"Dracula has been kidnapped, I see- Wait, what?" Ashton exclaimed. "You're kidding. He was kidnapped? By whom?"
Ashton was hoping the seriousness on Lycaon's and Frank's faces would slip away, but he was wrong. They weren't lying.
"How did it happen?" Anna inquired, wanting to know how someone at the peak of an A-grade was kidnapped.
"We suspect the Xyrans are behind this," Lycaon stated angrily. "They've been trying for a while now to get their hands on us, and it appears they've finally made their move."
"They also took Irina and Verina," Frankenstein explained, his face bleak. "They must have viewed them as a means of forcing Dracula to cooperate."
Ashton's mind raced, trying to process the information. Irina and Verina were his ex-fiancées, and even if he wasn't interested in them in that way, they were still his friends.
Ashton's fists clenched, rage pouring through him. "These Xyrans. Always getting in our way!"
Anna caressed his shoulder. "We will get them back," she vowed fiercely. "However, we must proceed with caution and strategy. We can't afford to make any blunders because the Xyrans are incredibly powerful and crafty."
Flintmace and Vulcan took a step forward, their faces resolute. "We're right here with you, Ashton," Flintmace added. "Whatever it takes, we'll get them back."
Ashton nodded gratefully, knowing he could rely on his trustworthy companions and friends.
"Thank you. But before we make a decision, we'll need to gather as much information as possible," Ashton then turned towards the Progenitors. "Can you tell me anything else you've discovered about the Xyrans' activities?"
"We've been tracking their movements for a while," Lycaon said, nodding as he explained. "It appears that the Xyrans have been conducting secretive experiments and collecting rare artefacts from various planets. We suspect they are plotting something significant."
He went on to say, "Dracula was investigating them and their sudden interest in artefacts when he went off the grid. I believe this was when the Xyrans informed him about Irina's and Verina's abduction."
"We also suspect they have a hidden base on an uninhabited planet in the Ombra sector," continued Frankenstein. "It could be where they're keeping Dracula, Irina, and Verina."
Ashton's fingers swiftly danced across the communicator's holographic interface as he relayed his urgent message to Otiga.
"Gather all the intelligence personnel," he commanded. "Drop everything else they're working on and focus solely on the Ombra sector and its exoplanets. I need a comprehensive report on potential hidden bases or any unusual activities within three hours. This is a top priority."
Dozens of questions popped up in Otiga's mind upon hearing Ashton's weird request. However, once he said it was an urgent matter, Otiga decided her questions would have to wait.
Otiga nodded solemnly, her eyes mirroring Ashton's determination. "Understood, Reaper," she replied. "I'll mobilise the team immediately. Though, I'd suggest we leave a team to focus on finding more about the Cult-"
"Fine. You can do as you deem fit," Ashton interrupted her. "I don't care how many people are working on it, as long as I can get a proper report ASAP."
With that, the communication ended, and Ashton turned to his companions.
"While Otiga and her team gather the information, we need to prepare for our journey to the Ombra sector," he said.
Flintmace and Vulcan exchanged knowing glances. Since the matter concerned the Xyrans, they were obviously going with Ashton to help him out. No matter how much Ashton had grown, there was no way he would be able to face an entire Xyran armada on his own.
"We'll ensure our ship is fully equipped and ready to go," Flintmace said.
Anna nodded. "And I'll gather all the necessary supplies and equipment. Lord Vulcan, I would need your assistance with it."
"That much is obvious," Vulcan patted Ashton on his back. "We'll need everything we can get our hands on. Be prepared, brat."
Ashton smiled gratefully at his friends. "Thank you. We need to move fast if we want to have any chance of finding Dracula, Irina, and Verina before it's too late."
As the team sprang into action, each member focused on their assigned tasks with unwavering resolve and perseverance. Time was of the essence, and they knew they couldn't afford any delays.
Within three hours, the intelligence report was compiled and delivered to Ashton. As he absorbed the precise facts regarding the Ombra sector and its exoplanets, each word and piece of data became seared in his consciousness.
The report revealed a web of prospective locations where the Xyrans could be carrying out their dark plots. Ashton's brows furrowed when he identified places notorious for their covert and unregulated activities, ideal breeding grounds for the Xyrans' evil schemes.
The Xyrans were so drunk on their power they thought they could do whatever they wanted without anyone challenging their authority. But Ashton had had enough of those bastards.
Also, since he was on the verge of becoming an S-grade being, based on his cumulative levels, he thought it was the perfect time for him to make his presence known to the Xyrans.
The time for subtle actions and covert operations was over. It was time for a direct confrontation, a challenge to the authority the Xyrans held so dear.
[Are you sure about this? Once you reveal yourself, they'll know exactly what you've been up to all this time.]
"Do I even have another choice, Astaroth?" Ashton sighed. "Their attack hit a bit too close for comfort. It's only proper that I return the favour."
[I get it. But I am suggesting that... do not confront the Xyrans as Ashton, but as Reaper, as a mercenary who was hired to deal with them.]
Ashton leaned against the wall, considering Astaroth's advice. Astaroth was right; revealing himself as Ashton could risk everything he had worked for.
However, if he confronted the Xyrans as Reaper, they would have difficulty messing with him as he had a few S-grade beings backing him up, and no soul, Xyran or not, would want to fight with someone like him.
"Fine, let's do this your way."
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