Free Web NovelChapter 183: Saving Brandon (2)
Despite the urge to turn around, Ren controlled himself, not casting another glance at Kestrel who lay motionless on the ground, immersed in deep sleep. This, he believed, was the safest route to take, ensuring no one would discover that Kestrel had been aiding them.
With determined steps, Ren unlocked the sturdy iron cage, lifting Brandon onto his back with care, consciously steering clear of the spot where Kestrel was. He moved deftly through the palace, now blanketed with thick layers of smoke and debris, his figure momentarily glimpsed like a fleeting shadow darting down the grand staircase. freeweɓnøvel.com
Within the Tower, a dense cloud of gunpowder smoke hung heavily in the air. Carefully set explosives erupted one after another in deserted sections. Chaos was the reigning king, with alphas scattered in panic, uproariously seeking the intruders.
The Tower’s inner sanctum, which had enjoyed years of peace, was unprepared for this sudden assault. Even the highly trained elite troops were taken aback, their order shattered amidst the confusion.
A group of royal guard alphas sprinting through the hallway caught sight of the lone rebel descending from the level above. This rebel carried an extra weight on his shoulders, a person in distress.
Suddenly, both factions stood confronting each other in the tight space.
The royal alphas could barely contain their excitement. Originating from prestigious families and accustomed to ceremonial duties within the royal guards, they hadn’t tasted the harsh realities of a true battlefield since their youth.
Now, adrenaline surged through the young alphas, a potent mix of nervousness and exhilaration, as they perceived this encounter as a divine gift, an extraordinary opportunity to prove their valor. One of the guards even drifted into a daydream, rehearsing the proud speech he would deliver upon receiving personal accolades from the Queen for apprehending the rebel.
Yet, his dream was brutally cut short as he snapped back to reality, witnessing with dread that his comrades were already incapacitated.
The guard couldn’t decipher the man’s swift moves, only registering the horrific crunching noises of bones giving way. His fellow guards didn’t even muster a cry before they collapsed lifelessly around him.
The fearsome man was now upon him, and through the murky lenses of his goggles, the young guard could vaguely discern a set of eyes, frigid as the harshest winter.
Panic consumed the guard, his past mock battle training rendered entirely inadequate before such a tangible threat of death. His body froze, unable to muster a defense, before a wave of agonizing pain overwhelmed him, plunging him into darkness.
Relocating Brandon to the cargo elevator situated on the current level, Ren prepared to exit. Yet, as he moved, he felt a soft tug on the hem of his clothing.
Bending down once again, Ren assured his battered friend, "Once you reach the bottom, allies will be waiting to receive you," His voice carried a hint of urgency. "I need to stay back, to secure you a few precious moments."
He chose to remain behind to divert attention, allowing Brandon and the others to possibly have a small opportunity to flee. Additionally, by choosing not to leave at this critical moment, he could seize the chance to demonstrate that he was not guilty of the crimes.
For this daring rescue mission, a large number of their allies who were secretly stationed within the Tower had been discovered. Now, only a handful were left in the higher tiers of the Tower. It was imperative that a few sparks of revenge remain kindled in this place. Therefore, he made the choice to remain behind.
For a brief moment, Brandon’s hand shook slightly, before he managed to let go, albeit with great difficulty.
Right before the elevator doors slid shut, he managed to utter two heartfelt words to his friend who was bravely facing the danger alone outside the door, "Take care." Packed within this concise phrase were feelings of deep gratitude, profound respect, intense worry, and a reluctant farewell.
The elevator embarked on its descent, eventually reaching the Tower’s very base. Positioned there was a large group of royal guard alphas, equipped with elongated firearms and compact cannons, standing in tense readiness. Their weapons were aimed with palpable anxiety at the elevator’s exit point, prepared to unleash a barrage of bullets on any rebel who dared to step out, transforming them into a human sieve.
As the elevator came to a standstill, the passage of time appeared to decelerate markedly. A profound hush embraced the area, with every individual holding their breath in suspense, to the point where even the sound of sweat droplets falling from foreheads could be distinctly heard.
Ding—
The elevator doors gradually parted, allowing rays of light to spill out, revealing a shocking scene within the elevator’s confines: an empty space devoid of any living rebels. Yet, the inner surface of the elevator bore the grisly marks of conflict - vibrant red splashes of blood. Sprawled on the floor were several wounded alphas, garbed in the distinctive uniforms of the Royal Guard, their faces ones they recognized — their very own comrades!
