Chapter 26: Chapter 26: The Network
Olutola and Adebayo returned to their quarters, the tension still palpable. The betrayal they had just experienced was a stark reminder of the dangers they faced, not just from beasts, but from their fellow hunters. The Hunter Association was supposed to be a place of solidarity and trust, but it was clear that corruption and jealousy ran deep.
Olutola's system chimed softly as they entered their quarters.
[New Quest: Identify the Traitors]
Objective: Gather information about those who orchestrated the ambush.
Reward: Increased reputation, new skill unlock.
Olutola sat down, running a hand through his hair. "We need to be careful about who we trust, Adebayo. This isn't just about us anymore. There's a larger game at play here."
Adebayo nodded, his expression serious. "Agreed. But how do we start? We can't just go around accusing people without proof."
Olutola thought for a moment. "We need to gather information. Discreetly. Let's start with those who were part of today's mission. They might have noticed something off."
---
The following day, Olutola and Adebayo moved through the association with practiced ease, blending in with the crowd. They approached several hunters who had been present during the mission, engaging them in casual conversation.
"Hey, did you hear about that ambush yesterday?" Adebayo asked one of the hunters, a tall, lean man named Dele.
Dele nodded, his expression grim. "Yeah, everyone's talking about it. Seems like someone's got it in for you two."
Olutola leaned in slightly. "Did you notice anything unusual before the mission? Anyone acting suspiciously?"
Dele scratched his chin, thinking. "Now that you mention it, there was something. I saw a couple of guys talking in hushed tones near the mission board. Didn't catch what they were saying, but it seemed... off."
Olutola exchanged a glance with Adebayo. "Thanks, Dele. We'll look into it."
As they walked away, Olutola's mind raced. "We need to find out who those guys were. If we can identify them, we might get closer to whoever's pulling the strings."
---
That evening, Olutola decided to unwind with a session of igbo. He lit a joint, inhaling deeply and feeling the familiar slow-motion clarity wash over him. The room filled with the soft strains of his favorite playlist, the music helping him think.
As he exhaled, he muttered to himself, "Niiiiiice one." The words had become a mantra, a way to center himself amidst the chaos.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Adebayo opened it to reveal a young hunter named Ifeoma, her eyes wide with concern.
"I heard about the ambush," she said, stepping inside. "Are you guys okay?"
Olutola nodded. "We're fine. Just trying to figure out who's behind it."
Ifeoma hesitated, then spoke in a low voice. "I might have some information. I overheard a conversation between two senior hunters. They were talking about how 'that guy' needed to be taken down a peg. I think they were referring to you, Olutola."
Olutola's eyes narrowed. "Who were they?"
Ifeoma shook her head. "I didn't see their faces. But one of them had a distinctive scar on his neck. Might help you narrow it down."
"Thanks, Ifeoma. This helps a lot," Olutola said, his mind already working on the next steps.
As Ifeoma left, Adebayo turned to Olutola. "A scar, huh? That's something we can work with."
Olutola nodded. "Yeah. Let's keep our eyes open. We'll find out who these guys are and what they're up to."
---
Over the next few days, Olutola and Adebayo discreetly gathered information, piecing together the puzzle. They identified a few hunters with scars, but none seemed to fit the description. It wasn't until they encountered a grizzled veteran named Akin that they felt a surge of recognition.
Akin was known for his ruthless efficiency and his disdain for anyone who didn't meet his standards. He had a long scar running down the side of his neck, a remnant of a beast attack from years ago.
Olutola approached him casually, his expression neutral. "Hey, Akin. Heard you've been around for a while. Got any tips for staying alive out there?"
Akin grunted, eyeing Olutola with suspicion. "Work hard, stay sharp, and don't get involved in things you don't understand."
Olutola smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Good advice. Thanks."
As they walked away, Olutola whispered to Adebayo, "He's the one. I'm sure of it."
Adebayo nodded. "What's the plan?"
"We keep an eye on him. See who he talks to, where he goes. We need more than just suspicion."
---
Late that night, Olutola's system chimed again.
[Quest Update: Track Akin's Movements]
Olutola smirked. "Looks like we're on the right track."
They followed Akin discreetly over the next few days, gathering evidence and waiting for the right moment to confront him. The tension was palpable, but Olutola knew they were getting closer to uncovering the truth.
In the meantime, he continued his training, honing his skills and expanding his shadow army. Each new shadow was a reminder of his growing power and the responsibility that came with it.
As the days passed, Olutola felt a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore. He was fighting for those who couldn't protect themselves, for the hunters who looked up to him, and for the truth that needed to be uncovered.
And he wouldn't stop until he had brought the traitors to justice.