Frank and Leo moved quietly through the northern district, retracing the paths of the previous attacks. Frank had decided it was time to gather more information about the true leader behind the hooded figures.
"Every leader leaves a pattern," Frank said. "We just need to find it. Even the cleverest strategist slips up eventually."
Leo scanned the rooftops nervously. "But how do we know where to look? They could be anywhere."
Frank studied the map again, comparing the marked routes with the locations of the recent attacks. "Look at this. All the ambushes focus on key points: the warehouse, the market, the alleys near the watchtower. Whoever planned this knows the town intimately."
Leo's eyes widened. "So they must live here… or have been watching for a long time."
"Exactly," Frank said. "And that narrows our search. We need to check abandoned buildings, rooftops, and any place with a vantage point. Look for anything unusual—scratches, fabric, marks, even discarded objects. Intelligence first, fight later."
Hours passed. Frank and Leo explored alleys, rooftops, and the edges of the town, noting every detail. Finally, near the old mill at the town's edge, Frank spotted something—a faint trail of disturbed dust leading to a hidden doorway behind stacked barrels.
"This is it," Frank whispered, crouching. "Someone's been using this as a secret passage. Watch your step."
They carefully entered the doorway, moving quietly through the dark corridor. It was narrow, winding, and mostly abandoned, but at the end, Frank noticed signs of recent activity: fresh footprints, scraps of fabric, and a small, partially hidden satchel.
Leo leaned in. "Do you think it belongs to the leader?"
Frank shook his head. "Not yet. But whoever used this passage is connected. And if we follow this trail carefully, it could lead us to the one controlling the attacks."
Frank took a deep breath. "Leo, this is dangerous. We might encounter more than pawns. Be ready for anything."
Leo nodded, gripping his stick tightly. "I'm ready, Spenser. Let's find them."
As they moved deeper into the hidden passage, Frank felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. The town's safety wasn't just about standing anymore—it was about hunting, learning, and anticipating the enemy before they struck.
And somewhere above, hidden in the shadows, the true leader watched, whispering to themselves:
"There he stands… but will he reach me before it's too late?"