Chapter 176: All gathered together
"I'm starting to feel like those mafia movies where they're planning a big bank robbery or something…" Strax thought, seeing how things were unfolding. He was already certain that this would now be a preparation scene followed by the Big Heist... Just like in the movies he used to watch before reincarnating as Strax.
Of course, he knew he wasn't alone, but he felt a slight thrill thinking about doing something of such magnitude after reincarnating just... what? Three months ago? He didn't even know how much time had passed in this world anymore, but it already felt like an eternity after so many things had happened...
While he was deep in thought, his beautiful wives were getting ready around the room. Beatrice, the youngest, was adjusting combat gloves she had bought before coming to this city, while the eldest, her mother Monica, was in the same state as Strax, just thinking about what might happen in that place...
And Samira? Well... Samira is an Adventurer and has robbed many people in her jobs, so she was clearly quite relaxed.
"Everything ready?" Strax asked, breaking the silence as he turned to face his wives, who seemed to have finished what they needed to do.
"We're ready," Samira replied, giving him a look that said it all.
"I hope the meeting gives us more information…" Monica commented, looking a bit worried.
Beatrice just smiled confidently. "We're in this together. We'll handle whatever comes."
With a nod, Strax led his wives to the main hall of Evelyn's mansion.
When they arrived at the hall, they found the others already gathered.
Evelyn was standing next to a large table, where a detailed map of the city was spread out. Beside her was Lyana, who had a scowl on her face—well, she was a tedious woman in Strax's eyes, so he wasn't expecting anything different.
Rogue was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a serious expression on her face. Strax had invited her to join this, as she was a major help in the initial plan.
Further ahead, near the fireplace, were the twins Cristine and Yennifer, the masterminds of the plan. They were practically identical.
Strax gave a slight bow as he entered, with his wives following closely. Evelyn nodded in acknowledgment, and with everyone gathered, she began the meeting.
"We're all here," Evelyn said, her voice echoing through the hall. "So, what are we going to do?"
Cristine stepped forward, pointing to the map and highlighting several important areas. "We need to approach this strategically. The Black Society is a vast organization with multiple layers of protection and highly trained guards. They're already expecting a direct assault, knowing that stealth is nearly impossible, but we will surprise them."
Yennifer took over, her voice firm and direct. "The key to success is infiltration. We'll enter through the underground tunnels, which are hidden from public view. They don't know we have knowledge of these interconnected tunnels beyond those they have guards for, which will give us a significant advantage."
Cristine added with a sly smile, "The tunnels are old but still usable. We've inspected and mapped them, and there are several exits that lead directly to the main corridors of the Black Society headquarters, where the auction takes place."
Evelyn gestured for everyone to come closer to the map. "We'll divide into three main groups. The first group will create a distraction at the main entrances, drawing most of the enemy forces away from the tunnels. The second group will be the main attack force, entering through the tunnels and hitting the strategic targets directly.
The third group will be our support force, ready to act in any eventuality and cover any retreat needs of the first group."
Samira looked at Strax, a focused expression on her face. "I'll take the distraction group," she offered, her voice firm. "I have the skills needed to draw their attention and keep them occupied. Setting a bit of fire will make them panic." Rogue nodded in agreement. "Me too. We can create a lot of chaos and confusion.
And trust me, they won't know what hit them, especially with the Werewolves itching for a fight."
Evelyn nodded. "This gives us time for the main group, led by Strax, to enter the tunnels and target the vital objectives. Cristine and Yennifer, you'll go with him. We need full strength to eliminate the leaders who will likely be in the VIP area before the vaults."
Cristine looked at Strax with a serious expression. "You have a new skill; you can go ahead and map the perimeter unseen."
Strax nodded, recalling how he had combined Shadow Steps and Lightning Steps into a new technique. "Yes, I can use this to move quickly through the corridors and reach the leaders before they can react."
"While you attack through the tunnels," Evelyn continued, "the rest will go with the support group. We'll stay in constant contact with all of you, monitoring the situation and ensuring that if anything goes wrong, we have an escape route ready."
Monica raised her hand, her expression indicating concern. "What about the guards? If they detect our presence in the tunnels, the plan could fail."
Lyana responded promptly. "We've thought of that. Most of the guards will be focused on the distraction that Samira and Rogue will create. For the few we encounter along the way, Strax and the twins can handle them quickly. I'll accompany them through the tunnels until they're inside, then I'll return to the support group."
"Alright," Beatrice said confidently. "We need speed and precision. If we can neutralize the leaders quickly, the rest of the organization will fall easily."
Evelyn looked at everyone with a serious expression. "This is our moment. Failure is not an option. Each of us has a vital role to play, and the success of this plan depends on everyone."
There was a moment of silence as everyone absorbed the instructions. The tension in the air was palpable, but there was also a sense of purpose, a collective determination that united them.
Cristine approached Strax and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't underestimate what we're facing." She said, concerned… His irrationality worried her.
Strax looked at her, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "I know. We'll finish this, together." He said with a smile. "But… we have something to discuss." He added with a grin.
Rogue, who had been silent for a while, stepped forward. "Just one more thing. If something goes wrong, if we find ourselves in a tough spot, fight as if your lives depend on it—because they do. Don't hesitate to do whatever is necessary."
Everyone nodded, the gravity of Rogue's words solidifying their resolve even more.
"But we still have one problem…" Evelyn murmured, and everyone looked at her. "How are we going to carry what we steal?" Evelyn questioned, a bit worried since she didn't really know how to handle it.
Strax looked at her with a smile and raised his hand, a strange bluish light emanating. "Spatial Magic… Inventory." Strax said, having just invented it, and everyone looked at him curiously… Well, some more than others… "As long as it fits inside a house, I can store it here… Anything, except living beings." He commented.
"That's… actually quite good." Lyana, after a long time, finally praised him for something but quickly turned her face, denying that she had complimented him. "Humpf, it's good if it works as you say!" She was indeed a complicated person to deal with.
"Alright, seems like that's everything, right?" Evelyn said. Everyone nodded, and "I guess we'd better wait now." Lyana said, with everyone agreeing and starting to disperse. "Strax… wait." Evelyn called him, making him stop immediately and look at her.
"Can we talk?" she asked, but seeing his wives' eyes on her, she had to add, "Privately… Please." She commented, and Strax noticed her hands seemed even more fragile. "Alright, I'll be back soon, okay?" He said to his wives, who nodded.
"Don't take too long." Samira commented.
Strax nodded, then turned to Evelyn, indicating he was ready to hear what she had to say. Evelyn led the way to a private room adjacent to the main hall. It was a small space, adorned with shelves full of old books and an extinguished fireplace, creating an intimate environment separate from the rest of the mansion.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Evelyn hesitated for a moment, as if struggling to find the right words. Strax remained silent, giving her the time she needed.
"Evelyn, what's going on?" he finally asked, his voice calm but filled with concern.
Before he could continue questioning, the Veil on her face fell away… Revealing her true face.