Learning
*First Person POV*
As I stared at the screen on the wall, contemplating how in the hell I was going to be able to get the credits required to get me a good mech, or how I was going to increase my current piloting level of Epsilon. The same applies to Ghost, we just don't have the funds as of now. As I was thinking out loud, a system notification popped up on my screen.
"Ding! The Host has learned crucial information about mechs and piloting levels.
Ding! Congratulations on completing Hidden Quest: Expand your Horizons.
Reward: 1x System Quad Simulator Pod."
I smile when I see that now we won't really have to worry about how to level up. But my smile slowly dissipates the more information I read.
"System Quad Simulator Pod (1:100 Time Dilation)
- Capacity: Up to 4 people can train simultaneously.
- Time Dilation: 1:100 ratio (100 hours in the simulation equals 1 hour in real-time).
- Training Boost: +50% Training Efficiency (Users develop skills at 50% the rate faster than a standard simulator pod).
- Overview: The System Quad Simulator Pod is the most advanced training tool available, designed to exponentially accelerate a pilot's learning curve. Thanks to its 1:100 time dilation, pilots can spend the equivalent of days or weeks inside the simulation while only a few hours pass in the real world. The built-in AI continuously adjusts the difficulty, ensuring each pilot is pushed to their maximum potential while gaining a deep understanding of combat techniques, tactics, and maneuvers in mechs of all classes.
- Example: If a pilot spends 10 real hours inside the pod, they will experience 1,000 hours of simulation time—allowing them to develop months' worth of skills in a fraction of the time.
- System Pod Bonus: In addition to the time dilation, the pod provides a +50% boost to skill acquisition, meaning users advance their skills 1.5x faster than those using regular pods.
- Target Users: Designed for elite pilots, squads, and commanders who need to rapidly gain experience or master complex combat scenarios in a short timeframe.
- Recommended Pilot Level Usage In Real-Time:
Epsilon: 10 Hours a week, maximum. Any more and extreme irreversible damage to the brain is at risk. The same applies to the following levels.
Delta: 12 Hours a week.
Gamma: 15 Hours a week.
Beta: 19 Hours a week.
Alpha: 24 Hours a week.
Omega: 30 Hours a week.
- Strengths:
Unparalleled time efficiency for skill development.
Boosted learning curve with 50% faster skill advancement.
Capable of simulating both ground and space combat environments with full sensory immersion.
- Weaknesses:
Extremely resource-intensive, meaning that a lot of energy is required to the able to access it, making it unavailable in low-energy environments."
"Jarvis, how does this simulator pod compare to regular simulator pods?" I ask in my mind.
"Sure thing, Host! Here's the information on the most advanced simulator pod according to the information provided by your subordinate, Ghost:
Simulator Pod (1:10 Time Dilation)
- Capacity: Standard pods can accommodate 1 person at a time.
- Time Dilation: 1:10 ratio (10 hours in the simulation equals 1 hour in real-time).
- Training Boost: None (Standard training rate).
- Overview: Regular simulator pods are the most common training tools available to pilots. They provide a basic time dilation feature that allows pilots to train for extended periods in a compressed timeframe, but at a far slower pace compared to the System Quad Simulator Pod. While regular pods are still efficient, the skill acquisition rate is notably slower, and the training scenarios are more limited in scope.
- Example: If a pilot spends 5 real hours inside a regular pod, they will experience 50 hours of training time—providing a notable advantage, but far less than the system pod.
- Target Users: All pilot levels are able to use this pod.
- Strengths:
Does not require immense energy to function and still provides time-dilated training, allowing for an extended simulation experience.
- Weaknesses:
No enhanced skill acquisition rate.
Less comprehensive simulations compared to the system pods.
All users are capped at 15 hours of use per week, meaning they can only obtain at most 150 hours of experience per week."
"Hmm, interesting. Is there anything else that I've earned for the information I just learned?" I say to myself in a low voice.
Ghost, out of the corner of my eye raises an eyebrow at me and asks "What did you say?"
"Nothing, just thinking out loud," I say, shrugging off his inquiry. I then talk again to Jarvis, "So, is there anything?"
