The morning at the guild was more lively than usual. Adventurers from all corners gathered, sharing stories about recent missions or planning their next adventure. Amidst the crowd, Raven and Sylvia sat at their usual table, staring intently at a large map spread out before them.
Raven studied every detail of the map carefully. It was one he had acquired during his investigation at the royal library, filled with crucial information about the regions of the kingdom that were not yet fully under his control. Every town, village, and fortress marked on the map was a potential target in his plan to expand his influence.
Sylvia sat silently beside him, calm and obedient, waiting for his orders. Her face showed serenity, but her eyes sparkled with deep respect for Raven, as if he was someone to follow without question.
"I want us to focus on this region," Raven said, pointing to a northern area surrounded by mountains. "It's a strategic location, and from what I've learned, there's an independent adventurer guild there. They're not part of the guild we control here, and their influence could pose a threat."
Sylvia nodded, understanding his intent. "What's your plan, Ironclad?"
Raven smirked. "We're going to infiltrate that guild, earn their trust, and eventually take over from the inside. Just like we did here, but this time, we have to be more careful. They've already heard of my reputation, so we need to make sure there's no suspicion."
"System," Raven whispered in his mind, summoning the interface to plan his next move.
[System]
Available Quest: Infiltrate and Take Over the Northern Guild (Reward: 150 Evolution Points, Skill Steal)
"Take the quest," Raven ordered in his mind.
[System]
Quest Accepted: Infiltrate and Take Over the Northern Guild
Raven observed the notification calmly. This was a great opportunity to strengthen his control over a new region, and the quest's reward was not to be underestimated. The Skill Steal ability would be a powerful tool, allowing him to steal abilities from his opponents without the need for direct confrontation.
Raven looked at Sylvia with a calculating gaze. "You will be my spearhead in this, Sylvia. You'll lead the infiltration mission. With your reputation as a skilled adventurer, they won't be too suspicious. I'll support you from the shadows, making sure everything goes according to plan."
Sylvia looked back at Raven with unwavering confidence. "I won't disappoint you, Ironclad. Whatever you need, I'll do it."
"Good," Raven said, feeling assured that the virus he had implanted in Sylvia was working perfectly. There was no doubt or resistance, only complete loyalty. "We'll leave at dawn tomorrow. Make sure you're ready."
That night, Raven returned to his room with his mind full of strategies. Every step he took brought him closer to his ultimate goal, and he knew there was no room for error. As he reflected, the system in his mind sent another notification.
[System]
Available Evolution Points: 50
Upgrade Available: Skill Steal (Steal from defeated enemies or directly through physical contact).
Raven activated the new skill, feeling satisfied with the added power it granted him. However, he knew there was still much to be done. The northern region wasn't just another target; it was a test for Sylvia, to see if she could truly be relied upon as a key piece in his grand plan.
The next morning, Raven and Sylvia set out early. They embarked on a long journey northward, passing through forests and quiet valleys. The air grew colder as they approached the mountains, and the path they traveled became increasingly difficult.
During the journey, Raven took the opportunity to further test Sylvia's loyalty and abilities. They spoke about their plans, the tactics they would use, and how they would handle any obstacles that might arise.
As they neared their destination, Raven turned to Sylvia, his tone serious. "I want you to understand one thing, Sylvia," he said. "In this mission, there is no room for mistakes. We need to play smart, gain their trust, and make them believe we're on their side. But at the same time, we must be ready to destroy them the moment it becomes necessary."
Sylvia nodded, fully grasping the gravity of the task ahead. "I understand, Ironclad. I will do whatever it takes."
Raven gave a slight smile. "I know you will."
They arrived at a small village nestled at the foot of the mountains, where the guild they were targeting was located. The village appeared peaceful, but Raven knew that beneath its surface, there was power that could pose a serious threat if not properly handled.
Raven and Sylvia entered the village calmly, blending in with the locals who were busy with their daily activities. Their goal was to find the leader of this guild and begin building the relationships necessary to infiltrate it.
They approached a large building that seemed to serve as the guild's headquarters. The structure was made of stone and wood, with the guild's emblem prominently displayed at the entrance. Sylvia eyed the building carefully before turning to Raven.
"What's our first move?" she asked.
"We go in and meet their leader," Raven replied. "We show them our skills, impress them, and start building trust. From there, we'll develop our plan further."
They entered the guild headquarters, greeted by a warm yet cautious atmosphere. A few adventurers inside turned to look at them, assessing the newcomers. Raven remained calm, allowing Sylvia to take the lead.
Sylvia stepped forward, addressing a tall man with a thick beard who seemed to be the guild leader. "We're adventurers from the south. We've heard that this guild is the strongest in the region, and we're interested in joining."
The man scrutinized Sylvia and Raven with a discerning gaze, but eventually nodded. "We're always open to brave and skilled adventurers. But of course, you'll have to prove yourselves first."
Raven gave a small nod to Sylvia, who immediately stepped forward and offered to demonstrate her abilities in the guild's training arena. The sparring session began quickly, with Sylvia showcasing her exceptional sword skills. Every move she made was swift and precise, impressing everyone who watched.
Meanwhile, Raven observed closely, ensuring that everything was proceeding according to plan. He knew this was just the beginning of their infiltration, and there were still many steps to take before they could fully control the guild.
When the training session ended, the guild leader looked impressed. "You both have remarkable talent. We could certainly use people like you here."
Raven smiled beneath his helmet. "Thank you. We're ready to give our best for this guild."