Time for High-risk, high-reward plan. You intend to let the professional assassin engage, then use the ensuing chaos to incapacitate both of them quickly and seize the prize yourself. This requires perfect timing and flawless execution.
'Oracle,' you finalize the instructions mentally, 'Maintain freeze capability on standby. Track Elara's descent and engagement with the courier. The moment she initiates her disabling or retrieval move on the courier, freeze time. Provide optimal sequence for non-lethal incapacitation of both Elara Vane (B+) and the Courier (E), prioritizing speed and silence. Minimize collateral noise.'
<< Acknowledged. Monitoring engagement initiation. Calculating optimal dual non-lethal takedown sequence upon trigger. High execution complexity noted. Proceed with caution. >>
You hold your breath, muscles tensed, watching the scene unfold below like a hawk. The courier walks steadily along the muddy track between the warehouses, his path taking him directly towards the narrow, shadowed alley separating your building from the Salty Siren.
On the adjacent rooftop, Elara Vane moves. She rises from her concealment in a fluid, silent motion, a dark wraith against the brighter sky. She takes two quick steps to the edge of the roof overlooking the alley. Just as the courier is about to enter the alley's mouth, she drops. It's not a clumsy jump; it's a controlled descent, using handholds on the wall and ending in a near-silent landing on the packed earth of the alley floor just behind the courier.
The courier, startled by the faint sound or sudden presence behind him, starts to turn, his hand instinctively going to the strap of his satchel.
Now. This is Elara's engagement initiation.
'Freeze!'
<< TEMPORAL INTERVENTION ACTIVATED >>
The world locks. The courier is frozen mid-turn, eyes wide with alarm. Elara Vane is a statue in a half-crouch, her hand reaching out – not for a weapon, but likely for a pressure point or disabling nerve strike on the courier, aiming for swift, silent incapacitation. The dust kicked up by her landing hangs suspended around her boots.
<< Engagement initiated. Calculating optimal dual non-lethal takedown sequence... >>
<< Constraints: Target 1 (Elara Vane, B+, High DEX/Awareness, Alerted), Target 2 (Courier, E, Unaware of Host). Objective: Incapacitate both rapidly (<2 seconds) before Target 1 can fully react or raise alarm post-freeze. Utilize element of surprise and host's superior stats. >>
A complex sequence map overlays your vision, starting from your rooftop position:
- Controlled Descent: Drop silently from the roof into the alley behind Elara, using wall holds and DEX 25 for minimal noise upon landing (target landing zone: approx. 2 meters behind Elara). Simultaneously draw the skinning knife (more suitable for precise non-lethal work than the sword or goblin dagger).
- Incapacitate Target 1 (Elara): Immediately upon landing, surge forward. Target: Base of skull/Occipital nerve cluster. Strike precisely with the pommel (blunt end) of the skinning knife. Force calculated based on STR 23 and target's CON 18 to induce immediate unconsciousness without skull fracture. High probability of success due to surprise and vulnerable position (her focus is forward on the courier).
- Incapacitate Target 2 (Courier): Simultaneously or fractionally after striking Elara, deliver a swift, hard chop with the side of your free hand to the side of the courier's neck (carotid sinus area). Force calculated based on STR 23 and target's E-rank CON to induce vasovagal syncope (fainting) / temporary knockout. High probability of success due to lack of awareness/preparation.
<< Sequence Execution Time: Approx. 1.8 seconds. Risk Analysis: Moderate. Primary risk factor: Elara Vane's potential subconscious reflexes or defensive enchantments activating fractionally post-freeze. Secondary risk: Noise from impacts alerting nearby dockworkers (mitigated by alley location). >>
<< Optimal Path Calculated. Execute on command. >>
It's incredibly precise, relying on landing silently behind a master operative and taking her out instantly before dealing with the courier. But it's the cleanest option presented.
'Execute!'
<< TEMPORAL FLOW RESUMING >>
You react instantly. Swinging over the edge of the roof, you drop into the alley, using handholds just as Elara did, your movements amplified by your stats. You land almost silently on the balls of your feet just behind her, skinning knife already reversed in your hand, pommel out.
