Hollow Ascension

Chapter 27: Fortifying the Front

Kael dismounted his horse as they returned to the guildhall. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows over the courtyard. The Iron Fang had revealed enough during their encounter to confirm Kael's suspicions: the northern border was on the cusp of conflict, and the guild had to be ready. As his team dispersed to brief the council, Kael took a moment to collect his thoughts.

The Iron Fang will test us again, he thought, gazing up at the fortress-like walls of the guildhall. We need to be prepared to show them that we are not to be trifled with.

He approached the council chambers, where Finn and the scarred woman awaited. They looked up as Kael entered, curiosity and tension in their eyes. Kael laid out a map on the table, detailing the border area they had scouted earlier that day.

"The Iron Fang is watching our movements," he began, his voice measured. "They have scouts monitoring our defenses, likely preparing for a deeper incursion if they sense an opportunity. This is a delicate moment—we need to fortify our northern border without provoking a direct confrontation."

The scarred woman leaned forward, studying the map. "Fortify how?" she asked. "If we send a large force to the border, they might see it as a threat and react aggressively."

"Precisely why we don't send a large force," Kael replied. "We fortify subtly. We establish small, interconnected outposts along the border, each one manned by a small squad of adventurers. These outposts will serve as early warning stations and allow us to control key access points quietly."

Finn nodded thoughtfully, his eyes flicking over the map. "A network of outposts," he mused. "It's a defensive move, but it doesn't look like an overt show of force. That could buy us time to prepare for any hostile actions."

Kael nodded. "Exactly. It's a signal that we're securing our territory, not that we're planning an invasion. At the same time, we use the cover of these outposts to gather more intelligence on the Iron Fang's movements."

The scarred woman tapped a finger on the map, her gaze sharp. "It's a sound plan, but we'll need to be strategic about how we man these outposts. We can't pull too many adventurers from their regular missions."

"I've already considered that," Kael replied smoothly. "We'll utilize a rotation system. Each outpost will have a small core team, supplemented by adventurers rotating in and out from their regular duties. It maintains our presence without overcommitting resources."

Finn and the scarred woman exchanged a glance, and then Finn nodded. "Let's do it. We'll start by building the outposts along the most vulnerable points of the border, focusing on areas that give us a strategic advantage."

"I'll oversee the first phase," Kael said. "I'll select the initial teams and ensure the outposts are established discreetly."

"Make it happen," the scarred woman agreed, crossing her arms. "And Kael, keep us updated on the Iron Fang's movements. We need to know if they're preparing for something more aggressive."

Kael nodded, already planning his next steps. This is how it starts, he thought. Fortify, gather information, and slowly tighten the grip. The Iron Fang will find no easy prey here.

[Contract Progress: New Objective – Expand Guild's Influence: 50%]

Kael spent the next few days organizing the outposts. He selected key adventurers known for their adaptability and composure, avoiding those prone to unnecessary aggression. Each team was briefed thoroughly, their instructions clear: establish a presence, monitor the border, and avoid direct confrontation unless absolutely necessary.

As the outposts began to take shape, Kael traveled along the northern border, personally inspecting each site. The terrain was rugged, dotted with forests, hills, and the occasional rocky outcrop. Ideal for ambushes, but also perfect for hidden observation posts. The Iron Fang won't see it coming, he thought as he watched his teams camouflage their positions amidst the natural landscape.

At each outpost, he reinforced the importance of subtlety. "Your job is not to fight," he reminded them. "It's to watch, listen, and report. We must know their movements before they make a move. The Iron Fang thrives on surprise; we're going to take that away from them."

Lena, who had joined him on the inspection tour, nodded firmly. "Understood," she said, adjusting the clasp of her cloak. "We'll keep our eyes open."

Kael watched her for a moment, gauging her readiness. She had proven herself during the bandit mission, and now he needed her to lead by example. "Good," he replied. "These outposts will be our eyes and ears. The Iron Fang must be made to realize that every inch of this border is under our watch."

By the end of the week, the network of outposts was operational. Kael returned to the guildhall, satisfied with the progress. The council awaited his report in the main hall, where Finn had gathered several key members to discuss the latest developments.

"The outposts are in place," Kael announced, laying a new map on the table that marked the positions of each station. "Our teams are settled and will report any suspicious movements along the border."

