Chapter 237: Chapter 237: The First Signs of the Two Tigers' Magical Power
Upon hearing this, everyone gathered around, their eyes flashing with determination and resolve. However, when Dean Bruce outlined the preliminary plan, a new wave of disagreement erupted.
"Directly attacking is too risky," Nozer Hawthorne was the first to voice his opposition. "We don't know the exact situation there. Launching an attack blindly could put us at a disadvantage."
"But time is not on our side," Krupp countered. "The Black Hole Organization could launch a new attack at any moment. We need to destroy their core forces as quickly as possible."
Prolo Hawthorne sided with Krupp, "I agree with Krupp. We can't always be on the defensive; we need to take the initiative."
Alice proposed an alternative plan, "Perhaps we could send a reconnaissance team first, gather intelligence on the situation, and then decide what to do."
However, Delina Reba shook her head, "The reconnaissance team will likely be detected. The Black Hole Organization's methods are cunning, and it will be hard to get any useful information from them."
"Then we can't just charge in blindly!" Nozer Hawthorne said, his voice tinged with urgency.
The atmosphere in the meeting room immediately became tense. Opinions collided, creating a complex and heated debate.
Dean Bruce looked at the arguing group, feeling a sense of helplessness. He knew that each person's viewpoint had its merit, but finding a balanced solution among these conflicting ideas was a huge challenge.
"Everyone, let's calm down for a moment," Dean Bruce said firmly, tapping the table to silence the room. "I understand your concerns and ideas, but we need to make a decision now."
He took a deep breath before continuing, "I believe we can take a middle ground. We should send an elite reconnaissance team to gather information while also strengthening the academy's defenses. If the reconnaissance team successfully acquires intelligence, we can create a detailed plan based on that. If, however, the team encounters trouble, we'll have enough defensive power to deal with the Black Hole Organization's attack."
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought. After a while, Krupp was the first to nod. "This plan sounds good. It's neither too risky nor overly cautious."
"I agree," Prolo Hawthorne added. "It allows us to gather intelligence while ensuring the academy's safety."
Alice and Nozer Hawthorne also expressed their support. Only Delina Reba remained silent, as if lost in thought.
"Delina, do you have any thoughts?" Dean Bruce noticed her silence and asked.
Delina Reba looked up, a glint of determination in her eyes. "I'm willing to lead the reconnaissance team."
Dean Bruce was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Delina Reba to volunteer so willingly. But looking into her resolute eyes, he knew he couldn't refuse.
"Alright, you'll lead the reconnaissance team," Dean Bruce nodded. "But remember, safety comes first. If the situation turns bad, retreat immediately."
"Yes, Master," Delina Reba replied respectfully.
Dean Bruce shook his head in exasperation. "I've told you not to call me 'Master.' Just call me Dean."
Delina Reba blinked in surprise, then nodded. "Yes, Dean."
Delina Reba quickly assembled a reconnaissance team of five elite mages, each a highly skilled individual and one of the best in the academy. Before they set off, Dean Bruce repeatedly reminded them to be cautious and to prioritize safety.
Under Delina Reba's leadership, the reconnaissance team quietly left the academy under the cover of night, heading toward the hiding place of the remnants of the Black Hole Organization. Along the way, they traversed dense forests and climbed several rugged mountains, eventually discovering the Black Hole Organization's base in a concealed valley.
"Everyone, be careful. There might be an ambush."
Delina Reba whispered, her eyes scanning the surroundings with caution.
The members of the reconnaissance team nodded, each gripping their wands tightly as they approached the base with careful steps. However, just as they were about to reach the entrance, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly reached their ears.
"Not good, someone's coming!" one of the team members whispered urgently.
Delina Reba immediately signaled for everyone to hide, and they swiftly took cover in the nearby bushes. Before long, several members of the Black Hole Organization, dressed in black robes, appeared in their line of sight.
"It seems they've already discovered our presence," Delina Reba said in a low voice. "We need to find the entrance to the base quickly and retreat."
The members of the reconnaissance team nodded in agreement. They decided to take the risk and search for the base's entrance. However, just as they were preparing to move, one of the Black Hole Organization members suddenly stopped in his tracks. His gaze seemed to pierce through the bushes, locking directly onto the spot where Delina Reba and her team were hiding.
"This is bad, we've been spotted!" Delina Reba cursed silently in her mind. She immediately waved her hand, signaling everyone to prepare for combat.
