As I finalized my preparations for the Primeval Stone expedition—a logistical challenge requiring immense secrecy—my two counterweights in the Jade Feather Clan were basking in the glow of public recognition. The Clan Elders, particularly Elder Varen, ensured that Kael and Rork were constantly in the spotlight, cementing their status as the Clan's rising stars.
The narrative was clear: visible talent earns glory; quiet work earns dismissal.
Kael, the Arcane Genius, was the media darling. He successfully completed the notoriously difficult Sky-Tower Infiltration (Rank B) mission.
The Public Event: Kael used a massive, complex fusion of Wind and Arcane spells—a beautiful, dazzling display of raw, high-mana output. He defeated the security system through sheer force, leaving behind destroyed runes and shattered pathways.
The Clan's Reaction: The Elders hailed it as "Brilliance in Action." They spoke of Kael's instinct and his fearless use of power. He was publicly rewarded with a rare Rank B+ Core, and his fame spread across the low tiers of The Ascendant City. The Clan celebrated the visible, spectacular success.
Rork, the Kinetic Genius, was the military hero. He successfully completed the Underground Colossus Purge (Rank B) mission.
The Public Event: Rork charged the subterranean behemoth, relying on his Lava Bear spirit and brute force. His battle was loud, chaotic, and destructive. He won by overwhelming the Colossus's defense with constant, kinetic trauma, finishing the fight exhausted and covered in scars.
The Clan's Reaction: The Elders lauded his "Indomitable Will" and "Unbreakable Spirit." Rork was given access to the Clan's Rank A armory and presented as the perfect example of raw, unstoppable force. The Clan celebrated the obvious, physical might.
They were rewarded with resources, praise, and, most importantly for my plan, maximum attention.
While Kael and Rork were celebrated on the Clan's holoscreens, I maintained my meticulously crafted persona: The Compliant, Average E-Rank.
My missions were still the low-level, high-volume variety, albeit slightly upgraded to E-Rank tasks like "Securing Remote Supply Lines" or "Mapping Sub-Level Structural Flaws."
The Public Log: My log showed continuous, low-risk completion. I finished the jobs quickly, but with zero fanfare. When completing a supply run, I simply returned the goods, noting the delivery time with a clumsy salute.
The Clan's Reaction: The Elders saw Dax Jackal as a useful, background asset. He was consistent, but entirely unremarkable. Elder Varen's assessment was the ultimate camouflage: "Jackal is performing exactly as expected. He lacks the flash or the genius of Rork and Kael, but his persistence is adequate for maintaining the Clan's logistics. He will make a fine foreman someday. He is not a hunter of legend."
This public dismissal was my gold standard. Every bit of fame Kael and Rork accrued was a layer of shadow for me. Their visible, noisy power masked my invisible, absolute control.
The Clan was focused on the spectacular—the shattered walls, the soaring spell-work, the bloody victory. They celebrated power's performance. They never looked at the efficiency logs, the Level 3 Data searches, or the secret flow of Apex Brew funds.
They would never believe that the unassuming E-Rank who was "too lazy" to fight difficult missions was actually preparing to undertake a Mythic-tier expedition to secure the power required to seize the Query Card—the very artifact that granted the Central Authority their power.
The illusion was perfect. I was invisible, and I was ready to leave.