Thieves' Guild

It was clear that the "Happy Hour" inn wasn't the place to discuss clandestine matters like guild wars.

So, at Epke's "hospitable" invitation, Zuo Si brought his soldiers to his old lair.

It was a large, four-story building, reinforced with a lot of brick and stone on the outside, and deliberately designed as a complex maze on the inside.

Two of the floors were above ground, and two were below.

The narrow, elongated corridors, which took sharp turns every few meters, were riddled with deadly mechanisms and traps.

While not as terrifying as the magical traps leading to the upper levels of the Floating City's Mage Tower, they were no less dangerous or deadly.

Over a tenth of the seemingly ordinary floorboards were movable.

Beneath them, densely packed metal spikes half a meter high were placed.

Once a mechanism was triggered, an intruder who made a misstep would fall and be impaled.

In addition to this, certain walls concealed hidden compartments that could spray scalding flames and accelerant oil.

Unlucky individuals caught in the flames would likely find their best option was to commit suicide to alleviate the agony of severe burns.

Furthermore, even if the oil and flame traps didn't burn anyone, they would startle intruders, causing them to panic and run around.

The consequence of running around wildly was likely stepping into a spike trap.

"What an impregnable fortress," Zuo Si commented, standing in the corridor.

He couldn't imagine how many lives it would take for an enemy outside to conquer this place without employing a massive amount of magical power.

"Hahahaha! You think so too?" Epke laughed triumphantly. "Actually, when I took this place, it didn't take much effort, nor did many people die."

"Oh? How did you manage that?" Zuo Si asked cooperatively.

He had already guessed the answer, but he deliberately feigned interest to satisfy the vanity and desire to show off of the bald, fat man before him.

Epke stroked his plump chin and explained, "I bribed key figures around the fortress's previous owner with a large sum of money, and then had that confidant stab him in the back with a poisoned dagger at the last moment. Everything ended there. There was no bloody battle as outsiders imagined, nor any spectacular combat."

Zuo Si nodded, unsurprised. "A very clever approach. There's a saying in my hometown: a strong fortress is always conquered from within."

"A very philosophical statement, and I completely agree. It is precisely by learning from the enemy's mistakes that I never fully trust anyone, not even those who have followed me loyally for over five years."

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

Through the dim light, it could be seen that this was a huge circular room.

Inside, there was a large, soft bed, four long sofas, a table, and an empty bookshelf with only a dozen books.

Torches, enhanced with the second-ring spell [Eternal Bright Flame], were inserted into iron rings on the walls, providing illumination.

Two people dressed differently were already waiting in the room.

One was a middle-aged man with a receding hairline, wearing a robe, clearly a spellcaster like a wizard or sorcerer.

The other was clad in tight black leather armor, with a short sword and a dagger at his waist, likely a top ace thief or assassin from within the guild.

Without further ado, Epke pointed to the two people in the room and introduced them. "This is my magical advisor, Kurang, a wizard capable of casting third-ring Arcane spells. Beside him is the sharpest dagger in my hand, the master assassin, Bernis."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Soth. I was incredibly impressed to hear of your feat of converting over two hundred zombies on the island in one go," the magical advisor Kurang said, bowing slightly first.

"They are merely some underhanded tricks, nothing to be admired. If there's an opportunity in the future, we can exchange insights on magic," Zuo Si replied with a smile.

Kurang was clearly delighted to hear this. "Of course, it would be my honor."

In contrast, Bernis was much colder, merely nodding in acknowledgment and remaining silent throughout.

Once the guild leader sat in his designated seat, he immediately addressed his two subordinates. "I've just received some rather unwelcome news.

The filthy ratfolk in the sewers are expanding.

Over the past half month, they first acquired a large number of silver-plated weapons, and then, relying on numbers and surprise attacks, they eliminated many camps of other lycanthrope clans."

"Ratfolk?" Assassin Bernis frowned instinctively.

"That's right! Legend has it that the leader of these ratfolk is missing an eye, only has half a tail left, and has a small notch on his left ear. I need you to find out who he is immediately! And who he's cooperating with!" Epke stated his request directly.

Intelligence!

It was always the most crucial element in the covert battles of the Caledon Thieves' Guild.

Only by obtaining sufficient accurate intelligence could one know who the true enemy was.

"Understood! Give me a few hours."

Bernis bowed to his liege, then melted into the shadows, disappearing from everyone's sight.

The entire process was silent, as if he were an incorporeal ghost.

One could imagine how shocked and disbelieving his target would be when approached from behind and stabbed in the jaw or heart with a poisoned dagger.

After about two or three minutes, once the master assassin had completely departed, Epke crossed his arms over his chest and turned his gaze to Zuo Si, who was sitting on the sofa.

"Lord Soth, I believe you've realized that the guild war in Caledon is about to begin.

To achieve ultimate victory in this war, I hope to gain your assistance.

Of course, in return, you can make requests.

Whether it's money, slaves, or Magic Items, I will do my best to satisfy them."

"You want to hire me?"

Zuo Si looked up and met the gaze of the Thieves' Guild leader.

"No, not hire, but request assistance," Epke emphasized. "Moreover, in this chaotic and complex city, even powerful spellcasters like yourself might have minor issues that are inconvenient to handle personally. I can offer considerable convenience in that regard."

It had to be said, this bald, fat man was clearly a person with high emotional intelligence, skilled at sweet-talking to the point where it was hard to dislike him.

Zuo Si briefly considered the potential risks of getting involved and the benefits he could gain. He finally responded, "I can offer some help within my capabilities, but I will absolutely not risk my life. If I find the situation spiraling out of control, I reserve the right to withdraw at any time."

"Deal!"

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

"There's no need to rush about compensation. You should prepare some things for me first. After all, you're about to deal with those ratfolk in the sewers, aren't you?" Zuo Si asked pointedly.

"That depends on the outcome of the negotiations.

Guild wars are processes filled with conspiracy and betrayal.

I'd prefer it if the ratfolk leader is willing to accept my offer and change their stance.

Of course, some preparations still need to be made.

Lastly, if I may be so bold, what do you want me to help prepare?"

"Rats! Have your subordinates help me catch some rats, the more the merrier. And also, custom-make some sturdy and durable iron cages..."