The air in the Ironstride base was heavy with unspoken words. The halls buzzed with faint whispers, the kind that died abruptly whenever Felix walked past. Conversations paused, eyes flicked to him, and faint nods or hurried steps marked his passage. It wasn't new—Felix was used to being noticed. But the attention was sharper now, charged with curiosity and wariness.
Leaning against a pillar in the training hall, Felix casually sipped from a water bottle, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Hunters moved about, sparring or discussing the upcoming operations, but their energy felt off. He caught snippets of conversations as they floated past him.
"You think he's really got Victoria wrapped around his finger?"
"Bro, I don't know, but did you see how she looked at him during the last meeting? Like, damn."
"Yeah, but that guy's dangerous. Nobody gets that close to Victoria without her using them."
Felix hid his smirk behind another sip. Good. Let them talk. It only makes it easier to keep them guessing.
+
Later, in the dining hall, Felix joined a table occupied by some of the guild's mid-level hunters. He slid into a seat like he belonged there, flashing a disarming smile.
"Dude, seriously?" Josh "Blazefoot" Martinez exclaimed, looking up from his half-eaten plate. "You just sit down like you own the place?"
Felix chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "What can I say, Blazefoot? Your sparkling personality drew me in."
The table erupted in laughter, but Felix's crimson eyes flicked over the group, cataloging reactions. Some laughed openly, relaxed and unaware. Others exchanged uneasy glances, their suspicion poorly masked.
"So," Felix began, his tone casual, "what's the buzz lately? Everyone seems on edge."
Josh rolled his eyes. "Same old guild politics, man. You know how it is—people getting twitchy whenever someone climbs the ladder too fast. Like, can we all just chill for five seconds?"
"Yeah," another hunter chimed in, a woman with a braided ponytail and a jagged scar across her cheek. "But climbing that fast usually means you're stepping on someone else to get there."
Felix's smile didn't waver, though he filed her comment away. Noted. Scarface is paying attention.
"I don't step on people," Felix said lightly, picking at a piece of bread. "I prefer... persuasion. Less messy."
Josh snorted, nearly choking on his drink. "Persuasion? Bro, if I looked like you, I wouldn't even need to talk. People would just do things."
"Flattered," Felix replied, smirking. "But looks only get you so far. Strategy's where the magic happens."
The table quieted slightly at his words, the laughter fading into thoughtful nods. Felix let the silence linger just long enough before standing and stretching.
"Well, it's been fun, but I've got things to handle. Don't burn the place down, Blazefoot."
"Can't make promises, dude!" Josh called after him, earning another round of chuckles from the table.
As Felix walked away, he felt the weight of eyes on his back. Good. Keep watching.
+
Back in his room, Felix leaned against the desk, opening his system interface with a flick of his hand.
System Notification:
Skill Activated: Covert Influence (Level 2)
Reputation Points: +10 (Stirred intrigue and confusion in Ironstride)
Quest Progress: "Support or Sabotage Victoria's Takeover" - 35% complete
Felix's smirk widened. The pieces were falling into place. He'd stirred just enough uncertainty among the guild members to distract from his and Victoria's growing connection. Now, all he had to do was keep the momentum going while subtly steering the narrative.
A soft knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. Felix straightened, masking his surprise. "Come in."
Victoria entered, her presence commanding as always. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, her piercing gaze locked onto him.
"Felix," she began, her tone softer than usual but still laced with that familiar intensity. "We need to talk."
He gestured to the chair opposite him. "By all means."
She didn't sit. Instead, she crossed the room, stopping just short of invading his personal space. Her eyes searched his face, as if trying to gauge his thoughts.
"I'm tired of waiting," she said finally. "The guild is fracturing, and the leadership is too blind to see it. If we don't act soon, we'll lose the advantage."
Felix tilted his head, his expression carefully neutral. "You're talking about the coup."
Victoria nodded, her silver braid catching the dim light. "Yes. I've been laying the groundwork for months, but I need to accelerate the timeline. The longer we wait, the more unstable things will get."
"And you want me to play a bigger role," Felix said, his tone even.
"I want you by my side," Victoria corrected, stepping closer. "I've seen how they respond to you, Felix. Your words carry weight, even with those who don't trust you. I need that. I need you."
Felix held her gaze, noting the flicker of something deeper in her eyes. Possessiveness. Desire. Ambition. It was a volatile mix, but one he could use.
"Of course," he said smoothly, his foxlike smile returning. "I'm with you, Victoria. You know that."
Her expression softened slightly, but her intensity didn't waver. She reached out, her hand brushing against his. The touch was brief, but it carried the weight of unspoken promises.
"Good," she said, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Because when this is over, Ironstride will be ours."
Felix nodded, giving her just enough encouragement to deepen her attachment. "Then let's make it happen."
As Victoria turned and left, the room felt colder in her absence. Felix's smile faded as he opened his system interface again.
System Notification:
Quest Unlocked: "Approach Amelia Cross"
Reputation Points: +20 (Strengthened trust with Victoria)
Felix leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Victoria's plans were reaching their climax, but so was his own. The game was about to get far more dangerous.
"It's almost time," he murmured, his crimson eyes gleaming.