The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

Chapter 55: The Fall of the Smugglers

The smugglers scrambled for cover, their weapons raised as they searched for the unseen enemy. Liana continued firing from her vantage point, picking them off one by one with precise shots.

Raizen didn't hesitate. With their attention split, he launched himself into the fray.

The first guard barely had time to react before Raizen tore through him, a single strike sending him crashing into a stack of crates. The second turned, but Raizen was already behind him, snapping his rifle in half before delivering a devastating blow to his chest.

The system pulsed.

[Draconic Combat Synchronization: 87%]

[New Combat Ability Unlocked: Draconic Step]

Raizen felt his body respond instinctively. Time seemed to slow as he moved faster than the eye could track, dodging incoming fire and striking with inhuman precision. The smugglers panicked as one by one, they fell to his relentless assault.

The smuggler leader emerged from the transport, a massive rifle in hand. "Kill them! Don't let them take the shipment!"

Liana shouted from above. "Raizen, watch out!"

The leader fired. A concussive blast of plasma energy ripped through the air.

Raizen barely managed to dodge, feeling the heat sear past his skin. He gritted his teeth, eyes locking onto his next target. This fight wasn't over yet.

Raizen charged forward, his enhanced speed turning him into a blur. The smuggler leader barely had time to react before Raizen's fist connected with his gut, sending him skidding backward.

But the leader wasn't weak. He twisted mid-air, stabilizing himself as he landed on both feet, raising his rifle again. Plasma energy built at the barrel's tip, glowing a deadly blue.

Raizen knew he couldn't afford to take that hit. He activated Draconic Step, his body moving faster than light itself. One second he was in front of the smuggler leader—then he was behind him.

The leader's eyes widened as he realized Raizen had closed the distance. Before he could turn, Raizen's elbow crashed into his spine, sending him sprawling onto the pavement. The weapon clattered from his grip.

Raizen wasted no time. He pressed his boot onto the leader's chest, pinning him down. "Where did you get these weapons?"

The smuggler coughed, blood splattering his lips. "Go… to hell."

Raizen sighed. "Wrong answer." He increased the pressure of his boot, making the man groan in pain. "One last chance. Talk."

The smuggler grimaced. "House… House Valen. They were selling them off to buyers… but we intercepted the shipment. Figured we could sell it first."

Raizen's eyes narrowed. House Valen again.

He glanced at Liana, who had already descended from her perch. "What do we do with him?" she asked.

Raizen considered. He could let the leader go—but he might become a problem later. He could execute him, sending a message to others not to cross him. Or…

The system pulsed.

[New Option Available: Recruit the Smuggler Leader?]

[Potential Perks: Underworld Connections, Logistics Knowledge, Black Market Access]

Raizen smirked. He crouched down, staring the smuggler leader in the eye. "Change of plans. You work for me now."

The leader's breath hitched. "What?"

"Your crew is dead. Your operation is gone. You have two choices: join me, or die here."

The smuggler swallowed hard, then slowly nodded.

Raizen stood, removing his boot from the man's chest. "Good choice."

Liana crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't expect that from you."

Raizen smirked. "We need connections. He's useful."

The system pulsed again.

[Smuggler Leader Recruited: Kain Sorrin]

[New Perks Unlocked: Black Market Access, Supply Chain Management]

Liana sighed. "Fine. But if he betrays us, it's on you."

Raizen cracked his knuckles. "Then let's make sure he doesn't get the chance."

With the smuggler leader now under his control and the stolen weapons in their possession, Raizen had just taken his first real step into the underworld's power plays.