In a certain Latin American country, a land rife with contradictions and legends, the reality is often stranger than fiction.
Beyond the famous tacos and football, the nation is synonymous with drugs, violence, and bloodshed. Even gods would need helmets to tread this perilous terrain.
About 80 kilometers from the capital, in the heart of a barren desert, stands the nation's highest-security federal prison.
– "Solitary Bastion" (El Solitario)
This prison holds the most infamous criminals in the country. For every ten inmates, five are cartel bosses, three are gang leaders, and two are serial killers. Each of them is a titan of crime, and any one of them could single-handedly jeopardize national security.
Think these inmates would spend their time doing prison labor? Think again. Here, money talks. With enough cash, they can hire outsiders to do their chores—or even turn the guards into their personal staff.
However, after the infamous "Iron Net Incident" of 1985, international pressure led to stricter oversight, although the power of money still finds its way into every corner.
Second Wing, Restroom
A tall young man stood before a mirror. He was dressed in a black prison guard uniform, his short black hair neatly combed, and his deep brown eyes brimming with exhaustion.
Robert Viera, or rather the man who now inhabited his body, stared at his reflection with lingering disbelief.
Two weeks ago, Robert had been a professional boxer competing in underground fighting rings in Southeast Asia. During a high-stakes match, he refused to throw the fight as instructed and paid for it with his life.
When he opened his eyes again, he was no longer himself. He had become a prison guard.
In addition to inheriting Robert's identity, he discovered a bizarre new ability—the power to see a criminal's entire life of crime. This ability allowed him to identify the sins of others and gain "points" by apprehending or eliminating them. The points could then be exchanged for skills, weapons, and other resources.
Fortunately, the system had no mandatory missions. It simply told him: "Play if you want; if not, leave."
"Damn it, this is insane…" Robert muttered, splashing cold water on his face. The flood of memories from his new identity still gave him headaches, but he had no choice but to accept this twist of fate.
The restroom door creaked open, and a chubby man entered. He wore the same guard uniform, his badge identifying him as a Level 3 Officer. Noticing the water on Robert's face, the man smirked, "Trying to drown yourself in the sink, Robert? Hate to break it to you, but your head's too big to fit."
Robert dried his face with his sleeve and walked past him, replying, "If I die, I'm taking you with me. Can't let you be lonely."
The man chuckled. "No, no, no. I plan to live to 100, collect my insurance payout, and move north for a fresh start."
Robert glanced sideways at him, scoffing internally: With your size, reaching 50 would be a miracle.
"Hey, buddy, you've got to be careful," the chubby guard lowered his voice. "You killed someone from the Rey Cartel. Word is, they're planning to take you out—inside or outside the prison."
The Incident
Robert's mind flashed back to the memory.
Two weeks ago, barely acclimated to his new reality, the warden inexplicably organized a soccer match between two gangs: the Southern Brotherhood and the Iron Horns.
These groups were once part of the same cartel, but after their split, they became bitter rivals. The match quickly devolved into violence, with gang members pulling out hidden weapons.
Robert had tried to stay out of it, but amidst the chaos, he crossed paths with Rey Cartel leader Hernando Casas. Hernando charged at him with clear intent to kill, leaving Robert no choice but to fight back.
Seizing an opportunity, Robert killed Hernando in self-defense.
For that, he earned 1,000 points.
A Hidden Threat
Back in the present, Robert and the chubby guard walked through the prison's hallways.
When they reached the warden's office, a pale-skinned man stepped out, his badge marking him as a Level 2 Officer. He paused briefly upon seeing Robert, his gaze hardening before quickly softening into a smile.
"Robert! Good to see you back. Feeling better?" he asked.
Robert recognized him—Alvaro Deck, a man with a "special" background. According to his inherited memories, Alvaro's father had been a high-ranking cartel member who died in a prison riot.
Robert instinctively blinked his right eye, activating his ability.
Alvaro's Record Name: Alvaro Deck Crime Points: 300 Criminal Record: Drug trafficking, abuse of power, bribery…
Robert's gaze darkened. So, he's involved in my predecessor's death…
"Take care of yourself, Robert," Alvaro said, patting his shoulder with an insincere smile. "You never know what might happen."
The Warden's Offer
Inside the warden's office, the atmosphere was markedly different. Warden Cabello greeted Robert with a warm smile, inviting him to sit.
After a few pleasantries, the warden made his proposal: "Robert, I think the workload in the Second Wing is too much for you. I'm considering transferring you to the First Wing. It's quieter there, and once the current supervisor is promoted, you could step in as their replacement."
Robert smiled politely, but his instincts screamed at him to be wary. He blinked his right eye again.
Cabello's Record Name: Cabello Lopez Crime Points: 21,000 Recent Plan: Collaborate with Alvaro Deck to transfer Robert to the First Wing, where a hitman nicknamed "The Crusher" will eliminate him during yard time.
Robert clenched his fists under the table. So, they've set a trap.
Keeping his composure, he nodded in agreement with the warden's offer, all the while plotting his next move.
If you want to hunt me, you'd better pray you're prepared for a hunter's wrath.