Chapter 443: Much colder.

Zyra looked him dead in the eye. "Go and fetch our guests. Bring them here, but act natural."

"On it," Hunter said with a firm nod. He turned on his heel and strode quickly toward the parking area.

Once he was out of sight, Zyra dusted off her hands and summoned her Warden Trees. She carefully positioned them right where the bad hybrids were supposed to stand guard.

Zyra walked up to the Alpha Warden. "Listen to me carefully," she instructed in a low voice. "The second those Somnivore traitors step foot inside the tent, you take out every single hybrid and knight outside. Oh, and that bitch Holly. If you see her, do not kill her. Capture her alive. I have a very special event planned for her."

There was deep regret in her bones for not killing her right away but that would be a stupid move because she had to be in communication with the Somnivores right now and if she suddenly vanished, Erik would become suspicious.

A deep, wooden hum echoed from the Alpha Warden, its branches rustling in agreement.

She released her snakes, and other beasts, sending them to hide in the branches of the warden trees.

Zyra checked her surroundings. Everything at Cornsaw was set up like a perfect, invisible mouse trap. Now, she had another fire to put out.

"System, teleport me to Beast Valley!"

[Teleporting Host in 3... 2... 1...]

Zyra materialized straight inside the high-tech security room at Beast Valley.

Standing by the control panel was Achilles, the guy currently in charge of city security. Last time, during the chaotic timeline, she hadn’t even seen him because he was frantically running around trying to get the residents to safety.

Right now, Achilles was leaning against a console, twirling a pen and casually smirking at a monitor. But the moment he turned around and saw Zyra’s terrifying eyes and stern face, the smirk was instantly wiped off his face. He sat up straight as a board.

"Boss!" Achilles gasped. "Uh... I mean Zyra what happened? You look like you’re about to murder someone."

"You are right about that. Beast Valley is about to be attacked," Zyra said, her voice cold enough to freeze water. "Hybrids are hiding in the shadows a few meters from the perimeter right now, getting ready to drop heavy bombs on us. Others are waiting in line to enter our city."

Achilles’ jaw dropped for half a second before his hand instinctively dropped to the pistol at his hip. "Say the word, Zyra. I can have a team geared up and ready to roll out in five minutes!"

"No need," Zyra stopped him. "I don’t want a loud fire-fight. Go get all the residents into their homes right now. Keep them there until the warning lights stop blinking." She pointed a finger at him. "Do not ring the alarm. If the enemy hears sirens, they’ll know we’re onto them and launch early."

Achilles nodded sharply. "Understood!" He turned and sprinted out the door.

As soon as the heavy blast doors slid shut, Zyra turned to her screen. "Beauty, turn on the silent warning lights inside the residential quarters."

[Silent warning lights activated, Host!]

"Now," Zyra leaned over the main console, her eyes scanning the map. "Run a deep scan. Find those hybrid freaks. Confirm their positions."

[Activating deep scan... scanning... scanning... Alas!] Beauty chimed merrily. [Five hidden enemy strike-locations identified around the valley. Six hybrids have made it inside the city.]

Zyra didn’t even hesitate for a millisecond. A cold, ruthless smile touched her lips.

"Wipe them off the surface of the earth."

[With pleasure, Host!]

Above the fake clouds over Beast Valley city, fifteen orbital defense cannons adjusted their targeting reticles.

Fifteen blinding, high-density energy beams struck down from the sky simultaneously! The entire region of Beast Valley shook violently, rolling like a miniature earthquake as the enemy positions_ and every single hybrid inside or outside was instantly vaporized into microscopic dust particles.

[Target locations completely erased,] Beauty reported happily. [Threat neutralized!]

"Good, keep the warning lights on in case others are on the way," Zyra exhaled, rolling her shoulders to stretch out her tense muscles. "and, teleport me straight back to the meeting tent at Cornsaw. We’ve got some alien traitors to kill."

[Right away, Host! Teleporting in 3... 2... 1...]

Zyra materialized on one of the thick, leafy branches of the Alpha Warden tree, perfectly hidden in the shadows. Without missing a beat, she leaped straight down, landing on the ground with a soft thud.

The sudden drop almost gave the human world leaders a collective heart attack. A few diplomats gasped, clutching their chest pockets like they were having mild medical emergencies while waiting eagerly for the Somnivores to arrive.

Holly, who was casually munching on a crisp white apple, was the first to notice her. She perked up, waving her half-eaten apple with a wide, innocent smile.

"Hey, Zyra! Where did you come from? I have been looking for you, darling." Holly chirped.

Zyra’s face immediately tightened into a scowl so sharp it could cut glass.

Holly’s smile wavered, taken aback by the sudden rudeness. She lowered her apple slightly, tilting her head. "Whoa... is something wrong with you? Did you get bad news?"

At her question, everyone in the clearing turned to look at Zyra.

Zyra stood completely still, staring back at all the familiar faces. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and she had to use every ounce of her willpower to stop herself from sprinting over and throwing her arms around every single one of them. Just a few agonizing hours ago, these exact people were lying on a blood-stained ground, totally lifeless.

The Grand Elder stepped forward, his eyes filled with gentle concern. "Zyra, child... are you okay?"

She forced a smile. "Just a headache and nerves."

"Something is definitely different about her," Holly muttered, squinting at Zyra like she was trying to spot a hidden trick.

Suddenly, Tori inhaled deeply, his eyes widening as he pointed a trembling finger right at Zyra’s face. "Look! Her Soul Maiden Mark...it’s a bright, fiery red! Zyra, when did you awaken?!"

The Grand Elder moved closer, his hand reaching out to gently take hers. "Did you... did you go to the Resonance Pool by yourself?" he asked softly, shaking his head with a worried sigh. "My dear, you should have told me! I would have gone with you! Now I missed that milestone."

Gasps and whispers filled the air. Most reactions were awe and shock. But Holly was pale, as if she had seen a ghost.