The Shelter Game: Me, Starting with a Tenfold Drop Rate

As James scrutinized Elder Astra, Astra was doing the same to him.

The two were locked in a tense standoff, and the atmosphere in the room was charged with unease.

After about fifteen minutes, James finally spoke up slowly.

"You must be an elder of the Night Blades, right? We should be sworn enemies. Since you've lured me here, shouldn't you be attacking me directly? Why are you doing nothing?"

In response to James's question, Elder Astra smiled and replied, "I am indeed an elder of the Night Blades! However, we are not sworn enemies! I believe we have a common enemy now!"

James was very puzzled by Astra's words. "A common enemy? You're not referring to Irving, are you?"

"Of course not! The common enemy I'm talking about is Shadow Celestial! He has taken control of the Night Blades!"

James was shocked by this revelation. He had no idea that Shadow Celestial had gained control of the Night Blades.

After all, neither the members of the Angel Guild nor Irving had informed James about this news.

Seeing the look of surprise on James's face, Astra realized that this was the first time James was hearing this information.

With a smile, Astra said, "It seems your companions haven't shared all the news with you. You aren't as central a ally to Irving as he thinks."

James felt a twinge of anger at the elder's mockery. He believed he had been doing everything possible to assist Irving, and the fact that Irving hadn't shared this information with him made him furious.

However, James quickly adjusted his mindset and didn't let his anger lead him to betray Irving outright.

"I don't think this is a big deal. After all, whoever becomes the leader of your Night Blades will be our enemy."

"You're right! But Shadow Celestial is not recognized as the leader by the members of the Night Blades! I am secretly working to rally others within the Night Blades against Shadow Celestial.

Since Shadow Celestial is our common enemy, why can't we cooperate? One of his trusted subordinates is also in the real world. Even if our collaboration doesn't create a significant threat to Shadow Celestial, we can at least eliminate his confidant in reality."

Astra's words made James hesitate for a moment.

If James could make the decision on his own, he would definitely choose to cooperate with Astra. After all, up to this point, Astra had not posed any threat to him.

In reality, James felt that he had stepped into a trap set by Astra. The fact that Astra hadn't immediately attacked him indicated that there was some sincerity in his proposal. However, James knew that the true decision-maker regarding any potential cooperation was Irving.

"Why are you discussing this with me? Shouldn't you be talking to Irving? He's the only one who can decide whether to cooperate with you."

James's response did not surprise Elder Astra at all. Astra wore a slightly helpless expression.

"If I go to see Irving now, Shadow Celestial's trusted subordinate will quickly learn of it. Then he will know that I have betrayed Shadow Celestial, and our plan will fail.

So I cannot go directly to Irving. You can relay my proposal to him. I believe there's a good chance he will accept. If Irving agrees, you can come back here at this time tomorrow."

After saying this, Elder Astra chose to leave.

James furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. He was unsure whether he should inform Irving of this news.

After a while, James finally made up his mind. "Regardless, I have to tell Irving about this. Even if he ultimately decides not to cooperate with Elder Astra, he certainly won't blame me for bringing it to him."

Having thought this, James prepared to leave. But just then, he noticed that the boy was still standing not far away. He realized that the boy had heard their entire conversation.

James fixed a sharp gaze on the boy.

The boy, noticing the expression on James's face, quickly exclaimed, "I didn't hear anything! I really didn't hear anything!"

James didn't believe the boy's words. He approached the boy and said, "It's too dangerous for you to stay here. I'll find you a safer place. Just come with me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he swiftly led the boy away.

An hour later, James arrived at the headquarters of the Angel Guild.

At that moment, the headquarters was bustling with activity, as the members of the Angel Guild were working with Irving to reinforce its defenses.

James's arrival puzzled both Irving and the members of the Angel Guild.

"Did you come to see me for something important? Didn't we just talk a little while ago?" Irving asked James, slightly confused.

