Carrick sat in Victor's office, sipping his whiskey. He was angry and frustrated about the failed rescue mission. The quiet office couldn't calm him down.

He couldn't believe Domino had tricked him again. Now Carrick worried about his mother's safety. He imagined her suffering at the hands of Domino and the Gale family.

Victor looked serious, his eyes showing their failure. "Carrick, I'm sorry. We didn't expect Domino to be so prepared."

Carrick stared out the window, his voice filled with frustration. "It's not your fault, Victor. I knew the risks. But I won't give up."

Carrick had a secret reason for not giving up, but he kept it hidden from Victor. He had the system with him. And besides, he wanted to get his beloved mother out of the hands of the Hale Family.

Victor leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "We'll regroup, plan again. We won't let Domino win."

Regroup and plan again? Not a chance. Carrick had already received a message from the System that he needed to build up his own force as soon as possible, or else taking down the Gale family, rescuing his Mother, becoming the Mafia Lord. All will be nothing but a pipe dream.

Carrick turned back to Victor, his eyes narrowing. "I've been thinking... We can't take on the Gale family head-on, not even with the Alistair family's strength."

Victor's brow furrowed. "What are you suggesting?"

Carrick leaned forward, his eyes locked on Victor's. "We need to change our strategy. I've been thinking about this nonstop since we got back. We can't match the Gale family's manpower or resources, not yet."

Victor nodded thoughtfully. "Go on."

Carrick took a deep breath. "I think it's time for me to build my own force, separate from the Alistair family. A private army, loyal only to me."

Victor's expression turned skeptical. "Carrick, that's a bold move. You're talking about going up against one of the most powerful families in the city. Do you have any idea how much resources and manpower that would require?"

Carrick nodded. "I do. And I'm willing to take that risk. I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I believe it's the only way to take down Domino and the Gale family."

Victor leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "I understand your determination, Carrick. But have you thought this through? Building a private army takes time, money, and connections. And what about loyalty? How can you ensure these mercenaries will stay loyal to you?"

Carrick smiled, a hint of confidence in his voice. "That's the beauty of it, Victor. I've been thinking about that too. I have a plan to ensure loyalty, and it doesn't involve just throwing money at them."

Victor raised an eyebrow. "I'm intrigued. Tell me more."

Carrick leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with intensity. "I'll offer them something more valuable than money. I'll offer them a purpose. A chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. And I'll make sure they know I'll do whatever it takes to protect them, just like they'll protect me."

Victor nodded slowly, a small smile on his face. "You've been thinking about this a lot, haven't you?"

Carrick nodded. "I have. And I'm convinced this is the only way to take down Domino and the Gale family."

Victor stood, his expression serious. "Alright, Carrick. I'll support you. But you need to promise me one thing."

Carrick stood, meeting Victor's gaze. "What's that?"

Victor's voice was low and urgent. "Be careful. Domino won't hesitate to crush anyone who opposes him. And if he finds out you're building a private army..."

Carrick's jaw clenched. "I'll be careful, Victor. I promise."

Victor's expression turned thoughtful as he paced the room. "Carrick, I understand your determination, but I have to express my concerns. Building a private army is a massive undertaking. Are you prepared for the risks involved?"

Carrick nodded. "I've thought it through, Victor. I know the risks, but I believe it's the only way to take down Domino and the Gale family."

Victor stopped pacing and faced Carrick. "And what about the morality of it all? You're talking about creating a force that will potentially harm others, maybe even innocents."

Carrick's expression turned somber. "I know, Victor. But I'm not naive. I know the world we operate in. Sometimes, difficult choices need to be made to achieve a greater good."

Victor sighed. "I'm not questioning your conviction, Carrick. But what about the loyalty of these mercenaries? How can you trust them?"

Carrick leaned forward. "That's where my plan comes in. I'll handpick each member, ensure they share my vision. And I'll make sure they know I'll do whatever it takes to protect them."

Victor raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think they'll stay loyal? Money and power can be great motivators, but they can also turn people against you."

Carrick smiled wryly. "That's where my... let's call it 'insurance policy' comes in. I have something that will ensure their loyalty, something beyond just money or power."

Victor's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"

Carrick hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Let's just say I have a way to guarantee their loyalty. Something that will make it more beneficial for them to stay with me than to betray me." He didn't plan on telling Victor that the system has a soul contract that ensures that the mercenaries won't betray him. As soon as they even think of betraying him, they will die an excruciating death.

Victor's eyes narrowed. "Carrick, I hope you know what you're doing. This sounds like a delicate balancing act."

Victor sighed. "Alright, Carrick. I'll support you, but please be cautious. The stakes are higher than ever."

Carrick smiled, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Victor. I won't let you down."

As Victor nodded, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation.

"Enter," Victor called out.

A loyal guard stepped in. "Sir, we've received intel that Domino is mobilizing his forces. It seems he's planning something big."

Victor's expression turned grim. "Carrick, it seems your plan just got a lot more urgent."

