Twilight had descended over Azure by the time they reconvened with Knight-Captain Regulus at the Azure Watch headquarters. The atmosphere had transformed—the busy administrative hub now converted to a command center for the night's operation. Officers hurried about with final orders, while knights checked weapons and specialized equipment.
Regulus greeted them in the main hall, now dominated by a large table bearing detailed maps of the Old Quarter and the sewage system beneath it. He wore combat armor now—practical black plate with the blue emblem of Azure on the breastplate.
"The evacuation proceeds smoothly," he reported. "Most residents accepted the story without question. Those few who resisted have been... strongly encouraged to comply." He gestured to the maps. "We've identified three primary entry points to the underground sections, here, here, and here. My division will split accordingly, with teams of sixty approaching from each direction, plus twenty in reserve."
"And us?" Valerius asked.
"You and I will lead the main thrust through the central access point," Regulus indicated the largest entry on the map. "Lady Reina has agreed to accompany us with her medical expertise." He turned to Kazuki. "Dr. Mizushima, given your unique perspective, I'd like you with us as well."
Valerius frowned. "Is that wise? He has no combat training that we know of."
"Perhaps not," Regulus conceded. "But his insights have proven valuable so far. Besides," he added with a meaningful look, "best to keep potentially valuable assets close at hand, wouldn't you agree?"
The underlying message was clear—Regulus wanted Kazuki where he could be observed. Whether from suspicion or appreciation of his abilities wasn't entirely clear.
Reina arrived then, accompanied by a senior Watch healer. She'd added light armor over her riding clothes—subtle protection that wouldn't impede her movement or magical abilities. Her expression was serious as she joined them at the map table.
"We've prepared countermeasures as best we can with limited information," she reported. "Purification charms, containment wards, and healing potions for immediate treatment of injuries. But against the transformation disease itself..." She shook her head. "We have no specific remedy."
"Then we'll just have to avoid infection," Regulus said grimly. "Are the protective masks and gear distributed?"
"Yes, Captain," the Watch healer confirmed. "Though I must emphasize they offer no guarantees against an unknown contagion."
"Noted." Regulus checked the timepiece hanging from his belt. "We move in one hour. Final preparations now."
As the room burst into renewed activity, Kazuki found himself outfitted with light armor similar to Reina's and a simple short sword that he doubted he knew how to use effectively in combat. No one offered him a protective mask, which he found concerning until Reina approached with one.
"Here," she said quietly, handing him the device—a close-fitting leather and metal affair with crystal lenses over the eyes and a complex filtering mechanism covering the nose and mouth. "Breathe normally through this. The enchantments will purify the air."
"Thank you," he replied, examining the contraption with interest. "Will this protect against the cultists' disease?"
"In theory," she said, not sounding entirely convinced. "Though from what we've seen, the contagion may be transmitted through more than just air." She hesitated, then added in an even lower voice, "If we encounter active cultists, stay behind me. I can create water barriers that may offer additional protection."
Kazuki nodded, appreciating her concern. "What about my... ability? Could it help somehow?"
Reina glanced around to ensure they weren't overheard. "Potentially. If you could control it reliably, phasing through solid matter would be extraordinarily useful for reconnaissance." She sighed. "But given the unpredictability of it so far..."
"I understand." Kazuki attached the mask to his belt for now, not wanting to don the uncomfortable device until necessary. "I'll try not to be a liability."
"You won't be," she assured him. "Your medical knowledge alone could prove invaluable if we encounter victims still in the early stages of transformation."
Before they could continue their conversation, Regulus called the room to attention. "Knights of Azure! Royal guards! Tonight we strike at the heart of a great evil that has plagued our kingdom for too long. The Masked Ones have brought disease, death, and terror to our