A Bold Strategy

Billy stood before the war table, his sharp eyes tracing the holographic projection of the Iron Fang’s stronghold. The map flickered, showing key defensive positions and supply routes. Silence filled the room as Kaela, Aelric, Soria, and Ardyn waited for him to speak.

"We can't afford to sit back and wait for their next move," Billy finally said. "We take the fight to them—an infiltration mission. We’ll sabotage their war machine from the inside."

Aelric crossed his arms. "That's suicide, Billy. Their stronghold is crawling with guards, and after the last skirmish, they'll be on high alert."

Billy’s jaw tightened. "Which is why we’ll be subtle. A small team—myself, Kaela, and Ardyn. We’ll slip in, plant charges on their munitions, and get out before they even know what hit them."

Kaela raised an eyebrow. "And if they catch us?"

Billy’s gaze darkened, the chaos energy flickering within. "Then they won’t live to regret it."

Ardyn's visor reflected the dim glow of the map. "Your confidence is admirable, Lord Knight. But be warned—if the Dark Accord is involved, they'll have traps beyond the physical."

Billy smirked. "Good thing I specialize in dealing with the impossible."

----------------------------------------

Infiltration Begins

Under the cover of darkness, Billy, Kaela, and Ardyn moved through the dense forests surrounding the Iron Fang fortress. The towering metal structure loomed ahead, its watchtowers casting ominous crimson beams across the landscape.

Billy crouched low, scanning the perimeter through his visor. "Soria, status report?"

Soria’s voice crackled in his earpiece. "Patrols moving in a predictable pattern. You’ve got a six-minute window to breach the south wall undetected."

Kaela whispered, "Let's move."

Slipping through the shadows, they advanced toward the fortress walls. Ardyn placed a small device against the metal plating, and within seconds, a silent explosion created a narrow opening. They slipped inside, the cold metallic corridors stretching endlessly before them.

"Stick to the plan," Billy murmured. "Kaela, find their supply depot. Ardyn, locate their communication relay."

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"And you?" Kaela asked, eyeing him warily.

Billy's eyes glowed faintly with chaos energy. "I’m going to find their commander."

----------------------------------------

The Commander’s Lair

Moving through the labyrinth of hallways, Billy could feel the presence of something... dark. The whispers of the chaos blade grew louder in his mind, feeding off the ambient energy that pulsed through the fortress walls.

Soon, he arrived at an ornate chamber guarded by two elite Iron Fang warriors clad in spiked black armor. With swift precision, Billy struck. The first guard barely had time to react before his chaos blade sliced clean through his chest. The second lunged at him, but Billy dodged, landing a brutal counterstrike that left the guard crumpled on the floor.

Stepping inside, he found himself face-to-face with a towering figure—General Varkas, the Iron Fang's ruthless leader. Clad in dark crimson armor and adorned with trophies of past conquests, Varkas exuded raw intimidation.

"So... the infamous Billy Knight," Varkas rumbled, his eyes gleaming with malice. "I expected you sooner."

Billy pointed his blade at him. "Let’s end this."

Varkas chuckled darkly. "Oh, it won’t be that easy."

With a surge of dark energy, the general lunged at Billy, their clash shaking the room. Sparks flew as chaos energy clashed against the general’s corrupted might, each strike testing Billy’s limits.

The blade's whispers grew louder. Give in... embrace the power...

Billy gritted his teeth, pushing back against the temptation. He had to stay in control.

----------------------------------------

Sabotage and Escape

Meanwhile, Kaela and Ardyn worked quickly to sabotage the fortress systems. Kaela planted explosive charges on key supply depots, setting timers for synchronized detonation. Ardyn hacked into the communication relay, feeding false information to enemy patrols.

"Charges set," Kaela whispered through the comms. "Billy, we need to go—now!"

Billy, breathing heavily, dodged another strike from Varkas and retaliated with a precise counterattack, severing the general’s arm. Varkas roared in agony, but before Billy could finish him, an alarm blared through the fortress.

"Time's up," Ardyn’s voice echoed.

Billy disengaged, retreating down the corridor. Kaela and Ardyn were already waiting by the exit, covering his escape.

"Let's move!" Billy shouted as the first explosion rocked the fortress. Flames burst through the corridors, sending enemy forces scrambling.

The trio sprinted through the breach, diving into the forest as the Iron Fang stronghold erupted in a cascade of fire and chaos behind them.

----------------------------------------

Unforeseen Consequences

Back at the settlement, the team regrouped. Aelric’s expression was one of relief and frustration. "That was reckless, Billy. But damn if it didn’t work."

Billy exhaled. "We dealt them a heavy blow. It’ll buy us time."

Kaela, wiping sweat from her brow, frowned. "But we also made enemies of the Dark Accord. They won’t let this slide."

Ardyn’s visor glowed ominously. "Indeed. They’ll retaliate with forces beyond your imagination."

Billy’s eyes flickered with determination. "Let them come."

As the team dispersed, Billy sat alone in his quarters, staring at the chaos blade. The whispers returned, stronger than ever.

You can't win without me... sooner or later, you’ll accept it.

Billy's grip tightened. He knew the battle ahead would test not just his strength—but his very soul.

----------------------------------------

End of Chapter 67