Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 61
After nearly a decade of silence, war was declared in the underworld. The Wild Dogs Mercenary Band ignited the conflict by striking against the Bloodwind Organization.
The Bloodwind Organization, supported by a powerful Duke’s family, was a force not to be messed with within the underworld. It was unprecedented for a mere mercenary band to attack such a well-connected and massive organization.
Initially, other dark factions merely observed from the sidelines, expecting the Duke’s intervention to swiftly annihilate the Wild Dogs. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the leader of the Bloodwind Organization rushed to the Duke in the middle of the night after being ambushed.
The Duke dismissed the Bloodwind leader in broad view, especially since the imperial court was due to attend a banquet at his estate that day. Rumors of the Duke’s support for the criminal syndicate and receiving kickbacks could tarnish the Duke’s reputation and even suggest treason.
Perhaps it was the shock of being publicly shunned, but the Bloodwind leader, who had a heart condition, died of a heart attack on the ride back, causing the organization to crumble overnight.
As the Bloodwind Organization fell, the underworld’s power dynamics were thrown into chaos, sparking fierce battles among various groups looking to fill the power vacuum. The Wild Dogs Mercenary Band had not anticipated the situation to escalate from a simple misunderstanding to such extensive turmoil.
The day before the chaos erupted, in the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band’s office,
“So, the most suspicious place is here?”
Kyden confronted Ace of the Wild Dogs. Ace pinpointed the employment office and its background organization.
“Yes. All other places showed us their records, but this one arrogantly dismissed us.”
The leader added with concern.
“Isn’t it rash to suspect them just because they ignored us? This place is under the control of the Bloodwind Organization…”
Ace glared.
“We’re not just going to let it go when those underlings disrespect us!”
Kyden gritted his teeth.
“It means this place is suspicious.”
“Yes! Women who disappear here vanish without a trace. There are rumors of connections with noble families and magic towers, and it’s suspicious where they take the women. Even when I went, they hid the women and wouldn’t show them!”
The alarm bells rang that these were sinister people. Kyden made a decision.
“Tonight, we will attack.”
“Yes!”
The leader of the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band tried to intervene with a concerned look.
“Isn’t this too hasty? I could go and talk to them first.”
“No, Leader, what if these vile people smuggle my sister-in-law away in the meantime? Will you take responsibility?”
Fueled by Ace’s words, Kyden’s determination intensified.
“I’ll lead the charge myself, I ask for your support.”
This was a declaration that he would bear all responsibility himself. Ace, moved to tears, responded emotionally.
“Ah, the former second-in-command is truly admirable.”
The band leader, observing the chaos, sighed.
It wasn’t the main stronghold of the Bloodwind organization but just a lower branch, perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad? If the Bloodwind organization sought compensation for the damage, it might be an opportunity to re-recruit Kyden, considering the glory days of the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band weren’t what they used to be.
This could be a chance to settle old scores and revive the band’s fortunes.
The band leader declared, making a difficult decision,
“Tonight, we strike the hideout of those who abducted our Roel.”
“Yes!”
That evening, fifty elite members of the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band gathered in their smelly office. Because the operation was within the city limits, it was crucial to avoid public disturbances that could draw law enforcement. Only a select few were called to ensure the operation was swift and clean.
The commander outlined the attack plan.
“We’ll make a frontal assault through the main entrance. Hit them when they’re scrambling in surprise!”
“But isn’t it supposed to be a surprise attack?”
“Quiet! Kyden will lead the front!”
“Ooh.”
“Make sure no women are harmed! Some of you, stay out of the fight and protect the women!”
“Yes!”
Recently, the Wild Dogs Mercenary Band had been ridiculed for its lack of cohesion, each member fighting individually. It was unimaginable when Kyden was around.
This was because many mercenaries believed in Kyden, given his skills and his courage to jump into dangerous battles.
The leader, reminiscing about those days of glory, boosted the mercenaries’ morale.
“Twenty silvers per day!”
“Wow!”
“Kyden’s treating!”
The promise of twenty silver coins for just one small skirmish raised their spirits. Moreover, since the fight was within the city, it was crucial there were no casualties. They only needed to subdue the opponents and pretend to fight. It was a sweet deal—safe work with good pay.
But they chose the wrong day for the raid.
As fate would have it, the leader of the Bloodwind organization was out inspecting the lower branches on that very day.
