SI-7[332]

Wayne's battle ended almost as quickly as it began.

Before many of the guards could fully process what had transpired, VanCleef, the infamous leader of the Defias Brotherhood, lay unconscious on the ground, incapacitated by a single devastating punch from the adventurer. The man who had terrorized Westfall for years now had no chance of escape.

This turn of events was a cause for celebration. Captain Genset, who had been directing his men to block the thieves' retreat, stood stunned for a moment before a look of joy spread across his face. Without hesitation, he retrieved a rope from one of his guards and tied VanCleef securely, ensuring the notorious bandit would not slip away.

Turning to Wayne, Genset spoke with genuine gratitude and excitement:

"Wayne, you are truly a remarkable warrior. Not only have you helped us protect these supplies, but you've also captured Edwin VanCleef, the leader of the Defias Brotherhood. This is an incredible achievement. Without your intervention, not only would we have lost these vital supplies, but many of us might have fallen on this road."

Wayne offered a small nod, his expression calm and composed. He stepped toward the unconscious VanCleef and delivered a sharp kick to his side, breaking the man's arm with an audible crack. The bandit leader groaned faintly, confirming he wasn't as unconscious as he pretended to be.

The sound of bones breaking made Genset flinch. He glanced at Wayne, a trace of unease flashing in his eyes. While the adventurer had shown great strength and skill, his ruthlessness was now on full display.

Genset, however, had a pressing dilemma to resolve. The supplies they were escorting were critical to the guards at Sentinel, but VanCleef's capture presented an unexpected and far more significant opportunity.

VanCleef was a high-value target, a wanted man whose capture would undoubtedly earn accolades and rewards from Stormwind's military. He was a key figure whose removal could stabilize Westfall.

After a moment of deliberation, Genset addressed Wayne:

"Wayne, with VanCleef captured, I have a proposition. May I share it with you?"

Wayne, who had anticipated such a request, replied evenly: "Go ahead, Captain. If it's reasonable, I'm willing to assist."

Genset smiled, though his tone was serious. "Escorting these supplies to Sentinel is important, but delivering Edwin VanCleef to Stormwind City for trial is critical. With your help, we can ensure both missions succeed. My proposal is this: Lieutenant Weber will accompany you to escort VanCleef to Stormwind. Meanwhile, I will lead the remaining guards to Sentinel to deliver the supplies."

Wayne considered the offer for a moment before nodding. "That seems practical. Let's proceed."

With the plan settled, Wayne whistled sharply, summoning Deathclaw. The massive beast lumbered over, its frame splattered with the blood of its defeated foes. Wayne secured VanCleef tightly onto the back of the creature, ensuring the bandit could not escape even if he regained consciousness.

Alongside Lieutenant Weber, Wayne set off toward Stormwind City. Although his original plan had been to visit Goldshire and check in with the Lawrence family, the urgency of the situation made him postpone the visit.

Traveling overnight, Wayne and Deathclaw traversed the wilderness with remarkable speed. Thanks to their shared dark vision, the dim environment posed no obstacle. Deathclaw's powerful strides covered vast distances, and its incredible stamina allowed it to maintain a relentless pace.

Before dawn, they reached the outskirts of Stormwind City. The sight of the enormous, fearsome Deathclaw startled the patrolling guards. Some even drew their weapons, ready to defend the city from what appeared to be a monstrous threat. Fortunately, Lieutenant Weber stepped forward to explain the situation, calming the guards and securing their entry.

While chatting with Lieutenant Weber, Wayne obtained some valuable information.

In Azeroth's power system, the profession of taming animals to aid in combat is highly developed. Hunters, in particular, have mastered the art of forging bonds with animals and training them in various combat techniques.

Some elite hunters even commission mages to create special pet insignias. These badges allow pets to be temporarily stored in a subspace and summoned during emergencies to assist in battle. However, such subspace pet insignias are exceedingly rare, and acquiring one often requires more than just money.

This revelation gave Wayne a new objective for his journey in Azeroth.

As Wayne rode atop Deathclaw and conversed with Weber, a group of guards maintained a watchful eye on them. Eventually, they reached a large animal pen near Stormwind City's towering walls. The guards, now slightly more at ease, secured the massive Deathclaw in the pen. Wayne and Weber, accompanied by a few guards, proceeded into the city with their prisoner, Edwin VanCleef.

However, just as they were about to head to the military headquarters to hand over the infamous bandit leader, a middle-aged officer riding a horse approached them. The man dismounted, walked over to Lieutenant Weber, and produced a black token, whispering to him:

"Lieutenant Weber, this token is from SI7.

By order of SI7, the prisoner VanCleef is to be handled by our organization. You are also requested to bring this adventurer with you. The commander wishes to learn the details of the matter directly from him."

Though the officer spoke softly, his words were clear to Wayne, whose sharp hearing picked up even the subtlest sounds.

Lieutenant Weber hesitated, inspecting the token carefully. Recognizing the significance of SI7, Stormwind's secretive intelligence agency, he engaged in a brief, low-voiced discussion with the officer.

After a moment, Weber turned to the guards escorting them and dismissed them, signaling that their role in the matter was complete. He then addressed Wayne with a measured tone:

"Wayne, we need you to accompany us to another location. The department leading the search for VanCleef wants to debrief you on the details of his capture.

Please don't worry—Stormwind City values its adventurers and ensures they receive the recognition and rewards they deserve."

Wayne nodded, his demeanor calm, though his mind was already assessing the situation. A quick glance around revealed several shadowy figures lurking nearby—agents from SI7. Their movements were subtle, but their presence unmistakable. Clearly, the intelligence agency viewed VanCleef's capture as a matter of utmost importance.