Caden stood there, massaging his forehead. His boots almost touched Arons and the [Thugs] heads.

“It had to be a lunatic, I have no idea... from where the master finds them.”

From the moment when the [Thug] lunged, ready to kill Aron. Shadow was there, his hand half extended. He was ready to catch it, stop it from killing Aron, as Caden was going to do so... he caught the slight head movement from the kid.

Seeing the trajectory of the punch, and that it wasn’t going to hit. Caden almost laughed, but he held himself back. It was an important moment for the kid. His first kill, the first time that his life… was on the line. With no one there that would save him, unless he saved himself.

Kicking the dead [Thug], sending him flying off. Caden crouched next to the now unconscious kid, Caden inspecting Arons body. The injuries that he sustained… weren’t small. If the kid was alone, without someone to heal him.

Broken arm, dislocated shoulder, multiple lacerations on his head and body. Combined with the injury on his back… it would have been bad. Maybe a year or two, if Aron didn’t die from an infection.

But the kid was lucky, Caden carried with him potions… ones that would bring him back from even worse things. These weren’t such a big deal, popping some bones back into place, fixing his shoulders, and a few potions Aron would be good as new in a few days. If not tomorrow.

But Caden was curious, there was no doubt about Arons physical health, having already drunk the potions from the master, that would enhance his growth, and make Aron somewhat resistant to poisons.

Even without him intervening now, and just… keeping up with the supply of the potions. Caden had no doubt that the kid would recover in three or four months, maybe his arm would end up being a bit crooked unless someone helped him out there. But he would end up being okay.

The part that interested Caden more, was the kid’s mentality. And how the kid would go on, after this. Would he grow from the experience, or get a mental scar... not wanting to wield a weapon again?

Caden had to admit, that the kid had talent. The way that he used the surroundings to his advantage. And the way that Aron lunged with the sword, it was good for the training that he had. Even having those bracelets on.

If Aron decided to continue his training? Would he go on a conquest, wanting to kill all [Thugs]? In search of revenge, Caden didn’t know, and couldn’t tell.

With the whole situation being organic, and not monitored or controlled process. That was planned ahead of time by the guild. He couldn’t tell, and Caden was curious.

Popping the kid’s arm back into place, and fixing his shoulder, Caden took out the healing salve and applied it to the injuries. Seeing it do its thing, Caden turned the kid around, doing the same to his back.

Being done with that, Caden picked the kid up ready to leave for the upper floors, leave the kid somewhere safe. And go back to watch the show, as he was ready to step into the shadows, Caden saw the [Thug] there with one sword still in his chest.

Pondering for a moment, Caden stepped into the shadows appearing next to the body, taking out the sword with which the kid killed the [Thug].

Nodding to himself, he took another alchemical concoction and sprayed the body with it. Seeing the body and the clothes melt.

Caden turned, walking into the closest shadow.

Caden and Aron appeared in Cadens room. Placing the kid on the bed, Caden grimaced thinking about the stains. Shaking his head, he scanned the area. Making sure the protective enchants were still in place. Seeing how the whole room was safe, Caden went to locate the [Slaves] and see how they were doing.

________

They were at the door, swords in hand. One of the [Thugs] was watching the slaves as Claud and Gerald talked.

“Cedric still isn’t here.”

Gerald nodded, nerves were getting to him he scanned the people… seeing how Angus and Charles were fidgety as well. He was aware that the time was running out.

“We can wait… a bit longer, or try and find him? Or leave him behind.”

Claud considered that his brows scrunched. He crossed his arms.

“You think that we can do it, with us four? If we take over the estate… finding Cedric wouldn’t be an issue. But what if we fail?”

Gerald frowned, his mind racing. The constant rise of pressure, and the clock ticking… wasn’t helping him come to a good decision.

“We certainly have a good chance, the [Servants] weren’t wearing any weapons. Maybe there are enchants in place… but if that is the case having Cedric with us---” Gerald wiped his forehead, seeing the sweat on his hand, he cursed. But soon continued. “Having Cedric with us, in that case… it wouldn’t help us.”

