Chapter 72: The Next Move

Chapter 72: The Next Move

As night fell over the newly claimed stronghold, Raizen gathered his core team in the war room. A holographic projection flickered to life, displaying House Valen's known operations and suspected off-world connections. The stronghold's capture had shifted the balance of power, but Raizen knew it wouldn't be enough to keep Valen down for long.

Liana tapped the interface, enlarging a red-marked sector on the map. "The supply shipment we intercepted confirmed one thing—Valen is receiving weapon shipments from a Tier 3 planet's underworld syndicate. If they escalate, they'll call for backup."

Kain exhaled. "So we're dealing with more than just a local crime ring now. We're up against interstellar backers."

Joran cracked his knuckles. "Good. That means bigger loot when we tear them apart."

Raizen's golden eyes gleamed as he processed the information. "Before they bring in reinforcements, we cut them off at the source."

The system pulsed.

[New Mission: Strike the Supply Chain]

[Objective: Infiltrate and cripple Valen's off-world weapon suppliers]

Liana nodded. "There's an arms depot outside the city, near the spaceport. If we take that out, we disrupt their supply line."

Raizen smirked. "Then we move at dawn."

The next morning, Raizen and his team approached the heavily guarded depot, blending into the outskirts of the industrial district. The facility was protected by automated turrets, reinforced security drones, and Valen's elite enforcers.

Liana crouched beside Raizen, activating her jammer. "I can disable their outer defenses for ten minutes, but after that, we're on our own."

Raizen cracked his neck. "Ten minutes is more than enough."

The system pulsed again.

[Engagement Window: Optimal]

The moment the signal went dark, Raizen and his team moved in fast. Kain took out the first wave of guards with precise strikes, while Joran crashed through the security drones with brute force, his cybernetic arm sending shockwaves through the steel floor.

Raizen launched himself into the fray, his Draconic Step propelling him through the air. He landed amidst a cluster of enforcers, his golden eyes burning with power. With a sweep of his arm, he sent two men flying, then dodged a plasma shot aimed at his chest.

Liana's voice crackled over the comms. "They've called for backup. You need to finish this fast."

Raizen sprinted toward the depot's core, his fists glowing with latent draconic energy. He reached the central terminal, slamming his palm onto the control panel. Sparks erupted as the system overloaded, triggering an internal meltdown.

The system pulsed.

[Mission Complete: Supply Chain Disrupted]

[Bonus Achieved: Valen's Reinforcements Delayed]

An explosion rumbled through the facility as Raizen and his team retreated, escaping into the shadows just as flames engulfed the depot. As they regrouped at the stronghold, Raizen knew they had just crippled Valen's war efforts.

But this was just the beginning. Now, they would come for him.