Chapter 109: Attacking on the Hidden Dark Church
Zoro takes a detour from the main mission to confront the Night's Light Devouring Church, accompanied by the Black Reaper Corps and the twins, Kageha and Kuroha.
The combined forces, including Disciples from the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect, were preparing to join other sects and allied armies. Their primary objective was a large-scale campaign against the Rackshalla Clan, which, alongside two other Demonic Clans, had launched a massive invasion. However, a more immediate concern took precedence.
Zoro stood before Elton and Christy, his expression grim as he revealed a personal mission.
"You guys continue to the meeting zone. I have some unfinished business to take care of," he said, his eyes fixed on the distance.
Christy looked concerned. "Big brother Zoro, letting you go off on your own like this is just…"
"Zoro, what's your reasoning?" Elton asked calmly.
"Night's Light Devouring Church. I'm going to eliminate the ones hiding in this area," Zoro replied, a flicker of killing intent flashing in his eyes.
A heavy silence followed as Zoro and Elton exchanged serious looks. Then Elton smiled slightly. "Alright, Zoro. But take the twins and the Black Reapers with you. Try to return soon, my friend."
Zoro smiled back and grasped his hand firmly. "You can count on it, Sect Leader."
"Gege… Big brother Zoro… ugh, fine. Just do whatever, but be careful," Christy sighed, finally relenting.
Zoro nodded confidently and set off. Elton, Christy, and the others watched as he, the twins, and the Black Reaper Corps disappeared into the distance.
"Well then, let's head out too. Zoro and the others will catch up soon enough," Elton said, leading the rest of the group in the opposite direction.
Later, Zoro's team moved like shadows through war-scarred streets, avoiding townsfolk and authorities still recovering from recent battles. Number 6, one of the Black Reaper children, stepped forward with a report.
"Anikis. Anego. Number 13 and I may have found the church's secret hideout," he said.
"Well done. We'll check it out," Kageha replied.
He sent a discreet signal, calling the nearest Reapers. After quietly questioning locals, the group was led to a plain, battle-worn building.
Kuroha took point, slipping through a cracked wall to scout the interior. Finding no immediate threats, she returned, issued hand signals, and re-entered. Kageha nodded and motioned for the others to follow. He entered first, with Zoro close behind.
Inside, the abandoned store looked relatively intact, despite the war damage. Traps were still active, however, requiring careful deactivation. Several close calls followed.
After ten minutes of searching, they heard a faint noise under a long rug. The discoverer signaled the group. Carefully peeling it back, they uncovered a large, enchanted hatch.
Working in unison, they broke the enchantments. Once disabled, four of them slowly opened the hatch while the others drew their weapons, ready for ambush. None came.
One by one, they descended the short ladder and crept down a spiraling stone staircase. Small, candle-like lights glowed every twelve feet. After about three minutes, they reached the bottom.
Below lay a vast complex, with numerous rooms and people moving about—some panicked, others calm, a few visibly angry. Most weren't strong, but the facility was heavily fortified with guns and mana-powered auto-turrets placed at key points.
Kageha and Kuroha exchanged looks, then vanished in a blur, dismantling every visible weapon system with deadly precision.
The Black Reaper Corps consisted of eighteen members, led by four squad leaders—codenamed Numbers 1 through 4. The strongest among them, Number 1, had recently advanced to Silver Tier 4 and commanded both Groups 1 and 2 (three members each). The other leaders oversaw teams of four.
After watching Kageha and Kuroha neutralize the defenses, the squad leaders signaled for an immediate assault.
No survivors. That was Zoro's order.