James nodded and said, "I do have something very important to tell you! And this is something that can only be discussed with you; no one else should know about it!"

Upon hearing this, the members of the Angel Guild chose to leave the room.

Once it was just the two of them, James recounted everything he had experienced to Irving.

After listening, Irving furrowed his brow and pondered for a moment. "Do you really believe that elder from the Night Blades? I can't shake the feeling that this is another scheme from them."

Irving did not trust Elder Astra. Although he had previously collaborated with elders from the Night Blades, the outcomes had been far from satisfactory.

James nodded in agreement. "I think it's a scheme too! So should we just ignore his proposal?"

James's words caused Irving to hesitate. While he sensed that this could very well be a plot, he was also curious about getting in touch with Elder Astra.

"Though it's likely a scheme, we might gain more insight into the current situation of the Night Blades through this elder. Let's meet at the agreed location together at this time tomorrow."

After saying this, Irving left the room.

From Irving's perspective, he had considered all the possibilities. He had also communicated his decision to James, so there was no need to waste any more time there.

James's feelings became more complicated at that moment. Irving still hadn't chosen to share the intelligence he had on the Night Blades with him. This meant that Irving still held some reservations about him.

James sighed. Although he was very disappointed, he felt he had no other options. He could only return temporarily to the headquarters of the Green Ivy Company.

While Irving and the others were making their moves, the Envoy of Filth returned from Starling City to the City of Warding.

Although the Envoy of Filth had successfully recruited Elder Astra's allies in Starling City, he felt that he hadn't done enough. He still didn't know what Elder Astra's true plans were.

Upon returning to the secret base in the City of Warding, the Envoy of Filth summoned all his subordinates together.

"What actions has Elder Astra taken while I was away? Has he made contact with anyone?"

In response to the Envoy of Filth's inquiry, the members of the Night Blades recounted everything they knew in detail. They had been monitoring Elder Astra closely.

Elder Astra seemed to be preparing for the upcoming actions. Although there were times when he would suddenly vanish, it wouldn't be long before he reappeared in front of the members of the Night Blades.

After hearing everyone's accounts, the expression on the Envoy of Filth's face grew more serious. He felt that Elder Astra was undoubtedly scheming something. He wouldn't be easily deceived by the facade presented by Astra.

After contemplating for a moment, the Envoy of Filth spoke directly, "It seems we must urge him to take action soon. If he continues to delay, our situation will only worsen. I have a feeling that Irving and his companions have already sensed our presence."

Despite being cautious in his previous actions, the Envoy of Filth had left some traces behind. It was clear that Irving had noticed the existence of Envoy of Filth and his group. The only reason Irving hadn't tracked them down was that he simply didn't have enough clues yet.

The Envoy of Filth's words made the members of the Night Blades a bit anxious. They all knew that Irving was their greatest threat. If Irving became aware of their presence, they would face dire consequences.

"Why don't you directly urge Elder Astra to act? As a trusted subordinate of Shadow Celestial, he will definitely listen to what you say," one of the Night Blades members suggested, summoning his courage to speak up.

The Envoy of Filth nodded. "You're right. Even if Elder Astra doesn't respect me, he will at least respect Shadow Celestial. So I will go find him as soon as possible to urge him to take action. After all, I'm already prepared for what comes next; how could he not be ready for action? He is the one orchestrating the entire operation."

After saying this, the Envoy of Filth went straight to find Elder Astra.

When the Envoy of Filth arrived outside Elder Astra's room, Astra had just returned from the civilian district of the City of Warding.

Astra quickly tidied himself up and then opened the door to his room.

"Were you really in your room just now? Why didn't I sense your presence?" the Envoy of Filth asked with a smile.

Although his tone was calm, Elder Astra could clearly feel the distrust emanating from him.

"Perhaps it's because my presence is too subtle. If I weren't in the room, where else would I be? I am currently making the final preparations for the upcoming actions!"