As usual, the black market buzzed with clandestine exchanges and whispered schemes under the cover of night. Aaron sat in a discreet tavern, his gaze calm as he swirled a glass of ice-blue liquor. His eyes scanned the crowd, settling on a figure dressed conspicuously different from the others.
This was an investigator from the Shadow Alliance. He leaned casually in a corner, conversing with several minor faction leaders, clearly attempting to probe for information. A glint of cold light flickered in Aaron's eyes—this investigator's presence confirmed that the Shadow Alliance was beginning to suspect that the recent disturbances within the black market were no coincidence. Despite the secrecy of Aaron's machinations, the Shadow Alliance was no easy opponent; they suspected an outside force might be involved in the Red Moon Gang's troubles.
"So, the Shadow Alliance finally couldn't resist getting involved." Aaron chuckled quietly to himself. "If they think there's an unseen hand at play, let's give them something to 'find.'"
He turned to Arna, who sat beside him, and murmured, "That investigator is here to assess the situation. They want to understand if there's an external force behind the Red Moon Gang's issues. Since they're here, we'll ensure he 'discovers' what he's looking for."
Arna smiled subtly, a fierce gleam in her eyes. "What's our move?"
Aaron took a sip of his drink, a faint, cunning smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "We'll make him 'believe' that the Iron Hammer Gang—a veteran black market faction with influence—is the one orchestrating things."
Arna's eyes narrowed with understanding. "You mean to pit the Shadow Alliance and the Iron Hammer Gang against each other?"
"Precisely," Aaron nodded, his tone calm yet unyielding. "Once the Shadow Alliance suspects the Iron Hammer Gang holds some of their secrets, they'll retaliate. All we need to do is provide them with 'evidence.'"
After a moment's thought, Arna nodded. "I'll prepare the false intelligence and pass it on to the investigator soon."
"Not just yet," Aaron replied, eyes gleaming with calculation. "The timing of this information is crucial. First, I'll have some smaller faction members spread rumors that hint the Iron Hammer Gang is trading secrets of the Shadow Alliance. Once the investigator becomes suspicious, then we'll deliver the final 'confirmation.'"
As Aaron finished speaking, he subtly glanced at the investigator, who had just exited the tavern and was heading toward the door. Aaron gestured lightly to a concealed subordinate, signaling him to tail the investigator. Aaron intended to use this investigator to locate the Shadow Alliance's nearby contact point—a key step for his further infiltration into the Alliance.
Escalating Rumors in the Black Market
Over the next few days, the rumors spread rapidly.
Word circulated that the Iron Hammer Gang had somehow obtained vital information about the Shadow Alliance, including intelligence on their hidden bases within Vicente territory. Soon, smaller factions in the black market began to take notice, speculating whether the Iron Hammer Gang might truly have the power to challenge the Shadow Alliance. Meanwhile, the Shadow Alliance's investigator also took notice, intensifying his inquiries into the Iron Hammer Gang. He reached out to prominent figures within the black market, attempting to extract additional details from them.
Observing the investigator's actions, Aaron felt a trace of satisfaction. His plan was progressing smoothly; the Shadow Alliance was now following the trail of rumors he had laid, allowing doubts about the Iron Hammer Gang to fester within the Alliance.
In his hidden chamber, Aaron turned to Arna and asked quietly, "Have you been tracking the investigator's recent movements?"
"Yes," Arna replied steadily. "He's been frequenting the outskirts of the black market, particularly a shop called Dark Moon General Store. It looks like an ordinary storefront, but I've noticed several affiliates of the Shadow Alliance coming and going from there."
Aaron smiled, clearly pleased with the discovery. "Excellent. This shop may well be one of the Shadow Alliance's contact points in the market. Now, we can guide the investigator even further."
Arna studied Aaron thoughtfully, curiosity flashing in her gaze. "Are you planning to let the investigator carry these messages back to the Alliance?"
"Exactly," Aaron nodded slowly. "When he reports back, the Shadow Alliance will likely send additional personnel to investigate the Iron Hammer Gang from the shadows. All we need to do is wait and let the storm grow."
A steely glint appeared in Aaron's eyes as he added quietly, "The Shadow Alliance isn't completely united. All I need to do is sow discord within them and let it spiral."
The Investigator's Next Moves
As expected, the investigator's behavior grew more cautious over the next few days. He discreetly questioned various black market sources about the Iron Hammer Gang, even appearing at private meetings between smaller factions, clearly on the hunt for any scrap of intelligence. Aaron stayed under the radar, observing everything silently.
Then, on a quiet night, the investigator finally departed from the black market, heading toward Vicente territory. Aaron received word of this move from one of his spies and immediately passed it on to Arna. He also dispatched a team of elite followers to shadow the investigator closely from a safe distance.
"The Shadow Alliance's main base must be near Vicente's borders," Aaron murmured to himself, a cold smile creeping onto his face. "Once I locate their stronghold, I'll be able to infiltrate even deeper into the Alliance."
Standing beside him, Arna looked intrigued. "Lord Aaron, if we do find their base, will we strike directly?"
Aaron shook his head slightly, his gaze calm and penetrating. "No, finding the base is only the first step. The Shadow Alliance's reach is vast, and we can't topple them easily. Once we locate the base, we'll watch and wait. I have a larger plan...all will be revealed in time."
Arna nodded, her respect for Aaron's foresight growing. She understood that Aaron's ambitions reached far beyond mere territorial gains; he was weaving a strategy with a much greater objective.
Following the Investigator in the Dead of Night
Under cover of darkness, Aaron's men quietly trailed the investigator. The investigator was careful, frequently checking his surroundings and even taking a winding route to shake off any tails. But Aaron's followers were skilled and seasoned, maintaining a safe distance and keeping their presence hidden.
Eventually, the investigator entered a dense, forested valley. With its maze-like terrain and limited visibility, it was the perfect location for a hidden base. Aaron's men concealed themselves at a distance, confirming the investigator's destination before returning to report back to Aaron.
Upon receiving the news, a gleam of cold determination appeared in Aaron's eyes. "So, the Shadow Alliance's base is indeed near Vicente territory. This place must contain critical contacts and information. It's time to make our next move."
Arna stood by his side, asking in a low voice, "Lord Aaron, what's the plan?"
Aaron smiled subtly, his tone calm but laden with meaning. "Next, we'll begin a slow infiltration of this base. First, we need to instill doubt and suspicion within their ranks. The investigator's report will make them believe that multiple forces are watching their every move. We'll continue to stoke their paranoia, forcing them to increase their defenses. Meanwhile, we'll circulate rumors that question their security, fueling their distrust from within."
Arna's eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded, "If it works, the base will descend into chaos, creating the perfect opportunity for us to strike."
Aaron nodded slightly, his gaze as sharp as a blade. "Exactly. The Shadow Alliance may be powerful, but no force is without its weaknesses. Once we find the right moment, we'll slip through the cracks and strike."