Tom's voice crackled through the encrypted line, "Boss, I've sent over everything I've dug up so far. If you need more depth, just give me a bit more time."
Zero paused, taking in the wealth of information on his screen. "What you've provided will do for now, Tom. Rest up, and thanks for the swift work."
A hint of admiration crept into Zero's thoughts, 'Tom's efficiency never ceases to amaze.' As he mulled over this, a fleeting smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
He then delved into the comprehensive dossier on KnifePoint that Tom had compiled.
Zero's fingers scrolled through the sea of information presented before him, each byte of data more compelling than the last.
The KnifePoint gang wasn't just a common criminal group; they were just a small yet significant branch of a sprawling criminal empire.
KnifePoint was known for its influence in the southeast region of the city. Based out of a rundown warehouse in the industrial district, they ran various illegal operations from smuggling to loan-sharking. Their reach was extensive, covering about a quarter of the entire city. It was estimated they had a force of about 100 active members, with countless informants and contacts infiltrating almost every sphere of society.
The group was notorious for its aggressive recruitment tactics, often preying on the young and vulnerable, promising them protection and belonging. This strategy ensured their numbers remained robust and their operations well-staffed.
And at the helm of this intricate web of criminality was their leader. A man known simply as 'Blade'. The photos revealed a tall, robust figure with weathered skin, showcasing the many battles he'd faced over the years.
But the most striking feature was the deep, jagged scar that ran from his left temple, slicing through his eye (which was milky white from blindness) and terminating at the corner of his mouth, giving him a perpetual sneer.
His dark, piercing eyes held a look of menace that few could stand against. This was a man who had seen and done things, many of which were better left unsaid.
Tom had meticulously gathered video footage from various compromised CCTVs around the city. The clips were a window into the dark underbelly of KnifePoint's operations.
One video revealed a dimly lit alley where several gang members had cornered a man. His eyes darted in panic as he was surrounded. Pinned against the grimy wall, the man's cries echoed as blows rained down on him. The gang's laughter and jeers filled the air, indicating he was probably a debtor who couldn't make his payment.
Another clip showcased an empty parking lot, bathed in the glow of a single streetlight. A black sedan pulled up, and moments later, another vehicle joined. Quick and discreet exchanges of packages took place. The stealthy nature of the exchange suggested illegal transactions.
Yet another video captured a scene outside a rundown bar. A bouncer was forcibly evicting a patron, but as he stumbled out onto the street, a few gang members swarmed him, shaking him down for money, and confiscating personal belongings as compensation.
Lastly, there was footage from a busy marketplace during the day. Amidst the hustle and bustle, a pickpocket skillfully weaved through the crowd. However, when he tried to hand off his stolen goods to a fellow gang member, a third man appeared, roughing up the thief for operating in KnifePoint territory without giving them a cut.
Each clip, each instance, underscored the gang's widespread influence and their relentless hold on various illegal activities in the city.
But the last piece of the puzzle left Zero frozen. A candid snapshot of a familiar red van parked outside what looked like one of KnifePoint's hideouts. The plate number stood out clearly as day: 8141. The same number from his nightmarish dream.
=====
Calm Mind Rank F has detected an unstable mind and emotion, the skill will be activated.
Calm Mind Rank F has detected an unstable mind and emotion, the skill will be activated.
Calm Mind Rank F has detected an unstable mind and emotion, the skill will be activated.
=====
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Warning! Warning! Warning!
Calm Mind Rank F Failed, Reason: low rank.
The user will enter a mental state
-------
The truth hit Zero hard. His trusty 'Calm Mind' tool, which always helped him cool down, had stopped working. The sheer anger he felt was too much for him to handle.
Flashes of the past filled his mind. His dad had borrowed money from KnifePoint when things got tough. When the time came to pay back and his dad couldn't, 'Blade' didn't think twice. He chose the cruelest way out.
Taking deep, ragged breaths, Zero felt his anger boil. "I didn't even get to see my parents after the accident," he murmured. The scary idea that KnifePoint might have done worse things than killing them popped into his mind. He'd heard of gangs selling body parts, and the thought that it might have been his parents' fate made his stomach churn.
Zero's eyes filled with tears of pure rage. In his frustration, he bit down on his lip so hard that he tasted blood. The room felt colder, like it was echoing his anger. One thing was clear in his mind: KnifePoint would regret messing with his family. Every last person involved would pay.
The sharp sting from the reopening scar on his hand pulled Zero back to reality. Without thinking, he smacked himself across the face, the force turning his cheek a vivid shade of red. "focus.." he silently berated himself.
Drawing in three long, calming breaths, Zero refocused, pulling up the intel Tom had sent on his phone. The locations, the plans, all the data about KnifePoint was right there. As he absorbed the information, a sudden notification made his heart skip a beat.
==============================
QUEST ALERT:
Target: Rescue Family from KnifePoint
Reward: 5,000 Zen, +7 all stats.
Failure: Loss of Parents
Time Limit: 5 days
==============================
==============================
QUEST ALERT:
Mission: 0/100
Kill every singe KnifePoint member
+20 Zen for every single kill, +0.1 all stats for every 5 kills.
Time Limit: 5 days
==============================
A sinister smirk tugged at Zero's lips, transforming his face into one of malevolent determination. "Perfect," he muttered, his voice dripping with dark intent.
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting its silvery glow upon the city below. Its luminescent light bathed the sprawling metropolis, revealing both its beauty and shadows. Tall skyscrapers reached out, trying to touch the stars, their glass windows reflecting the ethereal glow and twinkling like a constellation of their own.
Beneath them, the city streets lay quiet but not silent. The distant hum of a car engine or the faint notes of music from a late-night diner carried through the crisp air. Somewhere, a lone dog barked, its voice echoing through the empty avenues. The night had draped a shroud of serenity over the city, masking its usual chaotic nature.
As Zero climbed out, the gentle breeze of the night rustled his hair, carrying with it the scents and sounds of the sleeping city. The moonlight painted him in silver, casting long shadows behind him, making his descent feel almost ethereal.
The air around Zero seemed to thicken as if it could feel the potent mix of rage and anticipation coursing through his veins. Those who had known him, those who had crossed him in his previous life, would recognize this aura. It was the same menacing energy that had enveloped him during his last fight of his previous life, against the security guard.
His face twisted into a psychotic, evil smile, a stark contrast to the beauty on his face and to the calm beauty of the night around him. "This will be fun," he whispered, his voice dripping with malice. The city might have been asleep, but somewhere in its vast expanse, there were those who would soon feel the full force of Zero's fury.