"Yes, Host, your second reward for the Hidden Quest: Expand your Horizons is the following:
Ding! You've unlocked the System Mech Shop. These mechs from the system store are elite variants of their standard counterparts, with enhanced performance across the board."
"No shit," I think to myself. "Show me the system mech shop."
The panel in front of my eye shifted as a new one replaced the previous one. This one displayed Mech information along with images of each mech.
"System Store Mechs
Knight Class
Tier 1: 33,000 CSP (+5% armor durability)
Tier 2: 66,000 CSP (+7% shield integrity)
Tier 3: 165,000 CSP (+10% energy absorption rate)
Tier 4: 330,000 CSP (+12% melee attack precision)
Tier 5: 495,000 CSP (+15% impact resistance)
Tier 6: 990,000 CSP (+18% shield recovery speed)
Tier 7: 1,800,000 CSP (+20% reactor overload resistance)
Parallax Class
Tier 1: 50,000 CSP (+5% targeting accuracy at long range)
Tier 2: 100,000 CSP (+7% range detection)
Tier 3: 200,000 CSP (+10% stealth duration)
Tier 4: 400,000 CSP (+12% projectile velocity)
Tier 5: 600,000 CSP (+15% long-range targeting lock speed)
Tier 6: 1,200,000 CSP (+18% precision under adverse conditions)
Tier 7: 1,900,000 CSP (+20% counter-detection technology)
Rakshasa Class
Tier 1: 60,000 CSP (+5% melee impact force)
Tier 2: 120,000 CSP (+7% kinetic boost in close combat)
Tier 3: 240,000 CSP (+10% armor density)
Tier 4: 480,000 CSP (+12% damage resistance against blunt force)
Tier 5: 720,000 CSP (+15% area shockwave range on impact)
Tier 6: 1,300,000 CSP (+18% EMP resistance)
Tier 7: 2,000,000 CSP (+20% probability of disrupting enemy systems on melee contact)
Warlock Class
Tier 1: 70,000 CSP (+5% EMP field radius)
Tier 2: 140,000 CSP (+7% electronic disruption duration)
Tier 3: 280,000 CSP (+10% energy siphoning rate)
Tier 4: 560,000 CSP (+12% shield dampening)
Tier 5: 840,000 CSP (+15% disruption potency)
Tier 6: 1,400,000 CSP (+18% energy absorption efficiency)
Tier 7: 2,100,000 CSP (+20% chance to disable critical systems upon EMP strike)
Valkyrie Class (Space-Compatible)
Tier 1: 55,000 CSP (+5% aerial maneuverability)
Tier 2: 110,000 CSP (+7% targeting accuracy mid-flight)
Tier 3: 220,000 CSP (+10% thrust power)
Tier 4: 440,000 CSP (+12% fuel efficiency in space)
Tier 5: 660,000 CSP (+15% anti-missile reaction time)
Tier 6: 1,300,000 CSP (+18% long-range stability during flight)
Tier 7: 2,200,000 CSP (+20% evasion speed for aerial combat)
Sentinel Class
Tier 1: 60,000 CSP (+5% shielding radius)
Tier 2: 120,000 CSP (+7% armor plating strength)
Tier 3: 240,000 CSP (+10% drone operational efficiency)
Tier 4: 480,000 CSP (+12% energy barrier duration)
Tier 5: 720,000 CSP (+15% area suppression efficiency)
Tier 6: 1,400,000 CSP (+18% shield regeneration rate)
Tier 7: 2,300,000 CSP (+20% ability to withstand multi-enemy crossfire)
Void Sentinel Class (Space-Compatible)
Tier 1: 65,000 CSP (+5% radiation shielding)
Tier 2: 130,000 CSP (+7% energy dispersal rate)
Tier 3: 260,000 CSP (+10% stability for plasma weapons)
Tier 4: 520,000 CSP (+12% particle shielding strength)
Tier 5: 780,000 CSP (+15% anti-cosmic interference durability)
Tier 6: 1,500,000 CSP (+18% energy shielding regeneration)
Tier 7: 2,400,000 CSP (+20% railgun penetration capability)
Viper Class (Space-Compatible)
Tier 1: 70,000 CSP (+5% speed boost in space)
Tier 2: 140,000 CSP (+7% agility and maneuverability)
Tier 3: 280,000 CSP (+10% cloaking duration)
Tier 4: 560,000 CSP (+12% plasma shot velocity)
Tier 5: 840,000 CSP (+15% rapid targeting reflexes)
