Two days after the Storm Shark meeting, Elion led an expedition to the poisoned reef. He brought thirty shadow soldiers, including his elite units, along with Kael and Lyssa. Mira remained behind to manage the settlement—someone responsible had to stay in case of emergency.
The reef system was three hours by boat from Shadowhaven. As they approached, Elion could see why the Storm Sharks wanted it cleared. The reef was massive, with countless caves and crevices perfect for ambush predators. Schools of colorful fish that should have been abundant were notably absent.
"The snakes have disrupted the entire ecosystem," Lyssa observed, her druidic senses extended. "I can feel the imbalance. This reef should be teeming with life, but the predators have driven everything away."
Razor-Fin met them at the reef's edge with a small group of warriors. "The main nest is in the central cave system, about sixty feet down. The snakes are territorial and aggressive—they'll attack anything that enters their domain. Our warriors tried a direct assault last month. We lost four before retreating."
"Your warriors need to breathe," Elion said. "Mine don't. That gives us an advantage."
"Precisely why we asked for your help." Razor-Fin gestured at the water. "The reef is yours. Clear it however you see fit. We'll remain at the perimeter to ensure no snakes escape to infest other areas."
Elion reached through his mental link. All shadow soldiers, prepare for underwater assault. Priority: Eliminate all serpents. Secondary: Minimize damage to the reef structure itself.
Acknowledgment rippled through the bond. His shadow army dove as one, disappearing into the crystal-clear water. Through his mental connection, Elion experienced their descent—coral formations in impossible colors, narrow passages between rock walls, and then the snakes.
They were everywhere. Sleek, black-scaled serpents ranging from six to fifteen feet long, with patterns that glowed faintly in the dim light. Their fangs dripped with venom that could paralyze and kill within minutes.
But venom meant nothing to shadows.
The battle beneath the waves was silent from the surface, but Elion felt every moment through the mental link. Shadow soldiers moved through the caves with supernatural grace, their blades finding serpents hiding in crevices. The snakes fought back viciously, their strikes lightning-fast, but shadow flesh absorbed their attacks without damage.
Large concentration ahead, his shadow orc reported. Estimated fifty serpents in a central chamber. Appears to be the primary nest.
Proceed carefully. Don't collapse the cave structure.
The shadow orc led the assault on the nest. The battle was fierce—dozens of serpents defending their territory with desperate fury. But numbers meant little against immortal soldiers who couldn't be poisoned, drowned, or exhausted.
After an hour, the mental link conveyed success. The nest was cleared. The shadow soldiers began systematically sweeping the remaining caves, eliminating stragglers.
Elion watched from the boat as the water gradually cleared. Dead serpents floated to the surface, their black scales catching sunlight. Razor-Fin's warriors collected the bodies—apparently the scales and venom sacs had value for crafting and medicine.
"How many?" the war-chief asked when Elion's shadows finally emerged.
"At least two hundred serpents eliminated. The nest is destroyed. I'm leaving a dozen shadow scouts to patrol the area for the next few days in case any survivors return."
Razor-Fin nodded approvingly. "Thorough. Efficient. Minimal casualties—which is to say, none on your side. The Storm Shark Tribe is impressed, shadow-touched."
╔════════════════════════════════╗
║ QUEST COMPLETE ║
╚════════════════════════════════╝
Quest: Clear the Serpent Reef
Reward: Storm Shark Tribe - Allied status
New diplomatic options unlocked
+3000 XP
Shadow Army gains underwater combat experience
Regional Reputation increased
Elion opened his extraction interface, studying the serpent corpses. "May I claim one of the larger serpents? My ability allows me to extract the essence of defeated creatures."
"The shadow army grows through such means?" Razor-Fin's eyes gleamed with interest. "Fascinating. Yes, take what you wish. The Storm Sharks have no need for corpses beyond the materials we've already harvested."
Elion selected the largest serpent—a fifteen-foot specimen that had been the nest guardian. His hand touched the scaled hide.
Extract.
The familiar darkness came, pulling the serpent's essence into shadow. Combat instincts, swimming ability, flexibility, venom—all of it bound to his will.
╔════════════════════════════════╗
║ EXTRACTION SUCCESSFUL ║
╚════════════════════════════════╝
Shadow Soldier Gained: Shadow Serpent Guardian
Rank: Elite Infantry
Special Abilities: Constriction, Venom Strike (paralytic shadow venom), Reef Navigation
Mana Cost: 20/160
Shadow Army Count: 141/250
The shadow serpent rose beside the boat, its form sleek and deadly, eyes glowing crimson. Razor-Fin's warriors shifted nervously.
"You truly command death itself," the war-chief observed. "No wonder the Deepcurrent Clan speaks highly of you. Very well, shadow-touched Elion. The Storm Shark Tribe declares formal alliance with Shadowhaven. We will honor your territorial claims, provide military support if you're attacked by external forces, and establish trade relations."
"In exchange for?"
"The same protections extended to us. And occasional assistance with problems that require your unique capabilities." Razor-Fin extended his hand again. "Do we have agreement?"
"We do."
They shook on it, and Elion felt a shift in the regional power dynamics. They weren't just isolated settlers anymore—they had a military alliance with one of the archipelago's strongest factions.
The journey back to Shadowhaven was triumphant. As they sailed into the harbor, people gathered to hear news of the successful mission. Elion made a brief announcement about the new alliance, and cheers erupted.
That evening brought celebration, but Elion's mind was already on the next challenge—the Coral Court meeting in three days.
Thalor arrived the following morning to begin diplomatic coaching. "The Coral Court is nothing like the Storm Sharks," he warned. "They value tradition, proper protocol, beautiful speech. One wrong gesture could be interpreted as deadly insult."
For three days, Elion studied. He learned the proper greetings, the correct posture for addressing royalty, the complex hand gestures that conveyed respect. He practiced until his head ached with protocol.
"You're making good progress," Thalor said on the third day. "But remember—the Court judges you on everything. Your clothing, your speech, even how you breathe. Present yourself as a sophisticated leader, not a rough refugee."
"I am a rough refugee."
"Then fake it convincingly."