Chapter 342 – The Covert Operation Begins
Lolan Hill had always been seen as a ‘good child’, rarely competing for anything and never breaking rules proactively.
If not for the unusual events within the school that began affecting her own safety and life, she would have left it to the teachers or professionals to handle.
Unfortunately, the school’s defense system was already compromised. Reluctantly, she stepped forward.
Quiet as a maiden, swift as a rabbit.
Once the decision was made to act, speed was essential.
The very next day after planning, the ‘Black Lotus’ club initiated their operation.
Soaring above the campus under the evening breeze, Lolan found herself above the clouds, gazing at the crimson sunset and violet flowing clouds on the horizon.
As she raised her left hand, myriad winds swirled in the sky once more.
She sometimes wondered if she possessed two powers: one over the wind and another over stars. Though the system did not label her as a wind witch, she naturally controlled the atmosphere with ease. Just by twirling her fingers, she could summon fierce gusts.
Her emerald butterfly wings fluttered in the air, causing currents to circulate throughout the campus.
Students walking back from classes looked up at the darkening sky, some starting to run.
“Move faster, it’s going to rain,” one student called out, and others followed suit.
“I’m fine, I’ve got my umbrella,” another replied calmly, still strolling leisurely.
“The weather changes so quickly, isn’t it only April?”
The students murmured among themselves, none noticing the evening wind was artificially induced.
The wind swept through the mountainous forests, tranquil lakes, open fields, towering mountains, and smoke-emitting towns, gathering countless pieces of information like a radar scanning the entire school.
This reconnaissance proved exceptionally successful, not only locating where the ‘Black Veil’ ritual was being held but also uncovering more anomalies within the school.
Unexpectedly, the High Tower Academy had started as well? Lolan thought, looking at the northern mountains and towers. She needed to accelerate; otherwise, fighting these misled classmates might prove too challenging.
It wasn’t just a few individuals but over 50 Sequence 6 and 600 Sequence 5 working together. Some might even be close to Sequence 7 geniuses. With her current strength, Lolan could barely protect herself.
Without the restraint of sages and teachers, Emanas had become a silent battlefield. The students there were still unaware soldiers. Perhaps they were innocent and uninformed, but the school was no longer the protected greenhouse it once was. The isolation and protection of the past were gone, leaving the internal flora to begin a brutal competition prematurely.
With her direction clear, she plummeted swiftly from the sky. After a brief discussion with club members, she set off with Bumansa towards the southern swamp, while Lily stayed behind to accompany Keti, preventing the Fire Witch from causing trouble.
Using her extraordinary perception, the young lady led Bumansa effortlessly past forest surveillance, even flying past some unnoticed.
Lolan navigated the forest, with water beneath, insect sounds, fallen leaves, and flowers reflecting clearly in her mind as if she were walking through her familiar home.
When perceptual abilities reached a certain level, they could also serve to conceal oneself. As long as one moved to unseen angles, they wouldn’t be detected.
—
After evading patrols, the duo appeared under the shadow of a tree outside the black church. It was now night, and they weren’t too worried about being easily discovered.
Looking at the brightly lit church with its black-robed members and occasional visitors, they quickly devised a plan.
Taking advantage of a black-robed member venturing out, Bumansa struck him unconscious with her scabbard.
Sorry, senior sister.
Lolan carried the unconscious demon sequence senior, removed her black robe, and put it on herself, placing her in a hidden corner of the forest for Bumansa to watch over. Then, she prepared to infiltrate the mysterious church.
To avoid recognition, she wore the glasses given by Tides and paired them with a smoky pendant, changing her hair color to a common chestnut and retying it. Thus, an intellectual girl in a black robe with glasses emerged.
“Lolan is truly amazing,” Bumansa whispered, giving a thumbs-up.
“Wish you success. If it doesn’t work out, come straight out, and I’ll meet you outside.”
“No problem,” Lolan gestured reassuringly, then slowly approached the church in the night.
The black church, with its gothic style, reminded Lolan of her past dark aesthetic, hinting at a mystery.
After a quick glance, she refrained from further observation to avoid suspicion.
The first hurdle was the four Sequence 6 guards at the entrance. These were likely selected from top-tier upperclassmen. Given Emanas’ excellent education and extraordinary talents, students here were generally stronger than their counterparts outside.
If compared to her previous opponents, this was akin to four enhanced Zenepps standing guard, far surpassing the fully powered Flame Bear previously encountered.
Without using her powers, facing these four head-on would mean choosing evasion and escape, as her highest rank was Sequence 4.
With slight anxiety, the young lady slowed down, entering the church’s main door.
These four students were clad in dark armor, which looked both practical and elegant.
As the young lady silently ascended the steps, like the black-robed members, ready to enter the door.
A voice rang in her ear.
“Hold on,” a black knight wearing a full helmet stepped forward, blocking her path, his right hand already resting on his sword hilt.
“Hello, what brings you here?”
Stay calm, Lolan. Keep your composure. The young lady encouraged herself, surprised at such an unlucky start.
“What college and class are you from, and what is your name?”
“I am…” Lolan rapidly thought. No one questioned the previous members, why now? She was puzzled but quickly came up with a pseudonym.
“I’m a third-year natural sequence student from the Fortress Academy, Meisia.”
Names like Lolan and Lolan Hill wouldn’t do. Since most demon sequence students were part of ‘Black Veil’, using that sequence would expose her. Hence, she chose a natural sequence pseudonym.
“You look unfamiliar. Can you recite our club’s motto?” The black knight asked again, with the other three gradually surrounding her.
Recalling the information gathered earlier, the young lady began reciting the ancient words and phrases, her voice ethereal and clear.
“I am the star of the twilight sky, the lantern in the end-of-days darkness, a witness across time, now to forge a new future for the world.”
—End of Chapter
