Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

Few people used the tunnel. William inquired about this, and Beatrice explained that its existence was a well-kept secret within the sewers.

"It's one of the hidden passages," she said.

Beatrice's knowledge stemmed from her status as a powerful mage, her connection to an influential noble family, and her close relationship with the well-informed old man. These factors granted her access to information unavailable to most.

They traversed the tunnel for about fifteen minutes before reaching its end, which opened into the forest surrounding Ignis. The exit was cleverly concealed, not only by vegetation but also by magic that rendered it invisible to outsiders.

"Guards patrol this area frequently, so the magical formations here are quite potent," Beatrice explained. "This ensures the passage remains undiscovered."

"Where should we begin our search?" William inquired.

"They passed through here, so we need to find any marks indicating their direction. The lack of traffic here works in our favor," Beatrice replied.

William nodded, and they split up to search the area for footprints or other clues. They were still in the dark about the number and identity of their adversaries.

Within minutes, William discovered a cluster of footprints in the mud. Two sets were in the center, surrounded by various others. He called for Beatrice.

"Doesn't this look like two people were surrounded by others? It could be James and Leonard," William pointed out.

Beatrice knelt beside the prints, illuminating the area with a magical orb of light. "Yes, it does. I haven't found anything in other directions, so this must be the right way."

The footprints appeared fresh. They decided to follow them.

The possibility of following a false trail loomed over them, but it was a risk they had to take. Their best chance of finding James and Leonard was to follow these tracks and locate them quickly.

Delay could prove disastrous. The tracks might vanish, and their captives could face unknown perils.

William and Beatrice ventured deeper into the forest, away from the city. Beatrice's worry was palpable, fueled by the knowledge of the magic-suppressing handcuffs.

"We're dealing with powerful adversaries, kid," she cautioned William. "Are you prepared to face them? This could have dire consequences if they decide to retaliate."

William understood the risks but couldn't abandon James. They shared a bond of mutual assistance and a crucial mission for the king.

They pressed onward, the sounds of nocturnal creatures echoing through the stillness. A full moon illuminated the forest, casting an ethereal glow. William's senses sharpened, attuned to every rustle and snap.

At last, they stumbled upon their destination. Concealed amidst dense vegetation and towering rocks was a campsite, its presence betrayed by the telltale wisps of smoke rising from a campfire. A group of cloaked figures huddled around the flames, and near the blaze, they spotted James and Leonard, both bound with magic-suppressing handcuffs. Their captors had effectively neutralized their powers, rendering them vulnerable.

"It's them," William whispered, his voice barely audible.

Beatrice frowned, her gaze fixed on the figures surrounding James and Leonard.

"They're competent, but not exceptionally strong," she assessed. "The handcuffs are their only advantage."

"Isn't that a good thing?" William asked, puzzled by her grim expression.

"Yes, but there's something else... Let's focus on rescuing them first. Are you ready for a fight?" Beatrice asked, gripping her staff tightly.

William gripped his steel sword, ready for battle. He was prepared to do whatever it took to save James, even if it meant risking his life or revealing his hidden powers.

He had assessed the mana levels of their adversaries, and they weren't overwhelmingly strong. William was confident in his ability to defeat at least three of them.

Despite being outnumbered, he felt no fear. Beatrice was a formidable mage, more than capable of handling all of them single-handedly if necessary.

But William wanted to contribute, to fight alongside her. The prospect of engaging in battle invigorated him.

"Let's go," Beatrice commanded, and they charged into the fray.

While William excelled in close combat, Beatrice specialized in ranged magic. She wouldn't miss the chance to exploit her advantage.

"I'll immobilize them, and you cut them down," she declared.

Their strategy was simple yet effective. Beatrice conjured a series of runes, and the cloaked figures near the campfire found their senses disrupted.

Blinded and deafened, they were easy targets. Beatrice was a master of illusion magic, and manipulating her opponents' senses was one of her specialties.

William seized the opportunity.

"Enhanced Strength! Swiftfoot!"

His strength, agility, and speed surged. He moved like a phantom, closing the distance in seconds.

He slashed at the first cloaked figure, his sword cleaving through their chest. Blood splattered his face and clothes, but he didn't falter.

Another slash, and the figure crumpled to the ground, lifeless. With Beatrice's spell still active, William pressed his advantage. He dashed towards the next opponent and attacked.

The next target fell just as swiftly, unaware of the impending strike. However, after two of their number were eliminated, Beatrice's spell dissipated.

"We're under attack!" one shouted as their senses returned.

Despite only managing to eliminate two, it was a significant advantage. Fewer enemies to contend with when the real battle commenced.

The cloaked figures spotted William first. Beatrice was still approaching.

"There!" they yelled. "Attack him!"

Faced with a barrage of spells, William knew evasion was crucial. A direct hit from that many spells could prove fatal.

He preemptively cast Kinetic Burst, a spell that functioned as a rapid dash. As the enemy spells hurtled towards him – poison, fire, water, and lightning – he activated the spell, narrowly evading them.

William's evasive maneuver surprised them, but they remained undeterred. They had ample mana to continue their assault, and William couldn't evade indefinitely.

However, he wasn't alone. Beatrice had arrived, and her presence triggered a panicked reaction.
Read new chapters at empire

"A-A behemoth!" one shrieked. "Why is it here? We must flee!"

Beatrice had invoked another illusion, making them perceive her as a behemoth, a fearsome creature occasionally sighted near Ignis.

Capitalizing on their terror, Beatrice unleashed a series of deadly attacks. Lotus flowers materialized, their petals sharp as blades, slicing through the air and severing the throats of her paralyzed adversaries.

Beatrice spared only the apparent leader, who stood paralyzed with fear, barely able to speak.

"Please, have mercy," he pleaded.

William watched, his perception of Beatrice shifting. She was not someone he wanted to cross.

'She's terrifying,' he thought.

Beatrice approached the captive and began her interrogation. "Why did you take them?" she demanded.

Desperate to survive, the leader readily divulged information. "The prince hired us," he confessed. "Our target was James, but the other man was with him, so we took both."

William's mind raced. The prince's involvement was puzzling.

'Is he trying to sabotage our mission to gather the antidote ingredients? But how did he find out? It's a closely guarded secret...' William pondered.

Beatrice, meanwhile, was reeling from the revelation.

"The prince? Are you serious? Why is he involved in this?" she questioned, her voice laced with disbelief.

The prince was a formidable figure, and Beatrice was wary of incurring his wrath. Crossing the royal family was a dangerous game.

"I don't know," the man insisted. "I was merely following orders. I swear!"