Today, the black mantis gang and I will attack the 4 most important strongholds of white and dark gang. I decided to attack their HQ's and 2 to three important strongholds. The main objective is to get their leaders. At this point, I don’t care whether the leader survives or not. The hostility between the two of them should be the strongest, The important thing is getting their advisors and the ringleaders. Without the boss, they are the most important persons. Luckily, mantis and gang managed to convert over half of the ringleaders. They will help with the reinforcement. Most of them are positioned at more unimportant places. If the leaders ask for help, they then can deal with messengers.

Even if the henchmen get suspicions, before they dare to act, we should have this whole situation sealed.

„Everyone ready?“ I ask the crowd in front of me. This is the first time speaking to them and I still feel somewhat unconformable with this, but I have to learn this.

„„YES““ came from the somewhat motivated crowd from below. I made sure that everyone disperses correctly. The typical team for the minor stronghold consists of two ringleaders armed with four grenades and two flashbang. They have 8 to fifteen henchmen with them. Of course, I had made for all of them a weak soul shredder, not the good stuff but still useful for their purpose, and some soul seeds. I might have given them more than necessary, but it is better safe than sorry.

Them deserting and stealing my stuff never crossed my mind. The ‚enslavement‘ spell surprises me to this day with its effectiveness.

With most of the teams go, I make my way over to the team against the HQ of the black gang. Black gang managed to resist the conversion a lot better than the white gang, so we couldn’t effectively disperse their strength through our moles. So in case something goes wrong, I went with them.

Moving out in the dead of the night, I followed behind the second biggest team. They moved as stealthily as possible with an entourage of 40 people possible. Because of the tense situation, we cached some scout teams from the gang. Hopefully we didn’t oversee anything.

„nearly there“ whispered one of the scouts from the front.

Hearing him, I go over the plan again in my head.

Our goal is to take over, so if not necessary, I commanded them to use flashbangs in order to knock some out. The grenades are for distraction.

Moving into the compound, the team slowed down. A person already awaited us is on the corners. He was one of the converted advisor.

„These two buildings house the most goons, “ he said and pointed to two of the buildings on the left and right of the compound. I have to say that the place looks like a garbage company. Most likely one of their covers. The compound consists of five buildings and a big yard in the front. Two each side. On the left was a two-story living building and a stall for the horses and carriages, on the right, was a concealed warehouse, It looked like a waste dump, but I am sure that there is more to it. In front is a four-story building, I suppose the home of the gang leader and other necessary faculty’s.

He then continued „The boss is still sleeping on the highest floor of the central building“ he then pointed to the four-story building.

„Watch out for the night watch. They are not very strict, but even idiot would notice forty people“ he warned us, then went back to the compound.

We followed with some distance between us. First I send forward two pickpockets, they then sneaked forward and took out the two persons watching the door. It was easy, they were talking to the advisor.

„Alright boys let the show begin, “I said and ordered them to throw inside the two dormitories the flash-bangs. In the meantime, I black mantis and some of the better fighters stormed into the main building.

Breaking the door, we arrived at the first floor, This are is like a community room with poker tables and the like. Nothing notable, we continued towards the stairs. Occasionally, we saw some people running around in panic. Those we knocked out.

The second floor was a mix of storage space, meeting room and some offices. No idea why they need it but meh.

Continuing our assault we arrived at the third floor.

This was a dormitory. It seems that the leader likes to keep his best fighter close to himself.

„Attack them, don’t let them get to the boss, “ One said.

„Fuck them up, how dare they attack us?“ another said.

Most were in some kind of nightgowns, others rushed out in their tidy whities. What none of them forgot were weapons. The stood there with an abortion of swords axes and bats.

My team engaged them, while I continued. Knocking out any resistance with some of my spells. Cautiously, I made my way up the stairs. Unsure about any traps, I took one of the lankier attackers, and throw them against the door. It surprisingly opened. Then the person was engulfed in flames.

„A flame trap, how careful“I tell to myself.

White man answers. „Well as it turns out, one can never be too careful“

Then I walk into the now trap free room. It was astonishing. The room was like entering the office of a Nobel. Not that I ever was in one, but I would imagine it like this. A lot of loot for me I guess.

The next surprise came in the form of a fireball. I curse myself and activate my defensive artefact. No time to use a spell. The next thing I do is deactivating it and casting ‚weak Soulshield‘. Then reassessing the man. He is 1.75 metres tall, very average. Dark hair and grey eyes. Nothing that would alarm me. The only thing is that he is a mage apprentice. From the strength of the spell, I would say that h got lucky to get his hands on a meditation technique but had mediocre talent. He was middle-aged, but still at that level.

Having no more time to think, I dodged his next fireball and responded in kind with my own. Having bought myself some time, I cast ‚lighting bolt, hitting him on the chest. He is paralysed. Having no time to lose, I whip out the improved soul shredder and ram it into his sides.‘

The effect were imminent.