Chapter 85: A New Frontier
The aftermath of the battle left a trail of debris scattered through the Obsidian Belt. The convoy had been secured, but the cost of the engagement was clear. While Raizen's forces suffered minimal losses, the enemy had been far better armed than expected. This wasn't just an isolated skirmish—someone had supplied them with military-grade weaponry.
Back on his flagship, Raizen stood in the command deck, arms crossed as he reviewed the post-battle reports. Liana and Kain worked at the terminal, scanning the intercepted enemy transmissions.
"This wasn't just some rogue outfit," Liana said, her brows furrowed. "Their comm logs mention a patron—someone powerful enough to bankroll high-tier mercenary fleets."
Raizen's golden eyes narrowed. "A noble house?"
Kain exhaled. "Most likely. And if that's the case, they're watching your movements closely."
Before Raizen could respond, an incoming transmission flashed across the display. Lord Valter's face appeared, his cybernetic eye scanning the report with interest.
"Well done, Izumoto," Valter said, sipping from a crystal glass. "I expected you to succeed, but the level of resistance you faced raises some concerns."
Raizen remained silent, waiting for Valter to continue.
"The faction that funded your attackers is still unknown, but I have contacts who might be able to trace them. In the meantime, I propose we move forward with our arrangement."
Raizen smirked. "I assume that means you have another task in mind."
Valter chuckled. "You assume correctly. There's an independent refinery station in neutral space, currently controlled by a syndicate that refuses to align with me. If we take it over, we'll gain access to exclusive mineral processing that will fund our growing fleet."
Raizen considered the offer. Gaining control over an independent refinery meant cutting off a crucial resource from rival factions. It also meant drawing even more attention to his operations. A calculated risk.
"I'll take the station," Raizen said, his voice firm. "But I want the details now."
Valter's grin widened. "I'll send you everything. Just be prepared—this isn't a simple hostile takeover. The station's leader, a woman named Sera Volkan, isn't the type to surrender easily."
Raizen's interest piqued. "Then she'll have to learn what happens when you stand in my way."
The next mission was already in motion. The refinery station was deep in uncharted space, beyond the jurisdiction of any formal government. It operated under its own rules, meaning Raizen would need to approach with strategy rather than brute force.
Joran, standing at his side, cracked his knuckles. "So, what's the plan? We blast our way in or negotiate first?"
Raizen smirked. "We do both. If they refuse, we take what we need by force."
Liana pulled up the schematics of the refinery, highlighting its key control sectors and security systems. "Sera Volkan is a veteran commander. If we want her cooperation, we either prove we're more valuable as allies, or we break her completely."
Raizen's golden gaze flickered. He preferred the path of least resistance, but he wasn't afraid of reminding people why they should fear him.
"Then let's make her an offer she can't refuse."