Chapter 401: Chapter 401

Hearing Hora's name being mentioned, rather than being happy, Yuris frown deepened.

…that was because he wasn't with Aric.

Since he had investigated the group in advance, he knew who Hora was. Aric lackey.

…The real question was, why was he by himself.

As far as Yuri knows, Hora wasn't strong as top 10 of the first year in academy.

So he wasn't idiot enough to venture his own in this deep in enemy territory.

Something is missing, but what is it?

[Captain, it seems like there is someone else a fair distance from him-no there are two people quietly moving next to him. If not for the fact that I am using my skill, I don't think I would've spotted them…]

"Can you get a visual?"

[I am not sure because I am too far, but I see the silhouette of a girl and a boy]

"A girl and a boy? Are you sure?"

"Huuuu…alright that's enough, keep a close watch and make sure you don't lose sight of them"

Turning off his watch, Yuri mind raced.

Since there was only one girl in the group, Yuri could already figure out the identity of one of the two individuals around Hora. Evelyn Nightshade.

…Someone that was on par with the likes of Aric. However, Yuri wasn't too worried.

Since everyone's strength was the same, it shouldn't be too difficult to defeat her if they ganged up on her. Moreover, she was an archer.

If they ambushed for from a close distance, she was probably the easiest member to defeat.

[Captain, it's me Noll, I've got a visual on the other two members]

Just as a plan started formulating in Yuris mind, he suddenly heard another one of his teammates contact him. Pausing his thoughts, he carefully asked.

[They are at the center making their way towards of the pillar of plaza]

"Towards the pillar of plaza?"

Yuri's brows furrowed as he processed the information. The pillar of the plaza was one of the most strategic locations in this virtual battleground. It provided a vantage point over most of the area, making it an ideal spot to control the flow of battle.

But for the enemy team to move there so soon… ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝙣𝙚𝙩

"They're planning something," Yuri muttered under his breath.

[Captain, should we intercept?] Noll asked.

Yuri shook his head. "No. We still don't have a read on Lucas. If he's not with Evelyn and Hora, that means he's somewhere else, probably waiting for an opportunity to strike. If we rush in blind, we might fall right into their trap."

He exhaled sharply. Lucas was the biggest mystery in this entire match.

'Aric is strong, Evelyn is skilled, but Lucas… he's unpredictable.'

Yuri had done his research. Lucas wasn't even on the radar at the start of the academy year, but in just a few months, he had climbed the ranks faster than anyone else. He had been weak, then suddenly, he became strong—too strong.

And then there was the biggest wildcard of them all—Yato's disciple.

The title alone sent a chill down Yuri's spine.

"Keep tracking Evelyn and Hora, but don't engage. Focus on gathering more intel," Yuri ordered.

Just as Yuri was about to make his next move, his watch vibrated again.

[Captain, this is Nina. I have a problem.]

A sinking feeling settled in Yuri's gut. "What is it?"

[It's Aric—his rushing towards Kai and Noll! It's seems like he is trying to get them eliminated!]

Yuri's eyes widened. "What?!"

[What should we do?!]

Clenching his fist tightly, John quickly ordered.

"Send Kai and Noll on the east side, away from Aric. Tell them that all they have to do is buy time. Don't let them fight against Aric at any cost…the rest go attack the trio in the distance"

[Understood…but what about the other two members of the opposite team?]

"Don't worry about them, they are merely cannon fodder. Even if they are aware that their teammates are being ambushed, they won't be able to make it in time to reinforce them"

Those two were obviously ordered to go to the pillar and wait there for them to place the code once they defeated the other team.

How arrogant of them.

Their intention was obvious from the start. Thus Yuri didn't even bother giving those two a spare thought as he chose to directly split into a group of two. One to hold back Aric the other to attack and snatch the code from Hora.

Snorting, a smile appeared on Yuris face.

"Your arrogance is going to be your downfall," Yuri muttered, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

He quickly relayed his orders. "Kai, Noll, just keep running. Don't let Aric get close. Your only job is to stall him for as long as possible."

[Understood, Captain.]

The response came swiftly, and Yuri felt slightly reassured. Aric was powerful, but even he couldn't just wipe out opponents instantly if they played smart.

Turning his attention back to the ambush, he smirked. "Now, let's deal with Hora and Evelyn."

The group moved swiftly, advancing through the virtual battleground in formation. The terrain was a mix of urban ruins and open plazas, with plenty of vantage points and hiding spots. They took full advantage of the surroundings, ensuring they wouldn't be detected until it was too late.

As they approached, Yuri signaled for everyone to spread out. He was determined to take Evelyn down first before she had a chance to react.

"Alright," he whispered into his comm. "On my mark…"

His countdown started in his head.

How much time has passed since the start of code breaker?

I thought as I looked at time on my smartwatch.

I guess it's time for the game to the end.

I tapped on my watch and contacted Aric.

…if my guess wasn't wrong, the other team should've already made their move.

"Aric what's the situation?"

They really had made their move.