That midnight.
Kay led them toward the small forest near the edge of town. The other spies followed, steps cautious in the dark.
"Don't make noise. Even with the guards relaxed for the celebration… don't get careless."
"Yes," the leader replied quietly.
"We're close. Stay tight. When I say duck, you all duck."
They moved along the trail, shadows thick between the trees.
Kay raised a hand, signalling them to stop.
Ahead, not far off, four Armand Elite Guards patrolled nearby.
"The food's good tonight," one guard said as they walked.
"Yeah, drinks too. And the year bonus?" Another chuckled. "Love it, man."
"With this celebration month, my family's feasting like royalty every day. My kid even said he wishes it could last all year."
"Hah! If it lasted all year, everyone'd be bored by the second month."
"True, true…"
The guards' voices faded as they moved away. Kay and the others watched in silence.
One spy whispered, "There's only four of them. We could take them."
