Chapter 54: Chapter 53: A Deal in Blood and Fire
Chapter 53: A Deal in Blood and Fire
Raizen held Mira's gaze for a long moment, weighing his options. Revealing his Draconic bloodline here was a risk—one that could either solidify an alliance or make him a target. On the other hand, accepting a job from her meant putting himself in unknown danger.
"I don't give out favors," Mira said, tapping a small dagger against her thigh. "But I do value skill and reliability. So, tell me, are you here to impress me, or do you have something worth my time?"
The system pulsed.
[Decision Made: Accept Mira's Task]
[Objective: Raid a Smuggler's Cache]
Raizen smirked. "I don't expect free handouts. What do you need done?"
Mira's lips curled in amusement. "Smart choice. There's a group of smugglers hoarding a shipment of prototype energy rifles. They're moving it out of the city in two days. I want those weapons."
Liana's brows furrowed. "If they're moving it that soon, they'll be heavily guarded."
Mira shrugged. "That's your problem." She leaned back against the table. "Take out the guards, grab the shipment, and deliver it here. Do that, and we'll talk business."
Raizen nodded, already calculating the variables. "Where's the location?"
Mira tossed him a small device that projected a holographic map. "Abandoned transit station. Their convoy will be passing through at night."
Raizen studied the map, noting the key points of ambush. "And if we run into unexpected resistance?"
Mira smirked. "Then you improvise."
The system pulsed again.
[New Mission: Smuggler's Ambush]
[Primary Objective: Intercept and retrieve the weapons cache]
[Bonus Objective: Eliminate the smuggler leader]
Liana sighed. "You do realize this is borderline suicide?"
Raizen grinned. "Only if we do it wrong."
Mira chuckled, pushing off the table. "I like you, kid. Try not to die. I'd hate to waste good talent."
As they left Mira's hideout, Liana shook her head. "You really enjoy taking the hard route, don't you?"
Raizen's eyes gleamed. "No risk, no reward."
Their next mission was set. And Raizen was ready to take his first step into the underworld's power struggles.