After meeting an old man with deep knowledge of magic, Ari, Dawn, and Tracey learn about advanced techniques like Magic Zone and Drive Mode. Just as they begin to understand their significance, Imperial contacts Ari, revealing he's discovered a dangerous secret in the forbidden southwest region.
Imperial, trailing the group discreetly through a narrow alley, came to a sudden halt as his eyes fell upon a large sign affixed to a tall iron gate. The board was clear and unyielding in its warning: "Authorized Entry Only: Property of the Royal Council. Trespassers will be detained immediately."
The area ahead was an isolated part of the Central Empire—a sector few dared to approach. The buildings here were tall and austere, exuding an eerie silence, patrolled by heavily armed guards. Despite the danger, Imperial had to press forward. He had seen the people he was following slip inside one of the towering buildings that stood like a silent sentinel at the center of the compound.
He crouched behind a stack of cargo crates placed near the fence, thinking fast. His eyes scanned the entrance and the soldiers guarding it. The main gate was fortified, watched by two soldiers in full royal guard uniform. There was no way he could just walk in. But then, as fate would have it, he spotted a lone guard patrolling the side of the compound, near a dimly lit service corridor. The spot was tucked away from the main road and not visible from the primary watchtowers.
Imperial narrowed his eyes. That was his opening.
He waited patiently, counting each second. The wind was cold, and the scent of iron and smoke hung in the air. Once the solitary guard approached the blind spot between two stone walls, Imperial crept closer, moving silently like a shadow in the dark. Channeling a minimal amount of lightning into his fingers, he touched the guard's shoulder. A faint spark discharged, enough to render the guard unconscious without causing permanent damage.
Catching the man before he fell, Imperial dragged him behind a bush. He quickly removed the guard's armor and clothing, revealing the dark royal tunic beneath. He used the soldier's own rope to bind his wrists and ankles, then lifted him onto his back and carried him toward the edge of the compound where an old tree stretched its limbs across the outer fence. Climbing halfway up the tree with practiced ease, Imperial hid the unconscious soldier in the fork of two thick branches, tying his body securely and stuffing a cloth into his mouth to silence any unexpected noise.
Now clad in the uniform of a royal soldier, Imperial adjusted the helmet over his head and straightened his posture. He stepped confidently toward the main entrance, mimicking the firm and disciplined march of trained guards. His heart pounded, but his face remained expressionless.
As he neared the building where the group had entered, two guards halted him. Their eyes were sharp, trained to detect imposters.
"Where are you heading?" one of them asked, eyeing him carefully.
Imperial thought fast. "I was sent from Central Command. Orders from the higher-ups—we need additional soldiers back in the capital. There's a minor security breach."
The guard frowned. "But why are you entering this building? You do know this is a classified research lab?"
Imperial's eyes flicked toward the building behind them. So this was a lab. That explained the secrecy.
He nodded. "Yes, I was told some guards stationed here are being reassigned temporarily. They said a few from this building could be spared. That's all I know."
The guards exchanged a look. One muttered, "Protocol has been all over the place lately."
After a brief deliberation, they stepped aside. "Fine. But don't go wandering."
Imperial gave a curt nod and walked inside.
________________________________________
The interior of the building was unexpectedly warm and pristine. Marble floors gleamed under golden chandeliers, and the walls were lined with polished wood and stone tiles. A central hallway stretched out before him, flanked by closed doors on either side. A grand staircase twisted upward at the far end, branching into multiple levels.
Despite being labeled a lab, the first floor resembled a luxurious inn more than a place of science. The hallway smelled faintly of citrus and cedarwood, and Imperial could hear murmurs of conversation behind some of the doors. Several guards wandered the corridor, but none paid him much attention.
He decided to investigate the floor he was on first. Imperial moved slowly, pretending to patrol. As he passed one door, he knocked lightly.
A young man opened it, saluting hastily. "Yes, sir! I'm ready."
Imperial raised an eyebrow. "Ready for what?"
The man scratched his head, clearly nervous. "I mean... I don't know exactly what work I'll be doing here. I'm not very educated. I was just told to report and do as instructed."
Imperial nodded, playing along. "You're not here to know everything. Just be ready when you're called."
"Yes, sir! I won't let you down."
Imperial turned away, piecing the information together. This floor, perhaps the entire building, was serving as a dormitory. The rooms weren't laboratories—they were living quarters. And from the look of things, dozens of civilians were staying here.
He walked through the rest of the corridor. Soft carpets cushioned his footsteps. Paintings of empire landscapes hung on the walls. Some rooms had their doors open slightly, revealing people—men and women, all appearing to be in their early twenties—resting, reading, or talking quietly.
By his estimate, about 25 to 30 people were staying in this building. If this was just one of several similar buildings, the number of civilians could be far greater.
Why are they hiding this? he wondered. It looks like they're offering jobs. If it's just employment, why the secrecy?
He decided to check the second floor.
Ascending the stairs, he reached another long corridor, identical in design. This floor also seemed to be filled with dormitory rooms. People were calm, unaware of any danger or conspiracy. Everything appeared ordinary.
But something still felt wrong.
He looked up and saw yet another staircase leading to a third floor. Imperial climbed it, more cautiously this time. When he reached the top, it was quieter. The third floor was dimmer, and the carpet had recently been cleaned. The scent of sterilization chemicals hung in the air.
Unlike the previous floors, this one had fewer rooms, and they were spaced further apart. The doors were metallic and sealed. The corridor was narrower, and large ventilation shafts ran along the ceiling. An eerie humming sound resonated from within the walls.
Imperial's nerves tensed. This was no ordinary floor.
Then suddenly a loud siren blared throughout the building.
WEEE-OOOH! WEEE-OOOH!
"INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT!"
The hall echoed with shouts.
"Someone's wearing our uniform!"
"I think I saw him on the top floor!"
Imperial's blood ran cold.
He ducked into the shadows at the end of the hallway. A vent shaft near the floor offered a small gap. Without hesitation, he squeezed himself into the space, pulling his legs in. It was tight, but it concealed him.
Footsteps thundered on the stairs. Voices shouted orders.
________________________________________
Outside, in the shadows of the compound wall, few figures observed the scene.
All of them wearing black long coat
Then one said . "The siren's been triggered. Did they spot us, Commander?"
The man beside him, a tall figure with a scar across his cheek, shook his head. "No. It's not us. But something's happened inside."
A young man with silver hair smirked. "Then should we change the plan?"
The commander nodded. "Yes. Initiate the breach. We're going in now. Everyone move as discussed. Group a raid inside and b stay there guarding the area and inform us if anything bad coming to us from externally."
The silver-haired one grinned. "Ready, Jack?"
Jack gave a silent nod. "Always, Gray."
And with that, the mysterious group began their infiltration—unaware that inside the lab, Imperial was already deep in the belly of the beast.