Brick received the mysterious envelope just as the sun began to set. His day had already been filled with frustration, and the unexpected letter only added to his sour mood. His large, calloused hands almost tore the envelope open in his impatience.
Inside was a USB drive and a short note:
"Here are some of Mr. Black's key operations. Do with this what you wish. - An enemy of Mr. Black."
Brick's blood boiled as he read the note. He could feel his immense muscles tensing under his trench coat. The recent raid by the police on their new operation had cost them dearly, both in resources and reputation. His mind wandered back to the girl who had narrowly escaped. He was certain she had tipped off the authorities.
"I should've crushed her when I had the chance," he muttered to himself, the words dripping with anger and regret.
On top of that, Mr. Black had had the audacity to swoop in and steal from them after the police raid. "That bastard," Brick grumbled, his voice a menacing growl. His fury was palpable, a storm brewing inside his towering frame.
And then there was Marcus Crassus. That wretched cripple had vanished. Brick calmed himself by imagining Marcus dying alone in some dark corner, his weak body succumbing to his relentless disease.
"Good riddance," Brick spat under his breath.
His curiosity got the better of him, and he plugged the USB drive into his terminal. Instantly, information about Mr. Black's locations flooded the screen. This was valuable intel, a treasure trove of opportunities to strike back.
"This is gold," Brick said, a triumphant grin spreading across his scarred face.
**
Brick moved through the various Black Hood operations with purpose. His presence commanded respect and fear. Everywhere he went, silence fell, and people made way for him.
At a drug lab, Brick barked orders at workers. "Double production. We're going to need every ounce of product we can get."
The workers nodded nervously, their eyes wide with fear.
At a weapon storage unit, Brick inspected the inventory. "We're going to need more firepower," he said to the quartermaster, his voice brooking no argument.
The quartermaster quickly began taking notes, too afraid to look Brick in the eye.
As Brick traveled, his thoughts churned with anger and plans for retribution. The police had attacked their new operation, and it was because of that damned girl. He clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking with the force.
Mr. Black's arrogance infuriated him even more. How dare he steal what rightfully belonged to the Black Hoods? The bastard would pay dearly for his temerity.
**
Finally, Brick arrived at the Black Hood base of operations, situated at the outskirts of the city. The compound was a fortress, surrounded by high walls, security cameras, and heavily armed guards. It also housed the Black Hoods' main money maker—the titanium mine.
As he entered, the guards stepped aside, their expressions a mix of respect and fear. They knew better than to cross Brick.
He marched straight to the heart of the compound, his heavy footsteps echoing through the dimly lit corridors.
Brick entered a shadowy room deep within the compound. The air was thick, almost suffocating, and the tension was palpable.
A cloaked figure sat in a high-backed chair, enshrouded in darkness. Only piercing green eyes were visible, glowing with an eerie intensity. This was Viper, the enigmatic and feared leader of the Black Hoods.
The person Brick idolized.
"Boss," Brick said, his voice reverberating through the room. He handed over the letter and USB drive and stepped back, awaiting Viper's reaction.
Viper's eyes scrutinized the letter then the data, glowing intensely as they absorbed the information. The silence stretched on, and Brick felt a cold sweat forming on his brow. He had never been nervous, but Viper's presence had a way of unsettling even him.
"A gift from an enemy of Mr. Black," Viper whispered, the voice like a hiss, barely audible but full of menace.
"I've had some grunts verify the information, it all seems legit from the reconnaissance we've done." Brick said. Of course he wasn't foolish enough to come without doing that much.
"And the person who sent you this letter, do you know who it was?" Viper asked and Brick shook his head.
Viper deliberated, the room steeped in an oppressive silence. Finally, Viper spoke, the decision ringing clear. "Prepare for war."
Brick's heart pounded with anticipation. War. The word resonated through his mind like a drumbeat. He needed to be sure.
"With who?" Brick asked, needing absolute clarity.
Viper's glowing green eyes bore into Brick's soul. "Everyone," the leader replied, the single word delivered with chilling finality. "With that corporate rat Mr.Black, with the annoying police and most importantly with whoever sent that letter."
Brick raised his eyes and Viper spoke again with a mocking laugh "There are no free gifts in this world Brick, this information comes with a price, we just haven't been told what it is yet."
"But we act anyway?" Brick asked confused.
"It's to precious not too, and whoever sent that letter knows so too. They are sly but it's no matter, we will kill them all." Viper said voice ending with evident threat, ending the conversation.
Brick left the room, determination and anger etched onto his face. He had his orders. He would mobilize every resource at their disposal.
Every drug lab, every weapon stash, and every fighter.
They were going to war.
As Brick walked out of the compound, he couldn't help but smirk. The battle lines were drawn. The anticipation of conflict was exhilarating. His muscular frame seemed to grow even larger with the weight of the impending fight.
He passed through the titanium mine, watching the slave workers and bots toil away. They plunged their tools into the earth, extracting precious ore that would fuel the Black Hoods' war machine.
"Keep working, boys," Brick called out, his voice booming over the clanging of metal. "We've got a war to win."
**
The night deepened as Brick moved through the city, rallying the Black Hoods. Members gathered at designated spots, whispering amongst themselves, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and excitement.
Brick addressed them, his voice firm and unyielding. "Listen up! We've been attacked from all sides—by the police, by Mr. Black, and by any bastard who thinks they can best us. But tonight, we strike back. Tonight, we prepare for war!"
The crowd roared in approval, their spirits ignited by Brick's fiery words.
"We'll crush every one of them," Brick continued. "Mr. Black, the police, anyone standing against us. No one will be spared."
The Black Hoods buzzed with energy as they began to mobilize. Weapons were distributed, plans were made, and alliances were forged.
They were scum all of them, but they were in this together.
Brick felt a surge of pride watching his comrades prepare. He was ready to lead them into battle, ready to win.
As the night wore on, Brick couldn't shake the images of their enemies falling before them. The thought of Mr. Black's smug face filled him with rage, and he longed for the moment he could wipe it off for good.
At the edge of the city, the Black Hood compound buzzed with activity. The anticipation of war had awakened a savage energy among the fighters.
In the silence before dawn, Brick stood overlooking the compound. His resolve steel, his fists clenched.
Battle was coming.
And Brick knew one thing for certain: the Black Hoods would emerge victorious.