The Hunt Begins
Gerard is free, but he isn't safe. His enemies still hold power, and the first step to tearing them down is gathering intelligence. As he and Jian step into the outside world, they must secure resources, find allies—or eliminate obstacles in their path. Meanwhile, Madam Wei receives her first message, and the game of revenge officially begins.
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The City at Night – A Predator's First Steps
The city stretched out before them, a vast sea of neon lights, towering buildings, and restless movement.
It had been years since Gerard had walked through an urban environment like this. The last time he had seen a city skyline, he was still Gerard Walker. A soldier. A weapon.
Now? He was something else entirely.
Jian stretched, arms behind his head, taking in the energy of the streets like a man who had just been reborn.
"Damn, it feels good to be back."
Gerard, however, had no time to waste.
He needed money. Weapons. Information.
His first target? Madam Wei.
The woman had resources beyond most people's imaginations. If he rushed in without a plan, he'd be crushed.
He turned to Jian. "How much do you know about Madam Wei's operations?"
Jian's smirk didn't fade. "Why do you assume I know anything?"
Gerard stared at him, unimpressed.
Jian sighed dramatically. "Fine. I know a guy. Not exactly friendly, but he moves information. If you want dirt on your stepmother, he's the one to see."
"Where?"
Jian rolled his shoulders. "A club downtown. But there's a catch."
Gerard already knew what was coming. "Nothing's free."
Jian grinned. "Exactly. We'll have to earn our way in."
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Meanwhile – Madam Wei Receives the Message
The Wei family estate was a fortress of wealth and power.
The estate sprawled across acres of private land, hidden behind towering walls lined with state-of-the-art surveillance. Beyond the front gates, a winding stone driveway led to the mansion—an architectural blend of old-world aristocracy and modern opulence.
Inside, gold-trimmed decor, priceless antiques, and silk-draped furniture adorned the halls. Each step through this place whispered of control, refinement, and an iron grip on power.
At the heart of it all, Madam Wei sat in her study, her presence as commanding as ever.
A single folder lay on the polished ebony desk before her.
The contents were already burned into her mind.
Security footage. The asylum's final logs. The bodies of the guards.
And the words written on the security monitor.
"See you soon."
The phrase was simple. But the message behind it was devastating.
Her fingers tightened around the crystal wine glass, the delicate stem creaking under the pressure.
Her heart was steady, but beneath the surface, a flicker of unease stirred.
"He's alive."
She lifted her gaze to the man standing across from her—a tall, broad-shouldered figure in a tailored black suit.
His face was impassive, cold. A man who had killed more than he had spoken.
Her personal enforcer.
Her voice was smooth. "How do we fix this?"
The man's response was immediate. "We cut the problem at the root."
A moment of silence stretched between them.
Then, she smiled.
A cold, deliberate smile.
"Then do it."
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Downtown – A Taste of the Underground
The air downtown was different from the asylum.
The asylum had been silent, stagnant. A place where time felt frozen.
But the city? The city was alive.
As Gerard and Jian moved through the neon-lit streets, the sounds of honking cars, muffled conversations, and distant sirens filled the air.
Jian walked with an easy confidence, completely at home in the chaos.
Gerard, however, moved with purpose.
His eyes scanned every alleyway, every potential exit. A soldier's mind never rested.
Their destination was a club buried deep in the heart of the city's underworld.
The exterior was unassuming—just a red neon sign, flickering above a blacked-out door.
But Gerard knew the truth. Places like this weren't just nightclubs. They were hubs for criminals, power brokers, and the unseen figures that ran the city's shadows.
Jian grinned as they approached the entrance. "Let me handle this part."
The bouncer at the door—a mountain of a man in a dark suit—stepped forward, arms crossed.
Jian flashed an easy smile. "We're here for Lin Bao."
The bouncer's expression didn't change. "Not on the list."
Jian sighed. "Of course not. You think a guy like Lin Bao puts people on a list?"
The bouncer remained unmoved. "Not my problem."
Gerard's patience was already thin.
Jian noticed and leaned in slightly. "Relax, big guy. I got this."
Turning back to the bouncer, he produced a small black token from his pocket—a symbol of some underground affiliation.
The bouncer studied it for a moment.
Then, with a grunt, he stepped aside. "Don't cause trouble."
Jian winked. "No promises."
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Inside the Club – A Den of Power
The moment they stepped inside, Gerard was already analyzing the layout.
The air was thick with perfume, cigarette smoke, and money.
The music throbbed low and steady, vibrating through the floor.
Scantily dressed women whispered into the ears of wealthy men. VIP booths lined the edges, where the true business of the night was taking place.
And at the back, sitting in the corner of an exclusive lounge, was their target.
Lin Bao.
An information broker. A man who knew everyone's secrets—and sold them to the highest bidder.
Jian smirked. "Now comes the fun part."
Gerard's gaze didn't waver.
"No. Now comes the important part."
As they moved toward the VIP section, Gerard had already decided.
Lin Bao would talk.
One way or another.
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