine, got it?”

Anna nodded. She turned to look at him and asked, “What kind of place is that?”

“A paradise for Magi.” Adam grinned.

If his speculations were correct, then that place wasn’t merely a secret plane, but something much more.

Alas, there was no way of confirming his speculations.

Not yet, anyway.

The group passed through the exit concealed between trees and bushes and arrived at the relatively empty cobbled street.

At the very least, there weren’t any crazy fanatics loitering around, just a few neighbors going about their day.

A carriage was waiting for them already.

Adam stepped toward the driver and flatly instructed, “These people will take it from here.”

“…My Lord?” The man was perplexed.

Adam turned to look at Daryl and faintly smiled, “Won’t you drive the carriage?”

“I will?” The auburn-haired man pointed at himself in confusion. “Why can’t Ro—”

“You will.” Adam smiled, his tone laced with finality.

He then turned to the driver and gestured. “Go on, now.”

“Y-yes, my lord!” The driver got out of the carriage and soon left.

Anna gave him a questioning look. “What was that for?”

“Haha, oh, you know, he has a history of getting drunk on the job,” Adam lied through his teeth. “I wouldn’t trust him with riding the carriage. I think Daryl here would do a fine job.”

The auburn-haired man’s lips twitched. He couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, Why can’t your butler drive? Wasn’t that the whole reason he was coming with us?

Adam ignored him. He turned to the old man, Kaspar York, and solemnly stated, “Don’t let your guard down until you reach Glassford.”

“Don’t worry.” Kaspar nodded confidently. “I’ll be alert at all times.”

“Good.” Adam then walked up to Rowan, who was standing with his family.

He placed a hand on his loyal subordinate’s shoulder and smiled faintly. “Look after my sister, alright?”

“Leave it to me, Master.” Rowan smiled brightly. “I shall serve Lady Anna as faithfully as I’ve served you.”

The man believed he was simply leaving for a vacation.

But little did he know…

This was the last time he would see his master.