Elara, her focus entirely on disabling the courier frozen before her, registers your presence a fatal fraction of a second too late. Her head starts to turn, her body tensing, but before any meaningful defense can be initiated, you strike. The hard pommel connects precisely with the base of her skull where Oracle indicated.
There's a soft thud. Her eyes roll up, the tension leaves her body instantly, and she crumples forward like a puppet with cut strings, unconscious before she even hits the ground.
Simultaneously, as Elara collapses, you lash out with your free hand, delivering the calculated chop to the side of the still-turning courier's neck. His eyes glaze over, his incipient alarm turning to vacant surprise, and his legs buckle. He collapses sideways against the alley wall, sliding down into an unconscious heap.
Silence falls in the narrow alley, broken only by the distant sounds of the docks. Both targets are down, incapacitated, within two seconds of time resuming. The execution was flawless.
You stand panting slightly, the adrenaline singing. You quickly scan the alley mouth – no one seems to have noticed. The operation was clean.
Now, the prize. You kneel beside the unconscious courier and quickly unsling the leather satchel from his shoulder. It feels heavier than it looks. With trembling fingers, you unbuckle the flap.
'Oracle, scan contents of the satchel. Identify 'The Serpent's Eye'. Scan Elara Vane and the courier for any other immediate valuables or items of interest.'
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
<< Scanning Satchel Contents... Item matching designation 'The Serpent's Eye' identified. Description: A polished orb of obsidian, approximately the size of a human fist. Intricate, faintly luminous green runes crawl across its surface. Emanates a low-level energy signature consistent with contained magical power (Nature/Necromantic spectrum?). Possesses a tangible aura of coldness and watchfulness. Warning: Direct, prolonged skin contact may have unknown physiological or psychological effects. Handle with caution. Other satchel contents: Courier manifest (coded), small pouch with 2 Silver coins, half-eaten apple. >>
<< Scanning Subject 'Elara Vane' (Unconscious)... Previously identified valuable equipment confirmed (Twin Stilettos, Lockpicks, Poisons, Throwing Knives, Crossbow, Gold/Silver coin purse, Amulet). No additional readily accessible loot of immediate note beyond equipped gear. >>
<< Scanning Subject 'Courier' (Unconscious)... Contents of pockets: Lint, one copper coin. No other valuables detected. >>
The Serpent's Eye. An obsidian orb covered in glowing green runes. Holding it, even through the leather of the satchel, you feel a strange, faint thrum of power, cold and ancient. This is definitely the artifact. Elara's gear is tempting – masterwork weapons, poisons, gold – but stripping her feels incredibly risky. She will wake up eventually, and she works for a shadowy organization likely to hunt down stolen assets and compromised agents relentlessly. Taking just the Eye and leaving her gear might be safer, potentially framing the courier or unknown third party for the theft.
Time: Mid Morning (Approx 10:48 AM)
Date: 04/05/1042
Status:
- Operation Successful: Elara Vane (B+) and Courier (E) incapacitated non-lethally.
- Asset Secured: 'The Serpent's Eye' artifact retrieved from courier's satchel.
- Location: Secluded alley near Bridgetown docks. Area currently clear.
- AI Status: Alert, monitoring surroundings and unconscious subjects.
Inventory: - Acquired: 'The Serpent's Eye' (Obsidian Orb, Rune-etched, Magical Aura - Currently in Leather Satchel), Courier Manifest (Coded), 2 Silver Coins, 1 Copper Coin. (Courier's coin added to personal total)
- Currency: 1 Silver Coin, 3 Copper Coins (Gained 2 Silver, 1 Copper; adjusted total)
- (Other inventory unchanged)
The temptation is too strong. A B+ assassin, part of a shady Syndicate dealing in artifacts and likely murder... leaving her purse full of gold feels foolish, almost negligent given your own dire lack of funds. They deal in darkness, you justify to yourself, a little coin redirection is practically charity work. Besides, if she wakes up missing both the artifact and her money, it further muddies the waters about who intercepted her.