Tier 6: 1,500,000 CSP (+18% armor penetration rate)
Tier 7: 2,450,000 CSP (+20% warp and hyperdrive efficiency)
Ghost Class (Space-Compatible)
Tier 1: 75,000 CSP (+5% stealth duration)
Tier 2: 150,000 CSP (+7% silent mobility)
Tier 3: 300,000 CSP (+10% nullification efficiency for energy signals)
Tier 4: 600,000 CSP (+12% evasion rate from detection)
Tier 5: 900,000 CSP (+15% targeting accuracy for silent attacks)
Tier 6: 1,600,000 CSP (+18% jamming range for sensors)
Tier 7: 2,450,000 CSP (+20% quiet weapon discharge capability)
Reaper Class (Space-Compatible)
Tier 1: 90,000 CSP (+5% targeting precision for critical points)
Tier 2: 180,000 CSP (+7% stealth on close approach)
Tier 3: 360,000 CSP (+10% armor piercing efficiency)
Tier 4: 720,000 CSP (+12% cloaking duration)
Tier 5: 1,080,000 CSP (+15% scythe impact force)
Tier 6: 1,800,000 CSP (+18% silent propulsion capability)
Tier 7: 2,500,000 CSP (+20% probability to cause critical system failure on direct strike)"
"Well damn, that's a lot of CSP required. I wonder just how long it'll take to make that much," I think to myself.
"Well, Host, you currently have 299 CSP after the gang member higherups you and your subordinate killed. Must I also remind you that as you progress, the missions assigned to you will become harder and more rewarding. You also have two new progressive mission in progress, would you like to see your progress?"
"Yes, show it to me."
"Mission in Progress: Become Self-Sufficient
In this new world you must rise to the top and what better way to do so than to not rely on others for your monetary needs?
Rewards-
Achieve Average Income of 50,000 credits a week: 500 CSP a month.
Achieve Average Income of 100,000 credits a week: 1000 CSP a month.
Achieve Average Income of 200,000 credits a week: 1500 CSP a month.
Achieve Average Income of 500,000 credits a week: 2500 CSP a month.
Achieve Average Income of 1,000,000 credits a week: 5000 CSP a month.
These rewards will only be given if you maintain your weekly income at or above the required income for a whole month. The income must also be a stable source of income. In other words, income earned from jobs such as mercenary requests will NOT be counted. Other progressive missions will arise the more your presence grows in this universe.
Progressive Mission: Eyes on the Sky, Ace in Disguise
Rising to the top is not just about how full your pockets are, but also how good of a pilot you can become.
Reach Delta Pilot Level: 100,000 CSP
Reach Gamma Pilot Level: 500,000 CSP
Reach Beta Pilot Level: 1,500,000 CSP
Reach Alpha Pilot Level: 5,000,000 CSP
Reach Omega Pilot Level: 30,000,000 CSP
Reach Abyssal Pilot Level: 15,000,000,000 CSP"
"Alright, I like what I'm seeing, I felt kind of stuck on how to earn more CSP that did not require killing people," I say in my mind.
"Ding! New Mission Assigned: Who Dares?
Description: You have angered a group of people with your actions. Find out who they are and eliminate them before they come for you.
Reward: 3500 CSP."
"Oh, I wonder who we have angered," I said out loud, having momentarily forgotten that Ghost was in the room with me.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked me.
"Oh, I had forgotten you were still here," I say to him. "Well, how do I explain this to you? I guess I'll just be blunt. The same power that allowed me to raise you from the dead lets me know every once in a while when I'm either in danger or being targeted."
Ghost's eyebrows scrunched as he asked "Is that how you knew we were going to be ambushed?"
