Chapter 27 - Developing a Mastery Strategy

The morning in the guild was calmer than the previous few days. After the celebratory night held to honor their victory against the Terradons, the adventurers returned to their daily routines, while Raven and Elara began planning their next big move.In a small room that served as a meeting room, Raven, Elara, and Sylvia sat around a table filled with maps and important notes. The morning sunlight that entered through the window created a warm yet serious atmosphere in the room.Elara began the meeting with a firm tone. "We have proven that you are not just ordinary adventurers. You have earned our trust, but now we must think about how to strengthen our position in this region. The northern region is full of threats, not only from monsters but also from groups trying to seize power."Raven nodded, agreeing with Elara's assessment. "That's why we have to act now. We can't just survive; we have to attack and plant our influence in every layer of society in this region."Sylvia, sitting next to Raven, added, "We need to focus on gaining the support of influential people. The nobles, merchants, and even some independent adventurer groups could be our allies."Elara looked at the map on the table, pointing to several regions that could potentially be key to their strategy. "There are some nobles in this region who have long been dissatisfied with the current situation. They feel neglected by the kingdom and might be interested in joining us if we can offer them something beneficial."Raven studied the map carefully, thinking about the best way to approach these nobles. "We have to start with a cautious approach. First, we need more information about who really has influence among them. After that, we can start negotiations."Elara agreed. "I can send some people to gather information, but we have to do it very secretly. If anyone finds out about our plan too soon, it could jeopardize everything.""System," Raven whispered in his mind, activating a skill that might be useful in this situation.[System]Active Skill: Stealth Network (This skill allows Raven to build a secret information network without being easily detected.)Raven felt a subtle, almost invisible flow of energy around him. Stealth Network was a very valuable skill for gathering information without attracting attention. He would be able to use it to build an effective spy network throughout this region."Sylvia," said Raven, turning to his partner. "I want you to be part of the team that will make the first contact with the nobles. Use your charm to gain their trust, but remember, we have to play smart. Don't show all our cards at once."Sylvia smiled, showing sincere confidence. "I'll do it, Ironclad. You can count on me."Elara looked at Raven with growing respect. "You really know how to manage everything well. I'm starting to see why you've become so important to this guild."Raven gave a slight smile. "It's all about planning and proper execution. If we can get enough support, we can dominate this region without having to raise our weapons too much."After the meeting ended, Raven, Elara, and Sylvia began working according to their plan. Elara arranged for her people to gather more information about the nobles and adventurer groups that could be potential allies. Meanwhile, Sylvia began her journey to approach one of the nobles who was considered to have significant influence in the region.Sylvia arrived at an old castle located on a hill, surrounded by dense forests that provided natural protection. The noble who lived in the castle was Lord Adrian, a man in his fifties with graying hair and sharp eyes. He was known to be ambitious but often overlooked by the rulers in the capital. He was an ideal target for their first alliance.When Sylvia entered the castle hall, she was greeted by servants and immediately escorted to the meeting room. Lord Adrian, a man in his fifties with graying hair and sharp eyes, sat in his large chair, looking at Sylvia curiously."I hear that you are an adventurer who has recently achieved great victory in this region," Lord Adrian said calmly but inquisitively. "What brings you to my castle?"Sylvia, with a polite but confident demeanor, replied, "Lord Adrian, I've come to offer you an opportunity. We know that you have great ambitions, and we also know that you deserve more than what you have now."Lord Adrian raised an eyebrow, intrigued by what Sylvia said. "Continue."Sylvia continued with a confident voice. "We are part of a powerful and growing guild. We are looking for allies who can work together to expand our influence in this region. If you join us, we can offer you power, support, and the opportunity to achieve your goals."Lord Adrian was silent for a moment, considering the offer. "And what do you expect in return?""We need your support, information, and access to your network," Sylvia replied without hesitation. "By working together, we can ensure that you will gain the power and influence you deserve, while we also strengthen our position in this region."Lord Adrian smiled thinly, showing his white teeth. "That's a very interesting offer, Miss Sylvia. But before I agree, I want to see proof that your guild truly has the power you claim."Sylvia nodded, understanding Lord Adrian's caution. "We are ready to prove it. Give us time to show you what we can do, and you won't be disappointed."The meeting ended with Lord Adrian seeming more open to the idea of an alliance, but still cautious. Sylvia left the castle feeling that their first step had been successful, but knowing that there was still much work to be done.When Sylvia returned to the guild and reported the results of her meeting, Raven listened attentively. "This is a good start. If we can get Lord Adrian on our side, it will give us a significant advantage in this region."Elara, who was also listening, nodded in agreement. "But we have to move quickly. There's a chance that our competitors are also seeking the same support. We can't let them get ahead of us."Raven realized that they were on the right track, but he also knew that this was just the beginning. There were still many steps to take, many obstacles to overcome. But with each small victory, he was getting closer to his goal of dominating the northern region and building an unmatched power.That night, as everyone else went to sleep, Raven stood alone on the guild's balcony, looking up at the starry sky. Inside him, there was a sense of calm yet determined resolve. He knew that the road ahead would be long and full of challenges, but he was ready to face them. With Sylvia by his side and Elara as a valuable ally, he believed they could achieve anything."System," Raven thought, calling up the interface again to see the latest updates.[System]Quest Update: First Step: Alliance with Lord Adrian (Status: In Progress) Available Evolution Points: 150With a small smile on his lips, Raven closed the system interface and went back inside. He knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he was ready to face them. With each step he took, he was getting closer to his goal of controlling the northern region and building an unmatched power.