Two months had passed since Team Seahorse's successful mission to Evercrest City. During this time, they had taken on several missions of varying difficulty, yet none proved to be truly challenging for the seasoned mercenaries. They dispatched monstrous threats, retrieved stolen artifacts, and ensured the safety of townsfolk with remarkable efficiency.

The team had settled into a comfortable routine, with Captain Zelene at the helm, guiding them through each task efficiently. The camaraderie between the team members had only grown stronger.

However, the tranquility was not to last.

"Listen up, everyone," Zelene began, her tone serious and commanding. "We've received an urgent mission from the guild's higher-ups. We are to go to the city of Alveron in the heart of Vulcanheim. Our task is to investigate and, if possible, uncover information about a mysterious organization known as the Abyssal Order. Our contact suspects they have a branch operating in Alveron."

The mention of the Abyssal Order sent a collective shiver through the team. Adrian had heard of the organization's notorious deeds—dabbling in dark magic, making pacts with demons, and seeking to plunge the world into chaos. They were a formidable and elusive enemy.

Zelene continued, "We're not going to engage them directly. Our priority is reconnaissance and gathering information. Once we have a clearer picture of the situation, we'll contact the guild for reinforcements, and they'll send in a force to eliminate the branch."

As the team absorbed the gravity of the mission, Adrian couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. He raised an eyebrow as he examined the mission briefing. "Captain, do we have any idea about the extent of their numbers or their objective in Alveron?"

Zelene shook her head, her expression grave. "That's the challenge, Adrian. The Abyssal Order operates in secrecy, and their true scale remains a mystery. All we know is that they have embedded themselves deeply within Alveron, and our job is to uncover the truth."

Lily, the Wind Mage, couldn't help but feel a shiver of unease. "So, we're stepping into the unknown?"

Zelene nodded, her eyes determined. "Yes, Lily. But this is why we're the ones chosen for this task. We'll blend into the city, gather information discreetly, and, if possible, call for reinforcements. Our goal is to expose this branch of The Abyssal Order and eliminate it."

The team listened attentively, realizing the gravity of the situation. Alveron was not just another city; it was a place that held potential doom if The Abyssal Order's sinister plans came to fruition.

Tavon, the veteran of the team, placed a reassuring hand on Lily's shoulder. "We'll tread carefully. First, let's get there and assess the situation."

Adrian nodded in agreement, his thoughts already racing ahead. "Zelene, we'll need a plan. Do we have contacts in Alveron who might assist us?"

Zelene, appreciating Adrian's foresight, replied, "We have a few contacts, but this situation is too dangerous to involve outsiders. Our mission is strictly covert. We'll have to blend in as ordinary citizens, so there's no suspicion. We can't risk putting anyone else in danger."

As the discussion concluded, the team set off to prepare for their mission in Alveron. It was a mission filled with uncertainty, and the challenge that awaited them was immense.

The following days saw Team Seahorse entering the bustling city of Alveron, a city that felt alive with commerce and people.

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They had to immerse themselves in the crowd and become ordinary citizens, all the while keeping their senses alert for any traces of the Abyssal Order.

Adrian kept his emotions in check, maintaining the calm exterior that the team had come to rely on. However, his mind was filled with questions. What was the true extent of the Abyssal Order's influence in this city? Who were the key players behind this branch?

The team kept a low profile, each member exploring different aspects of the city to gather information.

Alveron was a place of grand architecture, towering spires, and people from all walks of life. But beneath its vibrant exterior, the team knew there was a darker underbelly to explore.

This bustling hub of trade and culture had its share of secrets. While they noticed some signs of sinister activities, there was no concrete evidence of the Abyssal Order's involvement.

The team secured lodging in an inconspicuous inn, allowing them to blend in with the locals.

They spent their days collecting tidbits of information from the taverns, marketplaces, and even the city's underground networks. The more they uncovered, the more apparent it became that the Abyssal Order was deeply entrenched in the city.

One evening, after days of relentless investigation, the team gathered in their dimly lit inn room to share their findings.

