Lord of the Time: I Can Reincarnate Infinitely

Chapter 536 536: Duped

After taking down the two patrollers silently, the squad quickly set to work, searching the unconscious guards for any items that might be useful. Rolf, the burly melee fighter, patted down the pockets with a deft touch.

"Look what we've got here," Rolf said, pulling out a small bag of salt, a bottle of oil, and three plastic packets that seemed to contain drugs. "What's all this for?"

Elina, the group's support, examined the items closely. "Salt and oil could be useful for creating a distraction or slippery trap. As for these," she held up the packets, "they might be stimulants or something worse. Better keep them out of the wrong hands."

While they discussed, Markus, the leader, listened carefully for any signs of movement from the cellar below. "I can hear them," he whispered. "At least seven level 2 guards inside, and... there are kids, about 43 of them."

Tomas, who had been tying up the guards, looked up. "What's the plan, then?" He tossed a length of rope over a pipe running along the ceiling and hoisted one of the guards up, his body swinging slightly in a comic fashion.

"We disguise ourselves as these guards," Markus proposed. "Caleb, or should I say, old man George, you could play the bait. Lure them out or keep them talking while we sneak the kids out."

Caleb chuckled, adjusting the guard's uniform he'd just put on. "I always enjoyed a good performance. Let's hope these young ones believe an old man's tales."

The squad quickly dressed in the guards' uniforms, tying the real guards securely and ensuring they were hidden from casual view. Rolf, finding amusement in the task, couldn't resist making the scene a bit humorous by positioning the guards to look like they were hugging each other.

"Looks like they're having a nice time up there," Rolf joked, causing a few stifled laughs among the tense atmosphere.

With their disguises in place, the squad made final adjustments, checking each other to make sure they looked the part. Elina distributed some of the salt and oil, tucking them into pockets for easy access.

The guards, faced with his earnest explanation and seemingly innocent demeanor, began to doubt their own doubts.

"Sorry, old man, we misunderstood you?" one guard finally said, his voice softening as they turned to discuss among themselves, giving the squad hidden in the shadows their chance to act.

The guards huddled together, whispering urgently. "He looks genuinely lost," one murmured, eyeing Caleb with a mix of suspicion and concern. "But it's strange, isn't it? How did he get past the outer defenses?"

"Maybe he's just a confused old man," another guard conceded, his voice laced with doubt yet leaning towards belief. "Look at him; he doesn't seem capable of harm."

Meanwhile, Caleb's teammates, hidden in the shadows, exchanged bewildered glances, almost questioning the reality themselves. Elina whispered to Markus, "I almost believe him myself. He's that convincing."

Thanks to Caleb's distracting act, the squad used the opportunity to silently guide the children out of the cellar. The kids, instructed to be as quiet as mice, followed the squad members through a carefully mapped escape route.

Internally, Caleb was a whirlwind of thoughts. 'Did I fool them? Are the kids safely on their way out? What if they start doubting again?' He adjusted his tone, adding a slight crack as if on the verge of breaking down. "Oh, to see the sunlight again, to feel the breeze... I fear I may never find my way alone."

The guards nodded among themselves, deciding to help. "Alright, we'll escort you out, old man," one of them finally said, a decision driven by a mix of duty and pity.

Caleb's inner monologue couldn't help but smirk at the success of his ruse. 'Foolish, so foolish! They are too gullible!' But his face showed only grateful relief as he hobbled forward, supported by a guard.

The rescue operation was a success, with the children sneaking out unnoticed, all thanks to the old man's believable act. As Caleb was gently guided out, he kept his performance up