Realm of Myths and Legends

lkori also drew their weapons and moved closer to the Controller ’s side.

”I would advise against violence, Controller Alkori. ” Soothing Smoke said.

”What ’s this? I thought everyone was only allowed to bring two personal guards, General Solomon.
Can it be that your Amaharpe does not trust its allies? ” Alkori scoffed.

”I assure you, I, too, was unaware of our guests.
Soothing Smoke, would you care to explain yourself? ” Solomon questioned in a severe tone.

’Interesting…
This way of erasing one ’s presence reminds me of that time. ’

During his quest to escort the Silver Hawk Merchants Caravan, the group the late Tempest prince Ronbinarzin used as a disguise to sneak himself into Proximus, Izroth ran into players utilizing an item called the Veil of Serok.

This item completely erased the presence of those under its influence to a point where even Izroth ’s Soul Sense was unable to detect anything.
If even someone like Solomon stated that he did not know they were hiding, Izroth believed they had to be using an item similar to the Veil of Serok.

”General Solomon, this is but a small precaution in the face of the recent developments within the Demilitarization Belt.
I should not have to explain that it is well within my authority as a Lead Agent to invoke more drastic measures in a state of emergency.
I would deem the assassination of various command figures as one such state. ” Soothing Smoke replied smoothly.
They then held their hand up as the group of individuals disappeared.

”Quite bold.
Though not the kind of bold I enjoy.
There is nothing I dislike more than snakes who slither in the darkness behind my back. ” Duchess commented.

Alkori returned to his seat and said, ”Agreed.
General, if I don ’t receive a proper answer, then I will take my Pzenium warriors and leave this cursed battlefield.
It is our honor to fall in battle, but I will not sit aside and let my brothers die a meaningless death. ”

”Controller Alkori is correct.
Today, you must provide us with a reasonable explanation for the War Intelligence Group ’s failure to notice the true movements of Tempest.
If you refuse, even the Head of the War Intelligence Group will not be able to save you. ” Solomon stated firmly.

Soothing Smoke remained quiet for a few moments before he finally spoke and said, ”I receive an order from the Head that stated not to take any action within the Demilitarization Belt.
I simply followed orders, General Solomon.
I am sure the Head has their reasons. ”

”The Head? ” Solomon furrowed his brows.
The Head of the War Intelligence Group was a mysterious individual; however, their methods for gathering intel and finding the enemy ’s weak point were unquestionable.
There was only one person in Amaharpe who knew of the War Intelligence Group ’s Head true identity—the current king of Amaharpe.

However, it did not make any sense.
Why would the Head give such a disastrous order to Soothing Smoke?

”Are you positive this order came from them? ” Solomon inquired.

”There is no question about the order ’s authenticity.
Unlike the other war branches, we of the War Intelligence Group have multiple safety nets to ensure there exists no room for error. ” Soothing Smoke replied.

Solomon spent the next few moments questioning Soothing Smoke; however, no matter how hard he searched, Solomon could not find a legitimate reason for the Head ’s order to Soothing Smoke.

”Can it not be that the War Intelligence Group has merely been breached at its highest ranks? ” Izroth said what everyone was thinking, but no one wanted to assume was plausible.

”Impossible.
The War Intelligence Group- ” Soothing Smoke was swiftly interrupted by Izroth.

”Has several safety nets in place, right? However, Tempest has been preparing for this moment in secret for many years.
Not to mention, their hand is not the only one at work.
Can you say without a shred of doubt that there exists a place in this world that one cannot break into with the proper preparations? ” Izroth asked.

”… ” Soothing Smoke met Izroth ’s inquiry with silence.

”It seems difficult for everyone here to accept, so I will be the first to say it clearly.
We may have no choice but to consider the possibility that the highest ranks of the War Intelligence Group have been infiltrated by those linked to the Shadahi and Tempest. ” Izroth said, which immediately caused the atmosphere in the room to turn grim.

If their primary information network had been compromised at such a high level, Ekquilore might be the least of their worries.
This could turn out to be the biggest disaster of the war thus far!