Chapter 238: Mission Accomplished

The red crystal was the teleportation marker, and its usage was simple.

By infusing it with magic and placing it on the ground, it would automatically merge into the earth.

The entire process was quick and silent, without any noticeable disturbance.

Helag glanced at the ground beneath his feet—there was no visible change.

Unless the elves meticulously searched every inch of this area, it would be nearly impossible to detect the teleportation marker.

Helag discreetly placed all three teleportation markers without drawing any attention.

Two were placed on the ground, and one inside a large rock.

Throughout the process, Helag acted naturally, without showing any signs of suspicion, even though no one was watching him.

In the time it took for a casual stroll, Helag had completed Parker’s mission.

The three teleportation markers were positioned outside the forest, allowing for a direct bypass of the forest’s defenses during the teleportation.

When the elves of Strange Valley were caught off guard, they would undoubtedly face a devastating blow.

Helag followed the path through the forest and exited.

As he approached the wooden gate, it automatically opened.

After stepping through, the gate closed behind him.

He looked up at the sky. It was already night, and the town’s streetlights were lit. In the distance, the faint sounds of a lively tavern could be heard.

Helag reverted to his human form, shedding his elven disguise, and began walking toward the inn.

He hadn’t gone far when a shadowy figure approached from a corner.

Helag had noticed him long before and asked, “What are you doing here?”

It was Bain, who hurried over, bowing obsequiously. “Bain greets Prince Sebas.”

Helag immediately slapped him on the head. “What prince? Don’t speak nonsense, or you’ll face the consequences.”

Bain quickly realized his mistake. The prince had disguised himself as a human, and Bain’s words could have exposed him.

Panicking, Bain stammered, “M-my lord, I’m sorry! I misspoke.”

“Do you have business with me? If not, don’t bother me,” Helag said impatiently.

Bain smiled obsequiously, “My lord, this is a small token of my appreciation. It also includes the ten gold coins you gave me earlier.”

Helag glanced at the heavy lockbox Bain was holding, filled with gold coins and jewels.

Naturally, there was no reason to refuse money being handed to him.

“Alright, I’ll be going now.”

Helag took the box and stored it in his space ring, then turned to leave.

Bain quickly added, “My lord, I didn’t know the Ruby Chamber was connected to you earlier. I apologize for the offense. I’ll make up for it right away and provide some compensation.”

Helag scolded him, “Idiot! Don’t do anything unnecessary, and don’t let anyone know you know me. I’m just an adventurer escorting the caravan, understand?”

“Don’t try to be clever.”

Helag’s cold tone sent a shiver down Bain’s spine, and sweat broke out on his back.

Bain, eager to please, finally realized he had almost made a huge mistake.

Since the prince had gone to such lengths to disguise himself as a human, revealing his identity would be disastrous.

If Bain had suddenly compensated the Ruby Chamber for the salted meat and offered additional reparations, it would have raised too many suspicions.

Bain was relieved he hadn’t acted yet. Otherwise, he would have ruined everything.

Cold sweat dripped from his forehead as he realized how close he had come to disaster.

If he had messed up the prince’s plans, not even ten lives would have been enough to save him.

While Bain was still trembling with fear, Helag had already walked away, leaving only his silhouette behind.

It wasn’t until Helag had completely disappeared from view that Bain let out a sigh of relief.

The pressure from being in the presence of Prince Sebas was overwhelming, especially after realizing he had said and done the wrong things.

Fortunately, the prince seemed intent on keeping his identity hidden, so Bain was spared any punishment.

As Helag left the area near the fence, the streets became more crowded, and the atmosphere grew livelier.

The area near the fence was always quiet, as no one dared to approach it.

When Helag returned to the inn and opened the door, Reese immediately jumped into his arms, wrapping herself around his neck.

Helag effortlessly lifted her up.

“The mission is complete,” Helag said.

Reese, surprised, asked, “Already?”

Helag nodded, “Yes, it’s done. In a few days, we’ll head back with the Ruby Chamber’s caravan. Once we return to Nightfall City, we’ll make our way back to the Lim Mountain Range. By then, it’ll be almost a year.”

Reese smiled, “So, I’ll be able to enter the Land of Dawn with you?”

She didn’t ask how Helag had completed the mission.

If Helag didn’t tell her, he had his reasons. If he wanted her to know, he would have said something. She wouldn’t pry.

“At this rate, it seems likely,” Helag replied with a smile.

The two held each other tightly, and the atmosphere quickly became intimate as their bodies brushed against one another.

Reese’s eyes became seductive, her lips parting slightly…

***

A few days later, Helag, Reese, and David joined the Ruby Chamber’s caravan for the return journey.

With fewer goods to transport, the caravan moved much faster.

Twenty days later, they arrived back in Nightfall City.

“Mr. Helag, thank you for your escort over the past few weeks. We’ll likely set out again in a month. If you’re available, feel free to visit the Ruby Chamber,” Ladoye said, offering an additional thirty gold coins as a gesture of goodwill.

Helag replied, “If we’re not on another mission by then, I’d be happy to work with the Ruby Chamber again.”

It was just a polite response.

By then, they would no longer be in Nightfall City, but there was no need to mention that to Ladoye.

After parting ways with the Ruby Chamber, Reese asked, “Helag, are we taking the same route back?”

“Yes, we’ll retrace our steps. We don’t know what the situation is like elsewhere.”

Though there were other routes, they hadn’t traveled them before and didn’t know what troubles they might encounter.

Sticking to the familiar path would reduce the number of unknown risks.

They had been in the Elven Plane for ten months now, and by the time they returned to Base 27, they would have about a month left.

Helag’s priority was to ensure the three of them could safely return to the Wizard Plane and secure their entry into the Land of Dawn.

Taking the same route back was the safest option, as taking unfamiliar paths could lead to unexpected dangers.

The situation in Oberstein was likely becoming more tense, with the elves already sending reinforcements.

Taking other routes could risk running into them.

After spending a day in Nightfall City to restock on supplies, the three of them left the city early the next morning, beginning their journey back the way they had come.