Chapter 14: Into the Serpent’s Den
Preparations began immediately. The guild devised a plan to confront the Black Serpent Syndicate before they could strike. It wasn't just about defending Zhang Ye—it was about sending a message that Blueveil City and its people wouldn't be cowed by a shadowy criminal network.
Zhang Ye was at the center of the plan, both as a target and a weapon. While the guild strategized, he worked tirelessly in the kitchen, crafting dishes and elixirs to bolster their chances of success. His training in combat had improved, but he knew that his true strength lay in his cooking.
Among the recipes he prepared was the Shadowbane Elixir, which would protect them from the Syndicate's rumored use of poisons. He also created a dish he called Ironheart Feast, designed to boost stamina and resilience for long battles.
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The team set out at dawn, moving under the cover of a thick forest that bordered the Syndicate's territory. Their destination was a hidden base located on the outskirts of a small, lawless town called Greyridge. The base was rumored to be heavily fortified, but the guild had an advantage: surprise.
Kai led the group, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he scanned the path ahead. Elira moved silently beside him, her sharp eyes watching for any signs of movement. Zhang Ye followed closely, carrying a satchel filled with his culinary creations and a small blade at his side.
As they approached the outskirts of Greyridge, the forest gave way to a barren expanse dotted with jagged rocks and scattered ruins. The air was thick with tension, every sound amplified in the stillness.
They stopped at a vantage point overlooking the Syndicate's base. The compound was larger than expected, with high wooden walls and guard towers at each corner. Syndicate members patrolled the perimeter, their movements precise and disciplined.
"This won't be easy," Kai muttered, lowering his spyglass. "They're more organized than we thought."
"Do we have a plan?" Zhang Ye asked, his voice steady despite the tension.
Kai nodded. "We'll split into two teams. Elira and I will lead the main assault to draw their attention. You and Linna will circle around to the back and find a way inside. Your job is to locate any documents or evidence that might tell us why they're targeting you. If you're cornered, use the elixirs and get out. Understood?"
Zhang Ye nodded. "Understood."
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The assault began as planned. Kai and Elira led a small group of guild members in a frontal attack, their weapons flashing as they clashed with the Syndicate's guards. The sound of battle echoed across the compound, drawing more of the Syndicate's forces away from their posts.
Meanwhile, Zhang Ye and Linna moved quickly and quietly along the base's outer wall. Linna used a grappling hook to scale the wall, pulling Zhang Ye up behind her. They landed silently on the other side, slipping into the shadows.
The inside of the compound was a maze of buildings and storage sheds, each one teeming with potential threats. Zhang Ye's Predator's Awareness skill hummed faintly, guiding him away from danger as they navigated the labyrinth.
They eventually reached a large central building that seemed to serve as the Syndicate's headquarters. The door was guarded by two men, but Linna dispatched them with quick, efficient strikes before they could raise the alarm.
Inside, the building was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of ink and parchment. Shelves lined the walls, filled with ledgers, maps, and scrolls. Zhang Ye immediately began searching for anything related to the letter he had received.
He found it in a drawer near the back of the room: a ledger with detailed records of the Syndicate's operations. Among the entries was a note mentioning him by name, along with a description of his cooking abilities and a list of rare ingredients associated with his recipes.
"They're tracking everything," Zhang Ye said, showing the ledger to Linna. "My dishes, my training… even the ingredients I've used. They've been planning this for a while."
Linna frowned. "This confirms they see you as a threat. But it also gives us leverage. If we destroy this ledger, we cut off their ability to track you—and if we expose it, we could undermine their operations entirely."
Before Zhang Ye could respond, the door burst open, and a group of Syndicate enforcers stormed in.
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The fight was chaotic and brutal. Linna engaged the enforcers head-on, her dual blades flashing as she deflected their attacks and struck with precision. Zhang Ye stayed behind her, using the system to identify weaknesses in their opponents' armor and tactics.
When one of the enforcers lunged at him, Zhang Ye activated a small vial of Blinding Powder he had prepared earlier, throwing it into the man's face. The enforcer screamed, clutching his eyes as Zhang Ye dodged out of reach.
As the fight raged on, Zhang Ye felt his confidence growing. He wasn't a warrior, but he didn't need to be. His skills as a chef—and his ability to adapt—were more than enough to hold his own.
Eventually, the last enforcer fell, and the room fell silent.
"Nice work," Linna said, breathing heavily as she wiped her blades clean. "You've got a knack for this, Zhang."
Zhang Ye managed a small smile. "Thanks. But we're not done yet."
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With the ledger in hand, Zhang Ye and Linna made their way out of the building, retracing their steps through the compound. The sounds of battle had died down, indicating that Kai and Elira's group had gained the upper hand.
As they reached the rendezvous point outside the compound, they found Kai and Elira waiting for them, both looking battered but victorious.
"You got it?" Kai asked.
Zhang Ye held up the ledger. "We've got everything we need."
"Good," Elira said. "Let's get out of here before reinforcements show up."
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Back at the guild, the ledger was carefully examined, revealing not only the Syndicate's interest in Zhang Ye but also details of their operations across the region. The information was shared with local authorities, who began planning a coordinated effort to dismantle the Syndicate's network.
For Zhang Ye, the ordeal was a stark reminder of the dangers that came with his growing reputation. But it also solidified his resolve.
The Black Serpent Syndicate had underestimated him. They wouldn't make that mistake again—but neither would he.