Quickly, while both Elara and the courier remain deeply unconscious, you reach under her cloak. Oracle guides your fingers past concealed weapons to the location of her coin purse. You retrieve it – a surprisingly heavy leather pouch. You don't stop to count it now, simply tucking it securely inside your own tunic or pocket.
You already have The Serpent's Eye in the courier's satchel. You give Elara's form one last check, ensuring her weapons, poisons, and amulet remain untouched. Taking her tools or signature weapons would be asking for trouble. Taking untraceable coin feels like... acceptable risk.
Decision made, loot secured. Time to disappear.
You quickly straighten up, casting a furtive glance down the alley – still clear. You sling the courier's satchel (containing the Serpent's Eye and his manifest) over your own shoulder, opposite your bundle of old clothes. Then, moving swiftly and silently, you exit the alley the way the courier was heading, away from the main docks and deeper into the town's network of streets.
You don't run, but walk at a brisk, purposeful pace, deliberately taking several turns down narrower side streets and bustling market lanes, putting distance and visual breaks between yourself and the scene of the crime. You use Oracle to keep passive track of Elara's location – << Subject remains unconscious in alley >> – and to scan for any signs of pursuit or unusual attention directed your way. Nothing so far.
As you move further away from the docks and into the heart of Bridgetown, you allow yourself to actually look at the town. It's significantly more developed than Oakhaven. Proper cobblestone streets, two- and three-story buildings crowded together, shops with painted signs advertising wares – bakeries, weavers, chandlers, potters, even a bookstore. Stone arches cross alleyways, small squares open up with market stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and sizzling street food. The architecture is a mix of timber-frame with plaster infill and solid stone construction. The river running through it clearly fuels its prosperity. It feels like a real, bustling medieval town, full of life, commerce, and doubtless, its own share of shadows.
Your objective now is a new inn, far from the Stone Bridge Inn and the docks, and preferably one where you can afford a private room with Elara's newfound coin. You need security to examine the Serpent's Eye and plan your next move.
'Oracle,' you request, 'Scan for inns or lodging houses in the districts away from the riverfront and main bridge area. Prioritize establishments offering private rooms at reasonable rates. Avoid high-traffic or overly conspicuous locations.'
<< Scanning Bridgetown districts... Analyzing lodging establishments based on location, observed clientele, estimated pricing tiers... Cross-referencing potential security levels... >>
<< Recommendation: 'The Tipsy Troll' Inn. Location: Tanner's Quarter, north-west section of town. Reputation: Modest, frequented by artisans and local merchants rather than rough travelers or guards. Offers small private rooms. Pricing estimated: 8-12 Copper per night for private room. Discreet location away from main thoroughfares and docks. Moderate distance from Stone Bridge Inn (approx. 15-minute walk). >>
The Tipsy Troll. Sounds promising. Discreet, reasonably priced (based on Oracle's estimate), and far from Elara's likely sphere of immediate investigation. You adjust your course, following Oracle's directions through the winding streets towards the Tanner's Quarter, the weight of the Syndicate's coin heavy in your pocket and the mysterious Serpent's Eye pulsing faintly from the satchel at your side.
Time: Late Morning (Approx 11:15 AM)
Date: 04/05/1042
Status:
- Relocating: Moving through Bridgetown towards Tanner's Quarter.
- Objective: Secure a private room at 'The Tipsy Troll' Inn.
- Loot: Successfully acquired Elara Vane's coin purse (contents uncounted) and 'The Serpent's Eye'.
- Risk: Potential pursuit/investigation by Elara Vane / Shadow Syndicate remains a significant threat.
Inventory: - Acquired: Elara Vane's Coin Purse (Contents: Approx. 15 Gold, 50 Silver based on scan).
- Currency: (Uncounted Syndicate Coin) + 1 Silver Coin, 3 Copper Coins. (Personal coin remains low)
- (Other inventory reflects previous acquisitions)