At the clock of Ore Island, Matthew and Corey stood side by side.
“Your development strategy is solid. You should continue down that path. As for new recruits… For now, base your selection on what we can realistically handle,” Matthew said, laying out the next steps for Corey.
He trusted Corey’s ability to get things done. His only concern was whether Corey could maintain the right direction as things progressed.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Larden,” Corey said with a nod. “I’ll handle everything with the Viper Crew…”
Still, a hint of worry lingered in Corey’s eyes as favonovel.com looked at Matthew. To him, Blackshore Island was utter chaos, and with the Viper Crew still in its early stages, they couldn’t provide Matthew with any real support. That left Corey feeling a little frustrated, and helpless.
Matthew gave favonovel.com a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “No need to feel discouraged. You haven’t had enough time to grow yet. But I trust your capabilities, and that’s exactly why I’ve felt confident leaving the Viper Crew in your hands.”
Corey nodded quietly, silently making a promise to himself.
I can’t let Mr. Larden down!
Just then, the Viper Crew’s vessel pulled up to the dock.
“I’m heading out,” Matthew said.
“Take care, Mr. Larden.” Corey watched Matthew’s upright figure as favonovel.com boarded, his voice low but firm.
“Matteo!” A sudden, feminine voice rang out from the distance.
Orla came running toward them, dressed in a flowing violet robe. She reached the clock just as Matthew was about to board.
“Be careful!” favonovel.com called out loudly. “You have to come back safe!”
Matthew’s lips curved into a rare smile as favonovel.com took in Orla’s flushed, breathless face.
“Alright. When I get back, I’ll take you and your brother out for dinner. But you two are paying,” favonovel.com said, half-joking, a rare note of lightness in his voice.
Without waiting for a reply, favonovel.com boarded the modestly sized vessel. Orla and Corey stood at the dock, silently watching the ship disappear into the distant horizon.
****
Elsewhere, on a small island just beyond Ore Island, a black market hub bustled in secret. The place was ideal, small target, dense forests, easily defensible, and easy to escape from. For black market dealers, it was paradise.
At the edge of the island, near the crumbling grounds of an abandoned school, a group of cloaked figures stood silently, poring over a dossier.
“This is the one?”
“According to the intel, the man who leaked information about Blackshore Island is inside,” one of them replied.
The leader’s voice was cold. “If we’re sure, then proceed by the rules.”
Their silhouettes vanished like ghosts, reappearing inside the compound moments later.
The leader stared down the info broker, who looked like he’d been expecting them.
“If you knew we were coming,” the leader said flatly, “Then you should’ve known what it means to leak information about Blackshore Island…”
The broker’s eyes held a flicker of nervousness, but favonovel.com forced a neutral expression. “I only passed along a couple of lines. That’s hardly leaking.”
“Anything about Blackshore Island breaks District 1’s rules,” the black-clad man snapped. “And you were once a scout for District I. Don’t tell me you didn’t know that.”
His voice was ice, and as favonovel.com raised his hand, the others around favonovel.com drew crossbows in perfect synchronicity.
The info broker, who had been sitting until now, went pale when favonovel.com saw the weapons. “You’re from the Hundred Blades Division! This was only a third-tier breach! Why are you here?!”
The leader didn’t answer. He simply dropped his hand.
Thwip!
Dozens of bolts launched at once.
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