Chapter 218: Capture

Helag wasn’t sure how powerful a third-level wizard was, as he hadn’t seen a second-level wizard in action.

Last time, Cain only dealt with ordinary people, making it impossible to gauge his strength.

But Helag could imagine that since the second-level wizards dared not disrespect Parker, his power must be terrifying.

The strongest being Helag had encountered was a toad from the Abyss Plane, claiming to be around level four or five.

Even with the toad’s restraint, Helag felt immense pressure.

Parker, on the other hand, always appeared ordinary, with a simple smile that belied any sense of threat.

“Second-level wizards stay; the rest can go rest,” Parker instructed, gathering the second-level wizards in his cabin to plan specifics.

Their collective strength could easily overwhelm Oberstein, but caution dictated a detailed plan.

Returning to the cabin, Helag found Asna still awake.

She wore her maid outfit, her long legs clad in black stockings.

“Why aren’t you asleep?” Helag asked.

Seeing Helag return, Asna sighed in relief, rushing into his arms, “I was worried about you… and Lins. I overheard their plans and got scared for him.”

Asna had learned to understand Sivir language, realizing Helag’s group was heading to Oberstein.

Given their strength, Asna feared no one could stop them.

With Lins in Oberstein, she worried he couldn’t protect himself.

Helag patted Asna’s smooth back, “I saw Lins today.”

“You saw Lins?!” Asna looked at Helag in disbelief.

“Yes, it was a coincidence. I saved his life. Don’t worry; I’ve arranged for him to go to Grey Knight Academy with a caravan, ensuring his safety. He’s no longer in Oberstein, so you can relax,” Helag reassured.

“Really?” Asna’s emotions swung wildly, not doubting Helag but feeling it was surreal.

Helag smiled, producing a pink garment, “Of course, I also brought you some clothes.”

Asna blushed, quickly taking the garment and hiding it behind her, “You went to my house?”

Helag nodded, “I thought you needed proper clothes, so I brought them.”

With a wave, Helag released a pile of clothes from his spatial ring onto the bed.

Asna looked at the clothes, her expression complex, and after picking up a few, she suddenly cried.

Helag, unsure how to handle this, could only embrace her.

He then took out the picture from Asna’s bedside, “I brought this too.”

“Thank you!” Asna was stunned by the picture, accepting it silently and crying again.

Soon, Asna composed herself, wiping away tears and organizing the clothes.

She neatly folded them and placed them in the cabinet.

“Will many people die in Oberstein?” Asna asked.

Helag paused, “Possibly. Their targets are the elves and the magician. But ordinary people are fragile; even a slight impact could be catastrophic.”

“That’s war.”

Asna remained silent, realizing those she knew might die, yet she could do nothing.

She didn’t blame Helag; these events would happen regardless.

Reflecting, Asna felt fortunate to have met Helag.

Without him, she might have been killed or captured by other wizards.

Other wizards wouldn’t be as understanding as Helag.

Moreover, Helag had resolved Lins’s situation, preventing unknown dangers.

“Sir, you’ve had a long day. Let me heat some water for your bath,” Asna offered.

“Yes, please,” Helag agreed, wanting a bath.

And so, another night passed.

***

The battle in Oberstein ended faster than Helag expected.

Parker’s group returned the next morning with four captives.

Severus and the three high-level elven spellcasters were all captured alive.

They wore heavy anti-magic shackles, with black iron rods in their backs to prevent magic use.

Severus looked disheveled, missing his right hand, hair unkempt, face bloodied.

He appeared weak, his robe tattered and bleeding from multiple wounds.

The three elves were in similar condition, though less severely injured than Severus.

Parker’s group seemed unscathed, the battle smoother than anticipated.

Helag watched as they took the captives to the basement.

The captives faced endless interrogation until their value was exhausted, then execution.

The elves might survive but would be stripped of magic and turned into slaves.

Crystalline-level elven wizards were highly valuable, fetching high prices.

Though male, these elves were still in demand.

In the Land of Dawn, many nobles were interested in them.

Helag sighed, knowing their fates were sealed, destined for misery.

He now focused on his own safety.

Seven months had passed; he needed to stay at Base 27 for five more months.

But these months would be challenging.

The elves wouldn’t let the capture of three high-level spellcasters go unpunished.

Base 27 was now officially at odds with the elves, ensuring future conflicts.

The recent operation excluded wizards below second level, but future missions would likely involve Helag.

The danger level was uncertain.

Even a routine patrol could face a powerful ambush.

Considering this, Helag frowned, anticipating many troubles ahead.

His interests were now tied to Base 27.

He couldn’t let the elves breach it, or he’d have nowhere to escape.