The city's pulse quickened as Darren mapped out his plan.
He couldn't just defend — he had to take control.
In a quiet café meeting with his closest allies, Darren laid it out:
"We won't back down. We'll hit where it hurts — their influence, their resources."
Using the system's data analytics, Darren identified weak points in the rival faction's local businesses and financial networks.
[System Suggestion: Target 2 key rival assets for strategic buyouts or partnerships.]
First, he moved on a struggling local gym owned by a figure linked to the rivals.
With a swift investment and persuasive offer, Darren secured the gym under his control.
The system pinged eagerly:
[Expenditure Multiplier Activated: 400x]
[Bonus Credit: +£1,200,000]
Word spread fast — Darren was no longer just defending; he was expanding.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, whispers of a new player disrupting the city's underground game began to circulate.
Back home, Darren's mother praised his resolve.
"You're making us proud."
But Darren knew this was just the beginning of a longer, tougher fight.
He glanced at the system's glowing interface:
[Next Mission Unlocked: Prepare for rival retaliation.]