Merlin's modification shop was located in a somewhat remote area. However, with the increase in the number of modified cars and weapon shops seized by the police, the stable and profitable gang life began to face disruptions.
In addition to this, Merlin occasionally sent out tasks in groups, and many participating merchants also posted tasks. As a result, the entire Hell's Kitchen began to descend into chaos once again, significantly hindering the efforts of the Apple City police. It's uncertain how long it will take for the authorities to track down Merlin's operations.
As the number of players grew, many merchants joined the platform and began to publish various tasks, such as search missions similar to those involving Dr. Dre, the founder of West Coast G-funk gangsta rap, as well as bounty missions, car theft missions, robbery planning missions, theft missions, and herbal medicine businesses.
Seeing the potential of the platform, many individuals jumped on board, leading to an increase in active assets within the game. As long as the Rockstar subsystem and bunker research remained untraceable, the police would be unable to stop the platform's development.
"But speaking of which, I rarely hear your name lately," Merlin said, tossing the empty Coke can into the trash while continuing to work on the electromagnetic gun for Arcee and the others.
"It's been chaotic lately. I can't even find my target. So, I figured I'd take a break," Frank replied, moving to sit on the sofa. Noticing that Merlin was the only one in the shop, he suddenly asked, "Are you planning something here? I want to find something to do."
"You know how to modify cars?" Merlin asked, surprised.
"I'm not good at modifying cars, but I'm good with weapons," Frank replied, nodding toward the weapons arsenal in the backyard.
"Alright, I'm not in the store much these days, so it wouldn't be bad to have you look after it for me. Just don't kill my customers in the store," Merlin agreed after a moment of thought but added a warning. The clientele that frequented his shop wasn't exactly the most trustworthy, and he didn't want Frank killing someone familiar.
"Don't worry. Since I'm looking to lay low for a while, I won't cause any trouble," Frank promised.
"Well, don't be too restrained. If some customers offend you, feel free to take them out. Around here, the customer isn't always right," Merlin added with a smirk.
"You're not as cold-hearted as you seem," Frank teased, recalling the hefty fees Merlin charged for their past collaborations. But he knew those fees came with solid planning and hacking skills that often proved invaluable, like wiping out police bounties.
"If you don't want the pay, I won't argue," Merlin retorted, rolling his eyes.
"Then I'll go find Daredevil. I heard his friend is good at handling legal stuff," Frank joked.
"He doesn't have time lately," Merlin shot back.
Frank paused, realizing that he hadn't seen or heard much about Daredevil recently. "Yeah, I guess you're right. He's probably busy with the Hand," he muttered, remembering Matt's ongoing vigilante work.
"Alright, let's head over to Merlin Airlines," Merlin said, exhaling in relief after finishing up with Arcee.
"Merlin Airlines?" Frank asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I rented an aviation manufacturing plant where I make helicopters and fighter planes. You didn't think a small modification shop like mine could build a fighter jet, did you?"
Frank was momentarily speechless. "......"
Meanwhile, across the city at Perito Bank in Brooklyn, chaos erupted.
"Bang!" A clear gunshot rang out above the noisy street, bringing an abrupt silence to the area.
"Ahhhhh!!!" A sharp female scream pierced through the quiet, triggering a wave of panic. People on the street began screaming in terror, frantically fleeing in all directions, some bending low, others darting around the bank, desperate to escape.
"Bang!" The door of the bank burst open as a group of robbers wearing black hoods stormed in, brandishing bullpup rifles and shouting orders.
"Get down on the ground! This is a robbery!"
"Alright, folks, today's the day you make a choice!"
"Everyone, on the ground! Now!"
One of the robbers marched straight into the lobby, heading for the front desk. He pointed his gun at the terrified bank employees behind the counter.
"You, and you, out from behind the counter, hands up!"
The air was thick with tension as the cacophony of the bank alarm, the terrified cries of the customers, and the rough threats from the robbers mixed together, turning the once quiet hall into a scene of chaos.
"Shut up! Whoever's talking, get ready to meet God!" The gangster, irritated by the noise, fired a burst of bullets into the air. The sharp gunfire silenced the room instantly, leaving one unfortunate figure on the ground, clutching his neck in terror as his voice suddenly ceased. His face was frozen in a look of horror.
"Mike, keep an eye on these people. We're going to grab the money and the equipment! This is our first mission, and we need to nail it." The lead robber, satisfied with the newfound silence, turned to his companion, Mike, and gave him the instructions before heading toward the vault with the welding gun and explosives in hand.
"No problem, but make it quick—the cops will be here any minute!"
"Don't worry about it!"
"Boom!"
Just as Merlin and Frank were arriving on Eighth Avenue in Brooklyn, a loud explosion echoed from the Perito Bank ahead. The street was temporarily blocked, with rows of police cars lining the area, creating a barricade around the bank's entrance.
Merlin and Frank, sitting atop Arcee, had no choice but to wait outside the cordon.
"Seems like these players are taking on more robbery missions as time goes on," Frank commented, observing the chaotic scene unfolding ahead.
"Yeah, they must've made some serious money and gotten their hands on good equipment," Merlin replied, leaning casually against Arcee.
"But for now, the quickest and most thrilling way to make cash is still robbing a bank."
"Everyone wants to level up," Merlin added with a smirk.
All around them, Brooklyn was alive with the constant wail of sirens and the hum of helicopter blades cutting through the sky. The streets were filled with the flashing lights of police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks.
Overhead, they could spot players in Tyrant MK2s zipping through the sky, while others were showing off their supercharged rides, some even branded with the Red Bull logo, turning the city into their playground.
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