Chapter 33 - Conquering the Crimson Hand

The morning air in the guild was filled with an unseen tension, yet it was felt in every corner. News of their success in breaking Gregor's alliance and securing Isolde's support had spread quickly among the adventurers. However, everyone knew that the greatest threat was still waiting - The Crimson Hand, the shadow group that controlled the most dangerous region in the north.Raven stood in front of a large map hanging on the wall of the guild's strategy room, paying attention to every detail of the area that would be their next battlefield. Sylvia and Elara stood beside him, waiting for instructions."Kael is not just a powerful enemy," Raven began the meeting in a serious tone. "He is someone who is very cunning and does not hesitate to use the most brutal methods to maintain his power. Facing The Crimson Hand will be our biggest test."Elara stared at the map sharply. "We have gained the support of some local groups who are afraid of The Crimson Hand, but they are not strong enough to face Kael directly. We must exploit that fear, but we must also ensure that they see us as a solution, not a new threat."Sylvia, who had conducted extensive reconnaissance in the area, added, "Kael controls his followers through intimidation and fear. But if we can show that he is not invincible, we can start to undermine his power from within."Raven nodded, acknowledging the importance of this approach. "We will use everything we have. A direct attack on their headquarters is not the first option. We must weaken them before launching a final attack."Over the next few days, Raven and his team worked tirelessly to plan an attack on The Crimson Hand. They devised strategies to break the group from within, exploiting the discontent among Kael's followers. Raven organized several covert operations, where they infiltrated Kael's information network, spreading rumors that would sow suspicion and distrust among his followers.Meanwhile, Sylvia led a series of small and coordinated attacks on The Crimson Hand's outer posts. These attacks were designed to disrupt their operations without attracting too much attention, gradually eroding their strength.Kael, known as a clever and vigilant leader, began to sense that something was wrong. However, he could not pinpoint who was responsible for these disturbances. Every time he tried to trace the source of the attacks, Raven and his team had already moved on, leaving few traces.At the same time, Elara managed to establish relationships with several local leaders who were previously under Kael's control. With the right words and promises of protection, she managed to bring them over to Raven's side, creating a new front that further weakened The Crimson Hand's position.Raven knew that the time for the final attack was approaching. He gathered all the information they had gathered, analyzing Kael's defenses and identifying their weaknesses. He also prepared his troops carefully, ensuring that they had everything they needed to face their most formidable enemy yet.The night before the final attack, Raven gathered everyone in the main hall of the guild. Their faces were serious, realizing the importance of the battle to come."We have worked hard to reach this point," Raven said, his voice firm but calm. "The Crimson Hand is the last threat preventing us from dominating the northern region. We have weakened them, we have divided them, and now it's time to destroy them completely."Sylvia stepped forward, her voice filled with passion. "This is not just about power. It's about ending the terror they have spread throughout this region. We will show them that they cannot control everything with fear."Elara nodded in agreement. "After this, no one will doubt our strength. We will be the dominant force in the north, and nothing can stop us."Raven raised his hand, asking for attention. "We move before dawn. Make sure you are ready. This is the moment we have been waiting for."The night passed quickly, and before dawn, Raven and his troops were on the move towards The Crimson Hand's headquarters. They moved in silence, using all the skills and tactics they had developed over time.When they arrived at Kael's headquarters, a hidden fortress in a dense forest, Raven ordered his troops to take their positions. The headquarters was heavily guarded, with watchtowers at every corner and regular patrols around the perimeter. Raven observed everything from a distance, deciding when the best time to strike would be."We must destroy the watchtowers first," Raven whispered to Sylvia, who stood beside him. "Without oversight from above, they will lose coordination."Sylvia nodded, then signaled to the small team she had selected for this task. They moved quickly and silently, using Shadow Step to sneak up on the watchtowers undetected.With coordinated attacks, they destroyed the watchtowers one by one, using Blade Inferno to create explosions that brought the towers down without making too much noise, avoiding suspicion from the forces inside the headquarters.After the watchtowers were destroyed, Raven gave the signal to proceed with the attack. His troops stormed the headquarters from three directions at once, creating confusion among the remaining guards. Sylvia led the attack on the eastern side, using Tactical Mastery to direct her troops with precision, ensuring that every attack hit its target.On the western side, Elara and her team used Stealth Network to infiltrate the fortress, sabotaging the weapon supply and freeing