The blood was barely dry.
But Phantom had already moved.
Shadow Warboard Activated – Tier I Response Strategy
Primary Target: Virelli Cartel
Objectives Deployed:
– Zeke: Cyberstrike Operation "Blackout Rain"
→ 2 Virelli crypto laundering accounts drained — $4.3M vanished
– Kai: Strike Team 'Wolfbone'
→ Naples warehouse burned. 12M in product vaporized
– Nova: Smuggler Turnover
→ Contacted Virelli's South African logistics chief. Offered protection, pay… and purpose.
Result: Chief defected. Took his crew. With the routes.
System Reward: Phantom Strike Bonus Activated
– Infamy Spike: +15% in global syndicate channels
– $8.7M Returned via Spender's Dominion
Skill Unlocked: "War Beneath the Crown"
→ You gain +20% effectiveness on all coordinated empire attacks across countries
→ Your retaliation now inspires fear before the first blow lands
Meanwhile — London, UK
The elite nightlife venue was invite-only.
No flyers. No online posts. Just one gold-foiled message:
"Midnight Ascension — Hosted by Phantom."
Inside: Oil heirs. Supermodels. Russian moguls. Arab princes. K-pop stars. A-list cartel lieutenants.
And at the top of it all: Damon Black, black tux, no tie, single diamond crown pin.
He shook hands with a UK arms broker.
He kissed the cheek of a Saudi billionaire's daughter.
He toasted champagne with a Nigerian shipping queen.
Every flash? Bought.
Every whisper? Controlled.
Every photo? Viral by morning.
System Passive Triggered: "OmniLeverage" (Elite Public Tier)
→ Public presence now fuels intimidation and attraction
→ +$2.5M brand valuation bump for Phantom's legal holdings
→ Global trend tag: #PhantomMoves
Later That Night – Private Lounge Above the Club
Damon stood before a window, overlooking London's skyline. Music pulsed below. Security lined the rooftop.
Nova entered, wearing a fire-red dress and two pistols under it.
She poured herself a drink.
"Word is you just became a global problem."
Damon sipped his whiskey.
"I don't want problems," he said. "I want submission."
She grinned. "And what happens if the world doesn't bow?"
He looked her in the eye, voice razor-sharp.
"Then I teach it how to bleed gracefully."