The Virelli Cartel didn't send a warning.
They sent war.
System Alert — Global Coordinated Attack Detected
Targeted Locations:
– Black Tower NYC
– Atlanta Logistics Front
– Tokyo Shipment Hub
– London VIP Lounge (Minutes after Damon left)
Casualties: Minor (thanks to Nova's rotation schedule)
Assets lost: $650K worth of gear, 3 vehicles, 2 smugglers
But the most important line?
"Lieutenant Kai Moreno – Wounded. Critical Condition."
Black Tower — Medical Bay
Damon sat beside Kai's bed. His right-hand man, his enforcer, his brother — chest bandaged, still breathing… but barely.
Zeke entered, blood on his knuckles. "We tracked the hit squad's routes. They were pros, D. Not local. Not even Virelli's usual muscle. This was a global message."
Damon stood slowly, black coat brushing the floor, chain around his neck glinting faintly under the dim light.
His voice was calm. Low. Icy.
"Then I'll send one back."
"Written in their bones."
System Triggered: War Response Perk – "Phantom Justice"
– First successful hit back triggers morale boost to your faction
– Enemy leadership must either retreat or escalate into a full syndicate war
– Bonus: 5% enemy foot soldiers will refuse contracts on your name (Fear Status: Confirmed)
Elsewhere — Vera Returns
She stepped into Black Tower's top floor like she'd never left.
Hair up. Backless dress. White clutch full of power moves.
"Damon," she said, voice low. "The world sees you. They hear Phantom in every shadow. But your throne? It's not secure yet."
He eyed her.
"You're here for more than praise."
She nodded.
"I'm here with a proposition."
"Me. You. Marriage."
"Not out of love. Out of leverage."
"Our names together? No family, cartel, council, or country could touch us."
Damon said nothing.
But his silence? It screamed possibility.
Next Day — St. Monarch University (Athletic Grounds)
Damon stepped onto the outdoor court, fitted in team gear.
Basketball tryouts weren't supposed to be serious. Just formality.
Until he played.
– Crossed the captain so hard the guy slipped.
– Slammed a windmill dunk from behind the free-throw line.
– Hit 7 threes in a row, blindfolded (system bonus active).
The crowd lost their minds.
"That's Damon Black??"
"Bro's a CEO, a ghost, a king — and now a freakin' baller?"
"What can't he do?!"
System Alert: Athletic Domain Activated
– Skill: "Perfect Form – Tier I"
→ Every sport you attempt now syncs with your optimized muscle memory, agility, and focus
– Status: Draft-Grade Buzz (Hidden NBA Scouts Registering Interest)
New Love Interest Unlocked: Arielle Vaughn
– Sports Medicine major. Fierce, brilliant, elite-athlete-turned-scholar
– Background: Daughter of a former NBA legend, loyal to no man
– Status: 0% Loyalty | 15% Curiosity | 70% Physical Attraction
– Flag: "Will Never Chase — Must Be Earned"
Final Scene — Virelli Message Intercepted
Zeke patched in the voice log.
"This Phantom wants war?"
"Then we send it to his doorstep."
"We'll take his city. His name. His women. And then… we erase the bastard."
Damon leaned forward in the war room.
A smile touched his lips.
"Let the lions come."
"I skin kings."