Alliance

Gregory Astor's mansion, normally a place of opulence and power, now felt like a fortress of secrets. Gregory sat in his study, the heavy velvet curtains blocking out the morning sun. He stared at his son's photograph on his desk, his mind a whirlwind of anger and disbelief.

A knock on the door broke his reverie. "Come in," he commanded, his voice barely masking his frustration.

One of his most trusted aides entered, bowing slightly. "Sir, we have managed to gather more information about the illegal organization."

Gregory leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Speak."

"It appears the organization is called 'The Shadow Hand.' They specialize in smuggling rare monsters and selling them to the highest bidders. We also found traces linking them to the recent kidnappings and other criminal activities in the city."

Gregory's eyes darkened. "And my son's involvement?"

The aide hesitated before continuing. "It seems Lucas was used as a pawn. He was lured into the organization with promises of power and influence, but they used him to execute their plans. We found records showing he was responsible for bringing monsters into the city, but it was under their orders."

Gregory clenched his fists. "Damn it, Lucas. How could you be so foolish?" He stood up abruptly, his chair scraping the floor. "We need to contain this information. If it gets out, it will ruin us. Destroy all evidence linking Lucas to The Shadow Hand. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. We'll handle it immediately. Also, we have found important information: the Fista Guild leader's daughter was kidnapped by the Shadow Hand a few days ago, but they didn't succeed. It looks like they are also trying to find out about the Shadow Hand too."

Gregory hummed. "Okay, if you find out more about the Shadow Hand, inform me immediately."

"Yes, sir," the man replied before leaving.

Gregory sat back down, rubbing his temples. He knew he had to take drastic measures to protect his reputation and the Star Guild. There was only one option left: he had to collaborate with the Fista Guild, even if it meant swallowing his pride.

Inside the Fista Guild, Selene's room was abuzz with activity. Papers were spread across her desk, and her aides were constantly moving in and out with updates and reports. The tension in the air was palpable, and Selene's sharp eyes missed nothing.

"Has there been any movement from Gregory Astor?" Selene asked one of her aides.

"Yes, ma'am. He has been trying to cover up his son's involvement with the illegal organization. He's already ordered the removal of any evidence that could link Lucas to the monsters brought into the city."

Selene sighed. "As expected. Gregory is more concerned about his image and the Star Guild's reputation than anything else. We need to stay one step ahead. Continue to monitor his actions closely."

The aide nodded and left the room, just as another entered with a message. "Ma'am, we have a request from Gregory Astor himself. He wishes to meet with you."

Selene's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Gregory wants to meet with me? Interesting. Schedule the meeting. This could be an opportunity to gather more information."

Gregory paced his study, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on his shoulders. He had spent the last few hours strategizing how to contain the damage Lucas's actions had caused. The door to his study opened, and his most trusted advisor, Jonathan, walked in.

"Sir, the meeting with Selene is scheduled for tomorrow," Jonathan reported.

Gregory nodded, a steely resolve in his eyes. "Good. We need to find common ground with the Fista Guild. If we work together, we can eliminate this Shadow Hand organization and protect our respective guilds' reputations."

Jonathan hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Sir, what if Selene already knows about Lucas's involvement? She might use that information against us."

Gregory's jaw tightened. "We have no choice but to take that risk. If we show willingness to cooperate, it might buy us some goodwill. Besides, the Fista Guild is also affected by this organization. We need each other."

The next day, Selene stood by the window of her office, watching as Gregory Astor's car pulled up to the guild's headquarters. She turned to her trusted advisor, Marcus, who was standing by her side.

"Marcus, ensure that our security is tight. I don't fully trust Gregory, but this meeting might give us the leverage we need."

Marcus nodded. "Understood, ma'am. I'll personally oversee the security detail."

A few moments later, Gregory Astor entered Selene's office, his demeanor composed yet tense. He extended a hand, which Selene shook firmly.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, Selene," Gregory began, his voice measured.

"Of course, Gregory. Please, have a seat," Selene replied, motioning to a chair across from her desk.

