The Gods' Decree 133 Lion's Den

They were strung up outside of the city walls to which there were no witnesses to the act. Autopsies of the bodies showed signs they had been tortured for hours."

The room became silent as Kathy disclosed the details. This mission seemingly had some aspects to which they weren't expecting.

" Kathy sorry for asking this but as it pertains to the bodies of the officials, have they been buried or are they still with the mortician?"

Ava asked as she saw a look on Malnor's face. It could be seen he also had a similar thought as he rubbed his chin.

Though there were faults in his attitude somewhat, she did have some respect for him when it came to handling a mission.

" They both are scheduled for an official city funeral tomorrow at noon."

Kathy paused a bit before answering, as too did some others in the room. Wondering the reason for such a question.

" The reason my fellow squad leader asked such a question is quite simple. Mercenaries are easily identifiable by their symbol or emblem, as you are aware.

However, after conducting as many missions as we have, you would find that there is another signature they have at their disposal.

This is their method of torture, This is eluded to by Ava's line of questioning. That being said, we'd like to see the bodies.

Through this means we would have a better idea of who we are dealing with.."

Being the seasoned campaigners they were, it could be seen there were some unknown variables to this mission.

Wouldn't there then be a need to explore these variables? Giving a better insight into who the actual enemies were.

" I'll grand your squads access to the bodies. Also, locations where these audacious acts were committed, will be highlighted on a map of the city's terrain and handed to each squad.

I only ask one thing and that is for there to be communication between our parties. Transparency is the term I'm referring to. "

The city lord stood with a smile as he addressed the squad who were in agreement with his sentiments...

" Great, the city's interest for the time being, is in your capable hands.

Unfortunately, I have to be going as there are a few worried investors who have been nagging in my ears for a bit.

So please pardon me."

The City lord then bid this farewell before he and his party of officials left the room. As they left Taf looked at them leaving through the door.

There was one particular person in the city lord's party he had an interest in.

"You're making me jealous staring at her like that, what so interesting about her?" May teased as she followed his wandering eye... Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.

" Did you find something off about this woman called Kathy as she went over the events, in particular, the deaths of her former officials."

He asked as they finally exited the door.

" She did seem sad about her compatriots' deaths."

May replied as she tried recalling what had transpired.

" Didn't it seem more of remorse formed from guilt?

As she spoke, if you viewed the individual expressions made by the officials, there was genuine heartfelt anguish except for one person, Kathy.

Do you recall the discussion we previously had on the subtle nuances a person's face displays when they speak. This is a reflex action so it is unknown to a doer?"

Taf asked as the two quietly spoke to which May's took a moment...

" In this regard, you are referencing when one downplays or overreact to a moment.

Which though successful to an untrained eye, does the opposite highlighting the true emotion to someone with expertise? She then responded.

" Yes, i am no expert but her attempts to show sadness only brought attention to the guilt hidden inside.." Taf stated

" Should we tell the other squads of our findings?" May then asked

" There is no need, from what i have seen of them, apart from Malgrey, the clues must have been seen by the other squad leaders." Taf ended the conversation by saying.

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" Everyone return with your escorts to your temporary quarters as we squad leaders have a discussion. After which you will be informed on how we shall proceed."

Malnor uttered and after his words both Ava and Malgrey gave the signal for their squad to leave the room. To which all three squads exited.

Taf and Malnor agreed to a drink before he lazy walked on with May as they made their exit.

" So do we tell the city lord of the traitor in his midst? I see you followed my lead perfectly. That method of torture being a signature, was quite brilliant "

As Ava spoke she poured a glass of wine, as though what she mentioned was a trivial thing but made it a point to commend Malnor.

" Yes it did provide that added touch, didn't it? Derailing her act for a moment. If our goal is to find the true perpetrator informing the city lord at this moment, might not be so wise.

Let her panic a bit and lead the way." Manor responded as he too poured a drink..

" Malgrey, you seem so lost as if we are speaking a foreign language, you do know to what we are referring to, right?"

Ava taunted as she looked to Malgrey who had been quiet through both the briefing and now this conversation. There he sat in contemplation of her words without offering a reply.

" Is this really necessary Ava?" A bit of annoyance was in his words as Malnor spoke..

" Is it necessary you ask? You and I both are aware there is a learning curve from a two-star to the three-star missions. Some lessons are learned subtly and some are bone-crushing.

This man is totally out of his depth, which would only lead to the death of many. I suggest you void this mission if you care about your squad members."

Ava uttered as though she was spouting facts. To which Malnor could only offer his silence as he knew her words were true

" There is something that has intrigued me about your squad. The youth who previously conversed with Malnor, he was hiding his cultivation, wasn't he, How strong is he?"

She then went on to ask curiously off-topic. Her word didn't only startle Malgrey but Malnor as well. 

" By your reaction, it seems you were also oblivious of this fact Malnor. It seems he and the girl with odd hair have quite the story." Ava continued by saying..

" Why did you come to this assumption?" Malnor asked seemingly puzzled.

" As Kathy spoke i observed my squad to see if any of my members realized what was occurring and could see the disguise which she wore.

Turning away my head in disappointed there was one person besides myself and you that i saw that similiar glint in their eyes. It is him?

That is why I have come to my conclusion he was hiding his cultivation. Which made sense, why then would the sect send two newborns into the lion's den."

As she spoke Malnor felt as though the wool that laid over his eyes had now been ripped off.

" Ava is correct isn't she?" Malnor uttered to Malgrey..

Hearing there words Malgrey new sooner or later the two would find this out. After all the events of the walls did occur, everyone in the sect would know in time.

" You're correct, I haven't seen May fight as of yet but as for Taf, he is more than capable. in fact so much so that it is scary. This is all that I am allowed to say."

He came clean by saying, of course ommiting what he could not disclose.

" Haha, so he really did do it? The signs were there, how could I be so blind? He even convinced me so well with that speech."

Malnor could only laugh at his previous oversight.

" Are they both as young as they appear? If so it seems there is indeed more to your squad."

Ava once more curiously asked to which Malgrey nodded yes in response

" This quite the interesting development, however, let's not veer off-topic. Malnor will you have someone trail this Kathy?" Ava then went on to ask.

" Yes, starting tonight i will have Karr do the honors.."

Malnor replied as he put Taf's antics aside. He would see this youth later in the night anyway.

" Ok, hopefully, this provides some clues before venturing out in the morning. 

Malgrey my previous sentiments were no joke, heed my words.." Once more Ava reiterated by saying to Malgrey .

However, Malgrey ignored her being the first to leave the room as he drifted in his thoughts.

" I know in your own twisted way you're intent is good but there is a right way and wrong way to handle things." Said Malnor as he addressed Ava

" He is a grown man, if he can't take a few harsh words, he really isn't worthy of being here."

She replied by saying before also making her exit leaving Malnor seating by himself."

To be continued...

Chapter end