The Draconic System: Rise of To Ascendance

Chapter 57: The Hunt for a Warship

Raizen paced through the underground bunker, reviewing the newly acquired inventory from the smuggler raid. The base was improving, but without a warship, they were still vulnerable. He needed mobility, firepower, and something worthy of his ambitions.

Liana entered, arms crossed. "I take it you're serious about this fleet idea?"

Raizen nodded. "Dead serious. House Valen won't stop hunting us. If we want real leverage, we need a ship that can fight."

The system pulsed.

[New Quest Update: Fleet Acquisition]

[Objective: Locate and seize a functional warship]

[Recommended Ship Tier: E5 or higher]

Kain Sorrin, their new smuggler-turned-ally, leaned against the wall with a grin. "I might know a place. An old frigate-class ship that's been sitting in an abandoned scrapyard outside the city. Word is, it's still intact, just needs some repairs."

Raizen raised an eyebrow. "What's the catch?"

Kain chuckled. "Scavengers. A whole gang of them. They've been stripping ships for parts, but they're not real pilots. If we move fast, we can take it."

Liana smirked. "Sounds like your kind of challenge."

Raizen nodded. A ship of their own. It was the next step in his ascension. "Then let's move."

The system pulsed once more as they prepared for departure.

[Mission Start: The Frigate Heist]

[Objective: Secure the warship before it's lost to scavengers]

The night was dense with smog as they approached the scrapyard. Towering wrecks of old warships stood like rusted monuments to forgotten battles. The scent of burnt metal and fuel filled the air as Raizen's group advanced under the dim glow of flickering industrial lights.

Liana scanned the area with her visor. "At least fifteen hostiles. They've set up makeshift defenses around the ship. Looks like they've already started gutting it."

Raizen's eyes locked onto their target. The frigate-class warship, though worn from years of neglect, was still intact. An E5-rated vessel. Strong armor, decent firepower, but in need of major repairs.

Kain frowned. "If we don't move now, they'll strip it for parts."

Raizen smirked. "Then we'll move now."

He raised a hand. "Liana, take out their sniper nest. Kain, you flank the right, keep them occupied. I'll go in through the front."

Liana sighed. "Always the direct approach."

Raizen grinned. "It works."

The system pulsed.

[Combat Engaged: Scavenger Gang]

[Primary Objective: Secure the Frigate]

[Bonus Objective: Eliminate the Scavenger Leader]

Liana's rifle cracked the silence, a single precise shot taking down their lookout. In an instant, chaos erupted as the scavengers scrambled for cover. Raizen surged forward, his Draconic instincts kicking in as he dodged incoming fire.

A massive brute, covered in makeshift armor, charged at him with a rusted energy blade. Raizen sidestepped, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting sharply, forcing the weapon from his grip. A single punch to the chest sent the brute flying into a pile of debris.

Another scavenger lunged, swinging a crowbar. Raizen caught it mid-swing, yanking the man forward and delivering a brutal knee to his stomach. The system pulsed as he felt his synchronization reach new heights.

[Draconic Combat Synchronization: 92%]

[Adaptive Combat Reflexes Unlocked]

Kain's blaster fire echoed from the right flank as he cut through the scavengers. Liana provided cover fire from above, eliminating key threats with ruthless efficiency.

Then the Scavenger Leader emerged—a tall, wiry man in a patchwork of scavenged armor, wielding a modified plasma rifle. His cybernetic eye glowed red as he scanned Raizen.

"You don't know who you're messing with, kid." The leader aimed his rifle.

Raizen didn't wait. Draconic Step activated, his body becoming a blur as he closed the distance in an instant. The leader fired, but Raizen was already behind him.

A single, devastating elbow strike to the back of his head sent the man crumpling to the ground.

[Bonus Objective Complete: Scavenger Leader Defeated]

The remaining scavengers panicked and fled, leaving the frigate in Raizen's hands.

The system pulsed again.

[Mission Success: Warship Secured]

[Frigate-Class Ship Acquired (E5 Tier)]

[Base Upgrade Available]

Liana exhaled, lowering her rifle. "Well, that was easy."

Raizen smirked, running a hand over the ship's hull. "Not bad for a first step."