The city never slept, but Leo Fan barely noticed. His mind was still racing from the Yuan Group merger.
From delivery rider to digital ghost, to millionaire negotiator—every week felt like stepping onto a higher plane of power.
Yet, something lingered in the back of his mind. That shadowed observer, watching him after the cyber-hacker incident, had reappeared.
> Aria: "Leo, I have something to tell you. Your actions have attracted attention… the big kind."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "Attention? From who?"
> Aria: "Organizations far beyond your previous employers. Some want to recruit you. Others… want to remove you entirely."
The words sent a chill down his spine.
---
Incoming Message
His phone buzzed again. A secure, encrypted chat appeared.
> Unknown: "Leo Fan, you are exceptional. We offer opportunity… or elimination. Choose wisely."
There was an attachment: a sleek black card embossed with silver lettering. It read:
> "The Aegis Society – For the Chosen Few."
Leo's pulse quickened.
> Leo: "A society… like a secret billionaire club?"
> Aria: "Exactly. But they don't play by normal rules. This is more than money. Power, influence… and survival."
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A Test of Skill
The message included coordinates: a high-rise on the outskirts of the city. Inside, a single puzzle awaited him.
When Leo arrived, the room was dark, lit only by holographic screens floating mid-air.
A masked figure appeared.
> Figure: "Welcome, Leo Fan. If you want to join the Aegis Society, you must first prove your worth. This is not about wealth—it's about intelligence, reflexes, and intuition."
Suddenly, dozens of digital drones erupted from the walls, each programmed with lethal AI logic.
> Leo (smirking): "So… they want a challenge, huh?"
His system pinged:
> 🧠 Skill Unlocked: Tactical Instinct (Level 1)
🧠 Skill Upgraded: Quantum Encryption Breaker → Level 3
Leo moved like lightning, dodging lasers, hacking drones mid-flight, and redirecting their attacks with his Ghostware Kit.
The masked figure's eyes glowed red through the helmet.
> Masked Figure: "Impressive… but not enough."
---
The Hidden Opponent
A second challenger emerged from the shadows—a young man with a smirk and a custom system interface glowing on his wrist.
> Rival: "I've been waiting for you, Leo Fan. Let's see if the legend is real."
The two circled each other, systems humming. Digital attacks collided, sparks flying, shadows and firewalls weaving around them.
> Aria: "Leo… this is different. He's another system user. Be careful."
> Leo (gritting teeth): "Bring it on."
The first exchange sent holographic shrapnel across the room, but Leo's speed and instincts allowed him to dodge, counter, and trap his rival.
---
Aftermath
When the dust settled, only one figure stood victorious. Leo's rival smirked, backing away.
> Rival: "This isn't over. The Aegis Society… you've just entered a much larger game."
The masked figure stepped forward.
> Masked Figure: "Leo Fan, consider this an invitation… and a warning. The world you knew is gone. From now on, every week is survival, and every choice… changes your fate."
Aria's voice whispered in his mind:
> Aria: "Leo… welcome to the real game. Are you ready to rise… or be crushed?"
Leo clenched his fists, eyes blazing.
> Leo (smirking): "I'm just getting started."
---