MTLNOVEL Chapter 18: Chapter 18
The air inside the Shadow Network's hideout was thick with tension. The glow of countless holoscreens cast Cipher's face in shades of blue and green, his cybernetic implants flickering as he analyzed data faster than any normal man.
Harry sat opposite him, back straight, gaze unwavering.
This wasn't just a meeting.
It was a negotiation for survival.
Cipher leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "You walk into my domain, asking for an alliance. Do you know what that means?"
Harry didn't blink. "It means I have something you want."
Cipher chuckled. "That's bold." His cybernetic eye whirred as it focused on Harry. "But you're not wrong."
Zara, sitting beside Harry, exhaled sharply. "Let's cut to the chase. We need resources, weapons, and information. And you? You need someone who can actually fight the Sith."
Cipher's smirk widened. "I like her. She's direct."
Harry remained silent. Waiting.
Cipher tapped the table. "You want my network? Fine. But there's a cost."
Harry tilted his head. "And what's that?"
Cipher's eyes gleamed. "A favor."
[NEW QUEST: A DEAL WITH SHADOWS]
• Primary Goal: Complete Cipher's task to gain the Shadow Network's support.
• Secondary Goal: Gather intel on Imperial movements.
• Bonus Objective: Discover what Cipher is hiding.
Cipher's Offer
Cipher flicked a switch, and a holographic image materialized in the air.
It was a heavily secured facility—a floating space station, heavily fortified, surrounded by Imperial patrols.
"This is Outpost Zero," Cipher explained. "A black-site Imperial prison where they keep people who are… problematic."
Harry's jaw clenched. "And?"
Cipher smirked. "I want someone out."
Zara narrowed her eyes. "Who?"
The image shifted, showing a woman in Imperial prisoner garb.
Dark skin. Piercing golden eyes. An unmistakable aura of power.
Kieran stiffened. "…That's Renza Vail."
Harry glanced at him. "You know her?"
Kieran exhaled. "More than that. She was one of us. One of the first Inquisitors."
A silence stretched between them.
Cipher grinned. "Get her out, and you have your alliance."
[NEW OBJECTIVE: BREAK INTO OUTPOST ZERO]
• Location: Classified Imperial Black Site.
• Threat Level: Extreme.
• Mission: Extract Renza Vail.
The Plan
Harry leaned back. "How much time do we have?"
Cipher checked his display. "Less than 48 hours. After that, they move her to a more secure location—one you won't be able to reach."
Zara sighed. "Of course it's a timed mission."
Kieran rubbed his chin. "We'll need a way in. Outpost Zero is off the records, which means no normal hyperspace routes."
Cipher tossed a small datachip across the table. "That's where this comes in."
Harry caught it, inserting it into the table's holo-display.
A detailed schematic appeared—blueprints of Outpost Zero.
Zara whistled. "That's… thorough."
Cipher smirked. "I make it my business to know things. Now, tell me—how do you plan to do it?"
Harry exhaled, scanning the layout of the prison.
There were three possible ways in.
[CHOOSE INFILTRATION METHOD]
• Option 1: Stealth Approach – Infiltrate under disguise, using forged clearance codes.
• Option 2: Direct Assault – Hit fast, hit hard, and leave no survivors.
• Option 3: Inside Man – Find someone on the inside to help break Renza out.
Harry studied the options.
Cipher watched him carefully.
Zara crossed her arms. "Please don't say 'direct assault.'"
Kieran smirked. "I vote 'direct assault.'"
Harry closed his eyes for a second.
Then, he made his decision.
"We go with the inside man."
Cipher chuckled. "Interesting choice. And do you have an 'inside man'?"
Harry opened his eyes, a dangerous smile forming.
"We're about to find one."
Cipher grinned. "Then let's get to work."
Meanwhile… Aboard the Executor
Vader stood in his meditation chamber, his breath slow, controlled.
The Force around him shifted, thick with unseen movement.
He could feel it.
The boy was moving.
Making alliances. Gathering power.
Becoming something more.
And then—
A voice echoed in the darkness.
"He is dangerous, Lord Vader."
Vader did not turn. "So was I."
A pause.
Then—a shadowed figure stepped forward.
A figure cloaked in red and black.
One of the Emperor's Dark Hands.
"Then it is time we remind him of his place."
The figure kneeled, awaiting orders.
Vader exhaled.
And when he spoke—his voice was absolute.
"Bring him to me."
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