The exfiltration from the service tunnels after neutralizing the Static Runners was swift and silent, executed with the precision Roric demanded. Back in the relative security of Sub-Station Epsilon, the atmosphere was charged with a mixture of adrenaline, exhaustion, and the undeniable thrill of a successful first operation as a cohesive unit. Kai, as Umbra, had removed his mask, the cool air of their headquarters a relief on his face. His Draconic Energy Reserves were at 72%, the brief but intense engagement having taken its toll. The +200 EXP from the completed Faction Quest, "Whispers in the Wires," however, was a significant boost, pushing him to Level 2 (200/200 EXP).
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: EXPERIENCE POINTS THRESHOLD REACHED!] [CONDUIT LEVEL UP! Level 2 -> Level 3!][Level Up Rewards:]
+1 to all Core Attributes (STR, VIT, AGI, PER, COG, DRA).
+3 Undistributed Attribute Points.
+1 Skill Point. [Draconic Energy Reserves: Fully Restored (Level Up Bonus).] [New Draconic Art Pathways (Tier 1) and Anima Affinity Specializations (Tier 1) available for selection via Skill Point and Affinity progression.]
The familiar surge of power accompanying the level-up washed through Kai, dispelling his fatigue, his Draconic Energy Reserves jumping to 100%. His attributes all ticked up by one: Strength 7, Vitality 7, Agility 7, Perception 8, Stamina 7, Cognition 8, and crucially, Draconic Affinity 5. This new level of Affinity was a threshold. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Draconic Affinity 5 reached! Tier 1 Anima Affinity Specializations unlocked. Conduit may now select one passive evolutionary pathway for Shadow Wyrm Draconic Power Source.]
He now had 3 attribute points and 1 skill point to allocate. The possibilities opened by his increased Affinity and the new level were a welcome distraction from the grim realities of their work.
Roric, however, was already focused on the spoils. The reinforced data-case wrested from the Static Runners sat on the central planning table. Shift, her Phase Spider Anima causing the cybernetic filaments around her temples to glow with an intense blue light, was carefully interfacing her portable data-slate with the case's complex locking mechanism. Breaker stood guard, his massive presence a silent reassurance, while Elara's voice, patched in from her remote data-analysis station, provided a running commentary on the case's likely encryption protocols.
"The lock is Old Republic era, surprisingly sophisticated for a street-level smuggling ring," Shift murmured, her fingers flying across her interface. "They must have acquired it along with a particularly valuable piece of data. Standard decryption won't touch this. But… there's a flaw in its power regulation. If I can create a precise energy spike at the right frequency…"
"Be cautious, Shift," Roric warned, his eyes narrowed in concentration as he observed her work. He moved with a subtle, almost predatory grace, Kai noticed, his posture perfectly balanced, his hands held loosely at his sides but ready. It was the stance of someone accustomed to sudden violence, not just strategic planning. A fleeting observation, but one that lodged itself in Kai's mind.
With a final, intricate series of commands, Shift let out a small grunt of effort. There was a sharp click from the data-case, and the heavy lid hissed open. Inside, nestled in protective foam, was not a single data-chip, but a dozen, each one glowing with a faint, internal light. "Well, well," Roric said, a slow smile spreading across his face. "It seems the Static Runners were holding onto a veritable treasure trove."
Elara's voice came through the comms, tinged with excitement. "Roric, Shift, I'm cross-referencing the energy signatures from those chips with known corporate and syndicate databases. Several of them match encrypted financial transaction logs from mid-tier District 6 businesses – likely Cerberus extortion records. Two others… their encryption is much older, much denser. Pre-Apex. Possibly even pre-Collapse research data, as you suspected, Roric."
"Excellent work, all of you," Roric said, his gaze sweeping over them. "This is a significant haul. The financial data alone will give us considerable leverage over Cerberus's operations in these sectors. The older chips… they will require careful, meticulous decryption by Shift and Elara, but their potential value is immense." He looked at Kai. "Your leadership in the field, Umbra, was exemplary. Swift, decisive, and you kept casualties – on our side – to zero."
Kai felt a flush of pride, quickly tempered by the memory of the violence, the fear. "Breaker and Shift were crucial. And Elara's overwatch." "Teamwork is the cornerstone of The Ember Knights," Roric affirmed. "And this operation has proven our initial synergy. The credits from these financial logs, once we… 'liberate' them… will further bolster our resources. The pre-Collapse data could contain anything from lost technologies to inconvenient truths that certain powers would pay dearly to keep buried."
He then turned his attention to Kai's development. "Your advancement to Level 3, and the increase in your Draconic Affinity, is a significant step. You mentioned new pathways opening up?" Kai nodded, accessing the System interface in his mind. "Anima Affinity Specializations, Tier 1. And new Draconic Arts are available if I use my skill point."
He quickly reviewed the Tier 1 Anima Affinity Specializations his Draconic Affinity of 5 had unlocked:
[Draconic Resilience (Passive – Tier 1):] Enhances natural regenerative capabilities and resistance to environmental toxins. Minor passive increase to Dermal Plating density when manifested.
[Shadow's Embrace (Passive – Tier 1):] Enhances natural stealth in low-light conditions. Minor reduction in Draconic Power Source signature leakage when utilizing concealment skills.
[Primal Might (Passive – Tier 1):] Minor passive increase to raw physical strength and intimidation factor when Draconic Power Source is partially or fully manifested.
"Draconic Resilience" seemed the most immediately practical, given the beatings he often took. 'System, Anima Affinity Specialization: Select Draconic Resilience (Tier 1).' [Draconic Resilience (Tier 1) Activated. Passive regenerative capabilities enhanced. Dermal Plating density will exhibit minor increase during next manifestation. Draconic Power Source adapting to new evolutionary pathway.] A subtle, deep warmth spread through him, a feeling of his body knitting itself together with greater efficiency.
For his new skill point, he looked at the Tier 1 Draconic Arts. "Dermal Plating Manifestation (Basic)" was still a priority for conscious control. 'System, allocate 1 Skill Point to Dermal Plating Manifestation (Basic).' [SKILL POINT ALLOCATED. NEW DRACONIC ART ACQUIRED: DERMAL PLATING MANIFESTATION (BASIC – RANK 1/3).] [Dermal Plating Manifestation (Basic – Rank 1): Allows conscious, controlled manifestation of Tier 0 Shadow Scales on designated body areas. Reduces Draconic Energy cost for sustained plating by 5%. Improves plating resilience by 10% over instinctual manifestation.] Finally, direct control over his scales.
He still had 3 undistributed attribute points. He decided to bolster his core Draconic attribute. 'System, allocate 3 attribute points to Draconic Affinity.' [ATTRIBUTE POINTS ALLOCATED. DRACONIC AFFINITY INCREASED. New Draconic Affinity: 8.] [Draconic Affinity 8: Tier 1 Draconic Arts effectiveness moderately increased. Further passive Draconic traits may begin to manifest. Control over Draconic Presence enhanced.]
"Good," Roric said, observing the faint shimmer of energy that briefly surrounded Kai as he made his internal allocations. Roric couldn't see the System, of course, but he was clearly sensitive to the shifts in Kai's power. "Focus on mastering these new abilities. Our next operation will likely be more… demanding."
As Shift and Elara began the painstaking process of decrypting the most valuable data-chips, and Breaker started cataloging the few pieces of scavenged tech the Static Runners had possessed, Kai felt a sense of momentum. They were no longer just reacting. They were gathering strength, unraveling the secrets of their district, and preparing to make their mark. The whispers in the wires had yielded their first significant prize, and The Ember Knights were just beginning to glow.