Chapter 1360

The black-clad assailants' Lightfoot Skills were extraordinary; they scattered in all directions. Adrian could have pursued them, but catching all was impossible. He chose not to pursue anyone. Emerging from the shadows, he grabbed Carissa by the ear, twisting it until she yelped.

"So bold of you," he sneered. "To engage without proper defenses? Do you think you're invincible? Haven't you heard the saying that there's always someone stronger?"

Carissa shrieked and flailed as Jacob lit the lamps, illuminating the courtyard and revealing the bloodstains. Only then did Adrian notice Carissa's wounds. His grip tightened. "You couldn't guess Nicholas's plan? And you didn't request reinforcements from Meadow Ridge? Are you so arrogant you've forgotten basic caution? Just wait until your martial uncle arrives—you'll regret this!"

It was the first time Adrian had been so furious with Carissa. No matter her past misbehavior, he'd always apologized and offered gifts. Now, the tables had turned.

"I know I was wrong! Please forgive me, Sage Adrian!" Carissa cried.

Adrian kicked her lightly on the knee. To Kyle and the others, it seemed harsh. None dared speak. Jacob stepped forward, bowing. "Sage Adrian, perhaps we should tend to their injuries first? We can reprimand her later."

Seeing Carissa and Kyle's injuries, Adrian softened. "Go treat your wounds! Don't tell me Capital Guard headquarters lacks basic medical supplies."

"We do! We do!" Carissa assured him, her eyes shining with a puppy-like gaze. She clearly missed her mentor.

The group dispersed. As Violet helped Carissa, she whispered, "I've never seen your mentor scold you like that."

Carissa showed two sword cuts; thankfully, neither reached the bone. "He's only strict because he cares," she smiled.

Violet tightened a bandage. "If my mentor cared like that, I'd cry."

Once Violet was bandaged, Carissa helped her. Violet had a sword wound to her shoulder, a shallow cut to her waist, and a more serious injury to her calf. Her soft armor had protected her torso.

"How'd you get that calf cut?" Carissa asked.

"I kicked a thug, but another swung at me. I couldn't dodge. It's just a flesh wound," Violet explained. "Oh, and I got hit on the back, probably with a metal rod. It hurt, but no cut, just bruised."

Meanwhile, Kyle, Jacob, and Travis tended their wounds. For Jacob, it was his first time witnessing Adrian's prowess; he was stunned. Only Travis's overly forceful bandaging snapped him out of it. All three were injured, Travis seemingly the worst. He seemed to attract aggression.

Once treated, Carissa leaned against her mentor. Though less playful, she was sweeter than her usual Commander Sinclair persona.

"When did you arrive, Sage Adrian? I had people at the city gates daily."

Adrian had removed his disguise, but Kyle and Carissa would have recognized his voice.

"Your city gates couldn't detect the weapons I smuggled in. Is this the caliber of soldiers under your command?"

Carissa's eyes widened. "No way! They didn't catch the weapons?" She'd issued strict orders prohibiting weapon transport. Even martial artists left weapons at the gates. What was Michael doing? Hadn't he enforced inspections?

Adrian sighed. "If I hadn't come, do you think you'd have succeeded?"

"Thank goodness you came! Otherwise, we wouldn't have escaped unscathed." Carissa shivered, remembering the battle. She'd underestimated their opponents.

"I've been here a while," Adrian said, sipping Jacob's coffee. "I've been watching them. How else did I know they'd move tonight?"

He set down his cup. "It's not entirely your fault. Nicholas has hidden himself well. He's probably sought guidance from countless masters. He might have even joined our guild."

"The one tonight—him?" Kyle asked.

"Yes," Adrian frowned. "I counted on you to protect your martial sister, yet you were useless."

Kyle lowered his head, embarrassed. "I lack skill. Please don't tell Sage Everett."

Adrian waved a hand. "Actually, don't mention any of this to your uncle. The last thing we need is him finding out you fought like amateurs."

Everyone looked pale and ashamed.