After finalizing the plan, everyone tensed up, preparing for the night’s battle. The White Fox delivered dinner in the evening. After Bradley and Freya finished eating, they went for a walk since it was too early to sleep. Though they pretended to stroll casually, they were secretly observing the palace’s movements.

The impending crisis was met with an eerie silence. Freya leaned close to Bradley’s ear and whispered, “How do you think the mastermind will strike?” Bradley gave a cryptic smile. “No matter how hidden the enemy is, their move is unpredictable. But I know one thing—they’re already here.” His tone darkened. They had expected an attack in the dead of night, but the enemy had struck earlier than anticipated.

Freya strained her senses, detecting an unusual presence. They’re here! “What do we do now?” she whispered. Bradley narrowed his eyes but continued walking, holding her hand. “Don’t look back. Act as if nothing’s wrong.”

Freya took a deep breath, her palm sweating from tension. The enemy’s early move suggested they had anticipated their plan. Even with their combat skills, being caught off guard put them at a disadvantage. “Relax. I’ll protect you,” Bradley said, sensing her fear. In the faint moonlight, her face was ashen, and he realized her old illness might resurface. “Are you unwell?”

She shook her head. “Just… scared.” For the first time in her life, she felt true fear—not for herself, but for Bradley. Understanding her worry, he pulled her into a tight embrace, appearing affectionate from afar but whispering urgent instructions. “There’s no need to fear. The palace is surrounded by our people. They won’t escape.”

Before she could respond, a cold flash flew toward her back. Bradley spun them around, kicking the weapons away. A shadow emerged, but before he could strike, it vanished again. Faster than him? Bradley frowned. The enemy was a master assassin.

“Bradley, watch out!” Freya shouted. The shadow reappeared behind him, launching multiple projectiles. Bradley drew his silver pistol, firing rapidly. Freya unleashed her acupuncture needles, deflecting some weapons. The sound of gunfire alerted the hidden forces.

Freya’s weakened state slowed her reflexes. Though her needles blocked several projectiles, she couldn’t match the enemy’s speed. Bradley shielded her with his coat, sweeping away incoming attacks. As Freya was cornered, Bradley rushed to her aid—only to be ambushed from the side. A projectile pierced his waist, and blood soaked his shirt.

“Leonard, your trap is useless,” a distorted voice sneered. “You’ll never catch me!” Dozens of guards emerged from the shadows, raining weapons. “They’re not alone,” Freya said, her voice tight as she saw Bradley’s injury.

“Expected,” Bradley replied, his lips curving into a cold smile. He’d suspected infiltrators. Blue Book and Ye Lu An’s forces surrounded the guards. “We’ll see who dies tonight.”