Carrick walked out of Victor's office with a determined look. He had a plan and was ready to put it into action.

His first step was to visit the city's underworld, where he could find mercenaries and black-market dealers. He had paid for a list of the best mercenary groups in the country.

Carrick arrived at the Red Diamond bar, a place known for illegal activities. The bouncer, a huge man, looked him up and down before nodding.

"What brings you here?" he asked.

"I'm here on business," Carrick replied with a smile. "I'm looking for Jack Harris."

The bouncer's face changed from curious to cautious. "What do you want with Jack?" he asked.

Carrick handed him a roll of hundred-dollar bills. "Tell Jack that Carrick wants to discuss a job."

The bouncer took the money and disappeared into the crowded bar. A few minutes later, he returned with a rugged-looking man in his mid-40s.

"Carrick, this is Jack Harris," the bouncer said before melting into the crowd.

Jack's piercing gaze assessed Carrick. "What's the job?"

Carrick gestured to an empty table. "Let's talk."

Over whiskey and cigars, Carrick outlined his plan. Jack listened intently, his expression unreadable.

"You want me to join a private army to take down the Gale family?" Jack summarized.

Carrick nodded. "That's right. And I'm willing to pay top dollar."

Jack snorted. "You're either very brave or very stupid."

Carrick smiled. "Let's say I have a score to settle."

Jack leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "I'm in, but I have conditions."

Carrick raised an eyebrow. "Name them."

"First, I choose my team. Second, we get to keep our gear. Third, you guarantee our safety."

Carrick nodded. "Done. But I have conditions too."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "What are they?"

"You and your team must be loyal only to me. No side jobs, no betrayals."

Jack smiled, a cold glint in his eye. "You've got my word."

"Now for your troubles." Carrick handed Jack a wad of cash. It was about three thousand dollars.

With Jack on board, Carrick's recruitment efforts gained momentum. Next, he met Alex, a tech expert with a talent for hacking.

"I'm in, but I need better gear," Alex said, eyeing Carrick's equipment.

Carrick smiled. "You'll get the best. And a 10% cut of all profits."

Alex's eyes widened. "Deal."

Then, Carrick recruited Lila, a skilled sniper with a troubled past.

"I'm in, but I need protection," Lila said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Carrick's expression softened. "You'll have my protection, Lila. And a new identity."

Lila's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you."

Just as Carrick was about to leave the building. The bouncer came up to him and handed him a piece of paper. There seemed to be a note written on the paper.

"Seems you've got a job that requires not only manpower, but also talent. Meet me at Helios Hotel in one hour and we will talk. The name's Maximus Perch of KWE mercenary."

Carrick's legs almost went jelly.. he had just received an invitation from the leader of the Killer-Wolves Mercenary group? The most powerful man in the entire Mafia society? Leader of the strongest mercenary group in the world? Is this a prank?

«Ding!

Host should accept the invitation.»

Carrick didn't think twice and left the building, boarded a cab towards Helios Hotel.

*

Carrick arrived at the luxurious Helios Hotel, where Maximus Perch, leader of the renowned KWE Squad, had agreed to meet. As he entered the suite, he was greeted by Maximus's imposing figure.

Maximus, a towering giant with piercing blue eyes, extended a massive hand. "Carrick, good to meet you."

Carrick shook his hand firmly. "The pleasure's mine, Maximus. Your reputation precedes you."

"Now, before I join you, I want you to convince me just as you convinced the others. Recruit me." Maximus said.

"Alright." Carrick replied.

Maximus smiled, gesturing to a seat. "Let's get down to business. What makes you think I'd be interested in joining forces?"

Carrick leaned forward. "I've heard about the KWE Squad's impressive track record. I believe your skills would be invaluable in my... endeavor."

Maximus raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is this endeavor?"

Carrick outlined his plan to take down the Gale family, leaving out no details. Maximus listened intently, his expression unreadable.

When Carrick finished, Maximus leaned back. "I'm intrigued, but I have conditions."

Carrick nodded. "Name them."

"We'll only be business partners, not employer and employee. The KWE Squad remains autonomous."

Carrick nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. But before we discuss terms, I'm curious... Tell me your story, Maximus. How did you become the leader of the world's most famous mercenary group?"

Maximus's expression softened, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "It's a long story, but I'll give you the short version."

He leaned forward, his voice taking on a reflective tone.

"I grew up on the streets of Moscow, son of a former Spetsnaz operative. My father taught me everything he knew. I honed my skills in the Russian military, then went mercenary."

Carrick listened intently as Maximus continued.

"I met my core team – Starlet, Kelly, and Elixir – during a job in Africa. We clicked, and the KWE Squad was born. We took on high-risk missions, built our reputation, and never looked back."

Maximus's eyes sparkled with pride. A fake expression he had honed in the past.

"We've worked for governments, corporations, and even other mercenary groups. But we've always remained loyal to each other. That's the secret to our success."

Carrick's eyes locked onto Maximus's. "I understand. Loyalty is everything."

