Chapter 170: 170

Kael stayed perfectly still, pressed inside the narrow vent, heat brushing against his skin. The air was dry and heavy, laced with a faint metallic scent from the heated pipes around him.

Below, in the large room, voices echoed softly through the slits of the vent grille.

Men and women sat around a long steel table. They wore dark military cloaks with silver pins. One woman, clearly high-ranking, had an officer’s cap with a crimson band and twin gold stars. Her face was sharp, her voice colder than ice.

"The crates will be shipped out by dawn," she said, tapping a long pointer on the table map. "Nevan’s docks are clear. We’ll deliver on time."

Another man leaned forward, arms crossed. "You’re sure about this? That city’s not exactly stable. Half of it’s still loyal to the old guard."

"It doesn’t matter," a third one cut in. "Once those weapons hit the streets, loyalty will shift. Money makes people move."

"And fear makes them kneel," the woman added dryly.

Another officer frowned. "What about the Serpent Fang? We’re still dealing with them, right?"

"We are," the woman said. "But it’s dangerous. They’re unstable. Still, if we manage them right, we can turn the tides in the sea and in Heinz

"And the operation up there?" a gruff voice asked from the corner. "The frozen front?"

"We’ve received no updates yet," the woman replied.

A long silence followed.

Kael listened carefully, his mind ticking fast. Then came the word that struck him.

"Nevan."

And something in his mind jolted as he remembered a sudden memory.

.......

The train moved steadily across the snow-covered plains, its wheels clanking along the tracks, sending small vibrations through the floor.

Steam hissed from the engine up ahead, fogging the windows every few minutes. Inside, the compartment was warm, lit by small lamps with golden rims. Red velvet seats lined the cabin, and the scent of coal smoke and leather filled the air.

Kael sat near the window, one leg crossed over the other, holding a folded newspaper. He looked calm, like a gentleman traveler, dressed in a dark coat with fur along the collar. His eyes, though still, scanned the paper with slow care. The front page praised the military’s latest campaign and celebrated the rising talents of young nobles.

Around him, chatter filled the carriage. Soldiers in olive uniforms laughed and shared dried meat. Civilians, wrapped in thick coats and hats, sipped tea and whispered excitedly.

A group of middle-aged men sat nearby, playing cards and talking in low voices.

"I heard the Third Prince is going to take over Nevan," one of them said while shuffling the deck.

"Yeah, makes sense. That place has always been good for business. Easy access to the sea."

"Used to be a major trade hub," another replied. "But the Emperor’s health’s failing, and without strong hands on the wheel, trade’s been dying."

A man with a pipe puffed thoughtfully. "Pirates, too. I’ve heard their flags flying near the outer islands. Bold enough to hit the coasts now."

"Which is why they’re sending the Prince," said the first man. "He’s got a head on his shoulders. Might turn things around with some strong military backing."

"Or get chewed up by politics like the rest," another muttered. "But Nevan... if managed right, it can become a fortress of wealth. Ports, ships, taxes."

Kael’s fingers paused on the paper. He didn’t look up, but he heard everything.

Nevan... Third Prince... pirates... weakening center...

The puzzle pieces clicked together in his mind. His expression didn’t change, but his eyes grew colder. He folded the paper neatly and rested it on his lap.

.....

Now, sitting above the vent in that enemy facility, watching the map, and hearing the name "Nevan" again, it all came crashing back.

’So that’s what they’re after...’

He narrowed his eyes.

’They’re not just selling weapons. They’re fueling a break... pushing the Prince into a trap or planning to make him their puppet later by supporting him in the succession. Chaos in the West, profits to the shadows.’

From joining the links, he also understood another thing. The pirates troubling the seas might actually belong to Serpent Fang.

’The Serpent Gang’s hands seemed to be stretched too far and wide. They even loot from merchants...As expected from secret groups.".

Kael’s eyes then flickered with a cold flash of realization.

"Wasn’t there talk about Adele tying the knot with the Third Prince...?"

His heart thumped once, heavy and sharp.

He clenched his jaw lightly, then calmed himself.

’No. I won’t jump yet. I need proof. Evidence. Something that ties it all together.’

Kael’s breath slowed. He watched, listened, waited—his thoughts clear, sharp, and far ahead of the others

"Holy shit..." he muttered, voice low. "Now,I can’t let go of this opportunity no matter what."

But before the thought could settle, his instincts screamed.

TANG!

A sharp metallic sound sliced the air—clean, sudden.

A dagger tore through the vent just inches from his head, slamming into the metal with a heavy thud. The whole shaft vibrated from the force.

Kael jerked back instantly, his muscles tense, breath frozen.

His lips pressed tight as he forced his breath to go silent.

’Fuck... I might’ve forgotten to control my breathing...’

He didn’t move. Didn’t blink. Time felt slow.

Then—

The dagger blinked, changing colour.

"Huh!Now what is this shit."

A soft red pulse emanated from it giving him dejavu

"Shit—"

BOOOOOOM!

The explosion ripped through the vent. The force launched Kael backward, the steel around him twisting like paper. Smoke and fire burst out, metal clanged, and the air went deaf with the roar.

Kael’s body was thrown hard into the corridor wall.

But his hand never let go of the inner coat. His legs bent mid-air, absorbing impact. His shoulder hit the wall, sparks flew, then he dropped to a crouch—smoke billowing out of the ruined vent behind him.

He winced but didn’t groan.

’They knew I was here. And that wasn’t just a warning.’

His knuckles cracked as he stood, eyes sharp as he jumped around while still in shock.

’FUCK!I have been found out.’