the prisoners who then joined their ranks, increasing Raven's forces.Meanwhile, Raven himself led the attack from the front, using Aetherial Dominion to create an energy shield that protected his troops from enemy attacks. The shield deflected arrows and magic spells, allowing Raven and his forces to advance deeper into the fortress.Kael, known for his cruelty, appeared in the midst of the battle, leading his troops with an iron fist. He wore dark armor that radiated a dark aura, and with a sword that emitted red flames, he began to attack Raven's forces with brutal force."Do you think you can take over this region? I will not let you!" Kael shouted as he attacked Raven's forces.Raven responded calmly, using Shadow Step to dodge Kael's attack, then launched a counterattack with Blade Inferno. Raven's sword emitted a bright flame as he fought Kael, creating a hot explosion every time their swords clashed.Their battle was fierce, with Kael demonstrating his skill as a formidable warrior. He launched a series of attacks with impressive speed and power, forcing Raven to constantly move and use every skill he had to defend himself.However, Raven had planned this carefully. With Tactical Mastery, he controlled the rhythm of the battle, luring Kael to expend his energy in ineffective attacks. Every time Kael attacked, Raven would evade with Shadow Step or parry with Aetherial Dominion, frustrating Kael more and more.At the same time, Sylvia and Elara had managed to subdue the rest of Kael's forces, causing them to lose their fighting spirit. With his forces weakening, Kael was now cornered, accompanied only by a few loyal followers who fought desperately to protect him.Kael roared angrily as he realized that his forces had been defeated. "This isn't over, Raven! I will be back, and when I do, you will regret it!"However, Raven knew that this was the final opportunity to completely destroy Kael. With steady steps, Raven moved forward, giving Kael no time to formulate a counterplan. He swung his sword, creating a wave of fiery energy from Blade Inferno that directly hit Kael's magic shield, shattering it in an instant.Kael, who was usually so confident in his abilities, looked panicked when his shield was destroyed. He tried to counterattack by focusing dark energy into his sword, but Raven was ready. With incredible speed, Raven used Shadow Step to appear right behind Kael, easily avoiding the attack."It's over, Kael," Raven said coldly before launching his final attack.With one powerful swing of Blade Inferno, Raven pierced Kael's armor, sending a wave of fiery energy into his body. Kael screamed in pain as the fire burned from within, tearing his body apart before he finally fell to the ground, motionless.With Kael's fall, The Crimson Hand's resistance was completely over. The remaining forces, having lost their leader, immediately surrendered or fled into the forest, leaving their fortress in ruins.Raven stood over Kael's lifeless body, surveying the surroundings with cold eyes. This was a great victory, not only for him and his team but also for the entire northern region, which had lived in fear under the shadow of The Crimson Hand.Sylvia and Elara joined Raven, both looking tired but victorious."Kael is finished," Sylvia said, wiping blood from her sword. "With this, no one can challenge us in the northern region."Elara nodded, her face showing satisfaction with the outcome of the battle. "With the defeat of The Crimson Hand, we have secured complete control over this region. Lord Adrian will be very pleased to hear this news."Raven remained silent for a moment, reflecting on everything that had happened. This battle was the culmination of all their hard work, and with the end of The Crimson Hand, they had opened the door to further expansion and strengthening their power.However, he also knew that this was just the beginning. There were still many other forces out there that might pose a threat to them. But for now, Raven was content with the victory they had achieved."We will return to the guild soon and plan our next move," Raven said finally. "But first, we need to make sure this fortress is completely secure. We cannot allow any remnants of The Crimson Hand to regroup."They spent the rest of the day securing the fortress, collecting supplies and valuable items left behind by the enemy. The other adventurers were also busy, gathering prisoners and ensuring that no members of The Crimson Hand managed to escape.That night, as they returned to the guild, they were greeted with cheers and applause from their fellow adventurers. A grand celebration was held in the main hall, where everyone celebrated their victory over The Crimson Hand.However, in the midst of all the joy, Raven remained calm. He sat in a corner of the hall, observing everything that was happening. He knew that while this was a major victory, it was just one step in their long journey.As the night wore on, Raven decided to leave the celebration and go up to the roof of the guild. From there, he looked out at the night sky, filled with countless stars. He thought about the long road they had traveled and the challenges they had faced."We have come a long way," Raven thought to himself. "But there is still much more to be done."With a renewed sense of purpose, Raven turned away from the stars and looked towards the future. He knew that there would be many more battles to fight, many more challenges to overcome. But with his loyal companions by his side, he was ready for whatever came next.