=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The next morning, as Jhon sipped his coffee, he reviewed the Fortune System's data on Harkin's headquarters. It was located in a seemingly innocuous facility, hidden under a generic name: NorthStar Labs. To anyone else, it appeared to be a typical research lab focused on artificial intelligence and data processing. But Jhon knew better—NorthStar Labs was the nerve center of Harkin's operations.
Jhon needed an in. He tapped into the Corporate Influence skill to reach out to contacts who might have access to NorthStar. With careful inquiries, he finally found a weak link: Dr. Emilia Tan, a senior researcher at the lab who had recently started frequenting high-end parties.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
Jhon arrived that evening at one of the city's exclusive events, a gala hosted by an influential figure in the tech world. He scanned the room, spotting Dr. Emilia by the bar. She was speaking with another executive, her posture confident but her gaze cautious.
Jhon activated Enhanced Negotiation to approach her. He engaged her in light conversation, gradually shifting the topic toward her work, expressing a keen interest in AI research. Within minutes, Emilia was laughing, her guard lowered.
Emilia: "It's rare to meet someone who understands the intricacies of our work, Jhon. NorthStar is… well, let's just say it's groundbreaking."
Jhon: "I can imagine. Research like that must need vast resources and… maybe a bit of discretion?"
Emilia smirked. "More than you know. But it's all worth it. We're advancing tech in ways most people can't even fathom."
As the night wore on, Jhon learned more than he'd expected. Emilia hinted that NorthStar's research went far beyond artificial intelligence—it involved classified projects for private clients, many of whom operated in legally gray areas. Sensing her comfort, Jhon pressed on.
Jhon: "Emilia, what if someone… less ethical were using your work for more… personal ambitions?"
Emilia's eyes darkened. "If you're hinting at Harkin, then yes, he's… an unusual man with certain expectations." She paused. "But people like him don't play fair. I've learned to keep my head down and just… deliver."
Jhon knew he had a way in. NorthStar was under tight security, but Emilia's position could be his key to accessing the facility.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The next day, Jhon's phone buzzed. It was Marcus.
Marcus: "I've pulled intel on NorthStar Labs. Security is tighter than anything we've seen, but there's a major blind spot: their network access is handled remotely by a private firm. If we can breach that, we could tap into their systems without ever setting foot inside."
Jhon's mind raced. He'd need to execute this carefully—any breach of NorthStar's network would alert Harkin instantly. But with the Fortune System, Jhon could use the Digital Infiltration skill to mask his presence.
Marcus arranged a secure access point in an unassuming building across from NorthStar. That night, Jhon logged into the system, focusing on maintaining an untraceable connection. The Digital Infiltration skill activated, casting a protective layer over his identity as he navigated NorthStar's complex network.
After nearly an hour of searching, Jhon found what he needed: Harkin's personal files.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The files revealed Harkin's web of influence, highlighting his partnerships and his brutal methods for silencing competitors. Jhon discovered disturbing details—hushed scandals, manipulated stocks, and even several "accidental" deaths of former rivals.
Then he found something unexpected: a reference to Project Veil, an experimental AI program designed to manipulate media, public opinion, and even personal finances. Project Veil was far more dangerous than Jhon anticipated—it had the potential to destabilize entire industries.
[Fortune System Notification]
"Mission Update: The Shadow Within."
Objective: Neutralize Project Veil before it can be fully implemented.
Jhon's heart raced. Project Veil was an immediate threat to everything he'd built. If Harkin unleashed it, he could erase Jhon's influence, destroy his reputation, and leave his empire in ruins.
Jhon closed his laptop, the gravity of the situation settling in. He needed to act fast and eliminate Project Veil before it was fully operational. But with Harkin's influence still intact, that would mean risking everything to go after NorthStar directly.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The following night, Jhon gathered Marcus and his most trusted allies.
Jhon: "We're going after Project Veil. This isn't just about business anymore—Harkin has crossed a line. He's weaponizing technology to control everything from markets to people's lives. If we let him launch this, it'll affect everyone."
Marcus nodded, his gaze steely. "So, what's the plan?"
Jhon laid out a strategy. They'd hack into NorthStar's mainframe, retrieve every detail on Project Veil, and delete all traces of its development. But he knew Harkin wouldn't let it go so easily—Jhon had to be prepared for retaliation.
As the team dispersed, Jhon felt a strange calm. The stakes were high, but he was ready. This battle would decide the future of his empire.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The Infiltration
The night of the operation, Jhon and Marcus entered the NorthStar building under false identities. Using Digital Infiltration, Jhon bypassed the security systems, while Marcus kept watch.
Inside the mainframe room, Jhon connected his device and accessed Project Veil's files. He quickly downloaded the data and initiated a code to erase every copy in the system.
Just as he finished, an alarm blared.
[Security Notification]
"Unauthorized access detected. All personnel on high alert."
Marcus: "We need to move, now!"
Jhon and Marcus sprinted through the building, narrowly dodging guards as they made their way to the exit. Outside, a getaway car waited, engines revving. They jumped in just as security swarmed the building, escaping into the night.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
Back in his penthouse, Jhon reviewed the Project Veil files. The data he'd retrieved showed the full extent of Harkin's plans: a network of AI-powered bots capable of manipulating information on a global scale. With it, Harkin could control everything from election results to stock markets.
But Project Veil's data wasn't just valuable for Harkin. In Jhon's hands, it was a weapon—a means to counter Harkin's empire and protect his own.
Jhon activated the Fortune System, deploying a countermeasure using his Market Manipulation skill. Within hours, Harkin's stocks plummeted, sending shockwaves through his network. Harkin was left scrambling, his once ironclad grip weakened as Jhon's influence surged.
=== ★ ★ ★ ===
The next day, Harkin issued a public statement, an ominous promise to anyone challenging his power.
Harkin: "Whoever thinks they can undermine me will soon learn the price of defiance."
Jhon watched, undeterred. He knew that Harkin would come for him, but this time, he was prepared.
With Project Veil neutralized, Jhon had turned the tables on his rival, setting the stage for their final confrontation. He would ensure that Harkin's ambitions crumbled—just as Moriarty's had.
The game was far from over, but Jhon knew that victory was within reach.
"Let him come," he thought, his gaze steely. "I'm ready."