CHAPTER 338: ILLUSION "(MASS RELEASE-3)

That morning, Isiah, aware of the need for permission to leave the underground city and not wanting to jeopardize the safety of the others, made his way to the city’s council.

The journey through the intricate passages led him to a central hub where the council convened to address matters concerning the subterranean community.

As he approached the entrance, guarded by stern-looking sentinels, Isiah prepared himself for the negotiations that lay ahead.

The council’s decision would determine not only his ability to leave but also the fate of the group in this unfamiliar realm beneath the surface.

Entering the council chamber, Isiah was met with an air of formality. The room was adorned with dimly lit crystal lamps, casting an otherworldly glow on the intricate carvings that adorned the walls.

Seated at a large, elevated platform were the council members, each figure exuding an aura of authority.

Hayder, the leader of the council, acknowledged Isiah’s presence with a nod. " what brings you before the council today?" he inquired, his voice calm.

Isiah, maintaining a calm demeanor, replied, "I seek permission to leave the underground city temporarily. There are matters outside that require my attention, and I assure you it’s in the best interest of both our worlds."

Hayder leaned forward, his gaze scrutinizing Isiah. "Leaving our sanctuary is not a decision we take lightly. Explain the urgency of your request , you just came here and now you want to leave !."

Isiah’s voice cut through the air with an unsettling calmness, "the threat that we faced the other day was not an isolated incident. The individuals who attacked Khaz are but the vanguard of a more significant force."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in the room. The crystal lamps flickered, casting shifting shadows across the carved walls.

"I offer you my assistance, not out of obligation, but out of a shared interest in survival," Isiah continued, his gaze piercing through the dim light. "I have knowledge of these attackers, and I know how to deal with them, I am much stronger than them ."

A collective murmur swept through the council, and Hayder, the leader, exchanged uneasy glances with his fellow members.

Isiah’s next words cut through the tension like a blade of ice. "I can provide insights, strategies, and capabilities that surpass the conventional defenses you currently possess.

The enemy we face is not one to underestimate.."

As Isiah spoke, the council members exchanged nervous glances. Isiah’s calm demeanor in the face of such peril both shocked and unnerved them.

"I do not make this offer lightly," Isiah concluded, his gaze locking onto Hayder. "Our survival depends on our ability to face these threats head-on, together. I await your decision."

"Take respite; we have guards capable of combat," Hayder reassured.

Isiah’s laughter echoed through the chamber, a bitter sound that cut through the tension.

He looked at Hayder incredulously before responding with a hint of disdain, "Guards like Khaz? Your defenses are feeble, and you rely on those who crumble at the first sign of danger. It’s a miracle this sanctuary has lasted as long as it has."

The council members exchanged uneasy glances, realizing the gravity of Isiah’s words.

"I don’t offer my help for your sake alone," Isiah continued, his tone calculated and sharp. "I have my reasons, but our interests align for now. If you don’t want my assistance, fine. Enjoy your false sense of security until the storm engulfs you."

Hayder, sensing the severity of the situation, leaned forward, his expression stern. "What do you propose, Isiah?"

Isiah’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Open your gates. Let me handle this threat. I’ll share what I know, guide your defense, and ensure that your precious sanctuary remains intact. In return, when the time comes, I get what I want."

Despite the absence of an imminent attack, Isiah’s unwavering confidence planted a seed of belief among them that the impending threat was approaching.

"I won’t remain passive, waiting like a doll for the attackers. I will take proactive measures to deal with them," Isiah declared with determination.

Unease settled among the council members, and one of them voiced their concerns, "No, you risk provoking the government’s wrath. They will retaliate against us."

"Grant me the permission, and that is all you need to do," Isiah asserted. In that instant, he released a trace of his dark energy, an imperceptible but unsettling aura that made the council members shiver with an unspoken fear.

Realizing the formidable force in their midst, the council weighed their options.

Hayder, with a sense of caution, conceded, "Consider the collective safety first. Just ensure you don’t bring trouble to our doorstep. Save us in your pursuit, but do it discreetly."

In that charged moment, Hayder’s words were not just a cautious plea but a desperate attempt to placate the potential storm that Isiah represented.

The council, recognizing their vulnerability, swiftly granted him the permission he sought, hoping to appease the ominous figure in their midst.

As Isiah left the underground city, his dark energy lingered in the air, leaving the council members grappling with the unsettling reality that they had willingly unleashed a force that could reshape their destiny, for better or for worse.

Isiah walked through the surface city, his sarcastic remarks flowing like a dark undercurrent beneath his breath.

Observing the inhabitants, he couldn’t resist commenting on what he perceived as their weaknesses.

"Ah, the underground haven of fragility," he muttered, his tone mocking. "A place where strength is a fleeting illusion."

As he navigated the streets, he continued his acerbic commentary. "They cling to their false sense of security, unaware of the harsh realities beyond their sheltered existence. How amusing it is to witness their feeble attempts at survival."

Isiah’s disdain for the perceived vulnerability of the underground city dripped from his words. "A society built on illusions, pathetic leader, pathetic guards and pathetic people , if it was not for Ciel I would not stay there, not even for a minute "