Matilda swiftly caught up, her hands gracefully gesturing as a torrent of icy power surged forth, instantly freezing the feet of the enemy operating the siege engines, rendering them immobile.

Kosor, fierce as a tiger, wielded his great sword and charged into the enemy ranks, toppling foes with every swing.

Meanwhile, Patricia stood back, casting supportive spells to continuously bolster her allies’ strength and restore their vitality.

At the same time, the mysterious figure formed intricate hand seals and murmured incantations, summoning a massive golden barrier that suddenly appeared before the temple. The siege machinery crashed against it, only to be repelled, knocking down numerous enemies in the process.

“Wow, you’re amazing!”

Matilda exclaimed, unable to contain her admiration.

The mysterious figure smiled subtly and continued casting spells, radiating brilliance as he accurately struck at the enemies’ weak points, causing chaos within their ranks.

Seizing the opportunity, Enzo and his companions launched a fierce counterattack, forcing the enemies into a retreat.

However, the enemy leader, unwilling to concede defeat, personally led an elite force charging towards Enzo and his companions.

Enzo immediately sensed the danger and exchanged glances with Matilda and Kosor. The three of them advanced toward the enemy leader simultaneously.

A fierce melee ensued, with the enemy leader displaying formidable strength and fierce attacks, overwhelming Enzo and his allies momentarily.

At that moment, the mysterious figure suddenly appeared behind the enemy leader, clapping lightly as a powerful force sent the enemy leader flying, colliding perfectly within the range of Enzo’s attacks.

Seizing the opportunity, Enzo and his allies delivered a decisive blow, gravely wounding the enemy leader.

“Retreat!”

The enemy, seeing their leader injured, shouted in disarray.

Watching the enemies retreat, Enzo and his companions sighed in relief.

“Thanks to you, we truly would have struggled otherwise. May I ask your name?”

“I am called Tulane.” The mysterious figure replied, “and I have actually been watching you for quite some time. I only chose to reveal myself now.”

“What?” Enzo was taken aback, realizing he had been completely unaware of it.

Tulane exclaimed, “You have been rather careless! This is merely the beginning. The forces of evil will not relent. We must swiftly prepare for the next step.”

“And do you know what these malevolent forces are?”

“I do not.” Replied Patricia. “However, I have a conjecture that may or may not be accurate.”

“Do share.” Tulane urged.

After a moment’s contemplation, Patricia responded, “I have heard whispers of a criminal organization known as Umbra, which specializes in threats to both tribal and federal security. Could they possibly be Umbra?”

“You are quite astute.” Tulane acknowledged with a nod. “Umbra is omnipresent here. Exercise caution moving forward.”

With that, Tulane’s figure flickered and vanished in an instant.

Enzo pondered briefly before addressing the others, “Let us return to the Rage Temple to deliberate further.”

“Agreed.” The group nodded. “We shall follow your lead.”

They returned to the Rage Temple to confer.

The mysterious figure proposed employing Ancestor Meat and a Magic Circle to establish a large-scale defensive trap, ensuring that any intruders could be captured all at once.

Enzo and the others deemed it a sound strategy and began preparations.

Unbeknownst to them, the leader of the Pride Temple was covertly devising a scheme to infiltrate the Rage Temple with a spy tasked with gathering intelligence on Ancestor Meat, the Magic Circle, and Enzo’s plans.

After meticulous selection, an adept at disguise and concealment was chosen as the spy.

“Timothy, be exceedingly cautious, ascertain their secrets, and you shall be richly rewarded upon your return.”

The leader of the Pride Temple advised.

Spy Timothy nodded in response and quietly set off towards Rage Temple.

At this moment, Enzo and others are setting up defensive traps according to the mysterious man’s plan.

Kosor carries stones and places them according to Enzo’s instructions.

Matilda used the power of ice to freeze the mechanical parts.

Patricia studies the collaboration between Magic Circle and Ancestor Meat. The mysterious person patrolled and inspected the process.

Timothy quietly arrived near Rage Temple, cast a hidden spell to conceal his body and breath, and cautiously approached the temple.

He first observed outside the temple, noticing Enzo and others busily setting traps, oblivious to his presence.

Seizing the opportunity, he slipped into the temple, searching for the locations of the Ancestor Meat and the Magic Circle.

In a corner, he spotted Patricia engrossed in studying ancient tomes, seemingly surrounded by artifacts related to the Ancestor Meat and the Magic Circle.

His heart leapt with joy, and just as he prepared to approach for a closer look, he suddenly heard a voice behind him demand, “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

It was a guard who had discovered him.

Timothy’s heart raced, but he quickly regained his composure, feigning innocence as he said, “I’m new here. I just arrived and was unsure what to do, so I thought I’d take a look around to familiarize myself with the surroundings.”

The guard furrowed his brow, “I don’t recall seeing you before. Who did you come with?”

An idea struck Timothy. “I came with that mysterious fellow over there. He told me to help move some things.”

Upon hearing that he was with a mysterious figure, the guard’s vigilance relaxed. “Alright then, just be careful, don’t wander off. The situation is special right now. Just don’t cause any trouble.” With that, he turned and walked away.

Timothy exhaled in relief and continued to approach his target.

