Eric moved through the city's underbelly like a phantom, unseen and unnoticed. By day, he continued to refine his skills and grow his wealth. By night, he became a shadow, hunting for information that would lead him to the five men who had destroyed Eric Thorn's life.
His first clue started with a name: Lucas "Lukey" Gage. Of the five, Lukey was the least careful. Social media posts, late-night bar appearances, and a flashy lifestyle had made him easy to trace.
Eric's incredible understanding pieced together the fragments of Lukey's life in hours. He knew where Lukey lived, where he worked, and even his favourite bar.
[You analyse Lukey Gage's public activities. Routine identified. Weak points detected: frequent solo visits to "The Rusty Nail" on Fridays. New skill unlocked: Surveillance (Basic).]
Eric decided to observe Lukey before making any move. He couldn't afford to act rashly.
The Rusty Nail was a dimly lit dive bar on the edge of the city, where the air was thick with smoke and the stench of spilled beer. Eric arrived early, taking a corner booth with a clear view of the entrance.
His newly acquired night vision headset was hidden beneath a simple black cap, allowing him to observe without drawing attention. His breathing was steady, his mind calm.
Hours passed before Lukey stumbled in, his loud laughter cutting through the bar's background noise. He was with two others, both equally drunk and unaware of their surroundings.
Eric's mind raced as he watched. He noted Lukey's mannerisms, the way he spoke, the way he drank.
[You analyse Lukey Gage's behaviour. Psychological profile generating. Personality traits: impulsive, overconfident, reckless under influence. Potential leverage detected. New skill unlocked: Psychological Profiling (Basic).]
When Lukey left the bar, Eric followed. He kept his distance, moving silently through the alleys, staying just outside of Lukey's perception.
Lukey's apartment was on the third floor of a run-down building. Eric noted the security cameras outside and the busted front door lock. Getting in wouldn't be difficult.
The following night, Eric returned to the apartment complex. He wore a plain hoodie and gloves, blending into the darkness. His parkour training allowed him to climb to the fire escape with ease, bypassing the main entrance entirely.
Inside the apartment, the place was a mess. Empty beer bottles and fast-food wrappers littered the floor. A gaming console sat on the coffee table, surrounded by discarded controllers.
Eric moved quickly, his incredible understanding working overtime. He scanned the room, cataloguing items of interest.
On the desk, he found a laptop. With the portable hacking device he had purchased through Shade, it only took minutes to break in. The files were a treasure trove of information—emails, photos, and a contact list.
One name stood out: Derrick "Dagger" Shaw.
Dagger was one of the five. The emails between Lukey and Dagger revealed a meeting planned for the following week.
[You hack into Lukey Gage's laptop. Critical information obtained: planned meeting with Derrick Shaw. New objective unlocked: Intercept the meeting and gather intel on Shaw.]
Eric copied the files to a USB drive before carefully erasing his traces. He left the apartment as quietly as he had entered, his heart pounding with anticipation.
Back at his apartment, Eric reviewed the data he had collected. The meeting was scheduled at a warehouse in the industrial district—an area notorious for illegal dealings.
Eric knew he would need more than just his fists and batons for this. He reached out to Shade again, using the funds from his steadily growing stock portfolio.
This time, he purchased a grappling hook, smoke bombs, and a lightweight ballistic vest. He also began designing his own tools—custom gadgets inspired by his understanding of physics and mechanics.
[You acquire advanced gear. Inventory updated: Grappling Hook, Smoke Bombs, Ballistic Vest. New skill unlocked: Tactical Engineering (Basic).]
--The Mental Edge--
Eric's preparation wasn't limited to physical tools. He delved into strategy, reading books on psychology, criminology, and tactical warfare. His incredible understanding allowed him to absorb knowledge at an extraordinary rate.
[You study tactical warfare and psychology. Proficiency increased. New skill unlocked: Strategic Planning (Basic).]
He developed scenarios in his mind, predicting outcomes and creating contingency plans. By the time the day of the meeting arrived, Eric felt ready.
--The Stakeout--
Eric arrived at the warehouse hours before the meeting. He climbed to the roof using his grappling hook, finding a vantage point that gave him a clear view of the entrances.
As darkness fell, cars began to arrive. Lukey stepped out of the first one, accompanied by two men who looked like hired muscle.
Then came Dagger. He was taller than Lukey, with a cold, calculating expression. His movements were deliberate, his presence commanding.
Eric observed silently, noting every detail. The men discussed something inside the warehouse, but Eric couldn't hear from his position.
He needed to get closer.
Using the shadows for cover, he descended to a nearby window. He placed a small microphone against the glass, connecting it to his headset. Their voices came through clearly.
They spoke of shipments, payments, and something called "The Crimson Circle." It was clear these men were involved in far more than just petty crime.
[You gather intelligence on Dagger Shaw and the Crimson Circle. Critical information obtained: underground network suspected of smuggling and arms dealing. New objective unlocked: Investigate the Crimson Circle.]
Eric's heart raced. This wasn't just about revenge anymore. The five men weren't just criminals—they were part of something bigger, something dangerous.
--The Decision--
As the meeting concluded, Eric stayed in the shadows, watching as the men dispersed. He could have attacked then and there, but he held back. He wasn't ready yet—not completely.
Patience was key. He would continue to gather information, refine his skills, and build his arsenal. The time for action would come soon enough.
For now, he disappeared into the night, leaving no trace of his presence. The game was just beginning.