[28] Overnight fame

The rapid rise of the Sea Wolves' reputation within 'Game of Kings' took us by surprise. Just a day after our successful escort mission, the demand for our services skyrocketed. As I looked at the line of potential clients stretching over a mile outside our warehouse, I turned to Elara, both amazed and slightly overwhelmed.

"Elara, look at this," I said, gesturing towards the crowd. "We've become the hottest ticket in town overnight. We're going to need more hands on deck if we're going to capitalize on this."

Elara, scanning the crowd with a mixture of pride and incredulity, nodded. "No shit. We've struck gold here, but we're going to drown in our own success if we don't scale up. We need more mercenaries, and fast. But not just any sword-wielding thug – we need skilled fighters, people we can rely on."

I agreed, feeling the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. "Right. Let's start recruiting, but we'll do it our way. Thorough vetting, no compromises. We can't afford to let our standards slip now."

We spent the next few hours interviewing potential recruits, turning away more than we accepted. Our criteria were strict; we were looking for skill, discipline, and a certain level of savvy – qualities that were in short supply.

One burly applicant, who introduced himself as 'Ironfist', seemed promising. "I've heard about what you did to those pirates," he said, his voice gruff but respectful. "I want in. I've got the muscle and the experience. You won't regret it."

Elara eyed him, her gaze assessing. "Experience is good, muscle is better, but loyalty is best. Can we count on you to stick with the plan, even when things go south?"

Ironfist nodded emphatically. "You have my word. I'm tired of the freelance life. I want to be part of something bigger."

After several more hours, we had added a dozen new members to the Sea Wolves. Each one brought something unique to the table, and I could see the potential in this diverse group of mercenaries.

As the day wound down, Elara and I surveyed our expanded team, a sense of accomplishment mixed with anticipation for the challenges ahead. "We're not just a ragtag group anymore," I said. "We're a force. And with this team, there's no telling how far we can go."

Elara nodded, a determined glint in her eye. "Let's do it then. Train them, equip them, and get them ready for the next mission. The Sea Wolves are here to stay, and we're going to make damn sure everyone knows it."

Just then, the sudden arrival of an envoy from Cassandra's crew, known infamously throughout 'Game of Kings' as the Crimson Raiders, brought a sudden, palpable tension to our warehouse. The envoy, a tall, lean man with a scar running down his left cheek, delivered the message with a tone that brooked no argument.

"Cassandra, the leader of the Crimson Raiders, requests your presence," he announced, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Elara and me. "She's heard of your exploits and wishes to speak with you both."

Elara and I exchanged a wary glance. The idea of meeting with one of the most notorious pirate lords in the game was as intimidating as it was unexpected.

"This is fking insane," Elara muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing. "Meeting with Cassandra is like walking into a lion's den. She's not one for diplomacy, and I don't trust her intentions."

I understood her concerns but saw an opportunity we couldn't ignore. "I know it's risky, but think about it. This could be a chance to establish ourselves further. If we can get Cassandra to even begrudgingly respect us, it could open doors. Or at least keep them from being slammed in our faces."

Elara sighed, the gears in her head clearly turning. "Or it could be a trap. We're playing with fire here, Wang. But damn it, you might be right. This could be a big opportunity."

I nodded, feeling the gravity of the decision. "We'll be cautious, go in prepared for anything. But we can't pass up a chance like this. Meeting with Cassandra could change the game for us."

Finally, Elara gave a reluctant nod. "Alright, we'll go. But we stay on our toes, and at the first sign of trouble, we're out. No heroics, got it?"

"Agreed," I replied, turning to the envoy. "Tell Cassandra we accept her invitation. We'll meet her on our terms, though. Neutral ground."

The envoy nodded, a faint smirk on his lips. "Very well. I'll relay your message. Cassandra will be... interested to hear this."

As the envoy left, the weight of our decision settled on us. Meeting with Cassandra, the leader of the Crimson Raiders, was a gamble that could elevate us or lead to our downfall.

Elara looked at me, her expression serious. "We need a plan, and we need to be ready for anything. This meeting could set the course for the Sea Wolves – for better or worse."

I agreed, feeling the adrenaline beginning to build. "Let's get ready then. This is our chance to make a statement, not just to Cassandra, but to all of Portus Corsair."

Q: Would you accept the invitation?