Taking advantage of Patricia’s distraction, he discreetly noted some details about the arrangement of the Ancestor Meat and the Magic Circle, as well as key information regarding her research.

Just as he was about to leave the temple to report back, one of Mau’s subordinates sensed an unusual aura.

This subordinate had been lurking in the shadows to protect the Rage Temple. Following the aura quietly, he quietly followed the breath and happened to see Timothy’s sneaky figure.

“Hmph, there really is some trickery!”

Mau’s henchmen snorted inwardly and followed quietly.

Mau’s henchmen followed Timothy all the way and found that after he left the temple, he didn’t take the normal road, but instead chose a secluded path and occasionally looked back, obviously afraid of being followed.

Timothy secretly felt fortunate in his heart, thinking that his mission had been relatively smooth.

He quickened his pace, eager to escape the perilous locale. Little did he anticipate that Mau’s minions were no ordinary adversaries.

As he reached a secluded valley, the Mau’s subordinate chose to reveal himself and obstruct Timothy’s path.

“You, sneaky fellow, what are you plotting?”

The henchman barked. Timothy’s heart raced with alarm, yet he feigned composure, “Who are you? By what right do you block my way? I am merely passing through, on my way home.”

With a derisive snort, Mau’s henchman retorted, “Still attempting to weasel out of this? I’ve been watching your furtive antics at the temple for some time. Now, tell me, which faction has sent you to be the spy?”

Realizing his ruse had been uncovered, Timothy dropped the facade, a steely glint flashing in his eyes. “Since you’ve discovered me, I have nothing more to say. Obtaining information from me will not come easily!”

With that, he unleashed a spell toward Mau’s minion. Prepared for the assault, the subordinate deftly evaded the strike and retaliated with force. Instantly, a fierce struggle ensued.

Though Timothy was no weakling, he found himself at a disadvantage compared to Mau’s henchman. Before long, he began to falter, being driven back under the relentless onslaught.

“Hmph, is that all you’ve got? Dare to call yourself as a spy?”

The henchman taunted.

Frustration and urgency surged within Timothy. He knew that capture would mean the end of his secrets.

Resolutely, he bit down and retrieved a flare gun from his cloak, launching a distress signal into the sky.

The flare signal was a prearranged distress call between him and the followers of the Pride Temple.

Mau’s subordinates, upon witnessing him discharge the signal, realized the dire predicament. The spy could not be allowed to relay any information.

Consequently, they intensified their assault, swiftly incapacitating Timothy, leaving him gravely injured on the ground.

Just as Mau’s men prepared to detain him and extract further intelligence, a distant sound of galloping hooves reached their ears.

It turned out that the followers of the Pride Temple had responded promptly to the signal flare.

Mau’s subordinates glanced at the approaching adversaries and then at the severely wounded Timothy, silently lamenting their plight.

Yet, undeterred, they steeled themselves to stall the oncoming enemies and prevent them from advancing towards the Rage Temple.

Upon arrival, the Pride Temple’s members took in the sight of the injured Timothy and the obstacle blocking their path, immediately grasping the situation.

“Hmph, how dare you harm one of our own! Today, you shall learn the consequences of meddling!”

Cried a figure resembling a leader among the Pride Temple’s ranks. Without hesitation, he charged forth, followed by his comrades, toward Mau’s subordinates.

Though outnumbered, Mau’s man stood resolute.

He employed all his skills to engage in a fierce battle. His strikes were swift and precise, repelling several foes with each blow, yet the overwhelming numbers of the Pride Temple’s forces began to wear him down.

At that moment, Enzo and his companions within the Rage Temple sensed the commotion outside.

“This is not good. It seems trouble is brewing. We must investigate.” Enzo declared. Everyone nodded in agreement, arming themselves and rushing toward the exit.

When they arrived, they witnessed Mau’s subordinates encircled by the adherents of the Pride Temple, their situation dire.

“Do not fear, we have come!” Enzo shouted, rallying his companions to join the fray.

Channeling elemental energy, Enzo unleashed a devastating blast upon the clustered foes, scattering them in chaos.

Matilda invoked her frost divine arts, encasing their enemies in ice.

Kosor brandished his great sword, charging into the throng and striking terror into the hearts of the adversaries.

Patricia employed supportive spells, enhancing the offensive and defensive capabilities of Enzo and his allies.

As the battle raged on, the Pride Temple’s forces began to falter, ultimately retreating in disarray.

“Fall back!” the Pride Temple leader shouted, sensing the tide turning, and hastily fled with his followers.

Watching the retreating figures, Enzo and his companions exhaled in relief.

“Thank you for your assistance, my friend!” Enzo expressed gratefully towards Mau’s subordinate.

With a smile, Mau’s man replied, “No need for thanks. I am Jason, a subordinate of Mau. It is my duty to safeguard the Rage Temple.”

Enzo nodded appreciatively, “Mr. Jason, we owe you our gratitude. Without your aid, we could have been in peril.”

Jason chuckled lightly, “As long as you are safe, I must return to report to Lord Mau.”

With that, Jason turned to depart.

As Enzo and his companions watched him leave, their hearts swelled with gratitude.

“We truly owe much to Mr. Jason.” Matilda remarked.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep