Chapter 1464 – Pressure Builds in the Tunnels

Morrelia looked out into the tunnel, her highly trained senses taking in every subtle shift, every tiny sound. Something was off, that much was obvious, but determining what and then acting accordingly was her responsibility as a leader.

She already knew what the problem was, the issue was finding the evidence to prove it. Chyron would not move the Legion based on a hunch, even if she shared it, not unless they had to. Finding evidence of a Krath presence was notoriously difficult; the slugs were careful and cunning opponents, unlikely to leave any sign of their passage.

They were here, though, she was sure of it.

Morrelia moved up and down the line, talking to the soldiers, encouraging them with a word, a gesture, or merely her presence. It was easy for the troops to become distracted during long stints on watch as these were, but so far Chyron’s Legion had proven their professionalism. Everyone she saw was alert, their eyes sharp, weapons ready and armour polished to a shine.

It helped, being in the fifth. With the reputation that this place had, the troops were on edge merely being stationed here. Perhaps, given more time, that discipline would start to weaken, but so far it was holding strong.

As she strode down the line, Morrelia kept her senses tuned to the tunnel. She had to be patient, wait and watch. It wasn’t possible to go out and try to chase down the slugs, so her only hope was to have one of them make a mistake. When they did, she would be there to see it.

So engrossed in this activity was Morrelia that when she received a tap on the shoulder plate, she hadn’t realised anyone was even approaching. For a moment, the moustached and punchable face of Isaac popped into her head, and she turned slowly, hoping against hope it was someone else.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Commander Chyron snapped. “Is my face displeasing to you all of a sudden?”

“Not at all, Commander!” Morrelia said, snapping out a quick salute, her fist crashing into her chest as she straightened, embarrassed. “I was just focused on the tunnel….”

“Trying to spot our guests?” Chyron sneered. “The slithering scum wouldn’t dare show their faces to the Legion.”

Just as she’d suspected, Chyron was already well aware of what was happening in the tunnels.

“I was hoping to get evidence of their presence, as I believed you would be reluctant to act without it,” Morrelia said, not judging, but stating her thoughts directly.

“Normally, you’d be right,” Chyron snorted, striding through the ranks and staring out into the tunnel, grey hair swaying around her shoulders. “In this case, we will need to act without it. Though, there isn’t much we can do. They won’t attack us if they can help it. I expect every tunnel other than the ones we guard to get hit. All the Krath will do is watch us.”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Morrelia strode forward to stand alongside her Commander, frowning.

“Then what is the point of us being here? I mean, I know our primary objective is to observe the target,” she hastily corrected herself, “but if there is to be conflict with the Krath, I would rather participate than stand nearby and watch it play out.”

“I understand what you’re saying,” Chyron replied dryly. “There is no such thing as a Legionary with a soft spot for the Krath, particularly among the officers.”

The experienced and weathered veteran grimaced as she looked out at the toxic mana and slime-filled environment of the fifth.