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"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."
- Eleanor Roosevelt
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The night was cool, and as Zack walked away from the docks, the sound of the ocean faded behind him. The rain had started to fall, a light drizzle that quickly escalated into a steady downpour, soaking the streets and casting a reflective sheen on the pavement. The only sound now was the pattering of rain and Zack's footsteps as they echoed through the empty alleyways.
His mind was still heavy with the confrontation with Johan. He had won the fight, but it didn't feel like a victory. Deep down, Zack knew that Johan was fighting a battle he couldn't help with, a battle of pride, insecurity, and the need for control. Zack hoped his friend would come around, but for now, there was no choice but to leave him behind.
As Zack turned the corner, his eyes narrowed. Standing at the end of the rain-soaked street was a familiar figure, silhouetted against the dim glow of a streetlight. The iconic black suit, perfectly tailored, clung to his tall frame, and despite the rain pouring down around him, he looked as composed and dangerous as ever.
Gun.
The rain gave him a dramatic backdrop, as if nature itself was emphasizing his presence. His slicked-back hair was slightly wet, but the rain didn't seem to bother him. He stood there, hands in his pockets, his eyes hidden behind his signature glasses.
Zack frowned, his muscles tensing instinctively as he recognized the man who had once been the symbol of unattainable power to him.
"What are you doing here, Gun?" Zack asked, his voice low but steady, cutting through the sound of the rain.
Gun raised an eyebrow, his face betraying nothing but mild amusement. "I'm here for Johan," he replied calmly, his voice smooth and casual, as if this were just another walk in the park for him. "He's disqualified. A man who can't keep a loyal crew isn't worth my time."
Zack's frown deepened, his fists clenching at his sides. "Disqualified?" he repeated, his voice laced with frustration. "You mean you're here to take him down? How do you even know about what just happened?"
Gun chuckled, shaking his head lightly. "I always have people watching for me. I like to keep tabs on potential assets… and liabilities." His eyes gleamed behind his glasses. "Johan failed the test. He couldn't keep God Dog loyal. And now, I'm here to clean up the mess."
Zack took a step forward, his body radiating a sense of urgency and defiance. "Not this time, Gun. Johan's not your problem anymore. This is Allied territory now. Stay out of it."
For a brief moment, silence filled the air, broken only by the steady rain. Gun's smile faded, and his hand slowly rose to remove his glasses, tucking them carefully into his jacket. His gaze hardened, and a cold, dangerous glint appeared in his eyes as he glared directly at Zack.
"You're telling me," Gun began slowly, his voice dropping to a menacing tone, "that the Allied Crew is going to stand in my way? You think you can go against my will?"
Zack's heart pounded in his chest, but he didn't back down. His body was steady, his stance unwavering as he locked eyes with Gun. He had come too far to back down now. This wasn't the same Zack who had stood in Gun's shadow months ago. He wasn't scared anymore. He had grown, both in strength and resolve.
"Yeah," Zack said firmly, his voice not wavering for a second. "That's exactly what I'm saying."
Gun's smile returned, but this time it was sadistic, his eyes gleaming with a dark excitement. "I see," he murmured, his tone dripping with malice. Without another word, Gun moved. He was lightning-fast, closing the distance between them in an instant, his fist shooting toward Zack's abdomen with brutal precision.
BOOM.
The impact sent a shockwave through the rain-soaked street, the force of the punch echoing into the night. The ground beneath Zack cracked, the sheer power of Gun's punch sending dust and debris into the air.
But as the smoke cleared, there stood Zack, his body unshaken, his expression resolute. His endurance mastery had taken the hit, and he stood tall, the pain barely registering on his face.
"I'm not like I was three months ago," Zack said, his voice steady, his eyes locked onto Gun.
Gun's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but the shock quickly faded, replaced by an even darker, more sadistic grin. He licked his lips, the thrill of battle coursing through him as he took a step back, adjusting his stance.
"Neither am I," Gun replied, his voice low and filled with excitement. His hands flexed, his muscles tensing as he prepared for the real fight. "Let's see how far you've come, Zack."
The rain continued to fall, the tension between them thickening with every second. Zack knew this was going to be the toughest battle of his life. Gun wasn't just any opponent, he was a monster, a man who lived for the thrill of combat, for the sheer joy of breaking those who dared to challenge him.
But Zack didn't flinch. He didn't back down. This was his fight now, and he would face it head-on, no matter the cost.
....
As the Allied Crew split up to tackle their respective missions, the tension was palpable. Vasco, Jay, and Warren led Squad A toward the Fourth Affiliate. The streets became narrower and darker as they approached the territory of the affiliate known for its sheer numbers and brute force.
Vasco's fists clenched in excitement, his breath steady. "We'll break through them," he muttered, his eyes gleaming with determination. Jay, silent as always, followed closely, his mind sharp, ready to support his friends however needed. Warren, his muscles tense, glanced at his crew and gave a nod, sharing the unspoken bond they had forged after training.
On the other side of town, Daniel and Eli were heading toward the Third Affiliate. The streets around them grew more desolate, the shadows stretching as they neared the heart of the drug distribution ring led by Vivi. Eli's expression was cold and focused, his hands resting in his pockets, his mind already calculating their next move.
Daniel walked beside him, his usual calm confidence masking the weight of responsibility he felt. "This ends today," Daniel said, his voice firm, as Eli gave a curt nod in agreement. The Third Affiliate's drug operations had caused too much damage, and it was time to dismantle their empire.
As they moved in their respective squads, the air felt thick with anticipation. The Workers had always been a looming threat, but now, the Allied Crew was ready to face them head-on. Each squad moved with purpose, their shared determination pushing them toward the inevitable confrontation that would shape their futures.
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End of the chapter
Author Out!