Chapter 2496

With Mulder leading the way, Warrick-disguised as a member of the City Defenders-walked openly through the streets.

Night had fallen, and the streets were eerily empty-not a single soul was in sight. Only heavily armed patrols moved through the city:

Every checkpoint along the main road was heavily guarded. Even the patrol squads had to show their emblems to pass.

Warrick walked at the back of the group. His hat was pulled low so that it covered half his face. In the darkness, it was nearly impossible to make out his features unless someone got close.

“Austin is more meticulous than I expected,” he muttered. “If it weren’t for the Hall of Gods’ undercover agents helping me, I’d never make it out of Celestria.”

Seeing sentries stationed openly on the streets and hidden in the alleys, Warrick felt a chill crawl down his spine. In less than two miles, they had already passed seven or eight checkpoints.

In addition to the heavily guarded checkpoints on the main roads, countless hidden sentries kept a constant watch on the streets. At the first sign of trouble, they’d move in immediately.

Warrick had initially planned to slip out of the city with his guards if he couldn’t make contact with his allies. With his level of cultivation, escaping Celestria should have been possible.

But now, he realized how naive that plan had been.

With the city under lockdown-guards stationed every ten steps and hidden sentries every hundred-sneaking out was nearly impossible.

If he were spotted, the entire city’s forces would descend on him. Even with his extraordinary abilities, breaking through such a tight encirclement would be a hopeless task.

The streets were silent, and no one in the group spoke. Even when they passed other patrols, there was no exchange of words-just a simple nod before moving along.

And just like that, Warrick blended seamlessly into the patrol team as they made their way toward the outer city.

After nearly three hours of walking, they were stopped at the final checkpoint just as they were about to exit the inner city.

This was the central passage between the inner and outer city-the most critical checkpoint.

Since the lockdown, vehicles had been prohibited from entering the inner city.

The only way to get a ride was to reach the outer city.

The border between the two was heavily guarded, with troops stationed to prevent anyone from slipping through unnoticed.

While City Defender patrols could move freely within the inner city, their authority didn’t extend to the outer city. As Mulder led the group toward the checkpoint, the hundred or so elite guards on duty immediately grew alert.

“Stop right there! The City Defenders are only responsible for inner city security. What are you doing here?”

Colton Dane, the guard captain, fixed them with a razor-sharp gaze. His tone was firm and commanding. As he spoke, his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

The surrounding guards mirrored his stance, their piercing gaze locked onto Mulder and his team.

Warrick frowned slightly and silently channeled his energy.

Everything had gone smoothly up to this point. They’d passed through every checkpoint without issue. He hadn’t expected to be stopped at the final checkpoint.

Did someone notice something?

“Sir Prescott, no need to be nervous. This is just standard procedure. Leave it to me,” Mulder murmured before striding toward Colton with a friendly grin. “Mr. Dane, it’s me. Mulder.”

“Mulder?”

Colton’s sharp gaze lingered on him before his expression gradually relaxed.

“What are you doing here?” he asked. “I remember your unit was assigned to patrol the inner city. Without deployment orders, you’re not supposed to leave.”

“I’m just following orders from above, Mr. Dane. I was told to take care of something in the outer city,” Mulder replied. Then, he asked with a grin, “Could you do me a favor and let us through?”

“We all work for the government, so you know the rules. Right now, the entire city is under strict lockdown. Without an emblem, you’re not authorized to pass.”

Colton kept a straight face.

Under normal circumstances, bending the rules wasn’t a big deal. At worst, it might just earn him a reprimand.

But now things were different. The whole city was under lockdown, and there was a manhunt going on. A single mistake could cost him his position-or worse, land him in prison.

His future and safety were on the line. There was no room for errors.

“Of course, Mr. Dane. I’d never put you in a tough spot.” Mulder chuckled and took out a bronze emblem from his coat. “This is a direct order from Axel Cruz of the enforcement team. I’m just carrying out his instructions.”

“Mr. Cruz?” Colton took the emblem and studied it closely. Once he confirmed it was genuine, he handed it back. “Why did Mr. Cruz send you to the outer city in the middle of the night?”

“It’s not that I’m trying to be secretive, but this is a sensitive matter. Mr. Cruz explicitly ordered me not to reveal anything, or I could lose my position. I hope you understand,” Mulder answered in a low voice.

“If this is Mr. Cruz’s order, I won’t press further.”

Colton gave Mulder and his group a once-over before turning back to his men. With a wave of his hand, he ordered, “Clear the checkpoint and let them through!”

As soon as he gave the command, the guards quickly pulled back the barricade blocking the road and cleared a path.

“Thanks, Mr. Dane.” Mulder smiled and gave a respectful nod.

Colton nodded in return but said nothing.

“Alright, let’s move,” Mulder instructed, gesturing to his men and leading them forward.

But just as they were about to pass through the checkpoint, Colton’s gaze fell on the last person in line.

“Stop right there!” he barked.

That order made Mulder and the others immediately tense up.