Chapter 15 – The Rising Tides of Velantir

Velantir's underworld was shifting.

With Revenant's bounty causing chaos in the streets, the power balance among the city's major guilds was beginning to crack. Everyone wanted a piece of the rising legend, and those who didn't see him as prey saw him as a potential threat to be eliminated. The Eclipse Guild, the dominant force in the city's underworld, was no exception.

At the heart of Eclipse's stronghold, a towering fortress hidden beneath the grand cathedral, Jason, the guild's enigmatic leader, stood before his council. A long table stretched before him, occupied by his most trusted officers. Among them were Mirabelle, the ice-cold strategist known for her flawless battle planning, and Kain, the guild's deadliest enforcer, clad in dark obsidian armor.

Jason's fingers drummed against the armrest of his seat, his gaze fixed on the glowing reports hovering before him. Revenant had wiped out yet another bounty squad.

"This is getting out of hand," Mirabelle muttered, adjusting the thin, silver-framed glasses perched on her nose. "We've had smaller guilds and rogue factions exploiting this situation for their own gain. If this continues, Revenant's notoriety might attract forces beyond our control."

Jason exhaled slowly. "You're saying we need to act."

Kain leaned forward, his voice sharp. "We should've acted the moment he set foot in Velantir. The longer we wait, the more unpredictable he becomes." He cracked his knuckles. "Let me take care of it."

"No." Mirabelle shot him a look. "He fights like a ghost. We need to box him in, not chase after shadows."

Jason finally spoke, his tone measured. "You're both right. Kain, Mirabelle, I'm putting you in charge of this. We take him down, but we do it with precision. I want all bounty hunters to work under our orders. Cut off his escape routes, and force him into a fight he can't run from."

Mirabelle gave a curt nod. "Understood. I'll start with the independent mercenaries. There are a few who have history with Revenant. They might be useful."

Jason smirked slightly. "Good. Meanwhile, there's something else we need to address. Revenant isn't the only problem."

Kain raised a brow. "You're talking about Nightfall?"

Jason nodded. "They're growing bold. Their leader, Selene, has been making moves in the western districts. If she unites the rogue elements under her banner, we'll have a full-scale guild war on our hands."

Mirabelle's eyes narrowed. "Then we deal with them before they become a problem."

Jason leaned back, considering his next words carefully. "Kain, put pressure on Revenant. But Mirabelle, I want you to make contact with Nightfall. See if they're open to negotiations. If not… we wipe them out before they can strike first."

The room fell silent, the weight of Jason's words settling over the gathered elites of Eclipse.

Velantir was on the edge of war, and the tides were about to turn.

Western District – Nightfall's Hideout

The Nightfall Guild's base was a stark contrast to Eclipse's polished fortress. Hidden within the ruins of an abandoned noble estate, it was a place of shadows and whispers.

Selene stood at the edge of a balcony overlooking her gathered officers. Clad in sleek black armor with silver accents, her presence commanded attention. Her long, silver hair cascaded over her shoulder, framing a face that was both beautiful and dangerous. Unlike Jason, who ruled with calculated dominance, Selene led with fluid unpredictability.

She turned to her second-in-command, a lanky rogue named Darius, who was reviewing the latest reports.

"The bounty on Revenant has turned the city into a battlefield," Darius said, his tone amused. "It's a feeding frenzy out there. Eclipse is tightening its grip."

Selene smirked. "Predictable. Jason doesn't like chaos unless he's the one controlling it."

Darius nodded. "Word is he's making a move against us next."

Selene's expression didn't change, but her fingers lightly tapped against the hilt of her dagger. "Then we strike first."

Darius hesitated. "Are you sure? If we engage Eclipse now, we might burn too many resources. We still don't have full control over the western district."

Selene's eyes gleamed. "Which is why we use this situation to our advantage. Revenant is a wildcard. Eclipse is treating him like a nuisance, but if they push too hard, he'll push back. And when he does…" She let the words hang in the air.

Darius grinned. "We pick up the pieces."

Selene nodded. "Start sending whispers to the independent guilds. Let them know Eclipse's grip is weakening. If we gather enough allies before Jason realizes what's happening, we won't need to fight them head-on."

Darius gave a mock salute before vanishing into the shadows.

Selene turned her gaze toward the distant spires of Eclipse's stronghold, her smirk widening.

The game was changing. And she was going to make sure Nightfall came out on top.

The Outskirts – A Silent Watcher

Beyond the city walls, a lone figure stood at the edge of a cliff, gazing down at Velantir.

Dressed in simple leather gear, he didn't look like much. His face was hidden beneath a hood, and his posture was relaxed, almost indifferent. But his eyes, glowing with a faint silver hue, told a different story.

He had been watching. Listening. Studying.

Revenant. Eclipse. Nightfall. The shifting alliances and betrayals.

He knew what was coming.

And when the time was right, he would make his move.