Guild Branch Master's POV
In the dim glow of the Valeris City guild branch office, the Guild Branch Master sat quietly, reviewing reports on his data tablet. His office, sparsely furnished and meticulously organized, reflected his disciplined approach to managing mercenary operations in this part of the Ashen sector. The Syndicate's presence on Kynara had increased to the point that local citizens and traders were expressing concerns, and the recent death of Xelthar, a major player among the Syndicate's allied warlords, had caused a palpable shift in the region's power dynamics.
He looked up as Kael entered the room, followed by three D-Rank mercenaries. These were experienced operatives who'd fought on countless assignments. Each was chosen not only for their proven skill but also their loyalty and discretion. The Branch Master knew that in a time like this, with corruption and Syndicate ties rumored even within the Federation itself, trust was paramount.
"Take a seat," the Branch Master said, gesturing to the seats arranged in a semicircle in front of his desk. Kael took his place to the Branch Master's right, the mercenaries settling in with practiced, quiet movements.
"Thank you all for coming on short notice," he began, his voice steady. "There's a great deal to discuss in light of recent developments. Most of you already know about the elimination of Xelthar and the shake-up it's caused in his former territory. This is a significant shift, but we'll need to assess what it really means for us, both as an opportunity and as a potential escalation."
The mercenaries nodded, their expressions focused. Xelthar's death had been a significant blow to the Syndicate's control in the area. For years, the bandit warlord had been a key figure in their operations, providing security for trade routes and running violent operations to intimidate nearby settlements into compliance. His death, at the hands of Ethan Walker, had weakened the Syndicate's influence and reduced immediate threats to the surrounding outposts.
Kael leaned forward. "Ethan Walker deserves commendation for what he's done. Xelthar was a formidable force, and Walker took him down while still an E-Rank mercenary. It's clear he's got the skill and resolve to handle more than we originally anticipated."
The Branch Master nodded thoughtfully, a small, approving smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Walker has shown tremendous capability and tenacity. From what I've seen and heard, he's made remarkable progress in a very short period. A promotion to D-Rank seems well-deserved."
There were murmurs of agreement among the D-Rank mercenaries. Ethan Walker's reputation had spread quickly within the guild. The mercenary world was a demanding and often ruthless one, and to rise as quickly as he had without sacrificing loyalty or integrity was no small feat. The Branch Master appreciated those qualities. Strength alone didn't make a mercenary trustworthy, and Ethan had proven both skill and a sense of responsibility that was rare.
"We'll process his promotion immediately," the Branch Master continued. "Kael, see to it that Walker is notified. His efforts in taking down Xelthar have allowed us to regain control over several key routes, and we'll need his skills in the coming missions as we continue to push back against the Syndicate."
The mercenaries nodded, taking notes and exchanging glances of approval. The shift in power left by Xelthar's death was still settling, but the Branch Master had no intention of wasting time. There was an opportunity to re-establish security and influence over the region, and the guild had a vested interest in stabilizing the area. With Xelthar's forces scattered, nearby outposts and settlements could begin to breathe a little easier. However, the Branch Master also knew that this temporary relief wouldn't last without further action.
He tapped on his tablet, projecting a detailed map of Kynara onto the wall screen behind him. Red markers identified Syndicate strongholds, with a particularly heavy concentration around the territories controlled by the remaining three warlords allied with the Black Sun Syndicate.
"With Xelthar gone, these three are likely to grow bolder, especially with the Syndicate's backing. They'll be fighting to absorb Xelthar's assets and territory, consolidating power in ways that will make them harder to uproot. We've seen a pattern with Syndicate operations across the sector. They follow up a defeat by regrouping quickly, often with substantial reinforcements and equipment from their Federation contacts."
Kael spoke up, his tone grim. "If that's the case, we're going to need more resources. The Syndicate's connections are extensive, and they've already shown they can mobilize efficiently, sometimes faster than we can."
The Branch Master nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Exactly. And that brings me to the Federation's lack of action. Their reluctance to engage the Syndicate has been… conspicuous. They're aware of the threat, yet they've done nothing. In fact, we've received reports indicating some of their shipments. Military-grade materials and specialized tech have ended up in Syndicate hands."
The room went silent as the implications sank in. The Branch Master's suspicions were widely shared among the guild's upper ranks; corruption was not uncommon within powerful organizations, but the Syndicate's infiltration into Federation supply chains suggested a level of complicity from higher up.
