Water Manor.
Spanning a vast 2,000 square meters, Kyle isn't ready to part with this property. Although he's already begun renovations, progress is slow.
In his plans, this manor will serve as a storage hub for valuables, such as the human-enhancement serum that's part of a future project. This is the first major task Kyle intends to delegate to the Umbrella Corporation—using the serum to secure a position within the military system. Later, other magical or technological items, including those derived from the system, will be stored here as well.
However, all these are future endeavors. For now, Kyle is cash-strapped.
"I didn't expect you to be so fast."
Upon returning to the manor, Kyle was surprised to see Gasco working out in the courtyard. By now, he should have been adjusting his battle suit.
After inspecting the two departments, Kyle returned to the manor to prepare for his private lessons.
"That tech team threw the box with the combat uniform at me and sent me packing. Want to check it out together?" Gasco said with a hint of annoyance, wiping the sweat off his body with a towel.
Despite having been given the battle suit earlier, Gasco had decided to wait for Kyle's return before inspecting it.
"That's exactly what I was thinking. Let's see how the tech department's battle suits turned out." Kyle agreed and followed Gasco inside. In the center of the living room, a silver-white suitcase sat on the table.
Gasco placed the box flat, then unlocked it with his fingerprint.
"This level... feels a bit too low!" Kyle said, inspecting the helmet and suit inside the box. He pulled them out, setting them neatly on the sofa.
The suit was entirely black, crafted from a special material designed to blend seamlessly with the darkness at night. Red, silky stripes extended from the left shoulder, curving down to form the number 087 on the back, and finally meeting at the right shoulder.
Kyle grimaced. The design didn't align with his tastes—it seemed too plain, almost reminiscent of the Hulk's iconic pants.
"It's fine. It's definitely more useful at night," Gasco replied, still running his fingers over the suit. "The tech department said it's also resistant to small-caliber bullets."
Kyle nodded, though he wasn't particularly impressed by the design. Gasco seemed pleased with the stealth capabilities of the suit, imagining it would be useful for nocturnal operations, maybe even to pick up some assassin skills.
"Forget that for now. How was the implantation process? Any pain?" Kyle asked, shifting the topic. He was seriously considering undergoing the procedure himself, especially since he currently lacked any powers or enhancements. The feeling of being an ordinary person was uncomfortable for him.
"Pain? No, not really. It felt more like... overwhelming drowsiness," Gasco recalled. "My consciousness was foggy, like I'd been awake for days. I almost couldn't keep my eyes open, but thinking of your orders, I broke my arm and forced myself through it."
Kyle raised an eyebrow, surprised. According to Ryan, the experimental animals that underwent the implant experienced extreme pain—tearing sensations, followed by their bodies rapidly expanding before exploding.
"Drowsiness, you say? That's... odd. I was expecting something far more intense," Kyle said, deep in thought. The fact that Gasco hadn't felt the same kind of agony made Kyle rethink the idea of getting the implant himself. For his own safety, it might be best to stick to using magical or technological artifacts for power boosts.
"I think I get it now. You go get ready for tonight's operation. I've already prepared your weapons. They're from Stark Industries—top quality stuff." Kyle's voice shifted to business mode. He was more than ready for tonight's events.
Tony Stark, at this point still a weapons manufacturer, hadn't yet undergone his life-changing experience in Afghanistan, and Kyle wasn't about to settle for anything less than the best. Stark's high-end weapons would give Gasco the edge he needed, and they were far superior to anything else on the market.
For this mission, Kyle had stocked up on a full set of light combat weapons, including rifles, pistols, and 10,000 rounds of ammunition, more than enough to cover Gasco's needs for a while.
---
As the evening wore on, and the clock ticked closer to nine, the criminal underbelly of New York began to stir.
"Gasco, there's a miniature camera installed on your shoulder. Show me what you've got tonight," Kyle instructed, adjusting his position in his chair. At 1.7 meters tall, Kyle was still short of being able to give Gasco a friendly pat on the shoulder, so he settled for a tap on his arm.
Gasco had handled last night's shareholder issue without Kyle's involvement—he'd left that all to Gasco. But tonight's assignment was a different story. It was a straightforward exchange between rival gangs, with no subtlety, no hidden agendas. Kyle intended to use the opportunity to observe Gasco's abilities firsthand.
"Understood, Master. Watch me tonight," Gasco said confidently.
Fully armed with two rifles slung over his back, pistols strapped to his thighs, and two combat knives on his calves, Gasco was ready. He felt completely at ease with the weight of his gear, a stark contrast to when he'd struggled under such loads in the past.
His goggles were state-of-the-art, equipped with communication and infrared detection features, ensuring he could see clearly even in the darkest conditions.
With everything in place, Gasco left the manor, heading toward the garage. Kyle's sole remaining scooter—an old but reliable model—was waiting for him, ready for the night ahead.
"It's going to be thrilling," Kyle muttered, settling in front of his laptop. As the screen flickered to life, he couldn't help but feel excited for what was to come.