Chapter 84: A Dangerous Agreement
Raizen leaned back in his chair, studying Lord Valter. The Tier-5 merchant's expression remained neutral, but there was no mistaking the calculation behind his cybernetic-enhanced gaze. He had proposed an alliance, but Raizen knew better than to take deals at face value.
Valter tapped his glass, the faint clink of ice breaking the silence. "Expanding these trade networks means making enemies, Izumoto. You're already on the noble factions' watchlist, and partnering with me won't make that any easier."
Raizen smirked. "I don't need easy. I need control."
Valter chuckled. "Then you'll need to prove you can hold your ground." He slid a datapad across the table. "A shipment containing high-grade energy cores is set to pass through the Obsidian Belt in three days. It's protected by hired security, but a rival syndicate plans to intercept it. I need it secured."
Raizen picked up the datapad, scanning the details. "And if I do this?"
Valter's grin widened. "Then we're in business."
Back on his flagship, Raizen gathered his team in the strategy room. Liana had already decrypted the logistics, pulling up a 3D hologram of the Obsidian Belt.
"This is going to be a high-risk engagement," Liana said, zooming in on the asteroid cluster where the ambush would likely take place. "We'll be dealing with a mix of mercenaries and rogue warships. If we want to secure that shipment, we need to be precise."
Joran grinned. "Sounds like fun."
Kain folded his arms. "We'll need a distraction. If we draw their fire away from the convoy, Raizen can take out their command ship and force a retreat."
Raizen nodded. "Then we'll strike hard and fast. We move in before they expect us."
Liana smirked. "I've already got a virus ready to disrupt their comms. We'll cut off their coordination the moment we engage."
Raizen's golden eyes gleamed. "Then let's make sure this job leaves an impression."
Three days later, Raizen's strike force entered the Obsidian Belt, weaving between the massive asteroids as they approached the ambush zone. The convoy was already under attack, laser fire illuminating the dark expanse of space.
"Enemy ships locked on," Kain reported. "They've got heavier firepower than expected."
Raizen activated the comms. "Joran, take point. Liana, launch the virus."
Within seconds, the enemy ships staggered as their communication systems faltered, giving Raizen's forces the opening they needed. He maneuvered his ship with precision, weaving through the battle and closing in on the enemy command vessel. His eyes burned as his Draconic Aura flared, sending a pulse through the ship's systems.
"Firing torpedoes!" Joran called out.
A barrage of missiles ripped through the enemy's hull, sending the command ship into a spiral. With their leader incapacitated, the remaining mercenaries hesitated—just long enough for Raizen's forces to finish the battle.
"The convoy is secure," Liana confirmed. "Valter will be pleased."
Raizen exhaled, watching the last of the enemy ships retreat. This was just the beginning of their partnership, but he had made one thing clear—he wasn't just another rising warlord. He was the future.