A Brewing Storm: The Hub

So this is SOW's conclusion... Nefarith is even more dangerous than I imagined.

But according to the experts... If "Shadow" Brenna single-handedly wrecked "Volcano's" whole scheme, why would she become a target?

Really? That's perfect then. I won't rest easy until we track him down and get to the bottom of this.

Wulfgard here, Endmin.

I've spotted suspicious activity that might require backup.

The footprints are light and precise, classic Bonekrusher Infiltrator technique. Moved through multiple hazardous zones while bleeding ... definitely a pro.

I'm confident I can win, but keeping the mark alive? That's a different story... Please hurry.

I'll come with!

You came just in time. "Shadow" just got cornered in this dead end ahead.

Figured it out after crossing blades with her, but she's abnormally weak.

I've been holding back as much as possible. If we want to get any information out of her, we'd better make this quick.

Get up, did I give you permission to die?

Never thought ... she saw through everything ... all along...

*Cough cough*... Nefarith — UGH!!!

"Shadow" Brenna lies collapsed on the ground, the warmth slowly fading from her body.

Aside from the fresh combat injuries recently inflicted, the body remains surprisingly intact with very few old scars.

It's clear "Shadow" relied on exceptional skills and stealth to avoid danger, which explains her lack of old scars.

Faded cyan bruising spreads from "Shadow's" left arm across her entire body.

It appears a surge of energy once flowed through here and entangled "Shadow," ultimately causing severe internal bleeding.

Her body emits an unsettling aura, strangely similar to the impression Nefarith gives when using her powers.

Though dual-wielding, the weapon in "Shadow's" left hand is noticeably newer than the right, likely a recent replacement.

In a hidden pocket lies a carefully folded list and a token bearing a crude emblem.

On the list, names like "Volcano" and "Bloodeye" are crossed out, while other unfamiliar names are circled.

Letters and passes... Hah, "Shadow's" hands weren't clean either.

The crossed-out ones were handled by "Shadow". The circled names are all loyal followers of Nefarith's.

So this list actually maps the Bonekrusher Clan's current power structure. Who's dead, and who's risen to power?

I've seen that emblem on other Landbreakers. With this, you can move freely through clan outposts without being questioned by guards.

It functions as a pass. Some merchants pay big money for these to ensure safety ... or conduct shady business.

An elite of the Bonekrusher Clan, carrying another clan's pass...

Given the Bonekrusher's ... reputation, this is practically impossible.

She wasn't just investigating subordinates for Nefarith, but also spying on Nefarith for other clans. A full-blown double agent.

Wait ... you're telling me Nefarith had a traitor purging other traitors for her?!

Using your enemy's blade to eliminate other enemies means you never have to worry about damaging your own weapons.

As for whether this blade would harm Nefarith herself ... we've all seen how that turned out.

Once Nefarith finishes purging the poison from her organization, the Bonekrushers will only become more dangerous.

This is no longer just a simple power shift among the Landbreakers. We need to plan ahead, Endmin.

......

Her injuries flared up now of all times... Damn it, we're one step too late.

We'll have to investigate what we can now. We'll bury her properly later.