Chapter 354: Chapter354: The Sudden Appearance Of Flora
Meanwhile, Enzo and the others, along with Matilda, finally broke free from the encirclement of the Umbra Corps.
Casting a glance back, they observed Patricia still valiantly holding her ground, locked in fierce combat with the Umbra Corps.
"We cannot abandon Patricia!" Enzo shouted. "We must return to rescue her!"
"But... if we go back, it could put her in even greater peril." Matilda replied, filled with concern.
"Yet we are a team. We cannot forsake any member!" Enzo asserted resolutely. "Everyone, prepare yourselves! We will charge back in to save Patricia!"
Under Enzo's leadership, they plunged once more into the heart of the Umbra Corps' stronghold.
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Upon reuniting with Patricia, they stood back to back, united in their defense against the relentless assault.
After a fierce struggle, they succeeded in repelling the majority of the Umbra Corps' pursuers.
However, just as they were preparing to withdraw, an Umbra Corps commander suddenly emerged before them.
"Thinking of escaping? It won't be that simple!" the commander sneered, gesturing for his subordinates to continue their attack.
Gritting their teeth, Enzo and his allies engaged in a final showdown with the commander of the Umbra Corps.
In the heat of fierce battle, Enzo and his companions, fueled by unwavering resolve and exceptional teamwork, ultimately triumphed over the commander, successfully breaking free.
With Patricia and Matilda in tow, they dashed away, finally eluding the relentless pursuit of the Umbra Corps.
By the time they returned to the Temple of the Seven Gods, they were utterly exhausted.
Breathlessly, Enzo remarked, "We saved Matilda, and we saved Patricia."
As they supported one another, joy radiated from their faces, a testament to their hard-won victory.
Despite the arduous challenges they faced during the rescue mission, their unity and courage prevailed against adversity.
However, just when they believed the crisis had passed, an unexpected figure suddenly materialized before them—Flora.
"Flora? What are you doing here?" Enzo inquired in astonishment.
With a faint smile and a glimmer of determination in her eyes, Flora replied, "I've been following you all along. You simply did not notice. I knew you were going to rescue Matilda, so I decided to join."
"What challenges did you encounter along the way?" Enzo asked with concern. "Did you face any danger?"
"Of course I did." Flora chuckled. "Enzo, I've only been at home for a few days, and you already doubt my abilities?"
"Oh, that's not it." Enzo countered. "If you wanted to come along, you could have told me. There was no need to sneak behind us. It only made me worry more about you. If something were to happen, it would be hard to bear."
"Don't worry, Enzo." Flora reassured him. "Not only did I come through unscathed, but I also bring news you will surely want to hear."
"What news?" Enzo asked.
Flora smiled mysteriously, "It concerns the Umbra Corps. During my pursuit of them, I discovered a secret communications base that holds intelligence regarding their next plans."
Enzo's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Pray, share their plans with us."
Flora nodded and began relaying the intelligence she had unearthed. "From what I overheard, the Umbra Corps appears to be orchestrating a large-scale assault, targeting not only the Temple of the Seven Gods but also several crucial resource and energy bases. Their intent seems to be to significantly undermine the defenses of Alfa, seizing the opportunity to claim additional resources and power."
Enzo furrowed his brow. "This is indeed grave news. If we fail to thwart them in advance, the consequences could be dire."
Matilda voiced her concern. "We must immediately inform the leaders of the Temple of the Seven Gods, enabling them to prepare adequately."
Patricia turned to Enzo. "What course of action do you propose, Enzo?"
After a moment's reflection, Enzo replied, "First and foremost, we must ascertain the veracity of this intelligence. Flora, can you guide us to the communications base? We require further evidence to substantiate this information."
Flora assented. "Of course, I recall the way. However, we must tread carefully, as the area is undoubtedly heavily guarded."
Enzo addressed the group. "Are you all prepared? This mission may pose significant risks, yet we must proceed."
Everyone nodded in affirmation, signaling their readiness.
Thus, Enzo, Flora, Matilda, and Patricia set forth once more, stealthily approaching the clandestine communications base under Flora's guidance.
Nestled within a remote valley and encircled by dense woods, the base offered excellent concealment. The group approached cautiously, using the terrain and foliage as cover, gradually closing in on the periphery of the installation.
They concealed themselves behind a thicket, carefully observing the guard arrangements at the base.The area surrounding the base was teeming with patrolling soldiers, each entrance heavily guarded, creating an imposing display of security.
Enzo whispered,"It seems we need a clever way to infiltrate."
Flora pondered for a moment, then replied, "I have a plan. We can utilize disguise to blend in with the patrol."
Enzo's eyes brightened with enthusiasm. "Excellent idea, Flora. Your brilliance shines through once again."
With that, Flora commenced her transformation magic, altering Enzo, Matilda, and Patricia to resemble the patrolling soldiers. They successfully integrated into the patrol, mingling with the other soldiers.
