CHAPTER 324: THE MAP

Isiah had a singular thought on his mind: to obtain a detailed map that could safely guide him through the labyrinthine terrain of the Afan region, ultimately leading him to Triavert.

This map was his key to salvation, a path through the perilous unknown.

The realization dawned upon him that obtaining such a map required something he hadn’t considered —revisiting the city again.

It was a risk, one he was surprisingly eager to take. He couldn’t deny the grim truth that he had taken lives in that city before, but he also knew that navigating its treacherous streets was well within his capabilities.

Isiah chose not to employ the Jafar’s abilities for this journey. Instead, he ventured back into the heart of the city on his own two feet.

As he made his way through the city, the awe-inspiring sight of the towering buildings and bustling streets loomed above him.

But he didn’t indulge in the view for long.

His purpose was clear: find a Ring Tech device, secure the detailed map he needed, and leave the city as swiftly as possible.

The risk was undeniable, but the reward—a chance to reach Triavert and secure Ciel’s safety—was worth every perilous step he took.

The moment Isiah reentered the city on foot, he was afforded the opportunity to notice the finer details of his surroundings.

The cityscape soared skyward with meticulously constructed buildings that stood tall and pristine, a stark contrast to the rugged landscapes of Emperium and the wild expanses of Afan.

It almost felt like he had been transported back to Earth, albeit in a place that seemed to have progressed beyond his home world in some aspects.

One striking feature that immediately caught his attention was the relative lack of people aimlessly wandering the streets.

It was as if the city had achieved a sense of order and efficiency that was absent in the other regions he had traversed.

The controlled chaos of Afan had given way to a more structured existence, but it came at the price of constant surveillance.

Cameras were positioned at strategic points throughout the city, silently watching and recording every movement.

It was a surveillance state, a stark reminder that even in this advanced civilization, freedom came at a price.

Isiah couldn’t help but feel the weight of those unblinking electronic eyes upon him as he ventured deeper into the city.

To blend in and remain unrecognizable, Isiah took great care in crafting his appearance.

He exchanged his medieval attire for modern clothing—a pair of dark, loose-fitting pants, a matching dark shirt, sporty sneakers in a shade of black, and a hoodie adorned with a hat to shroud his face.

The transformation was complete, and when he summoned a mirror to check his reflection, he couldn’t help but smile.

He had missed this look terribly. Back on Earth, casual clothing had been his preferred attire, and now, in this city, he had the chance to wear them again.

Isiah had left behind the medieval aesthetic and embraced a more contemporary style, allowing him to move through the city’s urban landscape with a sense of belonging, even if it was just a facade.

Isiah blended in seamlessly with the city’s inhabitants. As he ventured through the bustling streets, he couldn’t help but notice that many of the people here shared his appearance, further aiding his disguise.

His mission was clear: locate a potential target who possessed the coveted Ring Tech device.

Isiah spent several hours meandering through the city’s labyrinthine streets, his senses sharpened, and his instincts attuned to the smallest of details.

Eventually, he reached a point where he decided to take more direct action. He needed that Ring Tech, and he needed it soon.

As he was about to cross a dimly lit alley, he encountered a group of children engaged in a spirited game.

They paid him little mind as he continued on his way, but the mischievous kids decided to involve him in their play.

With a playful toss, one of the children sent a ball rolling in Isiah’s direction. He paused, one leg lifted mid-step, and watched the ball’s approach.

However, he didn’t make any effort to return it to them. Instead, with a subtle flick of his foot, he let the ball continue its trajectory behind him.

The kids were taken aback, their playful cheers turning into disgruntled protests. They demanded that Isiah retrieve the ball for them, but he simply smirked and carried on with his walk.

To the children, it was a breach of the unspoken rules of their game, an act that was decidedly "not cool."

Little did these kids know that they had just encountered a force to be reckoned with, a harbinger of change in this city.

Isiah’s actions, seemingly inconsequential, hinted at the turbulence and disruption he would soon bring to this place, a harbinger of a new era, and perhaps, a nightmare for those who sought to stand in his way.

After his encounter with the children, Isiah’s path crossed that of a lone man, seemingly on his way home.

Seizing the opportunity, Isiah surreptitiously followed the man, silently shadowing him until they reached his residence.

Once inside the man’s home, Isiah wasted no time. He employed his dark magic to immobilize the man, binding him securely.

The captive was well aware that resistance was futile; the intense, foreboding gaze in Isiah’s eyes made it abundantly clear that any outcry or defiance would be met with swift and deadly consequences.

With calculated precision, Isiah leaned over the man, his eyes locked onto the Ring Tech device.

He understood that these devices had sensors and a GPS capability, which could potentially expose his location if he wasn’t careful.

Isiah was determined to leave no traces, no extra attention.

Gripping the man’s hair tightly in his fist, Isiah issued his demand in a firm, unwavering tone, "Search for a map to Triavert."

The man, trembling with fear, quickly confirmed his compliance, not daring to test Isiah’s resolve.

What Isiah remained unaware of, however, was that the government had disseminated reports about him through the media, warning the populace about his presence.

These reports provided vivid descriptions and images of Isiah, though they omitted any mention of Ciel, Lexie, or Eijar.

It was a baffling omission, one that raised more questions than answers.

"Triavert, sir," the man affirmed, hastening to search for information on Triavert at Isiah’s command.

Yet, Triavert was not a location easily found on conventional maps. It was a clandestine place, hidden from view, represented on maps only as a dark, ominous void.

As soon as the map revealed Triavert’s cryptic location, Isiah acted swiftly.

He used his magic to capture the image, etching it onto a piece of paper to ensure he wouldn’t lose it.

"Well," Isiah said, standing upright once more. The man breathed a sigh of relief, believing that Isiah was satisfied and would depart peacefully.

However, Isiah had other plans. In a sudden, cold-blooded act, he cast a spell that emptied the air from the man’s lungs, extinguishing his life.

It was a grim necessity in Isiah’s eyes, as he couldn’t risk leaving anyone alive who might lead the government to his location.

Before departing, Isiah meticulously combed through the man’s home.

It became evident that the man lived alone in the modest dwelling.

Satisfied that he had left no evidence of his presence behind, Isiah made his exit.

He knew that the Ring Tech had indicated the man’s vital signs, and it was imperative to leave before the government became aware of what he had done.

The stakes were high, and Isiah had obtained the crucial information he needed, but danger loomed ever closer.