Three days had passed since my last conversation with the Apollo Intelligence Agency, and in that short span, they had mobilized their forces with startling efficiency. Their response was swift—calculated, unwavering, and devastatingly effective. Precision, strategy, and sheer determination fueled every action taken to reclaim what had been lost.
Now, 10 kilometers of pristine road stretched ahead, a testament to their unyielding resolve. Each of the 16 lanes, meticulously carved at 4 meters wide, expanded into a monumental pathway—64 meters across. With the lane dividers factored in, the total width stood at an imposing 79 meters, each section separated by 5-meter partitions designed for safety and control. Even in the early afternoon light, the gleaming surface of the freshly laid asphalt seemed to shimmer with purpose.
From the balcony of my estate, the Manor looming behind me, I observed the scene unfolding. It was a statement—not just infrastructure, but a declaration of power.
The moment was interrupted by a visitor approaching with quiet confidence. His attire was impeccable, his presence neither forceful nor hesitant—merely assured, as though his mission carried the weight of inevitability.
"The AIA requests your presence at the building," he said, his voice steady, betraying no emotion.
I studied him briefly before nodding, stepping forward without hesitation. He gestured toward a waiting carriage, its polished wood paneling bearing the sleek insignia of the Apollo Transportation Company. The craftsmanship was unmistakable—fine leather seats, reinforced axles designed for a smooth ride, and an undeniable air of prestige.
The journey through the city was swift. As we passed through the heart of Apollo County, I could see evidence of calculated progress—the roads widened, the traffic streamlined, the infrastructure expanding with deliberate momentum.
In exactly twelve minutes, we arrived before the imposing façade of the AIA headquarters. Towering and immovable, the building radiated control—a fortress of power, strategically placed at the very pulse of influence.
The carriage slowed. My escort leaned forward, his movements deliberate as he unlatched the window and retrieved a finely pressed identification card from the inner pocket of his tailored coat.
The gatekeeper—stoic and watchful—studied the card carefully. Not just a glance, but a thorough scan, as if committing every detail to memory before offering a sharp nod in confirmation.
With that, the gates swung open, two additional gatekeepers stepping aside to allow passage.
Inside, we proceeded to the building's entrance, the doors looming as silent sentinels to whatever awaited me beyond. Six flights of stairs led us upward, each step echoing with finality.
Unlike previous visits, there was no idle conversation, no lingering presence of an escort. The moment we arrived at the main boardroom, the man who had accompanied me silently departed, shutting the door behind me without a word.
The room was different this time. It wasn't just Lily seated at the table. Three other men sat across from her, their faces twisted with dread—pale, weary, haunted. Their expressions alone told the story before Lily even spoke.
"These three gentlemen before you," she said calmly, "are the aggressors we discussed three days ago—Mr. Owden, Mr. James, and Mr. Teriona."
The revelation hit hard. These were the men responsible for devastating my companies, inflicting a staggering 45% loss over the past week. My jaw tightened, my pulse quickened, and for a moment, the heat of fury threatened to rise. But instead of allowing rage to take control, I steadied my breath, channeling it into cold calculation.
I turned to Lily, voice steady. "How did they get here?"
A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips.
"Three days ago, after our meeting, the intelligence team launched an extensive investigation into these men. Through relentless digging, we uncovered undeniable proof—bribery, theft, murder, and extortion. Their entire operation was built on deceit and blood.
Armed with this information, we constructed blackmail that left them with no escape. The moment they realized their predicament, they took the bait—there was no wiggle room left. Had this evidence reached the public, their reputations would have been reduced to nothing."
She leaned back slightly, her expression triumphant.
"They were so cornered, in fact, that they didn't even attempt retaliation. Assassins they would have sent after our intelligence team were intercepted, which only added to the weight of our proof. With this solid case, we presented our findings to the authorities. The result? Arrests, a court hearing, and the complete dismantling of their wealth.
And now, they sit before you, completely ruined. The only reason they avoided execution or imprisonment was by forfeiting everything they owned." A heavy silence settled over the room.
I shifted my gaze back to the men. Their posture, their defeated eyes—it was as if the last remnants of their former power had crumbled. But they no longer concerned me.
"They have no business here," I said firmly. "Remove them." Lily didn't hesitate. With a swift gesture, two guards stepped forward, pulling the disgraced men from their seats. Their departure was silent—there was no plea, no defiance, only quiet acceptance of their fate.
As the door closed behind them, Lily turned back to me, her expression one of satisfaction. "Now," she continued, "onto the assets we seized." She took out a document, sliding it across the table.
"From the three men's holdings, we secured seven territories. The largest spans 5,600 square meters (60,277 square feet), while the smallest covers 1,200 square meters (12,916 square feet). Their combined land size is 28,722m2 valued at a total of 38,465 NSD.
This price evaluation was mostly because the land they owned was mostly forest, mountains, or land that lacked infrastructure, due to its far distance, but disclosing the far distance away for any cities the land was overall good as it was fertile and had vast resources.
However, the real fortune lay in the structures built upon them—grand residences, lavish halls, intricately designed mansions—all worth a combined 782,882 NSD.
And that's not all. The remaining assets—gold, fine art, jewelry, horses, carriages, and even personal businesses—were liquidated, bringing an additional 332,920 NSD into our possession." Her voice remained unwavering as she delivered the final sum.
"That brings the total seized wealth to a staggering 1,144,524 NSD." The number rang in my head.
While it didn't fully compensate for the financial damage, it was a substantial gain—pure liquidity, readily available for eereinvestment, strategic expansion, or calculated retaliation.
Feeling as though the matter had concluded, I prepared to excuse myself.
But Lily wasn't finished, Something shifted in her demeanor—a subtle smirk, a glint of anticipation, "There's one more thing," she murmured, eyes locking onto mine - And then she dropped the final bombshell.