Grey sat in the corner of the dimly lit cafe, eyes scanning the room with the precision of a predator. His surroundings were quiet, almost too quiet, as he waited for Ulysses Klaue to make his entrance. The cafe was located in a nondescript corner of a bustling city—perfect for a clandestine meeting. A neutral ground, but Grey wasn't here for casual conversation. He was here to make a deal, and he had no intention of walking away empty-handed.
With ALICE's assistance, he had prepared for this meeting meticulously. The amount of information he had gathered about Klaue was staggering—his whereabouts, his past deals, his psychological profile. Everything that Grey needed to ensure he had the upper hand.
"ALICE, have you located Klaue's exact coordinates?" Grey murmured under his breath, his fingers lightly drumming against the wooden table.
"Yes," ALICE responded, her voice calm and cold as always. "He is on his way, approximately five minutes from arrival. You are ready to proceed?"
Grey gave a subtle nod, his mind already working through potential scenarios. Klaue was a ruthless man, a dealer of death, weapons, and stolen goods. He didn't deal with amateurs. If Grey was going to get what he wanted from Klaue, he had to show him that he wasn't some inexperienced player in the black market game. He had to convince Klaue that he was someone worth dealing with.
A tall figure appeared in the doorway, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Ulysses Klaue. His figure was imposing, his silver hair a stark contrast against his dark leather jacket. There was no mistaking who he was. Klaue was a man who exuded power without having to speak a word.
He walked into the room, his eyes scanning the patrons with casual disdain before landing on Grey. Klaue's gaze lingered for a moment, assessing the young man before he strode over to the table, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the silence.
"You're the kid?" Klaue's voice was gravelly, thick with a South African accent. He seemed to be assessing Grey with an almost predatory curiosity.
Grey met his gaze unwaveringly, his expression cool, composed. "Yes. I have something that will interest you," he replied, his voice confident, though not overtly challenging. "I know what you're after, Klaue. And I can provide you with something that will change everything."
Klaue raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "And what makes you think I'm interested in anything a kid like you has to offer?"
Grey leaned forward, his hands folded on the table. "You've been after Vibranium for years, stealing it from Wakanda, selling it to the highest bidder. But you're not the only one who knows its value." He paused, watching Klaue closely for any sign of reaction. "I can provide you with more than just scraps of Vibranium. I can offer you a large, untraceable supply."
Klaue's expression shifted—an unmistakable flicker of interest flashed in his eyes, quickly concealed by his characteristic cynicism. "Untraceable, huh? Now that's a bold claim for a kid who doesn't look like he's seen much of the world." Klaue smirked, taking a seat across from Grey. "What's your game, then?"
Grey smiled thinly. "I know your game, Klaue. The black market weapons, the deals with HYDRA, and all the shady operations. You've been playing a dangerous game for a long time. But you're limited by your connections and the resources you have. What you need is someone who can help you expand your operations globally. Someone who knows how to play the game from every angle—someone who understands the digital world, the world of information, and can provide leverage you haven't even dreamed of."
Klaue's eyes narrowed. He was skeptical but intrigued. "And what exactly do you want in return?"
Grey leaned back, letting the silence fill the space between them. "Vibranium. I need a large quantity, enough for my purposes. And I'll need it fast. In exchange, I'll show you how to expand your empire, how to make sure your operations stay one step ahead of the law, and anyone else trying to take you down. I'll make sure your investments are always safe, and I'll help you move your goods in ways you can't even imagine."
Klaue stared at him for a long moment, weighing the offer. "You really think you can pull that off?" he asked, a hint of doubt still in his voice. "And why the hell would I trust a kid like you?"
Grey's voice was steady as he replied, "Because I'm not just any kid. I've made more money in the last month than most people make in a lifetime. And I've been watching you. I know how you think, and I know what you need. If you want Vibranium, I can get it to you faster than anyone else in the game. But I need something in return. You can't just keep doing business like you have been. The world's changing, Klaue. You either evolve, or you get left behind."
The silence stretched out, as Klaue seemed to deliberate. Grey had given him the option to walk away, but that wasn't an option. Not for someone as prideful and ambitious as Klaue. Slowly, he leaned forward, his eyes locking with Grey's.
"Alright, kid. You've got yourself a deal." Klaue's voice was gruff, but there was a dangerous edge to it now. "You get me the Vibranium, and I'll give you the resources you need to move forward. But don't think for a second that I'm doing this for you. You're working for me now. And if you screw me over, there won't be any places in this world where you can hide."
Grey nodded, unfazed. "Understood. I'll get it done."
Klaue didn't need to hear more. He had what he wanted. And now, Grey had what he needed—access to Vibranium, which was the first step toward the next phase of his plan. He had the leverage to push forward.
As Klaue stood to leave, Grey's mind was already working, analyzing every aspect of the deal. The Vibranium would be his ticket to power—both literally and figuratively. It wasn't just about the metal itself, but what he could do with it. The doors it would open for him were endless. But more importantly, it would give him the means to approach Xu Wenwu, the Mandarin, and secure the martial arts training he needed.
He was no longer just a boy with a mind full of ideas—he was a player on the world stage now, ready to take control of his own destiny.