At dawn the next day, Barron summoned Hall, Gale, Nick, and the two newly appointed captains of the guard.
They gathered around a round table in the underground warehouse, where a detailed map of Grayscale Island was spread out before them.
"These are forged letters," Barron said, his tone calm. "They suggest that one of Rugo's lieutenants is secretly negotiating with the Blackfin Alliance. We'll get these into Rugo's hands and make him suspect his own men."
A flicker of surprise passed through Hall's eyes.
"That could tear his ranks apart from within."
Barron gave a slow nod.
"And that's not all. We'll make use of the guard units as well. At the right moment, they'll create chaos—maybe even trick Rugo's men into turning on their own allies."
Nick couldn't help but chuckle.
"Brilliant. Maybe even a bit too brilliant."
Barron allowed himself a faint smile, but his voice remained laced with coldness.
"It's the simplest path to winning this war."
The plan was set into motion swiftly. One of the guard captains personally led a small team to slip the forged letters into Rugo's study.
They also planted additional "evidence" to hint that a specific lieutenant was collaborating with the enemy.
Meanwhile, the streets of Grayscale Island descended once again into unrest. Barron's men took advantage of the confusion to spread carefully crafted rumors—whispers that Rugo's inner circle was fracturing.
The gossip spread quickly. Merchants at the port and minor factions began to question Rugo's stability.
Inside Rugo's stronghold.
A letter, discovered "by chance," was delivered directly into Rugo's hands. He sat on a wide wooden chair, his expression dark as his fingers traced each word of the letter slowly.
One of his lieutenants stood by, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Boss, these letters… they could be forgeries. There's no hard evidence to prove—" the lieutenant said cautiously.
Rugo slammed a hand down on the armrest, his glare sharp as blades.
"Forgeries? Then why does the letter mention a real meeting location?"
The lieutenant fell silent, his face turning pale.
Rugo let out a cold chuckle, his gaze sweeping across the other subordinates in the room.
"Seems like we've got a rat in the ranks," he said softly, his tone dangerously low.
"Send men to that location. I want answers. If he really did betray me…" His fist clenched. "I'll deal with him personally."
That night, Rugo's men headed toward the meeting place described in the forged letter.
But before they arrived, they were ambushed in what appeared to be a coincidental attack—an assault secretly orchestrated by Barron's forces to deepen Rugo's suspicions.
Back within Rugo's camp, the targeted lieutenants came under closer surveillance and isolation.
Paranoia grew.
Some began to secretly reach out to outside forces, hoping to secure an escape route from the looming crisis. These desperate moves, too, were swiftly picked up by Barron's network and weaponized.
Rugo started holding meetings more frequently, his rage and suspicion casting a chilling atmosphere across his base. Soldiers grew restless; some quietly abandoned their posts. Others whispered of rebellion behind closed doors.
In a hidden outpost on Grayscale Island, Barron and Kane reviewed the latest developments.
Kane placed a report on the table and spoke in a low voice, "Two of Rugo's lieutenants have already contacted the Blackfin Alliance, looking for protection. His men are rattled, morale is low."
Barron nodded, his eyes steady.
"Good," he said. "Now give them the final blow. Let everyone see that Rugo is already finished."
Kane raised an eyebrow.
"What do you have in mind?"
Barron stood and moved to the window, overlooking the chaotic harbor below.
"More chaos," he said. "We'll forge new orders—orders that pit his men against each other. At the same time, our allies will begin taking over his outer strongholds. That'll chip away at his control."
Kane gave a small nod of approval, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Looks like victory is just around the corner."
Barron nodded, but his expression remained thoughtful.
"It's not over yet," he said quietly. "Rugo hasn't fallen completely. He'll try to fight back. And when he does… we'll turn even that struggle into his grave."
Kane gave a short nod. "I'll make sure the surveillance is tightened."
Barron walked back to the table and rolled up the map.
He didn't leave right away. Instead, he stood silently for a moment, then said, "Kane, there's one more thing we need."
Kane looked up, curious. "What is it?"
Barron raised his head, his eyes glinting with calculation.
"Proof," he said in a low voice. "We need to show everyone on Grayscale Island just how incompetent and broken Rugo has become.
True victory doesn't just come from defeating him—it comes from owning the hearts of the people."
Kane nodded slowly, understanding dawning on his face, "You mean to expose his corruption and failures?"
Barron smiled faintly, his tone measured and cold.
"Not just expose—amplify.
We'll gather records of his missteps, especially his recent infighting and strategic blunders. Then we'll deliver them to the most influential merchant guilds and gang leaders on the island."
Kane was quiet for a moment, then gave a firm nod, "I understand. I'll send our people to start collecting everything."
Barron gave his shoulder a firm pat.
"The sooner the better. Remember—this isn't just a war. It's the beginning of our vengeance."
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