Few hours ago
It was a bright and scorchy afternoon, and the spy knights could be seen working diligently as usual, carefully surveying their surroundings and brainstorming ingenious ways to infiltrate the hideout and free the captives. They were eight in number this time, including the one who arrived with D'andre, although D'andre himself was nowhere to be seen.
"How much time has passed since Lord D'andre left?"
One of the spy knights, his voice low and measured, inquired telepathically of his colleagues.
"About three hours."
"Hmm, how long did he say his journey would take?"
"Three hours."
"Hmm…"
The spy knight hummed softly and returned to his former position, his mind abuzz with anticipation.
Just a few seconds after the conversation, the familiar disturbance of a teleportation wind signaled someone's arrival; in the very next moment, D'andre materialized—but he was not alone.
Standing beside him were two dwarfs, their long, unruly hair and beards adding to their rugged appearance—one with hair as dark as night, and the other with pale, blonde locks.
The dwarfs were shirtless, clad only in thick leather pants, and their feet were encased in worn-out leather sandals.
They looked utterly homeless, helpless, and unreliable.
The spy knights, who were not inclined to pass quick judgment, found themselves somewhat perplexed by the situation, questioning why D'andre had brought them along.
One among them even speculated whether D'andre intended to use the dwarfs as living test subjects to assess the cave's security.
Another believed that D'andre's intention might be to have them incite a small commotion—perhaps even sparring amongst themselves—to lure out the cultists.
But they were entirely wrong.
"Meet Secu and Rity. They are the famous Portal Breakers in Southreach continent."
The spy knights were immediately thrilled by the introduction, their eyes lighting up with recognition and hope.
As spy knights, it was natural for them to know about the existence of this rare occupation. They had also heard of Secu and Rity, the famous brothers known for their ability to break through every form of magical security.
Sometimes, they were even regarded as myths and legends, for few truly believed in their existence.
Seeing them in person, the spy knights felt not only excitement but a renewed sense of hope that their long struggle might finally bear fruit.
Since the dwarfs were unaware of the telepathic conversation, they looked genuinely confused as they observed the shifting expressions on the spy knights' faces.
Thankfully, D'andre noticed the confusion and quickly clarified the matter before it could cause any misunderstanding, for the dwarfs were known to have short tempers and big egos.
After D'andre explained the situation, the dwarfs nodded silently and tilted their heads toward the caves, their expressions softening just a fraction.
They observed the cave for a few seconds before beginning a leisurely stroll toward it, their pace measured and deliberate.
The spy knights immediately grew alarmed—if the dwarfs appeared on the cave's radar, the cultists would become aware of their presence, and their carefully laid plan would be ruined.
They explained their concerns to D'andre with evident worry, and he conveyed their confusion to Secu and Rity.
Both dwarfs snorted and replied, "With this setup, it is impossible for them to notice anything occurring outside."
The spy knights exchanged knowing looks and relaxed slightly, reassured by the dwarfs' confident retort.
The dwarfs finally reached the front of the cave.
Secu, the one with the dark, bushy facial hair, raised his hands and began making rapid, intricate hand and finger signals.
At the same time, Rity began chanting in unknown tongues, his voice growing louder with each passing second, and the pace of his incantation quickened perceptibly.
Secu's signals increased in speed, matching the rising intensity of the moment.
Within a few seconds, numerous simple, glowing grey magic circles materialized in midair around the cave.
The magic circles began to float and coalesce, gradually forming a larger and even more complex circle of magic.
Shortly thereafter, changes became apparent—the wind pressure increased, dust lifted from the ground, and several miniature whirlwinds twirled about, sending light objects drifting in random directions.
The whirlwinds grew bigger and stronger, becoming powerful enough to uproot even the smallest grasses.
From their positions, the spy knights watched in amazement—they could not fully explain what was unfolding, yet they were certain it would finally resolve the problem they had been battling for the past three days.
"Prepare yourselves," D'andre warned firmly, his tone laced with unwavering determination.
The spy knights unsheathed their gleaming swords, took measured sips of their potions, and braced themselves to infiltrate the hideout, every muscle taut with readiness.
D'andre's expression turned grave as he mentally steeled himself to deal with the scoundrels who dared to take his friend away.
QUAKE!
QUAKE!
The entire structure of the cave began to vibrate vigorously, causing the area to experience tremors reminiscent of an earthquake.
Moments later, a portal materialized—the security had been completely breached, and the very air seemed to shimmer with newfound possibility!
"Now!"
D'andre commanded without hesitation, his voice resonant with determination.
The spy knights darted forward immediately, their faces set in serious, battle-ready expressions that betrayed their inner resolve.
D'andre briefly chanted a spell as the spy knights charged forward.
"INFERNO BARRAGE!"
Several magic circles emerged in midair.
From these magic circles, rapid and powerful balls of flame were propelled toward the portal. The spell unleashed roughly ten fireballs per second, and the sheer force and speed of each made them exceptionally lethal.
Secu and Rity calmly stepped away from the brewing commotion, strolling casually toward D'andre as if the chaos were but a passing shadow.
"Sorry for the disturbance, my dear friends," D'andre said with a warm smile that belied the gravity of the moment.
The two nodded and replied, "This is the last favor we owe you. Do not come disturbing us next time."
After exchanging their words, they activated their teleportation magic slips, tore them as was customary, and vanished without a trace.
D'andre smiled briefly before his expression turned eerily serious, and he began strolling purposefully toward the portal.
Meanwhile, the spy knights had already passed through the portal.