Gregory sat down, his eyes locking onto Selene's. "I'll get straight to the point. We both know that this illegal organization poses a significant threat. They were responsible for bringing monsters into the city, and from what I understand, your daughter was also kidnapped by them. It will be better to work together—you'll get your revenge too."

Selene was amused to see how Gregory used her daughter's kidnapping incident to justify eliminating the organization while hiding his true intentions. 'He thinks I don't know about Lucas's involvement with the organization,' Selene smiled inwardly.

"I will take care of my personal matter. You don't have to concern yourself with it. Why would the Star Guild need my help to eliminate some illegal organization?" she asked seriously.

"Well, it will be beneficial for both of us if news goes out that both guilds worked together to wipe out criminals, don't you think?"

"Yes, that's true, but what is your motive behind it?"

Gregory paused, carefully considering his next words. "Our guilds have always maintained a delicate balance, Selene. This cooperation could strengthen our positions and establish a precedent for future collaboration. It could also ensure that no rogue organization ever threatens our cities again."

Selene leaned back in her chair, assessing Gregory with a critical eye. "I understand the practical benefits, but I find it hard to believe that your primary motivation is the greater good. What's really driving this sudden desire for partnership, Gregory?"

Gregory gave up as it seemed she already knew about Lucas's involvement. His expression hardened. "I won't deny that protecting my guild's reputation is a significant factor. But I also want revenge for my son. He was manipulated and used by this illegal organization. We both have reasons to dismantle them. You have the resources, and I have information that could be valuable to your efforts."

Selene was surprised to see him admit it himself. She had been planning to make him spill it out, but this was better.

Selene remained silent for a moment, weighing her options. "Alright, Gregory. I'll agree to this collaboration, but under one condition: full transparency. If I find out you're withholding any information, this alliance ends immediately."

Gregory nodded. "Agreed. We'll share all relevant intelligence. I'll have my team coordinate with yours to set up a joint task force."

Selene extended her hand. "Then we have a deal."

As they shook hands, both guild leaders felt a mixture of relief and trepidation. This alliance, though necessary, was fraught with potential pitfalls.

Later that evening, back at the Star Guild, Gregory gathered his senior advisors in his private chamber.

"We're now in an uneasy alliance with the Fista Guild," Gregory began, looking at each of his advisors in turn. "This is a delicate situation. We must ensure that we maintain control over the narrative and leverage this partnership to our advantage."

Jonathan, his most trusted advisor, stepped forward. "Sir, what about the evidence we're trying to suppress?"

Gregory sighed. "The Fista Guild already knows everything about Lucas's death and his involvement with the Shadow Hand, but we still need to hide it from the guild master. It's good that he is out of the country right now on a business trip. For now, our focus is on dismantling The Shadow Hand. Keep a close eye on our operations, and make sure our tracks are covered. Any sign of a leak, and we need to act swiftly."

The next day, the joint task force between the Star Guild and the Fista Guild convened for the first time. Representatives from both sides gathered in a neutral location, ready to pool their resources and intelligence.

Selene and Marcus led the Fista Guild's contingent, while Gregory and Jonathan headed the Star Guild's team.

"Let's get straight to business," Selene said, projecting authority. "We need to map out The Shadow Hand's operations, identify their key players, and disrupt their supply chains."

Gregory nodded. "Agreed. Our preliminary intelligence indicates that The Shadow Hand operates through a network of safe houses and underground routes. We need to hit them where it hurts."

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that despite their differences, both guilds had a common goal. Detailed plans were made, and specific roles were assigned.

As the teams worked together, tensions ran high, but the shared objective kept them focused. Each guild brought their unique strengths to the table, and slowly but surely, the puzzle pieces of The Shadow Hand's operations began to come together.

Days turned into weeks, and the joint task force made significant progress. They identified several key players within The Shadow Hand and disrupted major supply lines, dealing a severe blow to the organization. However, the battle was far from over.

Selene and Gregory met regularly to review their progress and adjust their strategies. Trust was a fragile thing between them, but the necessity of their alliance held them together.