The Valeris guild branch was quieter than usual, a solemn tension hanging in the air after Ethan and Zyrix returned from their mission. In the Branch Master's private office, Ethan placed a datapad on the polished metal table, his fingers lingering for a moment before stepping back. The data it contained, gathered at great risk, felt heavy, even intangible.
Zyrix leaned against the wall, his plasma sniper rifle slung casually over his shoulder. His calm demeanor was a sharp contrast to Ethan's simmering tension. The Branch Master, a grizzled Ex-C rank veteran named Darrik Voss, studied the data on the holographic display. His scarred face betrayed no emotion, but the tightness in his jaw spoke volumes.
"This is troubling," Voss finally said, his gravelly voice breaking the silence.
Ethan nodded, folding his arms. "The Syndicate isn't just holding ground, they're building something bigger. The Federation-marked crates are proof they've got powerful allies."
Kael, seated nearby with his sleek information tablet, tapped a few keys and brought up additional data. "The factory's production schedules and supply lines align with our earlier suspicions. They're prioritizing shipments to three main territories, all controlled by high-ranking warlords. Xelthar was small-time compared to these operators."
Voss zoomed in on the hologram, highlighting the areas Kael mentioned. "Rath Zorrek, Vela Drasik, and Kaelus Ryn," he said, his tone grim. "These names have been on our radar for a while, but this confirms they're the Syndicate's linchpins on Kynara."
Voss brought up profiles of the warlords, their images imposing and detailed with known intel.
"Rath Zorrek," he began, gesturing to the hulking figure on the screen. The image depicted a towering man with cybernetic enhancements and brutal armor. "A former gladiator turned warlord. He controls the mines in Kynara's mountains, supplying raw materials critical to the Syndicate's alloy production. His base is a fortress carved into the cliffs, guarded by turrets and drones. He got a legion of bandits among his ranks, he rules through fear and brute strength."
Kael added, "He's known to lead raids personally. If we're going after him, expect him to fight like he's still in the arena."
Voss switched to the next profile. "Vela Drasik. A strategist and weapons developer." The hologram showed a sharp-featured woman with calculating eyes and a commanding presence. "She oversees a manufacturing hub in Kynara's former industrial belt, which has been abandoned for decades by the Federation. Her factories churn out weapons, drones, and other tech for the Syndicate. The complexity of her operation makes it difficult to pinpoint vulnerabilities."
"She's not just building weapons," Kael noted, scrolling through additional data. "She's experimenting. Some of the drones we've encountered recently are prototypes from her hub. We need to shut her down before she scales up production."
Finally, Voss brought up the last image. "Kaelus Ryn." The hologram depicted a shadowy figure, his features partially obscured by a hood. "Ryn operates from a canyon complex in the southern deserts. His base is a maze of traps, hidden defenses, and decoy structures. He's a master of psychological warfare, using the terrain and experimental mind-control alloy prototypes to disorient and destroy his enemies."
Ethan frowned, his grip tightening on the back of a chair. "Mind-control prototypes? That's worse than what we saw in Xelthar's compound."
Kael nodded grimly. "Ryn has perfected techniques Xelthar barely understood. His forces are small but exceptionally disciplined, and his base is almost impossible to infiltrate without precise intel."
Voss leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "The Syndicate's activities on Kynara have escalated. They're digging in, anticipating our moves. But if we hit them hard and fast, we can disrupt their plans and force them onto the defensive."
He expanded the hologram, showing a map of Kynara's major Syndicate-controlled territories. "We'll divide our efforts across three fronts. Each warlord represents a critical piece of the Syndicate's operations. Taking them down will require precision and coordination."
Ethan straightened, his focus sharpening. "What's my role?"
Voss met his gaze. "You'll lead operations targeting Vela Drasik's supply lines and smaller bases. You've proven your skill in sabotage and reconnaissance, and this will weaken her ability to arm the Syndicate's forces."
Kael tapped his tablet, highlighting a series of supply depots and transport routes. "These are your targets. Disrupting these lines will force Vela to redirect resources, making her factories vulnerable to larger strikes later."
Zyrix spoke up, his tone even. "I'll assist on key missions. Long-range support and recon will be critical if we're hitting multiple fronts."
Voss nodded approvingly. "Good. The rest of the guild will handle the other warlords. I'll assign mercenaries to Zorrek's mines and Ryn's canyon, but those missions will need to be carefully planned. Both targets are heavily fortified."
After the main briefing, Kael turned his attention to Ethan. "We've recently received additional intel on Syndicate movements. Zorrek and Drasik are mobilizing forces to fortify their territories. Ryn, however, remains quiet which makes him even more dangerous."
He handed Ethan a datapad. "We're also deploying more resources to D-Rank mercenaries. Advanced weaponry and upgraded cloaking modules. I recommend taking advantage of these before your next mission."
Ethan took the datapad, glancing over the available upgrades. "I'll make sure I'm ready."
Kael's expression softened slightly. "Ethan, you've done well. But remember, the Syndicate thrives on chaos. Stay focused, stay sharp. We're counting on you."
As the meeting concluded, Ethan lingered in the office, staring at the map of Kynara. The task ahead was daunting, and the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on him.
Zyrix approached, his tone surprisingly supportive. "You've got this, Walker. You've proven you can handle yourself and now you've got the chance to do even more."
Ethan nodded, his resolve firm. "The Syndicate's cruelty won't stop unless we push back. I won't let what I've seen go unanswered."
As he exited the office and made his way to the guild's armory, Ethan's mind was already racing with plans. The Syndicate was vast and dangerous, but every step he took brought him closer to dismantling their operations piece by piece.