Chapter 494: Butterflies in the Web

Sometimes Henwell wonders if every step he’s taken so far was already predicted by those above.

After becoming a Paladin, his personal strength becomes a bottleneck.

So the higher-ups assign him cross-world missions.

Not only do they give him time to train, but they also upgrade his weapons and gear.

On top of that, they grant him a passive advanced defense ability to extend his health bar.

Back to the present, the church needs Henwell not just as a Paladin, but as their representative across the continent’s nations.

They want the kingdoms to see how the people they raise can shake things up for them.

And now there’s a perfect opportunity, what could command more respect from the royal families than capturing a king alive?

So when Henwell proposes capturing Ulysses alive, all four team captains agree.

Does Henwell not realize the risks?

Of course he does. But for him, nothing is more serious than personally killing a king on behalf of the church.

That would immediately put him at odds with the continent’s royal families, making Peace Haven’s future even harder.

He would likely have to rely entirely on the church’s protection just to survive.

That’s something Henwell cannot accept.

But capturing a king leaves room for maneuver.

After all, it’s not just him doing the capture, the Western Federation operatives are the ones taking action.

At most, Henwell is just the guide, not the mastermind.

Though there will be consequences, it’s far better than carrying the label of a king slayer.

Last time the church tried to show off, they ended up exposing their backside at the Transformation Ceremony.

That severely damaged the Western Federation’s reputation.

This time, the higher-ups insist everything must be done perfectly.

So now, forbidding them from bringing their own equipment into the palace puts the team captains in a tough spot.

Whether it’s the church’s Paladin squad or the empire’s Hunter Knight squad, their gear is exceptional.

Without it, their combat effectiveness drops significantly.

Especially if they have to switch to the royal guard’s equipment, while decent, it’s standard issue and reduces their fighting power by at least thirty percent.

Seeing Henwell and the others fall silent, Leician continues, “This is already the best outcome. You’ll be able to get closest to the core castle area of the palace in the shortest time possible. I know you’re all skilled, but the palace guards are tight, and there are plenty of ballistas. If you charge in recklessly, you’ll suffer heavy casualties. So you’d better think this through.”

Henwell frowns. “Can’t we just send the gear in ahead of time and switch when we get there?”

Leician sneers. “Ha, do you think this is a stroll through the palace? Getting you inside at all is already pushing it. You want to change equipment? How long do you think that will take? Our people will do their best to get you inside, but if you make it into the castle, that’s the best-case scenario. What, you plan to swagger around Sunflower Fortress’s gate swapping gear?”

Henwell thinks for a moment. “We don’t need the full set. Just send in a few big crates for us.”

After a brief hesitation, Leician replies, “I’ll try to arrange it, but I can’t guarantee success.”

With everything set, the team prepares to move out early the day after tomorrow.

During this time, they pore over the palace map, studying every detail and preparing contingency plans for various scenarios.

Sunflower Fortress is the top priority. Henwell even crafts a miniature model of the castle based on the floor plan, giving everyone a more intuitive understanding.

That night, Henwell quietly returns to Yinxin City.

He arrives at Pi’s base, where Wizet, the squad leader of the Lord Iron Guards, and others await.

These fifty Lord Iron Guards, working alongside members of the Military Intelligence Office, have established a tightly knit defense.

Michelle is held here, Henwell brought her before leaving.

He worries that if he’s gone, someone might try to silence her, like the Marquess of Nothing.

Even if the Marquess tries to storm the place while Henwell is away, it won’t be easy.

Henwell’s elite troops have formed a certain level of Civilization Aura, which would suppress any intruder, including the Marquess.

At the same time, Henwell uses the Lord Iron Guards here to guard against Veil’s attempts to abduct people.

This also creates the illusion that Henwell is still in Yinxin City, making it easier for Henwell and his team to launch their palace assault.

Henwell enters the room where Michelle is held captive and sees her sitting quietly by the window.

They haven’t seen each other for years, and the woman has grown even more beautiful.

Tall and slender, with golden hair and sharp cheekbones, she carries an inexplicable air of strength and coldness.

When the door opens, Michelle glances at Henwell but says nothing, turning back to gaze at the stars outside.

Henwell remains silent for a long moment before speaking. “Michelle, once I finish dealing with Ulysses, I’ll come and take you home.”

Michelle replies calmly, “Don’t ask me anything. I won’t say a word. I can’t share Veil’s information with you. But thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Henwell smiles. “I told you, I’ve arranged everything. I’ll handle it all. You don’t have to tell me about Veil. After all these years investigating them, I already know some of their operations. I’ll provide the safehouses, you just need to wait quietly. When the time comes, tell the church you gave them the intel.”

Michelle lets out a bitter laugh. “Henwell, do you really think we’ve escaped Veil? Maybe our freedom was just part of their plan all along.”

Henwell hesitates briefly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know Fun House was one of Veil’s assets. Come back with me to Peace Haven. There, Veil can’t touch you.”

Michelle lightly brushes her hair aside. “Are you sure you’ve completely broken free from the Veil Organization?”

Henwell nods firmly. “I’m certain. And I will destroy Veil for good.”

Michelle turns to him, studying him for a long moment before suddenly smiling. “Henwell, you’ve grown tall, and more handsome. It’s good you’ve escaped Veil. Our comrades, following you, can start over. Finally, someone remembers us, the failures who walked this world.”

Henwell doesn’t argue further. “Get some rest. I’m heading to the palace to capture Ulysses the day after tomorrow.”

With that, he turns and leaves.

As Henwell steps out of the courtyard, Michelle calls out, “Henwell! You’ve always been clever. Be clever this time too. The palace is tough to break into. If things go wrong, run fast. You said before, when facing beasts, you don’t need to outrun the beast, just your companions.”