Each one was severely injured, barely holding onto consciousness, able to muster only feeble groans intermittently. It was evident that they had engaged in a brutal confrontation with the rebels before seeking sanctuary in the elevator.
The alphas assigned to guard the elevator entrance realized that their vigil had been fruitless. However, before they could advance to further investigate the situation, an urgent message echoed from the intercom,
"Adversaries spotted on the 10th floor, adversaries spotted on the 10th floor."
"Nearby units, rush to provide support, immediately!"
Without a moment’s hesitation, fueled by a desire for recognition and accolades, the team leader of the alphas gestured energetically, rallying numerous others to ascend swiftly towards the 10th floor. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
Only a pair of soldiers chose to stay behind voluntarily, dedicating themselves to aid in rescuing the wounded inside the elevator. Working together, they managed to keep the elevator doors open, and gently carried their injured peers outside, one after another.
Situated amongst the group of wounded was an individual adorned in an alpha uniform, his visage almost entirely concealed by blood and severe wounds. Dirt and coagulated blood masked his facial features, making identification virtually impossible. Yet, glimpses of extensive old burn marks could be seen decorating his upper back and shoulders, revealed through his open collar.
Sharing a significant look, the remaining two alphas communicated silently. Without exchanging verbal words, they carefully lifted the wounded person and settled him onto a makeshift bed, hastily moving towards the Tower’s main entrance.
In the wake of the explosion, chaos reigned supreme. A relatively short span had elapsed since the initial explosion reverberated. The entry point was engulfed in absolute chaos, devoid of any semblance of order or organization.
Numerous individuals inside the Tower had sustained injuries. The existing healing pods within the Tower were insufficient to accommodate the growing number of wounded. Many were being assisted or escorted out by their friends. The pair of alphas, maneuvering the critically injured individual, managed to exit without encountering any barriers. The alpha stationed at the main entrance, who had witnessed them exiting the elevator, eagerly approached to offer assistance, showcasing heartfelt concern and empathy.
"There’s a big number of injured folks near the elevator, please hurry and assist!" one of them yelled out earnestly.
Acknowledging the plea, the guards quickly spun around and retreated one by one. Meanwhile, the two alphas, steering the cart, climbed aboard an ambulance that had been stationed outside the Tower for a short while.
In that instance, the vicinity outside the Tower was a hive of activity, with the flashing lights and blaring sirens of police vehicles, fire engines, and ambulances merging into a loud, chaotic symphony. Amidst this chaos, a seemingly ordinary ambulance subtly commenced its journey, blending effortlessly into the surrounding frenzy, going unnoticed.
Just as the vehicle’s door was being secured, the alpha inside cast a final glance towards the Tower’s exit.
A highly skilled unit of alphas was streaming from the Tower’s interior, establishing perimeters with caution tapes and blockades. They were now restricting the movement of individuals in and out of the Tower’s premises.
"We’ve managed to evade them successfully, it’s already too late for them to stop us," the individual mused internally, stretching an arm to seal the car door shut. The ambulance then accelerated, darting away swiftly.
Within the confines of the vehicle, the two alphas relieved the sweat from their brows, turning their attention towards assessing Brandon’s wounds.
The reality that "Kindle" was still breathing was a development that had surpassed everyone’s anticipation.
Throughout centuries, it wasn’t as though there hadn’t been opposition against the Tower, but every attempt had culminated in merciless defeat. Each one of them understood the harrowing menace that the Tower represented.
The individual known as "Kindle", or Brandon, being able to sustain life, and furthermore being successfully extracted from the clutches of the ominous queen within the Tower, served as a vigorous morale boost for all the rebels dispersed across the empire.
"I genuinely couldn’t foresee his triumph," one alpha confessed in a hushed tone within the vehicle, his voice vibrating with unrestrained exhilaration, "Captain Sloan... Avenger, his prowess is simply extraordinary."
"When ’Kindle’ initially proposed that he lead the mission, I harbored some reservations internally."
"And your stance now?"
"I hadn’t foreseen him committing so profoundly to the rescue mission. At this juncture, I am fully persuaded of his capabilities. My only wish is for him to return unharmed."
"Indeed, may he return safely."
With sirens wailing, the ambulance ferried the determined alphas, who were prepared to jeopardize their lives to dismantle the oppressive regime of the Tower, towards safety.
Within the moving vehicle, Brandon gradually regained consciousness, peering at the retreating silhouette of the Tower through the window. A delicate butterfly found solace on his shoulder, fluttering its wings with gentle grace.
"Yes, we fervently hope for his safe return," echoed two harmonized thoughts within the confined space.
