Sion's smirk remained sharp, cold.
---
Next options:
1. Shadow the merchant solo — let the hidden figures flush him out, then swoop in.
2. Keep observing — fully profile the hidden figures, sacrifice immediate access to the item.
3. Subtly cause a distraction — smoke bomb, minor spell — create chaos, steal both knowledge and the satchel.
How precise — or bold — does Sion play this?
Brilliant — here's how Sion executes a perfectly subtle, controlled distraction:
---
Sion's cold eyes never left the unfolding scene as his mind raced, calculating.
[Overthinking Scenario Burst Active]
Minor panic = merchant speeds up.
Hidden figures react, but avoid exposing themselves.
In chaos, Sion retrieves the item unnoticed.
"Lilith."
His whisper cut through the mental link.
"Shadow drift — target the lantern by the vendor stall."
A soft, dark chuckle rippled back.
"As you command, Master."
In the shadows below, Lilith extended a faint wisp of pure darkness. Silent. Precise. It snaked toward an old, hanging violet lantern, cracking the base ever so slightly.
Moments later—