CHAPTER 127: CH 127: RESISTANCE- PART 2

Kael led Fenrir through the crumbling back alleys of the city’s underground district, where rusted signs hung over shuttered shops and the only light came from the occasional flickering street lamp.

As they moved deeper into the maze of tunnels and alleyways, Kael spoke quickly.

"If you help the resistance, we’ll give you what you want. Resources. Information. Safe passage to the upper floors. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we can help."

He said, glancing over his shoulder at Fenrir with an eager expression.

Fenrir didn’t answer immediately. He stared straight ahead, the thoughts clicking in his mind like cogs in a machine.

The resistance was clearly desperate.

Their ’base’ was hidden away, their members were young and untrained, and they were willing to take in a stranger with no background just because he had power.

That kind of desperation could be dangerous—or useful.

Fenrir finally smirked.

"You’re overestimating what I care about, kid. I didn’t ask for your help, and I don’t owe you anything."

"I know. But the offer stands."

Kael replied calmly.

Fenrir stopped for a moment, pretending to weigh his options. Truthfully, he had already made up his mind.

The resistance might be a bunch of idealistic fools, but they had access. Access to this floor’s secrets, the suppression field, and—most importantly—a way off it.

"I’ll think about it. But I’ll make it clear now. My priority is leaving this floor. If your people can help me do that, I’ll cooperate. Don’t expect me to fight your battles."

Fenrir said at last.

Kael nodded as though he’d been expecting this response.

"That’s fair. Honestly, that’s what I expected."

They continued walking, but Fenrir’s instincts suddenly flared. A presence. Subtle. Close.

"Stop."

He muttered sharply.

Kael froze in place, blinking.

"What’s wrong?"

Fenrir didn’t answer.

His hand moved with practiced precision, pulling out his sidearm—a sleek, matte-black pistol. His eyes narrowed as he turned toward a shadow tucked behind the wall of a nearby building.

Then he fired.

The sound was sharp, echoing through the alley as the skill-empowered bullet tore through the air with pinpoint accuracy.

A yelp rang out, and a figure tumbled from the shadows, landing hard on the cobbled ground.

Kael gasped and ran forward.

"Wait—no, no—Clara?!"

Fenrir lowered his weapon, his gaze cool as he watched the scene unfold.

The girl on the ground groaned and pushed herself up weakly, clutching her side. Her hood had fallen back, revealing pointed ears and soft silver hair.

Another elf. Barely older than Kael. Her eyes flicked between the two of them, panicked.

"Clara...What are you doing here?"

Kael repeated, crouching beside her.

Clara hesitated, the lie forming behind her eyes before it even left her mouth.

"I—I was just trying to keep you safe. I followed you to make sure you weren’t walking into a trap."

"Try again. You were tailing us. Quietly. No warning. No contact. You weren’t trying to keep him safe—you were watching."

Fenrir said coldly, stepping closer.

Kael looked between Clara and Fenrir, his hands clenched at his sides.

"Tell me that’s not true. Tell me you didn’t betray us."

He whispered.

But Clara didn’t respond. Her silence spoke louder than any excuse could.

Then Fenrir’s expression hardened. His gaze shifted.

"More are coming. I can sense them. We’ve got less than a minute before we’re boxed in."

He said.

Kael’s head snapped up.

"What?"

"I don’t know if she’s a spy or just another pawn, but she wasn’t alone. You need to decide fast, kid. Either we move, or we get caught."

Fenrir said grimly.

Kael stood up slowly, still staring at Clara. His eyes were full of pain, but also understanding. He wanted to believe her—but the truth was already too clear.

"You... you were one of us."

He said, voice cracking.

Clara still didn’t speak.

Fenrir grabbed Kael by the collar.

"Sentiment later. Move now."

That snapped him out of it. Kael gave one last glance at Clara, then turned and sprinted with Fenrir deeper into the shadows.

Behind them, the sound of footsteps echoed—more than a few. At least six. Maybe more.

"Who are they?"

Fenrir asked as they ran.

"I don’t know. Clara must’ve... must’ve been feeding them information. They could be city guards, or worse—mercs paid to silence us."

Kael muttered.

"Wouldn’t be the first time someone sold out their own. Let’s just hope your base isn’t already burned."

Fenrir said flatly.

Kael led Fenrir and Clara down a narrow passage between two crumbling stone walls, their footsteps muffled by dust and moss.

After a few sharp turns and a hidden door concealed behind old crates, they entered a cramped underground chamber dimly lit by a single mana orb hanging from the ceiling.

It smelled of rust and dirt, but it was safe—at least for now.

"We should be fine here. Empty your pockets. Remove anything magical."

Kael muttered. He turned to Clara with a grim expression.

Clara didn’t argue. She removed her communicator, a mana crystal necklace, and a small rune-carved pin from the inside of her cloak.

Kael crushed the communicator beneath his boot and placed the other items inside a lead-lined box in the corner.

Fenrir stood quietly, arms crossed. But then his eyes narrowed.

"She could still be hiding something. Step aside."

He said coldly.

Kael hesitated, but moved. Fenrir walked up to Clara and placed his palm just above her head.

His eyes glowed faintly green as he activated his detection skill—an offshoot of his affinity with the earth, tuned to resonance and trace mana signatures.

He scanned her thoroughly.

After a few tense seconds, he stepped back.

"She’s clean."

Kael gave a quiet sigh and tied Clara’s wrists with a rope he pulled from a supply crate. He made sure the knots were tight but didn’t hurt her.

Then, finally, he looked to Fenrir.

"I’m sorry about this. I didn’t expect Clara to... to do something like this. She was one of our most trusted members."

He said, voice low.

Fenrir leaned against the wall and crossed his arms again.

"Your mistake. I’m not here to care about your resistance’s internal drama. I’m here to get what I was promised. As long as I do, what happens to her—or any of you—isn’t my problem."

Kael gave a short, bitter laugh, but it lacked all humor.

"Of course. Makes sense. We’re just tools to you."

"I never said you weren’t. But you made the deal. And I intend to collect."

Fenrir replied flatly.

Silence settled over the small room, thick and uncomfortable. Fenrir moved to the corner and sat down, pulling his cloak around him and closing his eyes. He just wanted a moment of quiet.

But peace was not in the cards.

"You betrayed everything we stood for!"

Kael shouted suddenly.

"I tried to protect you! You were rushing into something too dangerous!"

Clara snapped back.

"You don’t get to decide that!"

Their argument grew louder, more heated. Accusations, justifications, and hurtful truths filled the small space, echoing off the walls.

Fenrir’s eyes snapped open. He stood up slowly, glaring at the two.

"If either of you say another word, I’ll silence you myself."

He said, voice sharp and cold.

They fell quiet instantly.