The Red Lotus Casino stood like a jewel in the slums—golden lights, velvet walls, and guards with eyes like steel.
Rael stepped through the revolving doors, alone.
The bouncers let him in without a word.
System Notice: Danger Zone – Surveillance Active. Combat Restrictions Lifted.Backup Access: Disabled (Solo Mode Activated)
Inside, music pulsed low. Men in suits whispered. Women in red dresses glided across the marble floor. At the back, a private elevator blinked.
The lift opened before Rael pressed anything.
He stepped inside.
At the top floor, smoke curled through the air. A long table stretched across the lounge, and at the far end sat a man in silver—half his face hidden behind a porcelain mask.
Target Detected: Whisper Broker (Lv. ?? – Influence Rank: S)Warning: Unknown allegiance. Unknown power level.
The Broker gestured to a seat. "Rael Veyron. Sit."
Rael sat without hesitation.
"You stirred the Phoenix's nest," the Broker said, swirling his drink. "And yet, you walk in here. Bold."
"I'm not here to beg," Rael said. "I came to deal."
A low laugh. "Good. Because I don't help beggars."
The Broker slid a datachip across the table. "There's a new territory opening. Southside Docks. Black zone. Rich in traffic, untouched by gangs."
"And you want me to take it?" Rael asked.
"I want you to own it. But you'll owe me. A cut of everything."
Rael didn't respond immediately.
Mission Proposal: Claim the Southside Docks Requirements: Eliminate current rogue factions, install base, and establish trade routes Reward: +10,000 SC/day, Reputation with Broker Consequence: Failure means system freeze and betrayal mark
Rael smiled. "One condition."
The Broker leaned in. "Oh?"
"No strings. Just a temporary deal. If I succeed, I own it outright."
A pause. Then the Broker laughed again.
"Fine. One-time favor. But remember, Veyron—everyone pays in the end."
As Rael walked out of the casino, the system pinged again.
Territory Expansion UnlockedNew Region Added: Southside DocksBonus Quest Activated: Shadow Wars – Start of a City-Wide Turf Battle
Ash contacted him through the system.
"You're still alive? Damn. So… what's the mission?"
Rael stared at the docks glowing in the distance.
"It's time," he said. "Let's build an empire."