The decision to strike at the Cerberus Syndicate's warehouse stronghold cast a long, tense shadow over The Crimson Coil. The audacity of the plan was undeniable, and the risks were monumental. For the next three days, Sub-Station Epsilon became a hive of meticulous preparation, each member focused on their role in the upcoming gambit. Kai's Anima Core Stability was a primary concern; he started this period at 92%, but the stress of planning and the anticipation of the mission ahead caused a slow, steady drain.
Roric, the ever-present architect, transformed one of Epsilon's larger, reinforced chambers into a detailed mock-up of the Cerberus warehouse's under-tunnels, using holographic projections based on archival city schematics and Shift's initial remote data sweeps. "The schematics are old," Roric cautioned during their first intensive planning session. "Decades, at least. Tunnels could have collapsed, new blockages might exist, or Cerberus themselves might have laid traps or installed rudimentary sensors. We go in expecting the unexpected."
Kai's first task was to address his own readiness. He still had 1 skill point and 8 undistributed attribute points. The "Draconic Combat Arts" tree beckoned. 'System, access Draconic Combat Arts. Unlock 'Scaled Guard (Reactive – Rank 1).' [Skill Point Allocated. New Draconic Combat Art Acquired: Scaled Guard (Reactive – Rank 1/3).][Scaled Guard (Reactive – Rank 1): When an incoming physical attack is detected within close proximity, the Conduit may reflexively manifest localized Dermal Plating (Tier 1) on the threatened area at a reduced Anima cost (15% less than conscious 'Dermal Plating Manifestation' skill). Provides a brief window of enhanced damage mitigation. Does not stack with fully active Dermal Plating skill. Cooldown: 5 seconds.] This felt like a crucial addition, a way to conserve Anima while still benefiting from his scales in an emergency.
For his attribute points, he focused on shoring up his defenses and responsiveness. 'System, allocate 4 points to Vitality, 2 points to Agility, and 2 points to Perception.' [Attribute Points Allocated. Vitality, Agility, Perception Increased.] He felt the familiar subtle enhancements, a deeper well of resilience, quicker reflexes, and senses that seemed to pick up even fainter details in his surroundings. His Anima Affinity remained at 5, not yet high enough to unlock more advanced Draconic Arts or Specializations without further evolutionary triggers.
The first phase of the Cerberus Gambit was reconnaissance of the tunnel entrances. "Shift, Breaker, Zip," Kai addressed them, his voice gaining a measure of command that felt less forced than before. "We need to confirm the viability of these tunnel access points Roric has identified. We do this discreetly. No engagement. Pure intel."
Shift, her Phase Spider Anima making the filaments around her temples glow faintly as she interfaced with a portable sensor array Roric had provided, would lead. "My Anima can detect active power sources, unusual vibrations, or metallic densities that might indicate reinforced blockages or traps within the first few dozen meters of each tunnel entrance," she explained. "But its range for detailed analysis through solid earth or thick ferrocrete is still limited."
Breaker, his Gorgon Anima held in check but lending him an aura of immense solidity, would be her close support. "If there are physical obstructions near the entrance that need… testing… I can provide a gentle nudge," he rumbled.
Zip's role was to use his Dragonfly Anima for rapid visual confirmation once an entrance was deemed relatively safe by Shift. "Quick peek, boss, that's me," he chirped, though his usual ebullience was tempered by the seriousness of the mission.
Their first target was a storm drain outflow several blocks from the Cerberus warehouse, one that Roric's archival maps suggested connected to the deeper maintenance tunnel network. Under the cover of a moonless, smog-choked night, the small team moved like ghosts. Kai and Roric maintained a slightly more distant overwatch, ready to intervene or call an abort if necessary.
Shift approached the storm drain first, a gaping, rusted maw half-hidden by overgrown, mutated weeds. She knelt, placing a hand near the opening, her eyes closed in concentration. Minutes passed. "Faint power signatures," she finally whispered into her comm. "Old, probably city infrastructure, not active security. Some metallic debris, but no obvious reinforced blockages in the immediate entry. The tunnel itself feels… unstable in places. Lots of loose rubble."
"Breaker," Kai authorized. "A gentle nudge, as you said. See if the entrance is clear enough for Zip." Breaker moved forward, effortlessly pulling aside a heavy, rusted grate. He peered into the darkness, then with a grunt, reached in and dislodged a large chunk of fallen ferrocrete that was partially obstructing the way.
"Zip, your turn," Kai ordered. "Short burst. Visual on the first twenty meters. Anything that looks like a recent Cerberus presence – lights, wires, fresh tracks." Zip nodded, took a deep breath, and then he was gone, a flicker too fast for the eye to truly follow, disappearing into the blackness of the storm drain. He reappeared less than ten seconds later, his multifaceted eyes blinking rapidly. "Dark as a sealed tomb, boss," he reported, his voice a little shaky. "Smells like old rust and older water. No fresh tracks, no wires, no lights. Lots of cobwebs, though. Big ones. And something… skittered. Didn't get a good look. Tunnel looks narrow, but passable for now."
The System pinged Kai: [Reconnaissance Update: Tunnel Access Point Alpha (Storm Drain) – Viability: Moderate. Structural Instability: Moderate. Unknown Biological Signatures: Present (Minor). No immediate Cerberus activity detected.] [Daily Quest: 'Subterranean Survey' – Successfully map one potential infiltration route. Reward: +30 EXP, +1 Glow Stick (High-Intensity, Long-Duration).]
One down, two more potential tunnel entrances to check. The echoes in the underdark were just beginning to whisper their secrets, and their dangers. The Cerberus Gambit was a complex beast, and they were only just beginning to map its shadowy pathways.