THE COUNCIL CHAMBER — NIGHT
Zhang Wei sat in the shadows of the dimly lit chamber, his fingers steepled, eyes glinting with cold calculation.
He was a man who wore masks — smiles for the public, threats for his enemies, lies for his friends.
And he had one rule:
Control the narrative, or be controlled.
THE MESSAGE
A secure comm-link buzzed.
"They're coming for you."
Zhang smiled.
"Good."
Because he had spent years weaving the threads.
Every betrayal, every broken promise — all carefully orchestrated.
He knew Su Chen was the only one capable of unraveling it all.
But he also knew that the deeper Su Chen dug, the more dangerous it became.
BACK ALLEY MEETING
Su Chen stood alone beneath flickering streetlamps.
His voice cold.
"Zhang Wei. The mastermind hiding behind a curtain of lies."
He stepped into the light, eyes burning.
"Time to cut your strings."
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
[Target: Zhang Wei – Influence Network: 80% exposed][Trait Unlocked: Master Manipulator]Enemies with high influence can twist allies and foes alike; breaking their network weakens entire factions.
[New Skill: Network Severance]Disconnect a target's influence, causing chaos and confusion among their followers.
THE GAME OF CHAINS BEGINS
Zhang Wei's empire was vast — filled with spies, traitors, and assassins.
But Su Chen had one advantage: The system.
"Let's see who falls first."
END OF CHAPTER 11