Ryan was currently the farthest from the group because he was 'easing' himself.
But he was actually just distancing himself so he could communicate.
The first thing Jules noticed was that Ryan was using a weird ability.
Ryan is supposed to have a skill that can sense sound waves clearly, but it seems it's more intricate than that.
As for why Ryan kept it a secret, he quickly explained it all to Jules.
Joel, who was in the same squad as Ryan before the mission, was actually working for someone.
And so was Mark.
Using his abilities, Ryan managed to eavesdrop and constantly obtain information, but because he didn't know who to trust, he kept it to himself.
Not only out of goodwill; it was also because Ryan wanted to use this opportunity to save the Clan's heir and obtain acknowledgement.
Ryan had also made a plan for this mission, but with Jules suddenly acting strange and distant, he believed his original plan wouldn't work.
Which was why he hoped Jules, who was seen as unfit, now seeming more mature could handle this information better.
And Jules did.
Ryan's communication wasn't one-way; Jules could communicate with him too.
He told Ryan to stay calm and that when things escalated, depending on what was happening, they would improvise.
Ryan would just use his ability again then.
Ending their chat, Jules got more insight on Ryan.
It seems his ability can manipulate sound waves. Was his skill of the evolvable type?
Hmm… I see why Ryan was trying to get closer to Jules now, it was to gain his trust!
The developments were unexpected, but the plan remained the same.
Based on Ryan's observations, Jules knew who the traitor was and he also knew that there were reinforcements that would support these traitors.
The odd thing is that they're not trying to kill me, rather, they want to kidnap me. What are they up to?
Jules remained where he was as he saw Ryan suddenly run from where he was easing himself, his face dark with a frown.
As Ryan approached the team, he said, "There's something strange! I sense weird movements around us, and they're not from beasts!"
Hearing this, Cid immediately darted to the center of the clearing, entering a battle-ready stance.
"Stay alert."
After confirming everyone was positioned well, he asked, "What do you sense?"
Finally, in a defeated tone, Ryan said, "Intruders… We're surrounded."
"Fuck!" Joel cursed aloud.
At the same time, twenty figures clad in dark green attires revealed themselves–some standing on tree branches, others positioned beside trees.
Jules's throat suddenly went dry as he saw them.
Hold on… why are there this many of them here? This place is meant to be secure!
He already knew. The corruption inside the Clan ran deeper than they thought.
Not just one insider could've let this many assassins in.
"They are assassins not suited for direct combat. Don't fret!"
Cid's command cracked through his panic. Jules blinked, grounding himself.
Cid surged forward, his spear glowing with mana, and the assassins moved in response.
As he moved, he hurled his spear at one of the assassins with astonishing speed.
The assassin managed to dodge by a hair's breadth, but the spear's impact tore into his side, spilling blood.
Before the man could recover, Cid yanked the spear back with a hidden thread and impaled him from behind.
One died.
"They're nothing! Prioritize the young master's escape and move!"
Jules's eyes immediately set on Mark and Joel, who had gone to each flank of Cid and engaged two-three enemies there.
Damn it! This is going to be harder than I thought! No time to waste!
Jules thrust his hand into his bag and yelled, "Ryan, cover me!"
Ryan responded, "Got it!" and protected Jules from the approaching attackers.
Jules charged the mana bomb he brought out of his bag while running around to avoid the assassin with his shortsword in his free hand, using it to block at times.
After 30 seconds of intense charging, the bomb looked like it was about to explode, everyone near Jules seemed to be wary as they hesitated.
Seeing this, Jules smirked, his expression implying, "What? Are you scared of this?"
It was until the rock-like orb in Jules's hand was almost completely red that he threw it high into the sky.
Everyone with enough space to do so looked up, witnessing as the mana around the orb seemed to concentrate in one spot.
A blinding light came and then a—
Bang–!
Blue and red flames spread out in the sky like a beautiful firework, before slowly raining down.
The rain of fire either slightly burned the trees or broke down into mana.
All attention went back to Jules as they wondered why he did that.
Now, I have to make sure Mark and Joel are actually traitors before Freya arrives, or all will be for naught.
Jules glanced at Ryan, seeing the fella being pressured.
It seems like he's actually struggling. He has been poisoned!
Jules wanted to go support, but at that moment, Joel appeared beside him.
"Young Master, nice distraction that was!" Joel said, panic laden in his voice. "Follow me! We need to escape now!"
But the instant Jules turned to him, he didn't think twice.
He stabbed his shortsword into Joel's side and wore a hateful expression.
"Escape? You want to kidnap me! You traitor!"
Hearing the word "kidnap"—not even "kill"—Joel was stunned.
"How did you know?" He said as he sent his dagger driving into Jules.
"Arghh!" Feeling the amount of pain, Jules yelped, not having time to rejoice that Joel gave it out.
But knowing what situation he was in, he didn't give in.
His eyes glared at Joel as he twisted the shortsword and drove it in deeper, "Fucking bastard!"
He immediately pulled out his sword and distanced himself from Joel, already casting a tier 2 magic spell, Water Bullet.
Joel blocked the barrage of water bullets with a barrier, his side releasing blood.
Trying to wrap his mind around how Jules knew, Joel yelled, "End this now! Kill!"
For Joel to have suggested that, the others knew something was up.
They didn't hesitate as they all focused on killing.
Spitting out blood, Joel said to Jules, "Bastard, you should have just stayed quiet."
Fuck, fuck fuck!
Jules cursed in his heart as he saw two people coming to support Joel.