During their rounds, Enzo and his companions seized the opportunity to observe the layout of the base and the security measures in place, searching for a means to penetrate deeper into the facility. Eventually, they identified an entrance that appeared less fortified, with a comparatively sparse guard presence.
Enzo whispered,"This is the spot. We shall slip in while they change shifts."
The group nodded in agreement, waiting patiently for the opportune moment to execute their plan.
Before long, a contingent of patrolling soldiers approached, exchanging duties with the stationed guards. Seizing the opportunity, Enzo and his friends merged seamlessly into the group of soldiers changing shifts, successfully gaining entry into the base.
They tread carefully through the corridors, deftly avoiding the vigilant patrols and watchful cameras.
At last, they arrived at a location that seemed to be the command center.
Several officers from the Umbra Corps were engaged in animated discussions, their demeanor exuding a sense of urgency.
Enzo and his companions quietly edged closer, attempting to eavesdrop on their conversation.
However, just then, one officer abruptly turned around, spotting them.
"Who are you? How did you end up here?" the officer inquired, a note of suspicion lacing his tone.
Enzo's heart raced, yet he maintained an air of composure. "We are new patrol soldiers who got lost and inadvertently wandered in here."
The officer furrowed his brow, a hint of skepticism evident in his expression. "New arrivals? How is it that I have not seen you before?"
At that moment, Flora interjected with her melodious voice, "Oh dear officer, we truly are newcomers. Perhaps you simply have not encountered us yet. Kindly do not trouble us, we shall take our leave at once."
The officer's gaze lingered on Flora's exquisite features, a flicker of desire igniting within his eyes, causing him to waver. Seizing the opportunity, Enzo urged the group to slip away quietly.
Just then, a shrill voice pierced the air, "Wait! They are not patrolling soldiers. They are foes!"
Enzo and his companions froze, turning to find a soldier from the Umbra Corps pointing at them with fervor. The officer quickly regained his composure and bellowed, "Seize them!"
Realizing their cover had been blown, Enzo and his companions sprang into action, employing their unique abilities to engage in a fierce confrontation with the Umbra Corps soldiers. After a grueling battle, they successfully repelled their adversaries and fled the base.
"Phew, we finally made it out." Patricia gasped, catching her breath.
Enzo nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Though we have escaped, our mission remains unfinished. We must relay the intelligence back to the Temple of the Seven Gods so they can prepare."
Flora chimed in, "Indeed, time is of the essence. We cannot afford to linger here any longer."
Matilda gazed at her companions, gratitude evident in her eyes. "Thank you all for risking your lives for me, time and again."
Enzo offered a gentle smile, patting Matilda's shoulder. "We are partners. It is our duty to protect one another. Now, we must hasten our return to the Temple of the Seven Gods."
Thus, the four of them set forth once more on their journey home.
They traversed dense forests and crossed rugged mountains, ultimately arriving back at the Temple of the Seven Gods.
Immediately, Enzo and his comrades reported their findings to the leaders of the Temple.
Upon hearing the news, the leaders wore grave expressions and expressed their resolve to act immediately.
However, when it came to the specifics of their actions, hesitation crept in.
Grimm White, filled with indignation, declared, "To you esteemed members of the Council, if you are unable to reach a decision, then let Enzo take the reins."
"Uh…" the leader of the Envy Temple pondered in silence.
The head of the Rage Temple then asserted, "What Grimm says rings true. Let us entrust the matter to Enzo. The Rage Temple is ready to cede authority."
As allies of Enzo, the Rage Temple was the first to rally behind him. Soon after, leaders from the Envy, Lust, Pride, and Sloth Temples also stepped forward in solidarity.
Seeing the tide turn, the other temple leaders fell silent, relinquishing their power entirely to Enzo.
Though now wielding considerable authority, Enzo remained composed.
He stated, "Since you place your trust in me, I shall devote myself wholeheartedly to this task."
Thus, Enzo embarked on the rigorous planning of a strategy to counter the Umbra Corps.
He convened elite warriors from the Temple of the Seven Gods, implementing stringent training and tactical planning to ensure that each individual could contribute their utmost in battle.
Simultaneously, Enzo dispatched intelligence agents to delve deeper into the movements of the Umbra Corps, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of their information.
He collaborated closely with Flora, Matilda, and Patricia, engaging in strategic discussions to formulate multiple contingency plans.
However, just as Enzo was diligently preparing, an unexpected piece of news arrived— the Umbra Corps had already taken action ahead of schedule.
"What? They dared to act before us!" Enzo's countenance shifted dramatically upon hearing the news.
"It seems they have no intention of granting us any time to prepare." Flora remarked, her brow furrowed in concern.
Matilda appeared somewhat anxious as well, asking, "What shall we do now?"