Thieves' Guild

Clearly, the Happy Time Inn was not a suitable place to discuss something as secretive as a Guild War.

So, at Aipuke's "enthusiastic" invitation, Raymond brought his soldiers to his lair.

This was a large four-story building reinforced on the outside with massive quantities of brick and stone, while its interior had been deliberately designed as a complex maze.

Two floors were above ground, and two were underground.

The narrow, long corridors, which took sudden turns every few meters, were filled with all manner of deadly mechanisms and traps.

Though they were far less terrifying than the magical traps leading to the upper levels of the Wizard's Tower in the Floating City, they were no less dangerous or lethal.

More than a tenth of the seemingly ordinary floor beneath their feet could move.

Below it stood dense rows of metal spikes half a meter tall.

Once the mechanism was activated, any intruder who lost their footing would fall and be impaled alive.

In addition, hidden compartments within certain walls could spray out scalding flames and combustible grease.

For any unlucky person who was set ablaze, the best possible outcome was probably to kill themselves quickly and lessen the agony caused by severe burns.

Moreover, even if the grease-and-flame traps failed to burn anyone, they would still frighten intruders into running about wildly.

And the likely consequence of running about wildly was stepping into empty air and falling into a spike trap.

"What an impregnable fortress," Raymond remarked as he stood in the corridor.

He truly could not imagine how many lives an enemy attacking from outside would have to sacrifice to take this place without using magic on a large scale.

"Hahahaha! You think so too?" Aipuke burst into smug laughter. "Actually, when I seized this place, I did not have to put in much effort, nor did many people die."

"Oh? How did you manage that?" Raymond asked cooperatively.

He had actually already guessed the answer, but he deliberately put on an interested expression to satisfy the bald fat man's vanity and desire to show off.

Stroking his fleshy chin, Aipuke explained, "I spent a fortune bribing a confidant close to the fortress's former owner, then had that confidant stab a poisoned dagger into his back at the very last moment. That ended everything. There was no bloody battle as outsiders imagined, nor any thrilling fight."

Raymond nodded without the slightest surprise. "A very clever method. There is a famous saying in my homeland: strong fortresses are always breached from within."

"Very philosophical words. I completely agree. It is precisely because I learned from my enemy's lesson that I never place complete trust in anyone, not even servants who have followed me loyally for more than five years."

As he spoke, Aipuke pushed open the door at the end of the passage and walked straight in.

Under the dim lighting, they could see that it was an enormous circular room.

The room contained a huge soft bed, four long sofas, a table, and an empty bookshelf holding only a dozen or so books.

Torches enchanted with the second-circle spell Continual Flame were set into iron rings on the walls, illuminating the surroundings.

Two very differently dressed people were already waiting inside.

One was a somewhat balding middle-aged man in robes, clearly a spellcaster such as a Wizard or Sorcerer.

The other wore tight black leather armor, with a shortsword and a dagger hanging from his waist. He was likely the guild's finest ace Rogue or assassin.

Without wasting words, Aipuke pointed directly at the two people in the room and introduced them. "This is my magical adviser, Kulang, a Wizard capable of casting third-circle Arcane Magic. And this man beside him is the sharpest dagger in my hand, master assassin Bernice."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Soros. I heard of your remarkable feat of transforming over two hundred Zombies on the island in one go. I am truly filled with admiration," magical adviser Kulang said first, bowing slightly.

"They were merely some underhanded tricks, nothing worth admiring. If there is an opportunity in the future, we can exchange insights on magic," Raymond replied with a smile.

Kulang was clearly delighted to hear this. "Of course. It would be my honor."

By comparison, Bernice was much colder. He merely nodded in acknowledgment and did not say a word from beginning to end.

After the guild leader sat in his own seat, he immediately said to his two subordinates, "I have just received some bad news.

The filthy Skaven in the sewers are expanding.

Over the past half month, they first acquired a large number of silver-plated weapons, then used their numbers and ambushes to wipe out the camps of many other Lycanthrope clans."

"Skaven?" Assassin Bernice frowned instinctively.

"That is right! I heard the leader of these Skaven is blind in one eye, has only half his tail left, and a small notch in his left ear. I need you to find out immediately who he is and who he is working with!" Aipuke stated his demand bluntly.

Intelligence!

It was always the most important part of the Thieves' Guild's shadow wars in Calimport.

Because only by obtaining enough accurate intelligence could they know who their true enemy was.

"Understood! Give me a few hours."

Bernice bowed to the leader he served, then slipped into the shadows and vanished from everyone's sight.

The entire process made not a sound, as though he were a Ghost without physical form.

One could imagine how shocked and incredulous his target would be when he approached from behind and drove a poisoned dagger beneath their jaw or into their back.

About two or three minutes later, once the master assassin had completely gone far away, Aipuke finally crossed his hands over his chest and turned his gaze toward Raymond, who was seated on the sofa.

"Lord Soros, I believe you have already realized that Calimport's Guild War is about to begin.

To win the final victory in this war, I hope to receive your help.

Naturally, in return, you may make some requests.

Whether it is money, slaves, or magical items, I will satisfy them as best I can."

"You want to hire me?"

Raymond likewise raised his head and looked at the Thieves' Guild leader.

"No, not hire you, but ask for your help," Aipuke emphasized. "Besides, in this chaotic and complicated city, even a powerful spellcaster like yourself has certain minor troubles that are inconvenient to handle personally. In that regard, I can provide many conveniences."

It had to be said that this bald fat man was clearly someone with considerable social intelligence. He was especially skilled at saying flattering things, making it difficult for people to dislike him.

Raymond briefly considered the possible risks of becoming involved, as well as the benefits he could gain, before finally replying, "I can provide whatever help is within my means, but I will never risk my own life. If I discover the situation has gone beyond control, I reserve the right to withdraw at any time."

"Deal!"

Aipuke agreed without hesitation, spreading his arms and saying with a smile, "Now, let us discuss the matter of compensation."

"There is no need to rush over compensation. Help me prepare some things first. After all, you should be planning to make a move against those Skaven in the sewers next, shouldn't you?" Raymond asked meaningfully.

"That will depend on the outcome of the negotiations.

A Guild War is a process full of schemes and betrayals.

I would prefer for this Skaven leader to accept the price I offer and change sides.

Of course, some preparations still need to be made.

Finally, may I boldly ask what you would like me to prepare?"

"Rats! Have your men catch some rats for me, the more the better. And have some sturdy iron cages made as well..."