'If I maintain this pace, I'll finish all seven before the Special Investigators even know something's happening. They're focused on the other Houses, not on the Fanged Serpent being systematically destroyed.'
But confidence couldn't become arrogance.
Rey remained alert, watching for any sign that his activities had attracted unwanted attention.
He varied his approach slightly for each branch—different timing, different observation positions, different mystical signatures in the explosive payloads.
'Just in case,' he reminded himself. 'The Special Investigators are formidable. If they do detect what's happening and redirect their investigation, I need to be prepared to either accelerate or abort depending on circumstances.'
The fifth branch fell.
The sixth branch was eliminated.
Seven attacks across Elkrim in a single night, each one destroying a Fanged Serpent operational facility along with its staff.
*******
