Savra turned her attention to Ragnar. Rangar leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "Well? What''s this about, Savra?"

    Savra folded her hands and smirked. "Lucius has uncovered something that is connected to that mysterious group we''ve been hearing about."

    Ragnar raised an eyebrow. "You mean the same group that''s been causing trouble for the empire?"

    Savra nodded. "Exactly. During one of his missions at Astra Academy, Lucius encountered this mysterious group."

    Ragnar was immediately interested in it. He leaned forward slightly. "Go on. I want to hear the whole story."

    Savra smirked faintly. She clearly enjoyed Ragnar''s curiosity. "Very well. It all started when Lucius got into trouble with the Kryndals. Apparently, he beat up one of their spoiled brats."

    Ragnar grinned after hearing it. He was clearly amused by it. "Which spoiled brat is it?"

    Savra chuckled. "Kaelix Kryndal. He tried to kill Lucius out of sheer jealousy and pride. Lucius fought back and, well, let''s just say Kaelix lost a hand."

    Ragnar burst into laughter, slapping his knee. "That''s the best! The Kryndals think they''re untouchable, so it''s good to see one of their brats getting what he deserved."

    Savra smiled but continued without missing a beat. "Of course, the Kryndals didn''t take it well. They used their influence to meddle with Lucius''s mission."

    Savra frowned a bit. "Instead of being given proper materials, Lucius was forced to gather them himself in a dangerous location."

    Ragnar also frowned like Savra. "Those damn Kryndals. Always using underhanded tactics. Tinkering with an Evolist''s mission—especially someone like Lucius—that''s low, even for them."

    Savra nodded in agreement. "It was during that mission that things got more interesting. "

    Savra then smirked. "After completing the task, Lucius learned that the Garran family—Luna''s former family—had been destroyed. Luna wanted to see the aftermath, so they went there."

    Ragnar smirked. "The maid is good. Facing the destruction of her former family head-on takes guts."@@@@

    Savra continued and became more serious. "At the Garran estate, they saw the mysterious group firsthand. One of the group''s members fought and killed the Garran Patriarch before looting their treasury."

    He could feel the powerful aura radiating from the vial, far stronger than he had anticipated.

    Ragnar leaned closer to get a better look at it and muttered. "This... This is far more potent than I thought. It really is one of the legendary materials connected to the Red Dragon."

    Lucius smirked as he leaned forward. "Now that you''ve seen it, "what will you do, Patriarch?"

    Ragnar straightened and smirked. He was also pretty excited. "Of course I''ll join. It''s been a long time since something this interesting happened. Sitting around waiting for enemies to show up was getting boring."

    Lucius chuckled softly. He was satisfied with the response. "Glad to hear it. With your strength and Savra''s support, we''ll have everything we need."

    Ragnar waved a hand dismissively. "Enough flattery. Tell us what your plan is."

    Lucius leaned forward slightly. He rested his elbows on the table and started. "Sure."

    Lucius smirked as he began to explain the plan. "It''s quite simple and straightforward. The vial emits a strong aura. It''s unique and strong. The mysterious group could easily sense it."

    Savra listened intently while Ragnar folded his arms. Both of them were intrigued.

    Lucius continued. "All we need to do is let them take it. Once they have it, we''ll follow them back to their base."

    Ragnar frowned slightly. "Why not set a trap and beat them on the spot? It would be easier to crush them right then and there."

    Lucius chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Because the ones who come to steal it are likely just foot soldiers or low-level operatives—mere thieves."

    Lucius raised his hand and slammed the table. "We''re not interested in small fry. We want the mastermind, the one pulling the strings."

    Savra nodded slightly, understanding the logic behind Lucius''s plan. "So, you''re saying we let them get away intentionally and track them to their leader?"

    Lucius smirked. "Exactly. If we strike too soon, we''ll just be dealing with expendable pawns. But if we let them escape and track them, we''ll find the real target."

    Ragnar leaned back in his chair and stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I see. It''s risky, but it could work. Still, how do you plan to follow them without being noticed?"

    Lucius''s smirk widened, and he leaned in slightly. "Simple. We''ll do it like this..."