Syndicate response to the supply raids came faster than expected, Vex sent three B-Rank hunter teams to probe coalition territory within four days, testing defenses and gathering intelligence about the new protected status arrangement with Association.
Luthra intercepted the first probe himself, taking twelve defenders to ambush the five-person Syndicate scouting party before they reached settlement perimeter, the fight was quick and brutal, three enemies killed and two captured for interrogation.
"Vex wants to know how much Association is actually protecting you," one captured scout admitted under Misha's questioning, her sovereign space technique creating uncomfortable pressure that encouraged honesty, "orders were to engage if possible, retreat if outmatched, report everything."
"And if they found us weakly defended?" Luthra asked.
"Then probably another major assault within the month," the scout said, "Vex isn't giving up on this territory, he's just reassessing approach."
