As **CODE** began to push forward with its plans for expansion, the team knew that alliances—especially with the **NPC kingdoms**—were essential. The wealth they had accumulated from **Obsidian Gambit** was their ticket into the political game on the first floor, and while their success in the casino had given them a foothold, it was just the beginning of a much larger strategy. But with power came challenges, particularly from rival guilds who were starting to see CODE not as a minor player, but as a threat.

The day had been spent working through the logistics of their **next steps**. Betsy had been in and out of the guild hall, meeting with her network of contacts, gathering information on which NPCs would be most receptive to CODE's influence. Meanwhile, Drax was busy organizing the guild's newest recruits, preparing them for the **quests** and **missions** they would need to undertake to help build CODE's reputation with the NPC kingdoms. Alex, for his part, had been overseeing both operations, but it was becoming clear that the team needed to divide and conquer if they were going to succeed.

"So, who's on board?" Alex asked as Betsy walked into the guild's common room, looking slightly more tired than usual.

Betsy collapsed into one of the chairs, running a hand through her hair. "The **Dwarven guild** seems interested, but they're cautious. They've been burned by other guilds in the past, so they're not going to jump into bed with us just because we've got money. We'll need to prove ourselves."

"How do we do that?" Drax asked, taking a seat beside her. "What do the dwarves want?"

Betsy smirked. "They want **security**. Their **mines** have been under threat from rogue groups, and their trade routes are being harassed by **bandits**. If we can secure those routes, make sure their mining operations are safe, they'll start to see us as reliable."

Alex leaned forward, considering the implications. "So, it's not just about gold. They need **protection**."

"Exactly," Betsy replied. "And that's where we come in. We've already got a reputation from the casino as a group that can handle its own. If we show them that we can offer protection—stability—they'll want to work with us."

Drax grinned, his usual enthusiasm bubbling up. "Finally, a reason to get back out there and **crack some skulls**. I'll gather the guild members who've been itching for action. We'll clear out the bandits and secure the trade routes."

"Not so fast," Alex said, holding up a hand. "This isn't just about brute force. We need to approach this strategically. If we go in guns blazing, we'll make enemies out of the wrong people. Some of those bandits are connected to other guilds, and if we start a war, we could find ourselves outnumbered."

Drax's grin faltered slightly. "So what's the plan, then? We just sit back and negotiate?"

Betsy shook her head. "No. We'll take care of the **bandits**, but we do it smart. We'll target the rogue groups that aren't affiliated with the guilds, the ones causing the most damage. That way, we're solving the dwarves' problem without stepping on anyone's toes—yet."

"And once we've proven ourselves, the dwarves will owe us," Alex added. "They'll come to us for protection, and that gives us leverage. Once we have their trust, we can start **investing** in their trade routes, maybe even get them to use our casino as a hub for their **deals**."

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Betsy smiled. "That's the idea. We're playing the long game here. This isn't just about winning a few battles. It's about **building relationships** that will pay off in the long run."

"Alright," Drax said, standing up, his grin returning. "I'll gather the team. We'll head out tomorrow and take care of the bandits. Just say the word, Alex."

"Go for it," Alex replied, giving him a nod. "But remember, this is about sending a message—we're here to help, not to start a war."

Drax gave a mock salute and sauntered off to organize the mission, leaving Alex and Betsy alone in the common room.

Betsy leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "This is going to get complicated fast. We're walking a tightrope here. One wrong move, and we'll have half the guilds on this floor gunning for us."

Alex nodded. "That's why we're not going to make any wrong moves. We've been smart so far, and we'll keep playing it smart. We have to."

---

The next day, the mission to secure the **Dwarven guild's trade routes** began in earnest. Drax had assembled a team of the **guild's top fighters**, along with several newer recruits who were eager to prove themselves. Luke had taken on the role of overseeing the mission's logistics, ensuring that the group had everything they needed before heading out.

The tension in the air was palpable as the group set out from **Starter City**, heading toward the mountainous region where the dwarves had established their city. The trade routes were critical to the economy of the floor, and whoever controlled them had significant power.

Drax led the charge, his usual boisterous energy keeping the morale high as they traveled. "Alright, team! We're not just here to fight—we're here to show the dwarves that CODE is the real deal. So, let's take out these bandits, secure those trade routes, and get back home in time for drinks!"

The team cheered, their excitement clear. For many of them, this was their first real mission with CODE, and they were eager to prove themselves.

Luke followed behind them, his calm, quiet presence a stark contrast to Drax's enthusiasm. Though he spoke little, his actions spoke volumes. He had become the steady hand that guided the newer recruits, and they followed his lead without question.

"Verum," Luke said softly as they reached the first **checkpoint**, a simple word of confirmation that the path ahead was clear.

Drax grinned. "I love when he says that. It's like we're about to walk into some epic showdown."

They continued their trek until they reached the **mountain pass** where the bandits had been spotted. The air grew colder, and the narrow path winding through the cliffs was lined with jagged rocks and hidden vantage points—perfect for an ambush.

"We'll need to be careful here," Drax said, his tone more serious now. "They've got the high ground, so let's not rush in."

The group slowed their pace, weapons drawn as they scanned the cliffs above. They moved in silence, their footsteps barely audible against the stone. It wasn't long before they saw movement—a shadow flickering across one of the ledges.

"There," one of the recruits whispered, pointing to a group of figures moving along the ridge. "That's them."

"Alright," Drax said, his voice low. "Here's the plan. We're going to hit them fast and hard, but we stay coordinated. Luke, you take the right flank with half the recruits. I'll take the left with the others. We'll box them in and cut off their escape."

Luke gave a simple nod, leading his group toward the right side of the pass, his expression as calm as ever.

"On my mark," Drax whispered as they approached the bandits' position. "Three… two… one—**go!**"

The team sprang into action, charging up the cliffs in a coordinated strike. The bandits, caught off guard, scrambled to defend themselves, but they were no match for the trained precision of CODE's fighters. Drax led the assault with his usual brute force, cutting through the bandits with powerful swings of his sword, while Luke's group flanked them, ensuring that no one escaped.

It wasn't long before the bandits were overwhelmed. Some surrendered, while others tried to flee, only to be cut down by the team's swift and precise movements. The trade route was secure.

---

As the group returned to Starter City, the sense of accomplishment was clear on their faces. They had completed their mission, and the **Dwarven guild** would soon hear of their success.

Drax grinned as they approached the guild base. "Well, that was a piece of cake. The dwarves are going to love us."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Betsy said, meeting them at the entrance. "We've secured the trade routes, but now comes the hard part—**negotiating** with the dwarves. They're not going to be easy to impress, even with this."

Alex stepped forward, looking at the returning team. "You did great. This is exactly what we needed to get our foot in the door. But Betsy's right. The dwarves are cautious, and they're not going to trust us overnight."

Drax shrugged. "We'll win them over. We always do."

Alex smiled faintly. "Let's hope you're right. But we'll need to be careful—especially now that we're on the radar of the other guilds. They're not going to like the fact that we're making deals with the NPCs."

Betsy nodded. "The moment they see us gaining power, they'll start trying to **undermine** us."

Alex's expression hardened. "Then we'll just have to stay one step ahead."