Zombolution: Unleash the Undying Power

Chapter 145: The Two Guards’ Search Result

The two elite guards, handpicked by Alfred for their expertise, embarked on a meticulous search through the dense forest that bordered the Death Land. Their movements were synchronized and efficient, a testament to their training and experience. Each step was taken with purpose, their eyes scanning the underbrush and trees for any signs of the missing Ascendants.

As they navigated the rugged terrain, the first guard, a tall man with sharp, observant eyes, paused to survey the area. "Let’s split up here and cover more ground," he suggested, his voice carrying a sense of command. His partner, slightly shorter but equally focused, nodded in agreement, his expression serious and determined.

The taller guard pointed towards the denser part of the forest. "I’ll take the north side. You head south. Remember, any clue could be vital," he instructed, his gaze intense and unwavering.

The other guard, acknowledging the plan with a firm nod, replied, "Understood. We’ll leave no stone unturned." His voice was calm yet conveyed a deep sense of urgency. With a final mutual glance of determination, they split up, each delving deeper into their respective areas.

As they ventured further, the atmosphere grew eerily quiet, the usual sounds of wildlife muffled by the thick foliage. The taller guard moved with a stealthy grace, his eyes meticulously scanning the ground for footprints, broken twigs, or any other sign of the Ascendants’ passage.

"Come on, there has to be something," he muttered to himself, his frustration barely concealed. His brows were furrowed, a clear indication of the weight of their mission.

Meanwhile, his partner carefully navigated the southern part, occasionally pausing to examine suspicious marks or disturbances in the environment. Every so often, he would touch a tree or a patch of ground, looking for any trace left behind.

The guard, sweeping through the underbrush with a focused gaze, spoke to himself, reaffirming their mission. "We need to check every possible area," he murmured, his voice a mix of determination and concern. "They couldn’t have just vanished into thin air."

As he pushed through a thicket, the dense foliage suddenly gave way to a small clearing. His partner, following closely, noticed his abrupt stop and hurried to his side. "What is it?" he asked, his tone alert and curious.

The first guard pointed to the ground, where amidst the fallen leaves and dirt, lay scattered remnants. "Look here," he urged, his voice tense with the gravity of their discovery.

They both knelt down, their movements careful and respectful as they surveyed the scene. The ground was littered with pieces of clothing and ominous dried blood stains. The second guard’s eyes narrowed as he gently picked up a torn fabric, his expression turning grim. "This doesn’t look good," he murmured, his voice heavy with the implication of their find.

The first guard, his face etched with concern, examined the blood stains closely. "It seems like they might have met a violent end," he concluded, his voice barely above a whisper. The weight of the situation was evident in his furrowed brow and the hard set of his jaw.

He looked up at his partner, his eyes conveying the urgency of the situation. "We need to report back to Master Alfred immediately. He must be informed about this," he said, his tone underscored with a sense of duty.

The second guard nodded solemnly, standing up slowly. "Yes, let’s return at once. Master Alfred will want to know about this straight away."

As they left the clearing, the guards cast one last glance at the grim scene, their faces reflecting the seriousness of their discovery. The tranquility of the clearing now held a somber tone, a stark contrast to the urgency with which the guards made their way back to report to Alfred.

---

In Pyrohaven, the two guards hastened through the corridors, a sense of urgency in their steps. As they reached Alfred’s office, they exchanged a brief, solemn glance before entering. The door swung open, revealing Alfred seated at his desk, his posture relaxed yet commanding.

"Sir, we have returned with our findings," the first guard announced, stepping forward. He carefully extended a piece of fabric and a fragment of technology towards Alfred. "These were found near the Death Land. It appears the five Ascendants have perished."

Alfred’s gaze shifted to the items presented. He picked up the fabric, rubbing it between his fingers, his expression thoughtful but undisturbed. "This texture... it’s similar to what Lyra often wore," he mused aloud, setting the fabric down. "It seems they have indeed met their end." His voice was even, betraying no hint of emotion or concern.

The second guard, standing attentively, sought further direction. "Sir, what would you have us do next?" he asked, his tone respectful and expectant.

Alfred leaned back in his chair, intertwining his fingers as he contemplated their next move. "Return to your regular duties. Increase your training intensity," he instructed calmly. "The loss of the Ascendants suggests we may soon encounter a significant threat."

The guards listened intently, nodding in understanding. "We will intensify our preparations immediately," the first guard affirmed.

Alfred waved a dismissive hand, his focus already shifting to other matters. "Stay vigilant. Dismissed," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

The guards saluted and exited the office, their movements swift and precise. As the door closed behind them, Alfred’s gaze lingered on the fabric and technology.

Alfred, now alone in the grandeur of his office, leaned back into his chair with a relaxed yet thoughtful posture. His eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered the fate of the Ascendants. "Could it have been a formidable adversary or just the savage beasts of the Death Land?" he mused aloud, his voice carrying a tone of casual contemplation.

He gazed out the window, his eyes scanning the cityscape of Pyrohaven. The Death Land’s proximity and notorious reputation for harboring lethal creatures made it a likely culprit in Alfred’s mind. "Those Tier 3 beasts are no joke, but then again, neither were our Ascendants," he said to himself, weighing the odds. His expression was one of mild intrigue, but there was a trace of arrogance in the way he dismissed the threat.

Alfred’s hand idly tapped on the armrest of his chair, a rhythmic motion that accompanied his thoughts. "No, it must have been the beasts," he concluded with a shrug, his face showing a hint of smugness. "After all, what force in this land could rival my strength or that of Pyrohaven?"

Standing up, he walked over to the large window, his gaze fixated on the horizon. "It’s time to turn my attention to more pressing matters," he declared, his voice echoing the confidence he felt in dealing with any potential threats. "This city relies on my leadership."

Alfred’s reflection in the window showed a man who carried himself with an air of superiority. Despite the loss of the Ascendants, his face showed no concern. Instead, his expression was one of unwavering confidence, almost as if he welcomed the challenge.

"As for this ’powerful enemy’ theory, let them come," Alfred spoke with a dismissive wave of his hand, his eyes glinting with defiance. "I, Alfred, am the guardian of this city. Nothing and no one can stand in my way."

Returning to his desk, he began to sift through various documents and reports, already moving on from the incident. In the silence of his office, high above the city, Alfred’s demeanor was a testament to his self-assured nature, unshaken by the unknown and prepared to face any challenge with his characteristic arrogance and calm.