Vince crouched in the shadows, peering through his binoculars to the abandoned building where Jack held Sofia and Rosa. His heart clenched as he saw them lying unconscious on the cold, cracked floor, heads bloodied from the brutal beatings inflicted by Jack's men. Moonlight streamed in through shattered windows, casting an eerie glow across the room, revealing the scene in chilling clarity.
He scanned the area, counting every threat. Five hundred armed men surrounded the building, their movements meticulous and disciplined. Closer to the hostages, fifty of Jack's most skilled soldiers stood guard, weapons poised. But it was the five men standing directly over Sofia and Rosa that made his blood run cold. These were Jack's elite—his personal soldiers, each trained with deadly precision and ready to carry out his cruelest commands. Their auras were suffused with a sinister energy, projecting an unshakable threat that made even seasoned killers wary.
Vince's mind raced. He activated his system interface, tapping into the Strategic Analysis skill, which displayed potential tactics and escape routes. He could see his stats and options laid out before him, offering various paths he could take to neutralize his enemies. But before he could lock in a plan, a shiver ran down his spine.
Suddenly, the area plunged into darkness. The blackout was sudden, absolute. His instincts flared—Jack had anticipated his arrival.
A second later, Vince felt a sharp blow to the back of his head. His vision blurred, and he hit the ground hard, his weapons slipping from his grip. Before he could regain his senses, rough hands yanked him to his feet, dragging him forward. As his vision cleared, he found himself face-to-face with the man he had come to confront.
Jack stood before him, his towering frame casting a shadow that seemed to devour the dim light filtering in through the room. His aura was oppressive, an overwhelming mix of raw power and a cold, calculating malice. The five elite operatives surrounded him, their expressions hard and unwavering, their mere presence radiating lethal intent. But even their formidable energy paled in comparison to the ruthless force exuded by Jack himself.
"Didn't I tell you not to try any tricks, Vince?" Jack's voice was calm, mocking, his gaze slicing through Vince with a predator's precision.
Vince clenched his fists, forcing himself to stand tall despite the haze clouding his vision. "Where are Sofia and Rosa?" he demanded, fighting to keep his voice steady.
Jack smiled, a twisted, cruel smile. "They're right here," he said, gesturing to the hostages lying on the floor. "And they're alive. For now."
He took a slow step forward, circling Vince like a wolf sizing up wounded prey. "But if you thought you could come here and play the hero, you're dead wrong." He waved a hand, signaling to his men. "Let's show him what happens to those who don't follow the rules."
Jack's five elite soldiers stepped forward, surrounding Sofia and Rosa with cold, predatory smiles. "Make it slow," Jack ordered, his eyes gleaming with sadistic satisfaction. "I want him to watch. Let him see what happens when you challenge me."
Vince's heart pounded as he struggled against the grips of the two men holding him back, his eyes darting between Jack and the unconscious forms of his mother and sister. His mind raced, every nerve screaming at him to act, but he knew any sudden move could spell their end.
Through his system interface, a message flashed in red:
Emergency Protocol Activated: Survival and Rescue Parameters.
Suddenly, a surge of new abilities and options appeared on his interface, options that hadn't been available before. Adrenaline Boost, Tactical Evasion, and Distraction Creation. The system, recognizing the gravity of the situation, had unlocked functions designed specifically for life-threatening scenarios.
Vince took a steadying breath, his gaze never leaving Jack's cold, mocking eyes. He had to buy time, figure out how to use this sudden advantage. But with Jack watching every move, every twitch, Vince knew one thing: he was now in the deadliest game he'd ever faced. And it would take every ounce of his strength and cunning to emerge with his family alive.
As the elites prepared to carry out Jack's orders, Vince locked eyes with Jack, a silent promise burning within them. This wasn't over. Not yet.