One of the D-Rank mercenaries, a tall woman with a scarred cheek and an unyielding gaze, spoke up. "If the Federation's compromised, that puts us in a dangerous position. We're outmatched if the Syndicate can rely on that kind of backing."
The Branch Master met her gaze. "True, but this is precisely why we must act now. If we don't push back, they'll continue to expand, and we'll soon be dealing with a fully militarized Syndicate presence across Kynara. This isn't just about controlling trade routes anymore; it's about preventing the Syndicate from gaining control over the entire region."
He glanced at Kael, who nodded in understanding. "Kael, I'll need you to start evaluating our current defenses and bolster them where possible. We'll also need to monitor our communication channels closely. If the Syndicate has connections in the Federation, it's not a stretch to think they might have eyes on us, too. I don't want any information leaks, especially regarding mission locations and supply movements."
Kael scribbled notes, his expression focused. "Understood. We'll begin screening all guild communications and staff immediately. Any suspicious activity will be reported."
The Branch Master turned his attention to the three D-Rank mercenaries. "You'll be overseeing missions in Xelthar's former territory. With the power vacuum left in his absence, we need to secure those routes and prevent the Syndicate from reclaiming them. Reinforce trade routes, ensure safe passage for civilians, and eliminate any remaining pockets of resistance."
The mercenaries nodded, each acknowledging their role with silent determination.
"Additionally," he continued, "a funeral service will be held for Lyra Mirova. She fought honorably and fell while serving the guild. I want this to be a reminder to everyone that while our line of work is dangerous, each sacrifice is meaningful. We may be mercenaries, but we stand for more than profit. We protect each other and the communities that rely on us."
Kael's gaze softened slightly. "Lyra was well-respected. Her death hit the team hard, and I believe honoring her will give everyone a renewed sense of purpose."
The Branch Master nodded, his expression somber. "Good. Let's ensure that her memory serves as a motivation for all of us to continue the fight against the Syndicate."
The conversation shifted back to strategy as the Branch Master projected new data onto the screen, a map showing confirmed Syndicate outposts and recent troop movements. "Our intel indicates that the Syndicate's activity is increasing, especially in the southern regions. It's likely they're preparing to establish new bases in response to our pushback. We need to identify these locations early and either disrupt or destroy them before they solidify."
One of the mercenaries, a stocky man with an intense expression, leaned forward. "With the Federation's supplies bolstering them, won't they just rebuild? It seems like we're only buying time."
The Branch Master acknowledged the concern. "True. But every base we take out is another logistical and morale hit. It forces them to spend resources, which we know they can't afford indefinitely. Eventually, the Syndicate will lose its momentum if we keep up the pressure."
A murmur of agreement spread through the group, the mercenaries' resolve solidifying as they took in the strategy.
"Now, we'll need volunteers for the next phase of operations," the Branch Master said, his gaze sweeping across the mercenaries. "These missions won't be easy. We'll be targeting high-priority Syndicate assets, and resistance will be strong. I need everyone prepared for coordinated, efficient strikes."
The mercenaries exchanged looks, each of them nodding their willingness. Kael's face held a flicker of pride as he watched them step up.
The Branch Master took a breath, glancing one last time at the map of Kynara. "I won't lie to you. The Federation's inaction is a problem, and if the Syndicate's influence continues to grow, it could very well impact the entire Ashen sector. But I have faith in our team, in each one of you, to carry out these missions with skill and integrity."
He stood, his gaze sweeping across the group with the weight of his conviction. "We are the only ones standing between Kynara and total Syndicate control. We will not let this planet fall into their hands. As long as we stand, we push them back."
With that, he dismissed the team, each mercenary leaving with a renewed sense of purpose. As they filed out, Kael lingered a moment longer, his gaze thoughtful as he regarded the Branch Master.
"You know," Kael began, "they look up to you as a retired C-rank. Every word you said in there means something to them."
The Branch Master gave a quiet nod. "I'm aware, Kael. That's why we need to keep our eyes open and be ready for whatever the Syndicate throws at us. This isn't a skirmish anymore, it's a war."
Kael's face hardened. "Then we'll fight it. For Lyra, for the innocent citizens of Kynara, and for every mercenary who's put their life on the line."
The Branch Master gave him a firm pat on the shoulder, his eyes holding a fierce determination. "Then let's begin."
And with that, they both stepped out into the guild hall, the weight of responsibility clear in their minds as they prepared to lead the guild against an enemy far more dangerous than they had anticipated.