Chereads / Shadow Monarch: Rise in Marvel / Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: The Next Chain

Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: The Next Chain

Alexander Reid sat in his penthouse, staring down at the city bathed in the glow of streetlights and neon signs. The information extracted from Marcus "Rat" Delgado was invaluable. He now had names, locations, and shipment schedules. Fisk's operation was vast, but like any machine, it could be dismantled piece by piece. Each link in the chain could be severed, and Alexander intended to pull Fisk's empire apart with his own hands.

The system's notification remained in his vision.

[Task Progress: 1/3 Supply Chains Disrupted.]

Tonight, he would move on the second.

The target was a small but crucial distribution hub hidden beneath a laundromat in Brooklyn. According to Delgado, it served as a transit point for drugs and weapons before they were dispersed throughout the city. It was less guarded than other locations, but those inside were seasoned enforcers—men who had survived years under Fisk's rule and had undoubtedly spilled blood to earn their place.

Alexander prepared meticulously. He checked his tactical attire, ensuring his dark clothing blended seamlessly into the night. He reinforced his gloves with thin but sturdy padding, enough to protect his knuckles without compromising his dexterity. A small utility knife was tucked into his belt, though he hoped he wouldn't need it. His body was his weapon.

As darkness fully descended upon the city, Alexander moved. He traversed the rooftops like a shadow, his enhanced agility allowing him to leap across gaps effortlessly. The cold night air bit at his face, but it only sharpened his focus. The streets below were alive with activity—pedestrians, honking cars, occasional laughter drifting from nearby bars—but up here, he was invisible.

Arriving at his destination, he perched atop a building opposite the laundromat. The front appeared ordinary—fluorescent lights flickering, a bored employee folding clothes behind the counter—but Alexander knew the truth. The real activity happened below. He observed for nearly an hour, tracking the patterns of those entering and leaving. Deliveries were made with quick exchanges; coded handshakes and nods confirmed deals. The guards were subtle but vigilant—men who knew what to look for and how to handle threats.

Finally, he moved.

Slipping into the alley behind the laundromat, he found the back door guarded by two men. They were professionals—their stances firm, eyes constantly scanning. They held concealed firearms beneath their jackets. Alexander crept forward, each step deliberate, his breath slow and controlled.

The first man barely had time to react before Alexander seized him, choking him into unconsciousness with a precise rear-naked choke. The guard's hands flailed briefly before his body went limp. The second noticed the scuffle and reached for his weapon, but Alexander closed the distance swiftly. A sharp blow to the wrist disarmed the man, followed by a powerful punch to the solar plexus. The guard gasped for air before another strike to the temple dropped him to the ground.

[Enemies Defeated: 2] [Experience Gained: 40]

Alexander dragged both bodies into the shadows, ensuring they wouldn't be found soon. He entered the building. The back room led to a narrow staircase descending into a dimly lit basement. The scent of damp concrete and cigarette smoke lingered. He moved with practiced silence, his ears tuned to every creak and whisper.

Below, he heard voices—three, maybe four men, discussing their next shipment. Their tone was casual but carried an undertone of authority—men confident in their power.

He struck quickly. Bursting into the room, he caught them by surprise. The first fell with a punch to the throat, choking as he collapsed. The second reached for a gun, but Alexander was faster. He disarmed him with a twist of the wrist and drove his elbow into the man's jaw, knocking him unconscious.

The third managed to pull his weapon, firing a shot that grazed Alexander's shoulder. Pain seared through him, but adrenaline dulled it. He surged forward, grabbing the man's wrist and twisting it until the gun clattered to the floor. A knee to the ribs followed by a hammer fist to the back of the head ended the fight.

The fourth tried to flee, his footsteps frantic, but Alexander was faster. He tackled him, slamming him against the wall. The impact knocked the breath from his lungs. A swift strike to the back of the neck ensured he wouldn't rise again.

[Enemies Defeated: 4] [Experience Gained: 80]

Breathing heavily, Alexander scanned the room. It was a crude operation—tables covered in plastic bags filled with powder, crates stacked with illegal firearms, and bundles of cash strapped together. It was a small piece of Fisk's empire, but it was still a vital artery feeding the criminal beast.

He retrieved a small incendiary device from his pocket and placed it among the crates. He activated the timer—two minutes. Enough time to vanish into the night.

He retreated into the shadows as the fire began to spread. The scent of burning chemicals filled the air, mixing with the metallic tang of blood. Flames licked at the wooden beams, and the heat intensified.

Minutes later, he stood on a nearby rooftop, watching the inferno consume Fisk's supply hub. Sirens wailed in the distance, but by the time authorities arrived, there would be nothing left but ashes.

[Task Progress: 2/3 Supply Chains Disrupted.]

Alexander allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. The pain in his shoulder reminded him of the risk, but it was worth it. He was getting stronger, but more importantly, he was making Fisk bleed. He was carving his mark into the criminal underworld.

This was far from over.

Alexander turned his gaze back to the city. The shadows whispered his name, and he was ready to answer.

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