Chapter 245

Chapter 245: Escort Mission

After a covert test at the floating island mansion, Midi received his escort mission on the third morning.

The task seemed straightforward – transporting cargo between two floating islands. Midi first boarded a Skyship to reach the loading port, meeting old steward Lund. They guarded the shipment together, reaching the unloading port three days later before returning with the empty vessel.

The entire operation proved uneventful. No sky pirates appeared, not even rough air currents disturbed them. Being a short Sea of Clouds route far from the Stormy Region, complications were unlikely. Lund’s presence served less as protection and more as evaluation – while skilled in arena combat, high-tier gladiators might falter in actual aerial battles.

But Midi surpassed expectations. His mastery of the Vanguard ship showed through precise piloting, sharpshooting accuracy, and flight techniques that left both Lund and the crew speechless.

With proven personal power and aerial combat skills, Midi gazed from his Sky Arena hundredth-floor suite at Victoria’s distant mansion, contemplating the real mission ahead.

Though this "training escort" posed no challenge, it revealed crucial intelligence:

Lady Victoria Rothschild faced crushing pressure from a rival, driving her enterprise toward ruin. The Rothschild Guild offered minimal support, forcing her to rely on personal resources. This explained her reliance on the jealous 58th-level gunner – and why she’d recruit an outsider like Midi. A Lower Realm human with no local connections made safe, disposable bait.

Loyalty mattered little, as escort captain Idak’s vague answers revealed. Victoria needed no allegiance – just someone to draw enemy attention while her true forces struck.

Midi admired the strategy. This future Rothschild Guild leader understood commercial warfare. Baiting suited him perfectly – chaos created opportunities to infiltrate the core.

In this game, bait could become predator. With enough power, the lure might devour the fish… or even control the angler. Midi would play along until he could turn Victoria’s deception against her.

"Mr. Blade…" A mellifluous voice interrupted his thoughts. The dark elf secretary announced Victoria’s summons for an extended meeting.

The counterattack begins, Midi mused, smiling at the white clouds below. That night, he slipped away from the Sky Arena’s island, boarding Victoria’s small Skyship to a remote secret port – barely more than a three-hundred-square-meter rock floating like a cloud-reef in the vast Sea of Clouds.

However, docked outside this port was the most advanced Arrow Fish Skyship!

True to its name, the fifty-meter vessel boasted sleek curves tapering to a sharp point like a spear. Prominent dorsal fins rose from its upper hull, while four Aether Ring thrusters at the stern radiated solid power. From afar, it resembled a metal arrow fish gliding through air.

"Let me introduce Captain Domon," said old steward Lund bluntly after long waiting at the secret port. "He’ll navigate this new Rothschild Guild Skyship through secret routes. Our mission’s vital – the cargo’s priceless. No mistakes allowed."

"My task?" Midi exchanged brief greetings with the captain before asking.

"Ensure security throughout," Lund answered, studying Midi’s face as if reading his mind. After deliberate pause, he added, "The secret route should be safe, but if trouble comes… prove worthy of Lady Victoria’s trust."

Captain Domon coughed and stepped forward. "Our battle Vanguard ships onboard are cutting-edge too. Learned from Lower Realm humans – twenty single-seat models ready for your orders."

"Good. When do we leave?" Midi’s response was curt. Having committed to playing bait, he wouldn’t ask obvious questions like why Lund wasn’t leading.

The Skyship’s firepower didn’t concern him either. What use were Vanguard ships compared to his Awakened Secret Technique "Sky Sword Dance"? After a year’s gamble in the Sea of Clouds, Midi’s aerial mastery let him survive even if this Skyship shattered midair – no flying vehicle needed to reach floating islands.

These flying skills were his true insurance. Otherwise, why board unfamiliar ships on unknown routes, trusting others with his life? Let alone as bait.

Unaware of Midi’s inner scorn, Lund nodded. "Depart now if possible." Though suspicious of Midi’s compliance, time pressed. Victoria’s factions would crumble without immediate action.

Midi patted the steward’s shoulder and followed Domon aboard. Within minutes, the Skyship slid from port under cold moonlight, heading for Stormy Region.

The first day passed uneventfully. By next noon, lookouts spotted another vessel closing fast. It halted five kilometers behind, ignoring all signals while matching their speed.

The stalker? Another Rothschild Guild Arrow Fish Skyship.

Family power struggle, Midi realized. Hence Victoria needing outsiders when her own kin opposed her. Enemies mattered little – bloodshed would expose the guild’s weaknesses, letting him pry out secrets.

"Mr. Blade," Captain Domon appeared beside him. "Time to accelerate?" Though nominally in charge, Domon deferred to the man who’d slain level 56 "Bloody Killing Sword" Batolun.

Standard protocol dictated outrunning pursuers by losing them in clouds. Yet Midi shook his head. "Keep current speed."

"Maintain?!" Domon blinked.

"Exactly." Midi’s tone stayed casual. If playing bait, he’d do it properly.