Shards

Chapter 80 - Rescue Part 1

Before Old Wolf could answer, Crow cut in. You're a Master Thief aren't you? The self-professed best Level Three who can steal anything? Prove it.

Eh? The Three sounded confused. What has my awesome skills have to do with saving Ghost?

Prove you can help me 'steal' Ghost from House Zhai, challenged Crow. Old Wolf snorted. They had discussed this move to push Key to Level Four. He may have to kill in order to save his idol. It would break the barrier Key had against killing to advance to the next Level.

Help me 'steal' Ghost from right under Zhai's nose, pushed Crow. To steal a well guarded living person from the Ruling House. It will be your greatest 'theft', an achievement no one else will be able to beat, now or in the future.

Well, if you put it that way, came Key's thoughtful response. I never thought of it like that ... "stealing" Ghost ... he mused. What a challenge!

The veteran Shards waited. Ultimately Key would have to make the decision himself. If he was truly not ready, they would go with amend their plans accordingly.

We may have to kill, added Crow softly.

Key paused, startled at the possibility. Then he remembered Ghost's terrible whipping and the horrible torrent of emotions he felt that day. His rage at the unfairness bubbled up again. Key's eyes narrowed as his heart hardened. He could kill the people that had framed Ghost and flayed him mercilessly. The gruesome scene played in his mind. He could kill, he realised, for Ghost.

I can do that, he said finally.

Crow nodded at the Three's decision. Old Wolf's mouth twitched.

When's the next change? Crow asked Key.

They just changed an hour ago. The next is in another seven hours.

Good.

A pause. Crow was listening, checking the surroundings. No one else was near, but there were sounds of numerous feet moving stealthily elsewhere.

Key?

Probably Lord Zhai's reinforcements, guards and spies. He's paranoid. He's doubled and tripled the security since Ghost's public punishment. Mostly around his primary residence and his person. The banquet hall where he is now is like a fortress.

Crow nodded. The Ruling Lord was afraid of retaliation, as he should be. The fact that he only prioritized his own person and not all of his family did not escape the Six. What a selfish coward.

Noted, growled Old Wolf. I'll be extra careful.

Ghost who was following the conversation breathed in relief. He did not want anything bad to happen to yifu.

Don't kill the six Elites guarding me, Ghost cautioned. They are just following orders.

Don't kill? How are we going to rescue you then? He heard Key's incredulous voice.

Crow replied simply, We'll figure it out. We don't have to kill everyone every time, you know.

Good. I'll leave it to the both of you then. Crow's in charge, said Old Wolf curtly. I'm going to find Lord Zhai.

Ghost heard some rustling. Old Wolf left, leaving the Six and Three to his rescue. He let out a long breath. He wouldn't be of much help; he was too weak and couldn't even feel his limbs. Hopefully, he would not be too much of a burden.