Aeron watched as Matt turned away, the heavy doors of The Forge closing with a resolute finality behind him. The dim corridors of black market seemed to swallow Matt's silhouette as he stepped into the labyrinthine underbelly of the underworld. Every shadow whispered secrets, every flickering light hinted at dangers lurking just out of sight. Time was slipping through his fingers—33 hours remained before the breeder's arrival, and the weight of his mission pressed down on him like the oppressive darkness surrounding him.
Matt moved with purpose, his mind racing through Vanguard's directives. The first base awaited, a critical point in his plan to dismantle the Kraelith's foothold. But before he could engage, he needed to equip himself adequately. The military's stringent controls had left him reliant on the black market—a place where survival meant navigating through layers of brutality and corruption.
He descended into the heart of black market, a sprawling maze of dilapidated stalls and shadowed alleyways where legality was a forgotten concept. The air was thick with the stench of decay and the metallic tang of blood—a constant reminder of the war's unrelenting grip. The market thrummed with illicit activity, the sounds of whispered deals, the clinking of contraband, and the distant echoes of violence blending into a cacophony of desperation.
Matt's presence was both a boon and a curse. His reputation as {The Hellstorm} preceded him, striking fear and respect into the hearts of those who trafficked in darkness. He moved through the market with calculated steps, his eyes scanning for the right vendor—a dealer who could provide him with a motorcycle that wouldn't draw unwanted attention. He had a budget of 2 million credits for the purchase, leaving him with a backup reserve of 0.47 million credits for any emergency.
He approached a narrow stall nestled between a blood-stained butcher's stand and a vendor selling harvested organs. The sign above was barely legible: {Nyx's Rides}. The proprietor, a gaunt man with sunken eyes and skin stretched taut over his bones, regarded Matt with a mixture of fear and reverence.
'You Hellstorm?' the dealer rasped, his voice barely above a whisper. His hands trembled as he gestured toward a row of motorcycles, each one more menacing than the last.
Matt nodded, his gaze fixed on a sleek, black motorcycle that seemed to absorb the surrounding darkness. Its frame was robust, adorned with spikes and reinforced plating—designed for both speed and intimidation. Holographic displays flickered with specifications, each detail meticulously crafted to ensure optimal performance in the harshest conditions.
'That's a Stark Fury,' Nyx replied, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. 'Built with Kraelith alloy—lightweight yet nearly indestructible. Silent engines, perfect for covert operations.'
Matt's fingers brushed the motorcycle's handlebar, feeling the cold, smooth surface. The machine exuded a silent promise of lethal efficiency, a perfect companion for his impending mission. But acquiring such a beast came at a steep price, and Nyx knew it.
" Can you give me the specs for it" Matt asked Vanguard
Vanguard showing a screen only visible to Matt
Top Speed: 400 km/h (Normal), 170 km/h (Stealth)
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds
Armor Rating: 80
Shield Capacity: 65
Stealth Features:
Optical Camouflage:
Duration: 15 minutes
Recharge Time: 50 minutes
Description: Engages advanced light-bending technology to render
the motorcycle nearly invisible to the naked eye and standard sensors.
Silent Engine:
Description: Engine operates with minimal noise, allowing for undetected
movement through hostile territories.
Heat Signature Masking:
Duration: 10 minutes
Recharge Time: 45 minutes
Description: Reduces the motorcycle's thermal emissions, making it
invisible to heat-seeking sensors and infrared tracking devices.
EMP Emitters:
Effect: Disables electronic devices and energy shields within
a 10-meter radius.
Duration: 10 minutes
Deployment: Manual activation; deploys in 0.25 seconds.
Charges: 5 (rechargeable)
Description: Utilizes advanced electromagnetic pulse technology
to neutralize enemy electronics and defenses temporarily.
Utility Features:
Integrated Grappling Hooks:
Function: Allows Matt to scale walls, anchor the motorcycle to
structures, or perform evasive maneuvers.
Description: Built into the motorcycle's frame with automatic
deployment capabilities.
GPS Jammer:
Function: Disrupts enemy tracking and navigation systems within
a certain radius.
Description: Ensures Matt's movements remain untraceable and prevents
foes from pinning his location.
Autonomous Navigation:
Function: AI-assisted steering and route optimization for evasive
maneuvers and efficient travel.
Description: Enhances Matt's ability to navigate complex terrains
and avoid detection.
Fuel and Power:
Engine Type: Hybrid (combines high-octane fuel with advanced energy cells)
Battery Life: 20 hours of continuous operation
Description: Provides extended range and sustained power for prolonged
missions without the need for frequent refueling.
Storage:
Armored Compartments:
Function: Secure storage for weapons, ammunition, and essential supplies.
Description: Reinforced compartments ensure that gear remains protected
from damage and unauthorized access.
Quick-Access Panels:
Function: Allow rapid deployment of gear during combat situations.
Description: Strategically placed panels provide easy access to
frequently used equipment without compromising security.
'I need one,' Matt stated, his voice devoid of emotion. 'It has to be untraceable and within my budget.' Nyx's eyes darted around nervously, gauging the best way to proceed. 'The price for a Stark Fury is 2.5 million credits. But for you, Hellstorm, I can make an exception.' Matt's jaw tightened. He couldn't exceed his budget—every credit was accounted for, every expenditure meticulously planned. 'I only have 2 million. Can you work with that?' Nyx hesitated, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. 'That's cutting it close, but... I might be able to shave off a few hundred thousand. For a man of your... stature, I suppose.'
A tense silence hung between them, broken only by the distant sounds of chaos outside the market's confines. Finally, Nyx relented, sliding a holographic credit chip toward Matt. 'You'll get the Stark Fury for 2 million. But be careful out there. The roads are unforgiving, and the Kraelith patrol more aggressively these days.' Matt accepted the chip without a word, his mind already shifting gears. 'Transaction complete.' Nyx's relief was palpable as he handed over the motorcycle keys and a compact, armored case containing necessary modifications for stealth and durability. 'You're welcome, Hellstorm. May this ride keep you alive longer than the last.' Matt nodded curtly, mounting the Stark Fury with practiced ease. The motorcycle's engine purred to life, a barely audible hum that blended seamlessly with the surrounding darkness. He felt the machine respond to his every command, the reinforced plating and silent engine a testament to Aeron's craftsmanship.
He gave a final nod to Nyx before pulling away, the motorcycle gliding through the shadowed stalls with an almost predatory grace. The underworld of Braxis Hold receded behind him as he sped through the fortress's outer defenses, the walls towering ominously on either side. The roads were slick with blood and grime, remnants of countless skirmishes that had turned the streets into a battlefield of their own. As he rode, Matt had already activated the motorcycle's stealth mode, the holographic displays dimming and the vehicle blending into the surrounding darkness. The Stark Fury was silent, designed for quick escapes and undetected maneuvers—perfect for his mission's covert nature. The cityscape blurred past him, the crumbling infrastructure a stark contrast to the high-tech weaponry he now wielded.
Vanguard's voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and efficient. "Time remaining: 31 hours. Destination: Base 1. Distance: 510 kilometers. Estimated time of arrival: 3 hours."