The scarred woman inspected the map, nodding. "This will give us the upper hand," she said. "Now, if the Iron Fang tries anything, we'll know it in advance."

Finn leaned over the map, his eyes narrowing as he studied the positions. "And if they do make a move?"

Kael's gaze turned cold. "Then we will respond swiftly and decisively. We'll use their actions as justification to push our influence further north. But only if they move first."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of his words settling over the council members. It was a delicate balance—one wrong move could provoke an all-out conflict. But Kael knew the Iron Fang operated with caution; they wouldn't strike unless they believed they could win.

"That's our stance, then," Finn finally said, his voice steady. "We hold the line and wait. If they test us, we push back."

"Precisely," Kael replied. "For now, we continue to gather intelligence. The more we know, the better we can anticipate their next move."

[Contract Progress: New Objective – Expand Guild's Influence: 65%]

Over the next few weeks, reports began to flow in from the outposts. Kael pored over them, analyzing the Iron Fang's activities. The scouts confirmed that the rival guild was probing the border, sending small teams to test the defenses. But the outposts had done their job; the Iron Fang had yet to discover their exact locations, let alone breach the line.

Kael sat in his quarters one evening, a collection of reports spread out before him. The Iron Fang was treading cautiously, but Kael could sense their frustration. They were not used to being contained, to having their advances met with quiet vigilance. They're testing us, but they're wary, he thought, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. Good. We're setting the pace, controlling the narrative.

There was a knock at his door, and Lena stepped inside, her expression tense. "Kael, we've received word from Outpost Three. A sizable Iron Fang force is moving near their location, more than just a scouting party."

Kael looked up, his eyes sharp. "Are they preparing to cross the border?"

"Not yet," Lena replied, crossing her arms. "But they're close. The outpost leader thinks they're trying to provoke a reaction."

Kael stood, his mind racing. This was it—the moment to further solidify the guild's stance. "We don't take the bait," he said decisively. "Order Outpost Three to maintain their position but avoid direct contact. Let the Iron Fang know we see them, but we're not going to give them an excuse to escalate."

Lena nodded and left to relay the orders. Kael watched her go, then turned back to the map on his table. The Iron Fang was playing a dangerous game, but they were being forced to play by his rules. As long as the guild maintained its discipline, it would continue to grow in strength and influence.

[Contract Progress: New Objective – Expand Guild's Influence: 80%]

The following days saw a tense standoff along the northern border. The Iron Fang moved their forces back and forth, probing for a response that never came. Kael maintained strict control over the outposts, ensuring that they remained vigilant but restrained. It was a slow, deliberate game of chess, and Kael was content to let the Iron Fang grow impatient.

His strategy paid off when, one morning, scouts reported that the Iron Fang had begun pulling back their forces. It was a small retreat, but it signaled that their probing had yielded nothing and that the guild was not easily provoked.

Kael stood before the council later that day, delivering his report. "The Iron Fang has withdrawn for now," he announced. "They tested our resolve and found us unyielding. This is our opportunity to solidify our hold on the northern border."

The scarred woman smiled, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "They blinked first," she said. "Now, we can reinforce our outposts and begin exerting our influence further into the region."

Finn nodded, his gaze fixed on Kael. "Well done," he said. "Your strategy has given us the upper hand. The Iron Fang knows now that we won't be intimidated."

Kael inclined his head, his expression carefully controlled. "The guild has shown its strength," he replied. "And now, we will continue to expand our reach."

[Contract Progress: New Objective – Expand Guild's Influence: 100% – Influence Expanded]

As he left the council chamber, Kael allowed himself a small smile. The Iron Fang had been checked, and the guild's influence had grown. The northern border was secure, the outposts serving as both a warning and a statement of power. And through it all, Kael had subtly guided the guild's actions, ensuring that his vision remained at the forefront of its expansion.

"We are just beginning to stretch our wings," he thought as he moved through the guildhall. "And I will be the one to shape the flight path."

The Iron Fang had learned to respect the guild's borders, but Kael knew that more challenges lay ahead. Rival guilds, mercenary bands, and unseen threats waited beyond the horizon. And he would be ready for them, ever the silent force behind the guild's rise.