The Dwarven alliance had been a critical victory for CODE. Their position on the third floor was more secure, and the resources the Dwarves provided gave them access to some of the best weapons, armor, and materials in ALBEKO. But Alex knew that power was a double-edged sword. The more influence CODE gained, the more they would be seen as a threat by other guilds, kingdoms, and most dangerously, by K's agents.
The guild hall had never been busier. Members of CODE worked tirelessly to build new equipment, reinforce their trade routes, and secure alliances with other smaller guilds and factions on the third floor. The Dwarves had already sent shipments of enchanted weapons and armor, which were quickly being distributed among the guild's top members.
But as the days passed, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming—something that would challenge everything they had built. K's influence was still out there, spreading like a dark shadow across the floor, and while they had scored a major victory by removing his agents from the Elven court, Alex knew that was only the beginning.
"We've done a lot, but we can't let our guard down," Alex said as he stood in the war room with Betsy, Drax, Rogan, and Luke. A large map of the third floor was spread out before them, marking key cities, guilds, and trade routes that CODE controlled. "K is still out there, and the more power we gain, the more attention we're going to draw."
Betsy leaned over the map, her eyes scanning the markers that represented the guilds and kingdoms that had pledged loyalty to CODE. "We've secured the Dwarves and the Elves, but there are other factions out there—mercenary groups, trading companies, and smaller guilds. They might not be as powerful as the Dwarves, but they're important players. If K has been working behind the scenes to sway them, we could be walking into a trap."
Rogan, ever the shadowy operative, stepped forward. "I've been keeping an eye on the smaller factions. There's a lot of movement happening on the floor—people who used to be neutral are starting to pick sides, and not all of them are choosing wisely. K's agents have been offering deals—money, resources, protection. A lot of smaller guilds are starting to lean in his direction."
Alex frowned. "That's what I was afraid of. We've gained a lot of power, but that also means we're a target. K's going to come for us, sooner or later."
Drax cracked his knuckles. "Let him come. We'll be ready."
"It's not just about fighting him head-on," Alex said. "K's power is subtle. He's been working behind the scenes, manipulating people, guilds, entire kingdoms. If we're going to stop him, we need to outmaneuver him—beat him at his own game."
Luke, standing quietly by the door, simply nodded. "Verum."
Betsy looked up from the map, her expression serious. "We need to make a move. If we wait for K to strike, we'll be playing on his terms. We need to hit him before he's ready."
Alex nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. "We'll start with the smaller guilds and factions. If we can secure their loyalty, we'll weaken K's influence on this floor. But we'll need to be careful—K's agents are already out there, working to sway them. If we make one wrong move, we could lose them to him."
Rogan smirked. "Sounds like a job for me."
Negotiating with the Mercenaries
The next step in CODE's plan was to secure the loyalty of the mercenary groups that operated on the third floor. These groups were independent, offering their services to the highest bidder, but they also controlled key resources and trade routes. If CODE could win them over, it would give them a major advantage in the ongoing battle for influence.
The most powerful of these groups was known as the Ironclad Company, a notorious band of warriors who had carved out a reputation as being ruthless, efficient, and fiercely independent. They controlled a significant portion of the eastern trade routes, and their leader, a warrior named Varga, was known for being a tough negotiator.
Alex, Betsy, and Rogan set out to meet with Varga at the Ironclad Company's headquarters, a fortified encampment located deep in the mountains. The journey was long and dangerous, but CODE's reputation had spread, and the Ironclad Company had agreed to meet with them, if only out of curiosity.
The encampment was a stark contrast to the Dwarven capital. It was rough and practical, built for defense rather than beauty. Mercenaries in battered armor patrolled the perimeter, their eyes wary as they watched the newcomers approach.
Varga met them in the central hall, a large, muscular man with a thick beard and cold, calculating eyes. He was flanked by his lieutenants, each one armed to the teeth and exuding the same air of dangerous confidence that Varga did.
"You're from CODE," Varga said, his voice deep and gravelly. "I've heard a lot about you. Big guild, making waves on the third floor. But tell me, why should I care about what you have to offer?"
Alex stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. "We're offering you an alliance. CODE is growing, and with the Dwarves and Elves on our side, we control a lot of the power on this floor. But we don't want to stop there. We want to work with groups like yours—independent, powerful, and respected."
Varga raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think we need your help? We've been doing just fine on our own. We control the eastern trade routes, and we've got more than enough contracts to keep us busy."
Betsy, always quick to read the situation, spoke up. "It's not just about what you have now. It's about what's coming. K's agents are spreading across the floor, and they're offering deals to people—deals that sound good at first, but end with them under K's thumb. You may be independent now, but if you don't choose a side soon, you'll be caught in the crossfire."
Varga leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. "K, huh? I've heard the name. Some say he's a myth. Others say he's a god. What's your take?"
Alex's expression darkened. "He's not a myth, and he's not a god. He's a threat. And if we don't stop him, he's going to take control of this entire floor—and everyone on it."
There was a long silence as Varga considered their words. His lieutenants exchanged glances, clearly weighing the risks of getting involved in a larger conflict.
Finally, Varga spoke. "Alright. Let's say I believe you. What's in it for us?"
Alex smiled. "Resources. Protection. Influence. With CODE backing you, you'll have access to the best weapons, armor, and supplies the Dwarves can provide. And when the fight against K's agents comes, you'll be on the winning side."
Varga leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "You've got yourself a deal. But make no mistake—if you ever show weakness, we'll cut ties faster than you can blink."
Alex nodded. "Agreed."
The Shadow of K
With the Ironclad Company now allied with CODE, the guild's influence on the third floor grew even stronger. But with each victory, Alex could feel the tension rising. K's agents were still out there, watching, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Back at CODE's headquarters, the team gathered to discuss their next moves. The map of the third floor was beginning to fill with markers, representing the guilds, mercenaries, and factions that had pledged their loyalty to CODE. But there were still pockets of resistance—places where K's influence was growing unchecked.
"We're gaining ground," Betsy said, tracing her finger over the map. "But K's agents are still out there. And we still don't know where he's hiding."
"We're getting closer, though," Rogan added. "Every time we take down one of his agents, we're one step closer to finding him."
Alex nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. K was a master of manipulation, and the more power CODE gained, the more likely it was that K would make his move.
"We can't get complacent," Alex said, his voice firm. "K's been biding his time, letting us build our strength. But when he strikes, it's going to be hard and fast. We need to be ready."
Luke, ever the quiet observer, simply nodded. "Verum."
A Growing Threat
As CODE's influence continued to spread, reports began to trickle in of strange occurrences across the third floor. Guilds that had once been neutral were suddenly siding with K's agents, and powerful players were disappearing without a trace. The symbols of K—once a rare sight—began to appear more frequently, etched into the walls of cities and carved into the landscape.
Alex stood on the balcony of the guild hall one evening, staring out at the horizon. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the land. But those shadows felt different now—heavier, darker, filled with a sense of impending doom.
"We're close," Alex muttered to himself. "But K is getting closer too."
The third floor was changing. The balance of power was shifting, and Alex knew that the final confrontation with K was drawing near. But they still had work to do—guilds to win over, alliances to secure, and enemies to defeat.
K was waiting for them, but Alex was ready.