Chapter 24: Retaliation
Victor Graves walked into his office, his gaze fixed on the room, which was heavily cluttered. Reports of the infiltration in Ward Nine littered the desk before him, a reminder of Iron Claw's vulnerability.
"They've looted our property," Marcus said in a low but sad voice. Adam Walker looked weak. "
Victor stopped in mid-stride and looked at the two Marcus "Weak? Iron Claw doesn't act weak."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "So maybe it's time to remind the city. "
Victor's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "You're right. We've been putting this off for too long. If Walker is playing with fire, let's see how he manages to control the flames."
turned to one of the subordinates. Double the surveillance. Close the markets. Anyone who deals with him alone should be punished - publicly. and send a message to their friends. make them Think twice before lifting another finger at him. "
Marcus agreed. "And Walker too?"
Victor's eyes flashed with cold fury. "Leave him to me."
Adam woke to the sound of the system's emergency alarm. The warnings came in rapid succession, more ominous than ever.
Iron Claw initiator countermeasure. >
Gather resources and prepare for the next level. > Evelyn has already gotten up and left Rom and his father hand in hand "The damage is getting worse. Two of our customers were robbed last night. One is hidden, the other ... failed."
Adam clenched his jaw, anger burning in his chest. They tried to scare people into surrendering.
"It's working," Evelyn replied in her husky voice. "Our network is shrinking by the hour. People are afraid, Adam. They think supporting you is a death sentence."
Adam's hand touched his arm Mo, his mind racing "Then give them a reason to fight. "It's more than fear"
Vince, who was very quiet, spoke from the corner. What about the independents? The ones who are still on the fence? If we can unite, we might have a chance. "
Evelyn sniffed. "Gather them with what? Hope and good intentions? That's not enough."
"Don't just hope," Adam said with a strong voice. "Leverage. Resources. Something that shows we're more than just a scumbag." On the iron door. "
His system beeped again, sending out another alert.
events held in an abandoned warehouse outside the city. The representatives of the various factions gathered together, bold and cautious in their statements.
Adam stood at the front of the room, Evelyn and Lauren at his side. The air was strong, the air heavy with disbelief.
"You all saw what the Iron Hook did," Adam began. "They have changed this The city enters the battlefield, crushing all who stand in their way. But it doesn't have to be that way. "
The crowd murmured, no one spoke.
"They're after us because they're afraid," Adam continued. We're afraid of what we can do together. We're afraid of losing control. "
A man, a troubled businessman with a bruise on his cheek, folded his arms. "Great talk, but what do you think, words can't stop Victor Graves from shooting? us"
Adam stepped forward and took on a bright sound - a rare thing from that world. The moon bathed the room in a soft, clear glow.
Adam said: This. "It's something like that. The Iron Claw Resources are unmatched. The skills and abilities they can't match. We can create something more powerful than anything they've ever seen." "
The room fell silent as the crowd stared at the bullet. One could see the glint of hope in their eyes mixed with doubt.
Adam said, "You were all waiting for someone to stand up for them." "Yes, I'm here, but I can't do it alone. "
A woman in a coat of arms stood up and her voice stopped. "If we stay with you, what will happen when Iron Claw comes after us? You've seen what they do to traitors."
Adam saw what he was looking at. "When they come, we fight. And we will win. together"
The room was silent before the first voice rang out. "I'm in."
Then another. and another
After the meeting, Adam began to build a coalition. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Returning to the safe house, Evelyn leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. "It's bad. If any of them fight us… "
"No way," Adam said confidently. They're already lost. They want this as much as we do."
Lauren grumbled in agreement. "You're brave, son. I'll give it to you. But this fight has only just begun."
people He smiled, his system indicating a new target.
Adam said, "Then we'd better calculate our next moves."
The fight wasn't over yet, but for the first time Adam felt as if they had a chance at victory.