Chapter 74: The Hidden Hand
The destruction of Valen's final supply depot sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld. Raizen and his allies had dealt a crippling blow, but the silence that followed felt ominous. He knew better than to assume this was over.
The system pulsed.
[Mission Updated: Await the Enemy's Move]
[Objective: Gather intelligence on Valen's true backers]
Liana frowned at the data stream scrolling across her tablet. "Something doesn't add up," she muttered. "If Valen had outside backing, they should have retaliated by now. But there's no movement. No reinforcements. It's like they're waiting."
Joran scoffed. "Or they're planning something worse."
Kain drummed his fingers on the table. "We need to figure out who's pulling their strings before they make their next move."
Raizen's golden eyes burned with resolve. "Then we draw them out."
The system pulsed.
[New Mission: Unmask the Hidden Hand]
[Objective: Infiltrate Valen's network and uncover their true sponsors]
Using intel from their raid, Raizen and his team traced encrypted messages to a private gathering of high-ranking crime lords. If Valen's true backers were going to make a move, this would be the place to expose them.
The entrance to the gathering was hidden beneath the city, guarded by mercenaries who had no allegiance to Valen but were paid well to keep outsiders away.
Raizen slipped through the shadows, his Draconic Step making him near-invisible to patrols. Kain and Joran took out the rear guards with silent efficiency, while Liana hacked the security feed, looping false footage to buy them time.
Inside, the air was thick with cigar smoke and the murmurs of powerful men. Raizen moved through the room, picking up snippets of conversation.
"…We can't afford to intervene directly. The moment we do, it puts a target on our backs."
"…That boy is dangerous. If Valen falls, he might come for us next."
Raizen's smirk deepened. They were afraid. Good.
Then he heard a name that made his blood run hot.
"House Mouren is watching closely. If Valen fails completely, they'll step in."
Liana's voice came through the earpiece. "House Mouren… They're from a Tier 3 planet. Big money, bigger power."
The system pulsed.
[Mission Updated: Expose House Mouren's Involvement]
Raizen's path was clear. He had crushed Valen, but now he was playing a bigger game.