Silas "Silkworm" Vane's fortified apartment was nestled deep within the chaotic, multi-level sprawl of District 6's "Nexus Warrens," a densely packed residential and commercial sector notorious for its labyrinthine corridors, hidden passages, and the pervasive presence of various mid-tier criminal syndicates, including Cerberus. Vane, according to the intel Roric and Shift quickly compiled, was a crucial cog in Cerberus's financial operations, a meticulous accountant of their illicit gains, and as such, was afforded significant protection. His apartment wasn't just a home; it was a miniature fortress.
The Ember Knights gathered in the Epsilon control room, the holographic display showing a detailed, multi-layered schematic of Vane's building and the surrounding Warrens. Kai, now Level 3 with 280/300 EXP towards Level 4 after his recent Umbra hunts, felt the familiar pre-mission tension coiling in his gut. His Draconic Energy Reserves were at 95%. He had his 3 undistributed attribute points and his single skill point from his last level-up, still unspent. Whisper's test was a direct challenge, and failure would not only mean losing a potentially invaluable recruit but also likely bringing the full wrath of Cerberus down upon them if they were traced.
"Vane's apartment is on the fifth level of the 'Serpent's Coil' hab-block," Shift reported, highlighting a specific section of the hologram. "The building has one primary public entrance, heavily monitored by Cerberus street-level enforcers. Vane's floor itself has restricted access – keycard locks, pressure sensors in the corridor, and at least two dedicated guards stationed outside his door. His apartment is rumored to have its own internal security systems, including reinforced walls and a panic room."
"A formidable nut to crack," Breaker rumbled, examining the schematics with a critical eye. "A frontal assault is out. Too many variables, too much potential for collateral and a prolonged firefight."
"Agreed," Roric said. "This requires finesse, not brute force. Our objective is the ledgers, not Vane himself, unless neutralizing him becomes unavoidable. We need to get in, acquire the data, and get out, leaving as small a footprint as possible. This is a test of our stealth and infiltration capabilities." He looked at Kai. "Umbra will be the key. Your ability to move unseen, your Draconic Senses, your new 'Shadow Meld' Art – they will be critical."
Kai nodded, his mind already racing through potential infiltration routes. "The public entrance is a no-go. What about alternative access points? Ventilation shafts? Service conduits? Rooftop access?"
Elara's holographic image flickered as she brought up new data overlays. "The Serpent's Coil hab-block is old, pre-Apex construction. Its original schematics show a series of disused maintenance shafts running vertically through the core of the building. Most are likely sealed or collapsed, but my analysis of recent structural integrity scans for that sector – cross-referenced with some… 'acquired' city utility maps – suggests one shaft, designated MS-7, might still be partially accessible from a sub-basement steam conduit that connects to the Warrens' lower levels."
"A steam conduit into a maintenance shaft…" Shift mused. "Risky. Hot, cramped, and likely unmapped beyond the schematics. But it would bypass all of Vane's external floor security if it leads where we hope."
"That's our infiltration route," Kai decided. "Umbra goes in via MS-7. Shift, you'll need to guide me remotely, try to interface with any building systems I encounter, disable local alarms or sensors if possible. Breaker, you and Roric will create a subtle diversion on the street level near the Serpent's Coil main entrance, something to draw the attention of the Cerberus enforcers away from the building's periphery and lower levels just before I make my entry. Nothing too overt, just enough to make them look the other way for a few crucial minutes."
Roric nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "A staged altercation between two minor street crews, perhaps? Or a 'faulty' power conduit sparking dramatically? Manageable. Elara can feed false traffic reports to local Enforcer channels to keep them clear of the immediate area."
The plan was risky, relying on precise timing and Kai's ability to navigate a hostile environment alone. But it was their best chance. Before the mission, Kai decided to finally allocate his remaining attribute and skill points. He needed every edge he could get. His Draconic Affinity was already 11, unlocking "Shadow Meld." 'System, allocate 3 undistributed attribute points to Agility.' [ATTRIBUTE POINTS ALLOCATED. AGILITY INCREASED. New Agility: 9.] His speed and reflexes would be paramount for this infiltration.
He then considered his skill point. He could upgrade an existing Art, or unlock another Tier 1 Draconic Art. "Draconic Momentum" was still available, as was "Scaled Guard." Given the stealth focus, "Shadow Meld" was already active. He decided to bolster his reactive defenses. 'System, allocate 1 Skill Point to Scaled Guard (Reactive).' [SKILL POINT ALLOCATED. NEW DRACONIC ART ACQUIRED: SCALED GUARD (REACTIVE – RANK 1/3).] [Scaled Guard (Reactive – Rank 1): When an incoming physical attack is detected within close proximity, the Conduit may reflexively manifest localized Dermal Plating (Tier 1) on the threatened area at a reduced Draconic Energy cost (15% less than conscious 'Dermal Plating Manifestation' skill). Provides a brief window of enhanced damage mitigation. Cooldown: 5 seconds.] A small comfort, but a necessary one.
As night fell over the Nexus Warrens, casting the already shadowed corridors into near-total darkness, Umbra slipped into the steaming, narrow confines of the sub-basement steam conduit. His "Shadow Meld" was active, his form a near-invisible distortion in the oppressive heat and gloom. His Draconic Energy Reserves were at 98%. "In position," he whispered into his comm. "Beginning infiltration of MS-7." "Diversion commencing in T-minus two minutes," Roric's voice replied. "Good hunting, Umbra. Make us proud." The Silkworm's nest awaited, and The Ember Knights were about to see if their fledgling dragon could truly dance in the deepest shadows.