With the Consortium's internal stability in chaos, Jhon's influence continued to spread throughout the ranks. The cracks in their organization widened with every strategic move, each one calculated to destabilize their networks. But the deeper he dove, the more he sensed that something—or someone—was watching him. It felt like a shadow, lurking just beyond his reach.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
[Fortune System Notification]
"High-level enemy detected. Activating Counter-Intelligence mode."
Effect: Enhances perception of hidden threats and increases resistance to enemy surveillance.
The notification rattled Jhon. For months, he'd been quietly dismantling the Consortium's power, but this warning meant his movements were no longer a secret. Someone higher up had noticed, and they were preparing to strike back.
Jhon (thinking): "They're finally making a move. I'll have to stay a step ahead."
The Fortune System's Counter-Intelligence mode kicked in, revealing faint signals from hidden agents tracking his activities. With this new ability, he could trace their surveillance back to its source, identifying the Consortium's key players who were now actively targeting him.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
A Dangerous Revelation
One night, as Jhon pored over the Consortium's decrypted files, a name surfaced repeatedly: Vincent Moriarty. The intel hinted at Moriarty's role as a ruthless strategist, someone who kept a low profile while pulling strings from the shadows.
Evelyn (in a message): "Be careful, Jhon. Vincent Moriarty is not like the others. He's rumored to be a ghost—a man who sees everything but remains unseen."
Jhon tightened his grip on his phone, a tinge of excitement mixing with the tension. For all his challenges, facing someone with Vincent's level of cunning was something he relished.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
Meeting: Jhon and Evelyn
In the quiet corner of a high-rise office, Jhon and Evelyn sat, surrounded by the dim city lights stretching out into the night.
Evelyn: "We need to talk about Moriarty. He has a way of dismantling his opponents without them even realizing it. He's probably watching you right now."
Jhon: "Then let him watch. I'm ready for whatever he brings."
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of admiration and worry. She knew Jhon's confidence well, but Moriarty was no ordinary opponent.
Evelyn: "He'll use any means to break you, Jhon. Don't underestimate him."
Jhon: "That's exactly what I'm counting on."
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The Trap Unfolds
The following day, Jhon received an invitation to an exclusive event hosted by one of Moriarty's front companies. It was an offer to join a private consortium—a thinly veiled setup to lure him out.
He accepted, knowing full well it was a trap. Arriving in a sleek black suit, he blended with the crowd, masking his presence while keeping an eye on the exits and potential threats.
Vincent Moriarty: "Mr. Gray, a pleasure to finally meet you."
Jhon turned to see a man in his late forties with sharp, calculating eyes. Moriarty's presence was unassuming but carried an intensity that revealed his true nature.
Jhon (smiling): "Likewise. I've heard much about you, Mr. Moriarty."
Their handshake was brief, tense. The two men assessed each other, each searching for weaknesses in the other's composure.
Vincent: "I admire your achievements, Jhon. Rising from nothing to this level takes skill. But power requires discretion. The more you push, the more enemies you make."
Jhon: "I'm aware of the risks. But I don't stop just because someone says it's dangerous."
Vincent's expression remained unreadable, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Vincent: "I wonder if you're prepared to deal with the consequences. Sometimes, it's the ones closest to us who suffer the most."
Jhon's eyes narrowed. Vincent's words hit a nerve; he knew Vincent was implying that his close associates—and possibly Evelyn—might become collateral damage if he continued.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
[Fortune System Notification]
"New Objective: Protect Your Allies."
Objective: Safeguard Evelyn and other key associates from potential attacks.
Reward: Fortune Points, Enhanced Defensive Skills.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The Realization
Back at his office, Jhon's mind raced, formulating countermeasures to ensure Evelyn and his team's safety. The system's new defensive skills would come in handy, but he realized something else, too: he had underestimated Vincent. The man wasn't just a strategist; he was a tactician who would exploit any vulnerability to break his enemies psychologically.
Evelyn entered the room, sensing the tension.
Evelyn: "What did he say to you?"
Jhon: "Enough to make me realize we need to be more careful. He's going to come after us from all angles."
Evelyn: "Then let's make sure we're ready. If he wants a war, we'll give him one."
=== ★ ★ ★ ===