Maximus nodded. "Exactly. And that's why I'll only partner with someone who shares that value."

Carrick smiled. "I think we're on the same page, Maximus." Just then he saw Maximus' facial expression change.

"It seems Mister Carrick, that you and I are more alike in more ways than one. Perhaps it's best I tell you the long version of my story." Maximus said with an unreadable expression.

"Why the change of heart? How are we alike?" Carrick became a bit puzzled. The system wasn't saying anything which was unlike the all-knowing system.

"Allow me to tell you the story of my rise to fame. Perhaps it will help you reset your path on how to take down the Gale family."

Carrick leaned forward, his sharp eyes studying Maximus. The leader of the Killer-Wolves Mercenary Guild wasn't just some war-hardened soldier, there was something deeper behind those cold, calculating eyes. Something that felt eerily familiar.

"You've piqued my interest, Maximus," Carrick said. "Go ahead, tell me your story."

Maximus smirked and leaned back in his chair, swirling the whiskey in his glass. The dim lighting of the Helios Hotel suite cast long shadows across his face, making his expression unreadable.

"You remind me of myself, Carrick," he began, his voice laced with amusement. "A young man with a vendetta, a thirst for power, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. That's dangerous."

Carrick smirked but said nothing. He was more than willing to let Maximus continue.

"I wasn't always the leader of KWE," Maximus said. "I was born into a military family in Moscow. My father was a Spetsnaz operative, a legend in his time. Cold. Calculated. Efficient. He trained me from the moment I could hold a knife. There was no childhood for me, only discipline, only survival."

Maximus took a sip of his whiskey, the ice clinking against the glass.

"But my father wasn't a hero. He was a tool. The Russian government used him, discarded him, and when he refused to comply with their orders, they silenced him. Assassins came in the night. My mother, my younger sister... they didn't make it."

Carrick's fingers curled into fists under the table. He knew that pain, the feeling of betrayal, of helplessness.

"But I did," Maximus continued, his lips curling into a wolfish grin. "They thought a ten-year-old boy wouldn't survive the winter alone. They were wrong."

There was a dangerous gleam in his eyes as he went on.

"I lived in the streets, fought for scraps, killed for the first time when I was twelve. A year later, I was recruited by a mercenary group that worked under the Russian Mafia. I learned fast, climbed the ranks, and by the time I was eighteen, I led my first squad."

Maximus paused, letting his words sink in. Carrick stayed silent, processing every word.

"Now, I don't say this for sympathy. I say this because you, Carrick, are walking the same path I did. Revenge drives you, but revenge alone isn't enough. You need power, but power without control will burn you down. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Carrick nodded slowly. "I understand... but I don't agree."

Maximus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

"I get what you're saying-power without control is destructive. But unlike you, I have something more than just revenge," Carrick said, leaning forward, his voice steady. "I have purpose. I don't just want to destroy my enemies-I want to replace them. I will build an empire that makes the Gale family look like a joke. That's the difference between you and me, Maximus."

A slow, amused chuckle escaped Maximus's lips. He looked at Carrick like he had just found something rare, something worth keeping an eye on.

"That's bold," Maximus said. "You remind me of the man I used to be."

Carrick smiled. "And yet, you're sitting here with an offer to join me. Maybe part of you wishes you were me."

Maximus barked out a laugh, shaking his head. "Cocky little bastard. Alright, you win this round."

The atmosphere shifted slightly. Maximus seemed more relaxed now, as if he'd made a decision.

"I'll admit, I was testing you," he said. "I wanted to see if you had the guts to stand your ground. You do. And that's why I'm in."

Carrick's smirk widened. "So, we have a deal?"

Maximus extended his hand. "KWE Mercenary Guild will work with the Zenith Family, but we operate as partners. No orders. No control. We work together, not under you."

Carrick took his hand, gripping it firmly. "Agreed."

Just then, Maximus's phone buzzed. He glanced at it and frowned.

"Hmm. Seems like your name is already stirring things up, Carrick," he said, flipping the phone around so Carrick could see the message.

A single text from an unknown sender read:

"Aurum Zenith is dangerous. Take him out before it's too late."

Carrick's expression darkened. Someone was already trying to get rid of him.

"Who sent that?" Carrick asked.

Maximus shrugged. "I have my suspicions. Could be the Gale family, or it could be another player who sees your rise as a threat. Either way... you've just put a target on your back."

Carrick leaned back, smiling. "Good. That means I'm doing something right."

Maximus chuckled. "I like you, Carrick. Let's see how far you can go."

Carrick stood up, his mind racing with plans. The Zenith Family was expanding fast, but now, he had something even better, the world's most dangerous mercenaries on his side.

"See you soon, Maximus," he said before walking out of the suite.

As he stepped into the night, Carrick checked his system notifications.

«Ding!

Host has successfully recruited the KWE Mercenary Guild. +10,000 EXP. New mission unlocked: Establish the Zenith Family as the new Mafia powerhouse.»

Carrick smirked.

The real war was about to begin.