Claud fixed him with his eyes… flexing his crossed arms. He let out a big breath.

And he spoke.

_______

Checking again to see if the door was open, Claud grimaced.

He swung his sword, making two clear cuts in the door. Kicking it… Claud scanned the stairs that were ahead, seeing nobody there. And seeing the actual stairs being there… and not some random room. Claud relaxed somewhat. Looking back, at the [Slaves] that were surprised by his sudden action, he looked at Angus.

“There should be another door, at the top of the stairs. Make sure, none of the [Slaves] make a sound.”

Nodding, Angus continued to glare at the [Slaves]. Seeing that Claud nodded, turning his head to face Gerald he motioned at the stairs. Seeing Gerald nod, they proceeded upwards.

Weapons in hand.

______

It was a long staircase, they were moving slow. It was hard managing the group of sixteen [Slaves]. Being four now… all that was left of their group. Claud was certain that they could deal with them… but it slowed them down. He shook his head, it was already decided.

And Claud still couldn’t believe that it was happening. With adrenaline in his veins… he sped up somewhat. Taking a few more steps… he could see the door.

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This one looked much sturdier than the bottom door, before he attempted to cut it… he had to wait for the rest to get into positions. And he wasn’t certain what would happen once he attempted to cut it.

Seeing how the rest, caught up as he was done scanning the door. Claud turned to face them.

“Kids, this is the part where you come in… if you do good after this is done? Not to mention training you… that would only be the start.”

Looking each of the [Slaves] in the eyes, trying to see if they would go through with it. Leaving some behind… would be better than having someone disobey.

Not seeing much more than… fear and anticipation. Claud couldn’t hesitate any longer.

Approaching the door, Claud swung. With all his strength. And this time, there was sound. It was like hitting metal. The wood was enchanted. And apparently the swords… weren’t good enough, to cut straight through the door.

It only made a shallow cut in the door. Seeing that, Claud grimaced, but at least… there was a cut. And he didn’t use his skills. Looking back, seeing Geralds face, mirror his own. He motioned for him to come closer. It was a tight space… but they could fit.

“Go all out, help me with this. The longer it takes… in the worse position we are.”

Gerald looked serious. If they couldn’t manage to break the door? Getting out… or getting revenge, wasn’t happening. So he nodded. Stepping forward, getting closer to the door. He prepared.

“On the three.” Claud said, voice low.

_______

Jerry stirred… the noise was annoying. He was sleeping… and the beeping, where was it---

“FUCK!”

Jumping out of the bed, grabbing his sword he stormed out of the room. He ran, as fast as he could, as fast as his legs could carry him. He had to get the other [Servants], Master Ron as well.

He stumbled on the door threshold, almost falling face-first… with the weapon in hand. But somehow he caught himself, he sped up. Not having time, to care about that.

Finally getting to the stairs, Jerry sprinted up the stairs. Taking a turn, he knocked. As hard as he could. Even using the pommel of his sword. Not wanting to take chances. He didn’t have to wait long.

“Stop. With. That. Racket.”

Jerry was relieved, Master Ron was there. Not waiting for permission he shouted. His voice strained.

“Someone broke the first door of the tunnels, and is heading up towards the main hall!”

There was noise, from the room. Shuffling, and soon it opened. Ron hastily dressed got out, with what Jerry presumed were his defensive items. Seeing how Ron was looking at him, Jerry spoke.

“Call the other [Servants], Or Master Shadow, we need to move fast. Any second they could break the second door.”

Looking at the [Servant] in his underwear and a sword in his hand, Ron facepalmed.

“Slow down, what door.” Pausing, as Ron remembered about the alarm he glared at Jerry. “Why didn’t you use the enchanted item that I gave you… for these situations?”

Jerry had the gall to look confused, Ron fixed him with his eyes.

“We don’t have the time for this, go back, get your gear. Armor or what even you have, and wait at the door!”

Ron, turned entered his door. And slammed it. He didn’t have time to talk with the [Servant]... if he was right and if he was making a fool out of him? Ron would sell him. Without a second thought.

