"The money's ready." The following day turned out to be relatively uneventful for my next target. He had everything prepared and handed over the money without fuss. After submitting the cash to the lending company and finalizing the paperwork, I exited the premises.
As I meandered through the city, I spotted a familiar face mingling among a group of friends.
"Hutch..." That's right, he was one of those who had caused trouble for the person I had replaced. My pulse raced, and a surge of anger began to consume me.
[Mission Received]
[Revenge is best served when you leave your enemies in despair.]
[Being destined to be the cruelest being, you can't allow your bully to walk around freely, break him, and leave him with nothing but despair.]
[Reward: 5000 Evil Points]
Regardless of any rewards, I was intent on this course of action. Hutch was out, seemingly enjoying a regular day with his friends.
I trailed behind them, maintaining a safe distance to avoid detection while gathering information on his daily routines and potential vulnerabilities.
Unfortunately, I couldn't pick up on their conversation. Even though my look had drastically transformed, he did not need to recognize me just yet.
I kept up with my surveillance, and predictably, they made their way into a martial arts training center. Hutch's interest in honing his martial skills was well known.
My primary goal was to gauge his fighting prowess, and I had an idea for that. Thanks to the recent windfall from the interrupter, funds weren't a concern.
While observing Hutch's raw skill was essential, I truly desired to see him pushed to his limits and to witness him grappling with pain and anguish.
Surveying the training center, I sought out someone who seemed to possess superior fighting skills compared to Hutch. While there were a few contenders, finding the right individual for this task was a challenge.
"Hey, if I provided some incentive, would you be up for giving someone a real challenge?" I approached a man who exuded an air of menace. I spoke in a hushed tone, ensuring only he could hear.
The audacity of my proposal might have backfired, but instinctively, I felt he was the right fit. Most would likely overlook him, but I saw potential.
His attire was an odd mix, with him donning what appeared to be business casual, a stark contrast to the typical gym wear in this facility. His weary expression added to the incongruence. There was a good chance he was here under some kind of pretense.
"How much do you want?" He seemed intrigued and inquired about the amount. On second thought, he might be incognito.
"I can give you $100,000 in cash." Perhaps I was being a bit reckless with my finances, but bringing Hutch down was a priority for me. After all, that's the going rate for causing harm in broad daylight.
"What specifics do you have in mind for this task?" I was taken aback by his willingness to let me dictate the terms.
"Break his limbs. Ensure it's nothing fatal. And if you can, let him fight back with all he's got." Hutch shouldn't be finished off so easily; that pleasure should be reserved for me.
"So, will you pay through a bank transfer or cash? The latter might take some time."
"Bank transfer." He shared his bank details, and I swiftly processed the transaction. I wasn't concerned about being duped; if things went south, I knew how to get my money back. I considered taking the money back after leaving, but I anticipated potential issues.
After settling the payment, he observed Hutch during his light workout. He challenged Hutch to a spar, and Hutch agreed without hesitation.
In sparring, injuries like broken bones are not uncommon. But taking a life during such a match is forbidden and could result in imprisonment.
"Everyone, gather around! There's a spar happening!" The excitement of watching a fight always drew a crowd. The sheer thrill and intensity made it impossible to look away.
"You sure about this, old man? You don't exactly have the outfit of a fighter." Hutch taunted with a smug expression, convinced he had the upper hand.
That's right, Hutch had always relied more on his brawn than his brains. His prowess in martial arts had given him a reputation, and with that came a certain cockiness.
"Go on, give it your best shot." As he slipped on his gloves, the duel commenced.
"Then don't mind me making the first move." Declared Hutch, launching a forceful blow.
To my amusement, his strike was effortlessly deflected. It was unclear if Hutch gave it his all, but the disbelief on his face was undeniable. He stared, dumbfounded.
"Big talk for someone with so little to show," the fighter I recruited teased Hutch, egging him on to unleash his full potential.
[+3 Evil Points]
My surprise was evident when I realized I was gaining points. Could causing others to act malevolently earn me more?
If that's the case, I should consider recruiting some followers. I had in mind to acquire an item next that would enhance my point accumulation.
Upon hearing the taunts, Hutch's demeanor shifted. Gone was his arrogance, replaced by a relentless onslaught.
Every punch Hutch threw seemed to have little effect on the seasoned fighter's arms. It was akin to an adult toying with a child, rendering all of Hutch's attacks futile. Even an onlooker unfamiliar with the situation could easily predict the outcome of this bout.
Amidst the exchange of blows, Hutch managed to catch his breath, though he was clearly exhausted from attempting to land hundreds of punches. It surprised me that he had the awareness to detect that something was amiss.
"Why did you choose me as your sparring partner?" He inquired between gasps for air, his stamina drained.
"You messed with someone you shouldn't have messed with," the man replied tersely, offering no further explanation. Without wasting any more words, he swiftly initiated his next move.