The members of the Black Hole Organization, seeing the movement, drew their wands and launched an attack on the reconnaissance team. Delina Reba and her team were quick to respond, retaliating with a flurry of spells. Magic flashed across the valley as the sounds of battle erupted, filling the air.
However, the Black Hole Organization outnumbered the reconnaissance team, and their strength was not to be underestimated. The members of the reconnaissance team found themselves gradually overwhelmed, the situation becoming increasingly dire.
"We can't keep fighting like this! We have to find the base's entrance quickly and retreat," Delina Reba shouted. "Follow me!"
With that, she led the charge in one direction, with the reconnaissance team members following closely behind. They fought their way forward while continuing to search for the entrance to the base. Finally, in a hidden corner, they discovered a secret passage leading underground.
"Hurry, get inside!" Delina Reba pointed at the passage.
The reconnaissance team members rushed into the secret tunnel, but the Black Hole Organization members, seeing their escape, attempted to follow. Just as they reached the entrance, a powerful magical surge suddenly exploded at the mouth of the tunnel, sending the Black Hole Organization members stumbling backward.
"What's going on?" one of the Black Hole members exclaimed in surprise.
It turned out that, before rushing into the passage, the reconnaissance team had quietly set a magical trap. Once triggered, the trap released a powerful magical shockwave that was enough to knock back any enemies nearby.
Taking advantage of the moment, the reconnaissance team dashed down the tunnel, eventually reaching a vast underground chamber. The space was brightly lit and filled with intricate magical devices and runes.
"This is the base of the Black Hole Organization," Delina Reba said breathlessly. "We need to transmit the intel back quickly."
The members of the reconnaissance team nodded and began to carefully observe their surroundings, trying to gather valuable information. However, just as they were collecting intel, a deep, approaching footstep echoed through the air.
"This is bad, someone's coming!" one of the reconnaissance team members whispered.
Delina Reba immediately gestured for everyone to hide, and they quickly slipped into the nearby shadows. Soon after, several high-ranking members of the Black Hole Organization, dressed in black robes, appeared in their line of sight.
"It seems we've gotten ourselves into serious trouble," Delina Reba said grimly. "Everyone, get ready. If things go south, retreat immediately."
The reconnaissance team members nodded in understanding, their wands gripped tightly as they cautiously watched the movements of the Black Hole Organization leaders. Just as they were preparing to fall back, a familiar voice suddenly rang out.
"Hmph, you thought you could escape so easily?"
The reconnaissance team members froze in shock. Turning around, they saw Shasbia Lomatovich, the leader of the Black Hole Organization, coldly staring at them.
"Shasbia!" Delina Reba exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
Shasbia sneered. "Of course I'm here. I knew you'd come to scout my base, so I've been waiting for you."
A sinking feeling filled the reconnaissance team's hearts as they realized the gravity of the situation. Shasbia's power was unfathomable, and they were no match for him.
"Hmph, today will be the day you all die," Shasbia said, raising his wand. A surge of dark energy shot toward the reconnaissance team in an instant.
The reconnaissance team members quickly cast their spells in defense, but Shasbia's attack was overwhelmingly powerful, and their defenses were quickly shattered.
"This is bad, we need to retreat!" Delina Reba shouted.
The team members dashed toward the passage, but Shasbia struck again. An even more intense wave of dark energy sent them all flying backward.
"Think you can run? Not so easily!" Shasbia sneered. "Today, you will all die here!"
The reconnaissance team exchanged glances, knowing they were cornered with no way out. Just as they prepared for the worst, a familiar chant echoed through the passage.
"Two Tigers, Two Tigers, run fast, run fast..."
The reconnaissance team froze, confused. They turned to see Dean Bruce, accompanied by Krupp, Prolo Hawthorne, and others, rushing into the passage.
"Teacher, what are you all doing here?" Delina Reba asked, surprised.
"We were worried about your safety, so we came to help," Dean Bruce said, and with a flick of his wand, a brilliant light shot toward Shasbia.
Seeing the attack coming, Shasbia didn't dare to underestimate it. He quickly raised his wand to defend. However, Dean Bruce's assault was far too powerful, forcing Shasbia to stagger back, retreating step by step.
"Hmph, Dean Bruce, you dare to come here to die!" Shasbia roared.
"Die? I think it's you who's going to die today!" Dean Bruce sneered coldly. "This is the end for you!"