Getting to his desk, Ron activated alarms. Seeing how he didn’t have one in Shadows room. He would need to go there personally. But first, he needed to get ready.

Grabbing the storage rings, checking their contents. Making sure he had the important things in. From potions, to scrolls. Ron scanned his room, thinking. If there was anything else… that could help him.

He paused… should he go out at all. If Ron stayed in his room… he would be safe. But he was close to leveling, maybe being in danger. He could manage to combine his two classes. If it ended up being the last push… it was worth the risk.

And Shadow was there as his bodyguard. So even if there was risk… it was minimal. So Ron clenched his jaw. And decided to risk it.

Scanning the room, one last time. Ron made sure that he didn’t forget anything, having his enchanted armor on, with all the stuff in the rings. He was ready. So he walked out… hoping that the whole thing didn’t start yet. He had to get Shadow first.

________

There was chaos, in the servant quarters. Organized chaos… all of the [Servants] including Clark were rushing about, grabbing for gear or clothes. Clark was dressing fast, grabbing for his sword.

The alarm that sounded just minutes ago… and it was of the highest priority. Meaning that either someone was attacking the estate, or someone was escaping.

Glancing around, Clark shouted.

“Hurry up, we don’t have time for this. You have thirty seconds. Get dressed, take your weapons. And run!”

Seeing them speed up, Clark relaxed somewhat. How did it happen, everything was locked. He tried to think of something, someone that would dare to attempt to do it. But nothing came to mind.

They even had Shadow here… he alone could stop almost anyone. Thinking of Shadow, Clark got his confidence back. And he sped up, shouted at [Servants] that were still too slow. They needed to learn, what the whole thing was about. Why Master Ron sounded the alarm.

Clark was the last one to leave their quarters. He had to make sure that everyone was going… where they were supposed to. And not hiding or trying to escape, during the commotion.

Running behind the others, Clark could see some still fixing their armor. Doing finishing touches, but he didn’t care. He continued to yell, for them to speed up.

________

Jerry was cursing himself… how could he forget about that enchanted thing. If he used that… he would already be at the door. And not running in his underwear.

Jerry cursed again, as it slipped. The underwear falling, as he ran. He swung his sword, cutting it. Not wanting to bother with it. As he ran naked, with a sword in his hand towards his room.

Bursting in, Jerry threw his sword on the bed, scrambling to get dressed. Finding the enchanted gear that he had.

Pausing as he saw the item… that Ron gave him, he threw it at the wall… with all his strength. Cursed, Jerry hoped that it broke. But having no time to check, he dressed up. Picked up the sword, and ran towards the door.

________

They were slashing at the door. And it was working, every swing that they did… it went just a bit deeper. A bit more and they could take the hinges out. From what Claud noticed… it wasn’t that the weapons weren’t good enough.

Gerald and he just lacked strength. The swords didn’t chip from the strikes, they didn’t dull. But they lacked levels… to cut cleanly through the enchanted door.

“Keep going, we are close.”

Gerald kept swinging… they weren’t using their important skills. Saving them for the [Servants], it slowed them down… but at least they wouldn’t get tired. And they were close.

____

Seeing the door, almost fall. Claud grabbed Gerald, stopping him mid-swing.

“We need to organize the [Slaves] first. Before we kick the door down.”

Looking at him, Gerald nodded. They were there. The last step, neither of them knew if the [Servants] were ready. Waiting for them.

Looking back, Claud motioned for the [Slaves] to come closer. According to the plan, he gestured.

Seeing them in the position, looking one last time at his team members, seeing them with swords ready. He prayed.

Kicking the door, Claud hoped someone was behind it.

The door flew off, straight. With a loud thump, Claud heard it crash against the opposite wall. Without a need to say anything, the [Slaves] rushed forward.

Seeing the rest of the weapons there, Claud debated taking them and throwing them at the [Servants]. But he dismissed it, as none of them were good at throwing knives or swords.

Claud motioned for them to follow, they rushed after the kids. Seeing how none of them died yet, they were ready.

Claud led the charge, with his team members following close behind.