Chapter 75: Provoking the Beast

Chapter 75: Provoking the Beast

Raizen sat at the edge of the war room, hands folded, as the weight of his next decision settled on his shoulders. The name House Mouren carried power, influence, and a reach far beyond what House Valen could muster. They weren't just criminal overlords; they were interstellar merchants of war.

The system pulsed.

[Mission Update: Force House Mouren's Hand]

[Objective: Strike their off-world assets to lure them out]

Liana adjusted the holomap, highlighting a series of hidden trade routes. "House Mouren's biggest asset is their logistics network. They control arms shipments across multiple systems. If we disrupt one of their routes, we'll get their attention."

Kain crossed his arms. "But the second we do that, we're not just fighting a local syndicate anymore. We'll be going to war with a Tier 3 powerhouse."

Raizen smirked. "Then we make sure it's a war on our terms."

Joran grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Finally, a real challenge."

The system pulsed again.

[New Mission: Raid Mouren's Smuggling Convoy]

[Objective: Seize or destroy a Mouren arms shipment before it reaches Valen's reinforcements]

The raid took place in the deserted outskirts, where Mouren's convoy was set to pass through an isolated supply hub. The moonlight cast eerie shadows over the cracked terrain, the only sounds being the faint hum of approaching hovercrafts.

Raizen and his team lay in wait, cloaked in the darkness. Liana monitored the convoy's signals, her fingers poised over her tablet. "They're coming in at high speed. We have about two minutes before they reach the checkpoint."

Kain readied his rifle. "Then we better make those two minutes count."

The system pulsed.

[Engagement Window: High-Risk, High-Reward]

As the first hovercraft sped into the kill zone, Raizen struck first. Draconic Step activated, and in an instant, he was on top of the lead vehicle. His fist crashed through the windshield, sending the pilot slamming into the dashboard. The hovercraft spiraled out of control, flipping into a fiery wreck.

Gunfire erupted as the convoy guards retaliated, but Joran tore through their ranks like a force of nature, his cybernetic arm ripping doors off armored transports. Kain moved with precision, taking out key targets from a distance, while Liana scrambled their comms, ensuring they couldn't call for backup.

Raizen landed on the largest transport, where the shipment was secured. Mouren's enforcers rushed to intercept him, but he was already in motion. His golden eyes burned with power as he dodged, countered, and crushed every attacker in his path.

Within moments, the convoy was theirs.

The system pulsed again.

[Mission Complete: Mouren's Shipment Seized]

[Bonus: House Mouren's Retaliation Inevitable]

Raizen stood amidst the wreckage, watching the flames lick the night sky. He had forced Mouren's hand. Now, it was only a matter of time before they came for him.

And when they did, he would be ready.

Raizen's Status Update (After Chapter 75)

Personal Stats

Name: Raizen IzumotoAge: 18Bloodline: Draconic Ascendancy (Stage 3 - Awakening)Physical Enhancements:Enhanced Strength, Reflexes, and EnduranceHeightened Sensory PerceptionIncreased Regeneration RateEnhanced Draconic Dominance (Influence over others increasing)Abilities Unlocked:Draconic Combat Synchronization: Boosts reaction speed and instincts during battle.Draconic Sensory Awakening: Can detect killing intent and power levels more accurately.Draconic Desire Awakening: Further increased stamina and affinity with partners.Draconic World Subspace: (Current Size: 2m x 2m x 2m) – Upgraded storage capacity.Draconic Suppression Field (Partial): Can now instinctively project pressure to intimidate weaker opponents.Current Objectives:Deal with House Mouren's growing retaliation.Find and claim more high-tier resources to further awaken his bloodline.Secure more allies and expand his influence.

Allies & Relationships

Selene: Future wife candidate, still keeping her distance but more interactions occurring. (Trust Progress: 65%)Ayaka Renji: Friends with benefits, ongoing relationship with Raizen, still testing his power. (Loyalty: High - Wants him to get stronger before fully committing)Liana: Tech specialist and intelligence officer, handles Raizen's information network. (Loyalty: High)Kain: Tactical and weapons specialist, trusted lieutenant. (Loyalty: High)Seraphina (Cyborg): Rescued from a warship, still a mystery but showing increasing loyalty. (Loyalty: Medium-High)Joran Malek: Mercenary leader, now fully working under Raizen's command. (Loyalty: High)

Resources & Assets

Primary Ship: E5 Frigate-Class Warship (Functional, needs upgrades)Weapons:Energy Blade (C2-Rank) – High-frequency plasma blade, now enhanced.Modified Gauntlets (C1-Rank) – Reinforced for high-impact strikes.Pulse Handgun (D-Rank) – Basic firearm, mostly used for precision shots.Influence:Underground Network: Gained control over several black-market operations.Military Strength: Increasing with new mercenary recruits.Wealth & Resources: Looted resources from Valen and Mouren shipments, steadily growing.