It didn't take long before Marcus and John received the test results from Bishop Peter.
Marcus: "Just as I feared, it really doesn't work."
As they had predicted earlier, there was no method that could easily break the current blockade of the city.
John: "The plot, the arrangement of all this… the enemy has someone truly dangerous."
Marcus: "Could it be the Goblin King…"
John: "So you share the same suspicion. The timing is too precise. It's hard to believe the goblins' appearance is unrelated."
Peter: "But that no longer matters now. What we must do is deal with the immediate situation."
Marcus: "You're right. That means we'll have to carry out the infiltration plan we discussed earlier."
Peter: "Have you decided who will participate and what the objectives will be once inside?"
Marcus: "The main target now is to attack the Mage Tower, weaken the enemy's defenses, and find a chance to break their mind-control techniques. Next, we'll open the city gates so our forces outside can enter, and civilians can evacuate if necessary."
John: "As for participants, we'll need the strongest people available. Since the enemy's mind-control methods are still unclear, sending weaker members would be too dangerous."
Peter: "Indeed. Also, if the group is too large, my magic won't be able to protect everyone. With a small team, I can join and provide defenses against mental attacks."
John: "Thank you. That will be a great help. Regarding specific individuals, I've contacted three B-rank adventurers. They know the situation and will join. Including myself, the guild will contribute four people."
Marcus: "From the soldiers' side, only I will join. There are still a few strong ones left, but they are needed outside to continue commanding the troops according to plan and to handle unexpected situations."
Hearing this, both John and Peter nodded in understanding.
They too feared the enemy might seize the chance to strike the rear. Without strong defenders left behind, it would be dangerous.
Peter: "As for the church, besides myself, as I mentioned earlier, I will bring two Holy Knights to join. Then, once inside the city, I will try to see if I can contact anyone from the cathedral. If successful, we may gain considerable reinforcements."
??: "I regret to say the enemy has already cut off that possibility."
At that moment, a fourth voice rang out, shattering the Bishop's hope.
The three turned and saw a black horse carrying a boy approaching them.
Peter: "You must be the messenger Marcus and John mentioned. Thank you for risking yourself to bring us such vital information."
Tris: "No need for formality, Bishop Peter. If Aldor suffers, it affects me too. Helping you is also helping myself."
Peter: "You just said the enemy cut off the possibility I mentioned. What exactly do you mean?"
Tris: "I've just investigated the cathedral. There's no sign of life there anymore."
Upon hearing this, the elderly Bishop's face turned pale.
Though he had feared the situation might be dire, the confirmation that not a single living soul remained was beyond his expectations.
Peter: "How do you know? Did you see it with your own eyes?"
The Bishop asked urgently, clinging to a faint hope that the intelligence was mistaken.
Tris: "I know what you're hoping, but sadly it's the truth. A small group of soldiers guards the outside to prevent anyone from entering, but that's only to hide the reality within.
The protective magic around the cathedral has ceased. Inside, there's blood and wreckage everywhere. I searched for a while but found no one, not even corpses. Oh, though if your cathedral has secret tunnels, perhaps some people escaped."
Hearing this, the Bishop seemed to age ten years in an instant. He sat silently, head bowed, fists clenched tight.
Seeing him like that, the other three did not disturb him.
John turned to Tris:
"Besides that information, did you discover anything else?"
Tris: "The guild seems to have ceased functioning. Most likely, your vice guildmaster has already been eliminated."
At those words, John's expression stiffened.
Then Tris looked toward Marcus. The Captain was immediately filled with dread, fearing he too would hear more bad news.
Tris: "Not entirely certain, but there are signs the enemy is using Count Alistair's fortress as their main base."
Marcus: "Yes, that's not surprising. We suspected it already."
His reply was heavy. Though it was still bad news, it confirmed that Count Alistair had likely met misfortune. Yet Marcus and the others had anticipated this, so he quietly breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn't worse.
By now, they had received enough grim tidings. None wished to hear more shocking news.
John: "Just what has happened in these few days…"
The guildmaster muttered sadly.
It was the same question troubling them all. But of course, only the hidden enemy could provide an answer.