The weeks of methodical farming had achieved absolute stability. My Epic Gauntlet was fully integrated, the Polaris Ursus essence providing continuous wealth, and the Shadow Locket Ring safely hiding my blackmail material and contingencies. I was the fastest rising hunter Vigan had ever seen, yet I remained elusive, a perfect phantom of efficiency. The time for preparation was over. The only path forward was the Red Gate.
But before stepping into the Volcanic Chimera's domain, I needed one final piece of intelligence and a necessary act of command over Juts.
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I couldn't challenge the Volcanic Chimera—a terrifying elemental Epic-rank boss—without knowing if Commander Salazar was preparing to exploit the same seven-day respawn cycle. My fight with the Chimera had to be a solo clear, leaving no doubt as to the source of the immense power I was about to unleash.
I used my Rank C clearance to access the restricted Hunter Archives, feigning interest in logistics. My Silent Form and Specter Sight were my true tools.
I quickly cross-referenced the Red Gate clear logs with Commander Salazar's recent mission history. The results were chillingly predictable: Salazar, the Rank A hunter, had cleared the Ashen Keep seven days ago, establishing the current seven-day timer. His next clear was scheduled for tomorrow evening.
My Analysis: Salazar views the Volcanic Chimera as his personal farm. He will be at the Red Gate tomorrow night. This means my Epic boss fight will have an audience—or, more accurately, a dangerous competitor. I couldn't risk Salazar's interference, but confronting him directly was premature.
The solution was a subtle, preemptive strike using the Crimson Lich Essence. I did not want to kill Salazar, but I needed him neutralized for precisely 24 hours.
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I found Juts in the communal training area, tirelessly practicing his Thorn Whip technique. He was now a genuinely capable Rank E hunter, reliable and strong. He was also still silently suspicious, watching me with a mixture of fear and devotion.
"Juts," I commanded, pulling him aside. "The Ashen Keep is active tomorrow. I am entering the Red Gate."
Juts's eyes widened, fear washing over his face. "A Red Gate? Dax, that's suicide! Only Rank A hunters go near the Volcanic Chimera."
"Silence. I am not asking for your opinion, I am assigning your duty." I placed the smuggling route map and a vial containing a potent, high-level Berserker Potion into his hand.
"Your mission is critical. You will go to the Vigan Water Tunnels tonight. You will enter the Goblin King's Abode and locate the private office I told you about."
Juts flinched, recognizing the name of the place I claimed Aaliyah died in.
"This vial," I continued, ignoring his hesitation, "contains a paralyzing agent derived from Epic-rank toxins. You will infiltrate Commander Salazar's private residence—you know where it is, he's always loud about his wealth—and you will spike his evening meal or drink with half of this vial."
"Paralyze Commander Salazar? Dax, if they trace this back to us, it's instant execution!" Juts stammered, the vial shaking in his hand.
"They won't," I said, my voice cold and absolute. "Your role is simple: you are going to be seen entering the barracks early tonight, establishing your alibi. Then, you will use the Silent Form I taught you and execute the injection. This dose will only keep him neutralized for exactly 24 hours. He will wake up too late for the Chimera clear, but too early to fully investigate the cause. It will look like a personal rival's attack, not a calculated move by a Rank C hunter."
I looked at him, forcing the truth of his position into his consciousness. "Your absolute obedience in this matter is the final price for your life and your freedom. If you fail, the Guild Master will eventually deal with both of us. If you succeed, tomorrow I secure the power to challenge anyone in this city."
Juts stared at the vial, then at the pulsating scarlet of my Epic Gauntlet. He saw the irreversible path I had set us on. His suspicion about Aaliyah warred with the overwhelming terror of the Red Gate and the terrifying logic of my planning.
He finally clenched his jaw, the fear hardening into grim acceptance. "I'll do it, Dax. I'll make sure he's out."
"Good boy," I confirmed, a flicker of cold satisfaction crossing my face.
The final preparation was complete. My arsenal was tuned, my strategic position was secure, and my most important asset—Juts—was assigned his final, most dangerous supporting role. The time for accumulation was over. It was time to step onto the path of the Epic hunter.
The Volcanic Chimera awaited.