Rain soaked the streets, the sound of droplets splashing on asphalt blending with the distant hun of city life. Luca Viscari adjusted his grip on the duffel abg filled with cash, his jacket clinging to his frame. He hated nights like this—cold wet and quiet enough to make a man hear his own doubts. The deal tonight was supposed to be simple: money for product. No complications. But something didn't feel right, and Luca trusted his gut more that the gun strapped under his arm.
"You've been twitchy all night, Marco," Luca said, glancing at his partner, who stood nearby, fiddling with a damp cigarette.
Marco shrugged, his smirk faintly visible under the dim glow of a flickering streetlamp. "Relax, Luca. Not every deal's a setup. You gotta learn how to loosen up."
Luca didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the alley ahead. Marco's relaxed demeanor was grating, but he didn't press. Marco had been with him for years—loyal enough to trust on most nights. But tonight, Luca couldn't shake the nagging unease prickling at the back of his neck.
Footsteps echoes from the darkness, drawing Luca's attention. A man in a trench coat emerged, flanked by two bulky enforcers. He walked deliberate confidence, stopping a few feet away. Luca tightened his grip on the bag, his fingers itching to draw his weapon.
"You got the cash?" the man asked, his tone as cold ws the night air.
Luca held up the bag. "Right here. You got the product?"
The man gestured, and one of his guards stepped forward, holding a small black case. The exchange began for a moment, it felt like any other job. But as Luca handed over the bag, he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Marco had shifted closer, too close.
Before Luca could react, he felt the cold press of a gun barrel against his ribs.
"Sorry, Luca," Marco said, his voice low and steady. "Nothing personal."
Luca froze, his mind racing. "What the hell are you doing?"
Marco stepped back, his smirk replaced by a look of grim determination. "It's just business."
The first shot rang out, slamming into Luca's chest. Pain exploded through him as he staggered backward, his breath hitching. The duffel bag hit the ground, forgotten. A second shot followed, then a third.
As Luca collapsed, blood pooling beneath him, he looked eyes with Marco. "You're making a mistake," he rasped, his voice weak but laced with venom.
Marco shrugged. "Maybe. But you won't be around to see it."
The last thing Luca saw was the glowing ember of Marco's cigarette, flickering in fhe the rain.
——
When Luca woke, he was no longer on the wet pavement. His eyes snapped open, his heart pounding as he sat upright, gasping for breath. The pain was gone, replaced by an eerie calm. He blinked, taking his surroundings.
The room was sleek and sterile, the walls lined with metal panels that gleamed under the soft lights. A desk sat in the center, it's surface glowing with strange symbols and lines. The air hummed faintly, the sound almost soothing.
"What the hell..." Luca muttered, pushing himself to his feet.
Before he could take another step, a screen faintly appeared midair, the text glowing faintly against the metallic backdrop.
[Operational System Initiated.]
Welcome, Luca Viscari. You have been granted an opportunity to rebuild and reclaim control.]
Luca froze, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing. "What...what is this?"
The screen shifted, displaying more text:
[This system provides tools and resources to facilitate the rise of your organization. All tasks and tools are at your discretion. Succes depends on your leadership and strategy.]
Luca's gaze darted around the room, searching for cameras or speaker. "This some kind of sick game? Who's behind this?"
The screen didn't respond to this wuestion. Instead a small compartment opened in the desk revealing a collection of items:
[Starter pack opened]
*Recruitment Contracts (x5)
*Weapon Voucher(x1)
*Skill Integration Module: Intimidation Level 1
The text on the screen elaborated:
[Recruitment Contracts: Agrements to secure operatives for your organization. Initial contracts include standard equipment.]
[Weapon Voucher: Redeemable for a personal firearm.]
[Skill Integration: Enhances personal negotiation and intimidation techniques.]
Luca stared at the items, his mind racing. Recruitment contracts? Vouchers? The entire setup felt surreal, but the rage bubbling in his chest grounded him. Whatever this system was, it was giving him a chance—a chance to claw his way bacn and make those bastards pay.
"Alright," Luca said, picking up one of the contracts. "Let's see what you've got."
The contract felt warm in his hand, amd he activated it, the air shimmered . A man appeared, stepping forward with sharp precision. He was tall, lean, and dressed in a black suit, his eyes sharp and calculating. A pistol hung from his hip.
"Dominic," the man said, inclining his head. "I'm here to work."
Luca raised an eyebrow. "You don't eevn know me."
Dominic smirked. "Don't need to. The contract says enough."
Luca considered him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Dominic. Let's see what you're worth."
The screen chimed, drawing Luca's attention.
[Mission Initiated: Secure Base of Operations.]
[Objective: Take control of the warehouse at Dockside 12. Reward: $10,000 Resources Credit.]
A map appeared on the screen, highlighting a familiar location. Luca clenched his fists as a grim smile spread across his face. The warehouse was an old territory, a place he used to control before the betrayal.
"Dominic," Luca said, grabbing the weapon voucher and activating it. A revolver appeared in his hand, it's weight familiar and reassuring. "You armed?"
Dominic patted his holster. "Always."
"Good," Luca said, sliding the revolver into his jacket. "We've got work to do."
The warehouse loomed ahead, it's rusted exterior barely visible under the cover of night. Luca crouched behind a stack of crates, his eyes scanning the area. A handful of men lingered carrying over the sound of crashing waves.
"Six guards," Dominic whispered, his tone calm. "What's the play?"
Luca considered his options. He has still four mour contracts that he had obtained from the system, but he decided against using them. This was a test—a chance to see what Dominic could do.
"We go in quiet," Luca said, drawing his revolver. "No loose ends."
Dominic nodded, his expression sharp. Together, they moved through the shadows, the faint hum of the system's screen still echoing in Luca's mind.
Tonight, he would take the first step in rebuilding what was taken from him. And when he was ready, the people who betrayed him would pay in blood.