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.

Carrick stepped out of the Helios Hotel, his mind buzzing with possibilities. Partnering with Maximus Perch and the KWE Mercenary Guild was a massive step toward building the Zenith Family into an unstoppable force. But the text message Maximus had received lingered in his thoughts.

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

Someone was watching. Someone powerful enough to try and strike before he could rise too far.

Carrick lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply as he scanned the city streets. It was late, but the underworld never slept. He needed to move. If someone was coming for him, he'd strike first.

«Ding! New Mission: Identify and eliminate the unknown threat.»

«Reward: +5,000 EXP, Skill Upgrade – Shadow Steps.»

Carrick smirked. So, the game had already begun.

Thirty Minutes Later.

Carrick waited in the shadows near an abandoned warehouse, his phone buzzing in his hand. He had sent out a few feelers, Jack Harris, Alex, and Lila were already digging for information. He also had one more meeting lined up for the night.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the alley. A figure approached, a tall man with a lean, athletic build, his trench coat swaying slightly as he moved. His face was sharp, his eyes like daggers, constantly assessing his surroundings.

Carrick didn't move. He already knew who this was.

"You're late, Kasper," Carrick said coolly.

Kasper 'The Ghost' Vasquez, an infamous information broker. If there was dirt to be found in the underworld, he could dig it up.

Kasper exhaled a cloud of smoke from his cigarette. "You've been making a lot of noise, Carrick. And noise gets attention."

Carrick crossed his arms. "I'm aware. That's why I called you."

Kasper smirked, tossing a small envelope onto a nearby crate. "Someone put a hit on you. $500,000 bounty. That's serious cash."

Carrick raised an eyebrow. "Half a million?"

Kasper nodded. "And guess who's behind it?"

Carrick picked up the envelope and tore it open. Inside was a single sheet of paper with a name scrawled on it. His eyes narrowed.

"Domino Gale."

His older brother.

A slow, bitter laugh escaped Carrick's lips. "Of course."

Domino wasn't waiting for their father, Zachary, to deal with him. He had taken matters into his own hands, hiring assassins to kill Carrick before he could become a real threat.

Kasper leaned against the wall. "Domino didn't go through the usual channels. He paid off independent killers-no direct links to the Gale family."

Carrick clenched his jaw. His own brother had set a price on his head.

"How many assassins took the job?" he asked.

Kasper shrugged. "At least five confirmed. But the biggest name in the mix? Elias Kane."

Carrick's eyes darkened. Elias Kane. The Butcher of Boston.

A former military black ops soldier turned contract killer. Ruthless. Precise. Unstoppable.

Carrick knew the name well. Elias had a 100% success rate. If he accepted a job, the target never survived.

"I assume he's already in the city?" Carrick asked.

Kasper nodded. "Arrived earlier tonight. He's not the type to waste time. If I were you, I'd expect him within the next few hours."

Carrick smirked. "Good. Saves me the trouble of hunting him down."

Kasper scoffed. "You're insane. That guy's a ghost. If he's after you, you'll never see him coming."

Carrick's system chimed in his mind.

«Ding! New Target Identified: Elias Kane.»

«Sub-Mission: Survive the Night.»

«Reward: Combat Skill Upgrade – Predator's Instinct.»

Carrick cracked his knuckles. "We'll see about that."

One Hour Later.

Carrick walked into an empty warehouse on the city's outskirts. The air was thick with the scent of oil and rust. A single overhead light flickered, casting eerie shadows against the steel walls.

He stood in the center of the room, his heartbeat steady. He knew Elias was already here.

"Come on out," Carrick called. "Or do you only kill from the shadows?"

Silence.

Then,

BANG!

A bullet whizzed past Carrick's ear, grazing the skin. Fast. Precise. Deadly.

Carrick rolled to the side, drawing his pistol, but there was nothing, no movement, no sign of the shooter.

He's good.

The system activated.

«Skill Activated: Shadow Steps – Enhanced Reflexes and Stealth Awareness.»

Carrick's senses sharpened. The faintest creak of metal. The smallest shift in air pressure.

He moved just in time, another shot narrowly missed him, embedding into a wooden crate.

Carrick smirked. "You're not the only ghost here, Kane."

Then he moved, swift, silent, unpredictable. Like a predator.

Elias fired again, but Carrick was already gone, weaving through the darkness like a shadow.

Finally, he heard it, the controlled breathing of a trained killer.

Above.

Carrick spun, firing upward. His bullet struck something, a grunt of pain followed, and a dark figure dropped from the rafters.

Elias Kane rolled to his feet, blood dripping from his shoulder. His cold, blue eyes locked onto Carrick.

"Not bad, kid," Elias muttered, flexing his fingers. "You're better than I expected."

Carrick grinned. "Disappointed?"

Elias chuckled. "No. Just more interested now."

Then he charged.

Fast. Brutal. Deadly.

Carrick barely had time to block as Elias swung a knife at his throat. He dodged, feeling the blade slice through the air, missing him by inches.

They exchanged blows, punches, kicks, dodges, each movement sharp, precise, lethal.

Carrick could tell why Elias had never lost a target. He fought like a machine, efficient and unstoppable.

But Carrick wasn't just any target.

With a sudden shift, he trapped Elias's wrist, twisting hard. The knife clattered to the ground.

Elias grunted, but his eyes remained cold, calculating.

"You're strong," he admitted. "Stronger than I thought."

Carrick held him in a chokehold, his grip tightening. "Then let me make you a deal, Kane."

Elias smirked despite the pressure on his throat. "I'm listening."

"You work for me now," Carrick said. "Forget the contract. Forget the money. Join me, and I'll offer you something better."

Elias raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"

Carrick leaned in. "A chance to kill without limits. Without rules. A place at the top of the new order I'm creating."

Silence.

Then, Elias laughed.

"You're crazier than I thought, kid," he said. "Fine. You've got my attention. But if you ever show weakness... I'll kill you myself."

Carrick grinned. "Deal."

System Notification

«Ding! Elias Kane has joined the Zenith Family.»

«Reward Unlocked: Combat Skill – Predator's Instinct.»

Carrick exhaled, wiping blood from his lip. He had won.

The Gale family had sent an assassin.

Instead, Carrick had recruited a monster.

And this was just the beginning.