Whisper's intel was a double-edged sword. Three potential routes for Zip's transport, all converging near the chaotic District 5 Night Market festival, gave them options but also spread their limited resources thin for surveillance. The schematics of the Cerberus armored transport were invaluable, detailing its reinforced plating, its weak points (primarily the rear access hatch and the undercarriage near the engine block), and its standard four-man escort plus potential internal MOD security. But the warning about Cerberus actively hunting Umbra, and their increased patrols near Silkworm Vane's old apartment – one of the potential transport routes – added a chilling new layer of risk.
The Ember Knights gathered in the Epsilon control room, the atmosphere thick with a grim determination. Kai, his Draconic Energy Reserves at 95% after a carefully managed sustenance hunt the previous night (a particularly nasty loan shark and his two enforcers who had been terrorizing a local clinic), felt the weight of leadership settle heavily on his shoulders. He was Level 5, (EXP from previous + Whisper intel EXP)/500 towards Level 6. (Assuming Level 5-6 needs 500 EXP). He had no remaining attribute points, but still held his 1 skill point from his last level-up.
"Three routes, all high-risk," Roric summarized, the holographic display showing the three paths snaking through the dense urban sprawl of Districts 6 and 5. "Route Alpha passes through the old industrial sector, minimal civilian presence but likely heavy Cerberus patrols due to its proximity to their other assets. Route Beta cuts through the fringes of the Nexus Warrens – chaotic, unpredictable, easy to get ambushed, but also easy to disappear. Route Gamma… that's the one that passes Vane's old hab-block. It's the most direct route to the Night Market transfer point Whisper suspects, but it's also where Cerberus will be looking for Umbra."
"They'll be expecting trouble on Route Gamma, then," Breaker rumbled, flexing his newly healed (but still aching) arm. His Gorgon Anima, though still D-Grade, felt more stable, more responsive after Lyra had guided him through some basic Anima control exercises. "Might be the one they least expect us to hit because they're expecting it."
Shift, her Phase Spider senses already sifting through local data streams for each route, added, "Route Alpha has multiple chokepoints where we could stage an ambush, but exfiltration would be difficult with their patrols. Route Beta is a nightmare logistically – too many unknowns, too many potential third parties. Route Gamma… it's a bold move. If we can bypass their Umbra-specific patrols, the route itself offers several ambush points with good cover and multiple escape vectors into the deeper Warrens."
Kai looked at the map, his mind racing. Route Gamma was a direct challenge, a thumb in Cerberus's eye. It was also where they wanted Umbra to be. Could he use that? "If Cerberus is hunting Umbra on Route Gamma," Kai said slowly, an idea forming, "they'll be looking for a solo operative, a shadow striker. They won't be expecting a full Ember Knights team hitting the transport itself." He looked at Roric. "We use their expectation against them. Umbra makes a very visible, very loud feint on Route Gamma, drawing their primary Umbra-hunter patrols away from the actual transport path, or at least tying them up. The real strike team – Breaker, Shift, and myself in a less conspicuous role – hits the transport on whichever of the other two routes they choose, once Elara and Whisper confirm its path."
Roric's eyes lit up with a predatory gleam. "A feint within a feint. Deceptive. Risky. I like it. But Umbra, alone, drawing the attention of dedicated Cerberus hunter teams, possibly including Cinder if she's leading the hunt… that's a suicide mission, Kai." [SYSTEM ANALYSIS: Proposed Strategy – 'Misdirection Gambit'. High probability of drawing significant Cerberus forces to decoy location. Extreme risk to Conduit Kai (Umbra Persona) during decoy operation. Success of primary transport ambush contingent on precise timing and flawless execution by secondary strike team. Overall Risk: Very High. Potential Reward: High (Zip extraction, significant blow to Cerberus).]
"Not if Umbra doesn't stick around to fight," Kai countered. "I use my speed, my Draconic Arts for evasion and misdirection, maybe even the 'Shadowflame Barrage' for a spectacular, non-lethal display to convince them I'm a major threat. I lead them on a merry chase, then disappear back into the Warrens. While they're occupied, Breaker and Shift, perhaps with your direct support, Roric, hit the transport."
"It's… plausible," Shift admitted, her analytical mind already running through the variables. "If Kai can genuinely tie up their primary hunter-killer teams for even thirty minutes, it could give us the window we need on one of the other routes. Elara would need to be monitoring Cerberus comms with extreme precision to confirm which route the transport takes after Umbra's diversion begins."
"And what if Cinder is with the transport, not hunting Umbra?" Breaker asked grimly. "That," Roric said, "is the primary unknown. A B-Grade Pyromantic is a force we are not yet equipped to handle directly, even with Kai's recent advancements." He looked at Kai. "Your Shadowflame, Kai. Lyra believes it has… unique properties, perhaps even a resistance to other fire-based Animas, given its draconic, shadow-aspected nature. But that is untested theory. Against Cinder, you would be gambling with your very essence."
Kai knew the risks. But the thought of Zip, alone in Cerberus's hands… He focused on his remaining skill point. He needed something to enhance his survivability, his control, if he was going to be the bait. He looked at his Draconic Arts. "Shadow Meld (Basic)" was available, requiring his current Anima Affinity of 17. It would be perfect for the feint and escape. 'System, allocate 1 Skill Point to Shadow Meld (Basic).' [SKILL POINT ALLOCATED. NEW DRACONIC ART ACQUIRED: SHADOW MELD (BASIC – RANK 1/3).] [Shadow Meld (Basic – Rank 1): Allows the Host to temporarily blend with ambient shadows, becoming nearly invisible in low-light conditions. Moderate Draconic Energy cost while active. Movement significantly reduces effectiveness, but enhanced by Draconic Affinity.]
"I can do it," Kai said, his voice firm, the new Art settling into his understanding. "I can be the distraction. Give me the most chaotic, hard-to-track section of Route Gamma. I'll give Cerberus a ghost they'll be chasing for weeks." Roric nodded slowly. "Very well, Leader Kai. The Misdirection Gambit it is. Elara, Shift, begin detailed surveillance of all three potential transport routes. Breaker, prepare your breaching tools and heavy support gear. Kai… prepare to dance with fire."
The plan was set. A desperate, dangerous ploy, hinging on Kai's ability to outwit and outrun Cerberus's elite hunters, and on the Ember Knights' ability to strike decisively when the moment came. The fate of Zip, and perhaps the future of their crew, rested on this night.