章 11: Felix’s Ambition

The soft hum of activity buzzed through Ironstride's base as Felix stepped inside. The stark white walls, lined with trophies from past victories, felt imposing yet strangely welcoming. Hunters moved with purpose, their conversations a blend of excitement and caution. Felix's arrival did not go unnoticed.

A few nods came his way, subtle acknowledgments of his growing reputation. One hunter, a wiry man with a thin scar cutting across his cheek, gave him a curt salute. Another offered a small smile, though her eyes betrayed lingering skepticism. Felix's charm quirk hummed faintly in the back of his mind, its influence smoothing over tension without making a show of it.

"Felix," a familiar voice called out.

He turned to see Victoria "Bladewarden" Cross striding toward him, her commanding presence drawing the attention of those nearby. Her silver-blonde braid shimmered in the fluorescent lighting, and her armor gleamed, bearing fresh nicks from their recent raid. But it wasn't her appearance that caught Felix's attention—it was the way her eyes locked onto his with a mix of curiosity and something more.

"You're back," she said, her tone even but tinged with an edge of intrigue. "I expected nothing less."

Felix inclined his head, the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips. "It seems I'm earning a place here."

Victoria's lips quirked into a smile, though her gaze lingered a moment too long. "Come with me. There's something I think you'll find… enlightening."

She turned without waiting for his response, her stride confident as ever. Felix followed, his mind already racing. Her interest had shifted, deepened. This wasn't mere curiosity anymore—there was something in her demeanor that hinted at ambition reignited.

She led him to a small meeting room tucked away from the main hub of activity. A circular table dominated the space, scattered with maps and documents detailing Tower expeditions. The air felt heavier here, laden with strategy and unspoken tension.

Victoria gestured for Felix to sit. As he did, she took the seat opposite, leaning forward slightly. Her fingers tapped a quiet rhythm against the table as her sharp eyes studied him.

"We have several upcoming expeditions planned," she began, her voice crisp and professional. "Opportunities for Ironstride to secure its position among the city's top guilds. But with opportunity comes competition. Other guilds are moving fast, and alliances are tenuous at best."

Felix nodded, feigning attentiveness while his mind worked to dissect her words. She's testing me, he thought, observing the way her gaze flicked over him as if gauging his reaction.

As Victoria spoke, her tone shifted subtly, becoming more animated. She outlined rivalries with other mid-tier guilds, hinting at the precarious balance of power in the hunter world. Her ambitions were evident in the way she spoke of Ironstride's potential to rise higher—ambitions that Felix could see were starting to resurface.

He leaned back, adopting a thoughtful expression. "If Ironstride wants to stand out," he said carefully, "you'll need more than brute strength. Strategy wins wars, not just battles."

Victoria's eyes lit up, a smile tugging at her lips. "You speak as if you've fought these wars before."

Felix chuckled lightly, shrugging. "I prefer to observe and learn. Sometimes, the best moves are made without ever stepping onto the battlefield."

She regarded him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Interesting," she murmured, more to herself than to him.

System Notification:

Skill Activated: Subtle Influence (Passive)

Reputation Points: +10 (Strengthened ties with Victoria Cross)

Quest Progress: "Navigate Guild Politics" - 40% complete

Felix felt the familiar tingle of the system's update settle in the back of his mind. He hadn't needed the notification to know he was making progress—Victoria's reactions spoke volumes. Her curiosity about him was no longer casual; it had evolved into something far more potent.

The meeting continued, with Victoria sharing details about upcoming Tower floors the guild planned to explore. Felix listened intently, filing away every scrap of information while offering carefully timed comments that steered the conversation. He pointed out potential weaknesses in rival guilds' strategies and suggested subtle shifts in Ironstride's approach. Each suggestion was delivered casually, as if they were mere observations rather than calculated plays.

By the time the meeting wound down, Victoria's demeanor had shifted entirely. She no longer looked at Felix as an outsider or a useful asset—her gaze carried something deeper, an unspoken acknowledgment of his growing importance.

As she stood to leave, Victoria paused, turning back to him. She stepped closer, her presence commanding yet strangely intimate. Her voice dropped to a low, almost conspiratorial tone.

"I'll be keeping an eye on you," she said, her words laced with an undertone Felix couldn't quite place. "You're far too interesting to let out of my sight."

Felix met her gaze evenly, a faint smile curving his lips. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Victoria's smile widened slightly, though it carried a possessive edge. She lingered for a moment before turning on her heel and striding out of the room, her braid swinging behind her like a silver whip.

Felix watched her go, the smirk on his face growing. Her ambition was stirring, her focus sharpening—and he was right in the center of it.

"This could be useful," he murmured to himself, already considering how to turn Victoria's interest to his advantage. The game was unfolding, and Felix had no intention of being anyone's pawn.

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