Chapter 21: The Calm Before the Storm
The victory had come at a cost.
Farhan stood alone in the quiet aftermath, the city's streets now filled with the faint echoes of the battle that had raged through Solmaris. The air still held the bitter tang of smoke, and the heavy scent of magic lingered like a distant memory. Above, the sky was an uneasy shade of gray, as though even nature itself could not quite accept the violence that had unfolded. The city had been saved, but Farhan could feel that the victory was hollow, a brief respite before something far darker loomed.
He leaned on the edge of the balcony, watching the people below. They were celebrating, yes, but there was an undercurrent of fear that could not be dismissed. They had repelled the Unseen Hand for now, but the world beyond their walls was still in chaos, and far worse was to come.
It was then that Lyssa approached, her footsteps light on the stone floor. She didn't speak at first, simply standing beside him as they both gazed out at the horizon. Finally, she broke the silence.
"We won, but not without sacrifices," she said quietly. "There are rumors that the Unseen Hand is regrouping."
"I've heard the same," Farhan replied. His voice was tight, his thoughts swirling. "The Smokebinder isn't a fool. He's already preparing his next move."
"We'll have to move faster," Lyssa said. "We've got a window of opportunity, but not much of one."
Farhan nodded slowly. He had seen the reports — the Unseen Hand was regrouping, reinforcing their ranks with mercenaries and warlocks from the farthest reaches of the continent. The attack on Solmaris was only the beginning of their campaign to tear down everything he had worked for. The Smokebinder wouldn't stop until Farhan and his empire were in ruins.
"There's no time to waste," Farhan said, his jaw clenching. "We need to hit them where it hurts — their supply lines, their leadership."
Lyssa met his gaze. "And where would you strike first?"
Farhan's eyes narrowed, his mind already racing through the possibilities. He had already begun planning the next phase, knowing that this was no longer just a war for survival; it was a war for dominance.
"Their financial infrastructure," Farhan said decisively. "If we can cripple their ability to fund this war, we'll break their resolve. They've been using black-market channels to fund their operations, smuggling magical artifacts and resources from other realms. If we destroy those channels, we take away their power."
Lyssa raised an eyebrow. "And how do you propose we do that?"
Farhan smiled, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes. "I've been working on something. A network of spies and contacts. It's time to put it to use."
—
The plan was simple, yet risky. Farhan would infiltrate the enemy's black-market network using his access to the Online Shopping system. With his cheat ability, he could purchase information, resources, and even contact high-ranking members of the Unseen Hand who had access to the smuggling operations. But there was no room for error. If he failed, not only would his life be at risk, but so would the lives of everyone in Solmaris.
Farhan had spent weeks setting up the groundwork, using his business connections and his growing influence in this new world to create a covert network of spies, informants, and even mercenaries who owed him favors. Using his cheat ability, he could access their messages, monitor their movements, and learn about the hidden workings of the Unseen Hand's network. The goal was to find their smuggling hubs, cut off their access to resources, and disrupt their ability to wage war.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, Farhan knew that tonight would be the night when everything would change. He donned a simple cloak, designed to blend in with the shadows, and left his private quarters. The streets of Solmaris were quieter than usual, as most of the population had retreated to their homes to celebrate the victory or mourn the fallen.
Farhan's first stop was a nondescript tavern located in the underbelly of the city — a place that catered to the kind of people who preferred to remain unseen. He had arranged to meet one of his most trusted informants, a former merchant turned spy named Naeem, who had once worked for the Unseen Hand before switching allegiances.
Inside, the air was thick with the smell of ale and tobacco. Low conversations buzzed in every corner, and Farhan's eyes immediately sought out Naeem, who was seated at a corner table, his back to the wall.
Naeem looked up as Farhan approached, his expression guarded but respectful. "You're late," he said softly, though there was no anger in his tone.
"Had to make sure the streets were clear," Farhan replied, settling into the chair opposite him. "Is everything in place?"
Naeem nodded, sliding a folded parchment across the table. "The information you requested. The Unseen Hand has established smuggling hubs in several key locations — both within Solmaris and in nearby territories. They've been using shadow routes to bypass your security measures."
Farhan took the parchment and quickly scanned the contents. It was a list of locations, names, and schedules — everything he needed to strike at the heart of the Unseen Hand's operations. He memorized the key details and tucked the parchment into his cloak.
"Good work," Farhan said, standing. "This is exactly what I needed."
"You know the risks," Naeem warned, his voice low. "If the Unseen Hand finds out about this…"
"They won't," Farhan said, his voice steady. "I've taken precautions. You've done your part, and now it's time to move."
Naeem didn't argue. Instead, he gave a nod of understanding and a silent farewell as Farhan slipped out of the tavern and into the night.
—
The next few hours were spent moving swiftly through the city's darkened streets, following the network of secret routes Farhan had established. He moved like a shadow, slipping past the guards, through hidden doorways, and into the heart of Solmaris's underworld.
By the time dawn broke, Farhan had acquired everything he needed — the location of the Unseen Hand's smuggling hub, their financial records, and their contact with the black-market traders who supplied them with magical artifacts. It was all in his hands, ready to be used in his final strike against them.
But as he made his way back to his hideout, something caught his attention. A flicker of movement in the alleyway ahead. Instinctively, Farhan reached for the hidden weapon at his side, but before he could react, a figure stepped into his path.
It was Lyssa.
"Did you think you could do this alone?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement, though her eyes were sharp. "You should have told me."
Farhan sighed, lowering his weapon. "I wasn't going to take any chances."
Lyssa smiled. "We make a good team, Farhan. Now let's finish this."
Together, they walked back to the hideout, knowing that this was only the beginning. The Unseen Hand was still out there, and now Farhan had the means to strike back. But the game had changed. The next move would be his — and he wasn't going to lose.