Lily, who had been discreetly gathering information from the locals, spoke first. "I heard whispers about a mysterious group, known only as 'The Order.' They're believed to be involved in some dark dealings."

Allan, who had been mingling with the city guards, added, "The city watch is on high alert. There have been unexplained incidents, like buildings suddenly collapsing or strange shadowy figures appearing at night. The guards are convinced it's the work of this Order."

Tavon, who had been delving into the city's criminal underworld, shared his insights, "I managed to get in touch with a few contacts from the underground. They're scared, and they're saying that the Order is offering power and wealth to anyone who joins them."

Zelene nodded, her brows furrowed in thought. "This confirms our suspicions. The Abyssal Order is here, and their influence is growing. We need to send word to the guild for reinforcements, but we must do it carefully to avoid tipping off the enemy."

Adrian had been listening intently, but an uneasy feeling had settled in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't shake the sense that something far more sinister lurked in the shadows.

Their next mission was to uncover the location of the Abyssal Order's base in the city. It was a perilous task, for the Order had gone to great lengths to hide their activities.

At this moment, Adrian shared a unique strategy that was forming in his mind.

He cleared his throat and spoke with a measured tone, "I believe the Abyssal Order's base is closer than we think. Rather than searching for it, we should make them come to us."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as everyone considered Adrian's proposal. Even Zelene, their team leader, couldn't help but be intrigued by the idea. She leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Adrian. "Explain your plan."

Adrian continued, "We've heard that The Order is recruiting new members and offering them power and wealth. What if we create the illusion that we are interested in joining? We'll spread the word through the city's underground network that we're looking for the 'recruitment site.' The Order might take the bait and expose themselves."

Zelene nodded thoughtfully, "It's a daring strategy, Adrian, but it has potential. The Order is bound to react if they believe we're interested in joining their ranks. We'll have to be very careful though. One wrong move and we might be fighting for our lives.”

“Yes, Captain,” Adrian nodded.

The rest of the team agreed, seeing the merits of Adrian's plan.

With the decision made, they set their strategy into motion.

As the team mulled over their plan, Zelene leaned forward, her gaze locked on the warriors of Team Seahorse. She spoke with a commanding tone, "We've heard Adrian's strategy, and now it's time to decide who among us will take on the role of actively searching for the Abyssal Order's 'recruitment site.' This mission carries a significant risk, as it will put you directly in the spotlight.”

As she finished speaking, all three of the warriors in Team Seahorse expressed their willingness to be chosen for this role.

Zelene heard their words and went silent for a few seconds before speaking, “Alright. I have made my decision. Tavon, you'll be our man on the ground."

Adrian asked with a frown, "Why Tavon, Captain? Why not me or Allan?"

Zelene looked at Adrian, her expression serious, "Adrian, you're a formidable warrior, but you've just joined our team. Infiltration missions require more than just combat skills. It's about maintaining composure and adaptability in unpredictable situations. You need more time to develop those skills."

Allan chimed in with a frown, "And what about me, Captain?"

Zelene turned to Allan, offering her reasoning, "Allan, you're a skilled warrior, but your Fourth Order Rank could raise suspicion if the Abyssal Order decides to dig deeper into your background. We can't afford to expose our affiliation with the Iron Wolves Mercenary Guild."

Tavon accepted his role with determination. "I understand, Captain. I'll keep a low profile and try to find any leads without raising suspicion."

Zelene nodded appreciatively, "Tavon, you have the experience and agility needed for this mission. I trust that you'll gather valuable information while staying safe. We'll be close by, keeping an eye on you and following you at all times. Send us a signal if you need help."

Tavon nodded his head and assured her, “Don’t worry. I will make sure to be careful.”

Thus, they soon put this plan in motion. Tavon began to engage in conversations with some contacts in the underworld market as he began to express his intentions to join the Abyssal Order.

The days that followed were filled with a sense of tense anticipation.

The team had successfully planted the bait as they waited for the Abyssal Order to latch onto it!