"Partly, apart from the fact that something just felt off with that one man at the depot," I say to him as I look out the window. "I think I might have a good idea on who is targeting us."
"Well, it's not like there are many options. We only have 3 groups who might be out for our heads, the Black Vultures, who we just pissed off, Ajax and his goons, and…"
"The Tiger Claws," I finish for him. "Alright, I'm going to need you to gather information on them, track their activities, find out their worth, their fighting prowess, and how much they know about us."
"Yessir, I'll get right on it," he promptly replied. He turned to leave but stopped at the door, turning back to me, "And what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to find us a way to get a lot of energy," I say.
Ghost tilts his head, confusion written all over his face, "As in electricity?"
"Yup," I reply.
"If you don't mind me asking, what do you have in mind right now? What's the point of this new venture you're going for?"
I look at him and smile softly, "Let's just say, my friend, that I may or may not have a way to exponentially increase our piloting levels by a lot, but it won't be cheap and it won't be achievable without a shitton of energy."
His eyes raise slightly as he starts to understand where I'm going with this. "I see, well then, the sooner we get to this, the sooner we can raise our levels."
We make our way out the door and split as he heads in the direction where the gangs and mercenaries usually hang around while I take the MRAP and start driving deeper into the city, deciding to stop at an educational Cafe, similar to a computer cafe but a place used only for education. It was about time I started putting my genius to work.
---
As I approached the educational cafe, a building that could be thought of as a Library, its sharp, angular architecture caught my eye. It was like a fortress of knowledge, octagonal windows lining the towering structure, casting reflections of light like blades against the smooth, squared walls. I stepped inside, and the air felt different, heavy with the weight of centuries of information stored within these walls. No military secrets were kept here, but everything else, from science to philosophy, from history to engineering, was available to anyone who sought it. From what I had learned, education was optional in this world, and it was expensive. You could live your entire life without stepping into a place like this.
I walked through the entrance, the automated doors parting with a hiss. The main hall opened up into a labyrinth of square and octagonal shelves, all filled with data terminals, digital archives, and old-fashioned books for those who still liked the tactile experience. My mind raced at the possibilities.
I approached the front desk where a bored-looking clerk, half-buried in data screens, glanced up at me.
"Hey, was wondering how this whole thing works," I say, my voice as casual as can be.
The clerk raised an eyebrow. "How this works? You not from around here are you?" The guy looked me up and down as he paused, seemingly analyzing me. "Probably raised in the wild or you're a mercenary, judging by your… physique. Well, that's none of my problem. This is an educational cafe, you learn whatever you want here, and you can stay as long as you like... if you've got the credits."
"Credits?" My brow furrowed. "How much are we talking?"
"Of course, you'd think this would be free. Welcome to civilization, nothing in life is free Every five minutes of access will cost you 5,000 credits. Standard rate," he said, his tone mocking and with disinterest as if I was a lesser being and this was a semi-routine interaction.
I bit down on my frustration, my mind running calculations. That wasn't cheap, hell, that'd be 1/8th of the money we just pulled from the Black Vultures, but the knowledge I could gain here, it might be worth it. I reached into my pockets and pulled out my Nexus and tapped it against the terminal.
"5000 credits for five fucking minutes," I repeated to myself, shaking my head. "Highway robbery."
The clerk barely responded, simply nodding at the terminal. I sighed, not liking the situation, but I knew I needed what was here.
"Jarvis," I think in my head.
"How can I help, Host?"
"Can you copy the information so I can access it later? No way I'm paying these prices for a mere five fucking minutes."
"Yes, Host, I have the ability to replicate and store the data for later review only when requested by you, Host."
"Perfect," I whispered, turning back to the clerk. "Five minutes. No more."
He nodded, keying in my payment, and a soft chime confirmed the transaction. I quickly made my way to the data terminals, pulling up every file I could on power systems, electricity generation, energy grids, and optimization.
"Jarvis? Copy all of these files"
"Yes, Host."
The timer started as I dove into the archives. Within seconds, schematics, data, and technical documents flooded my display. Everything I needed was laid out in front of me. Jarvis worked at a blistering pace, copying and storing the information as fast as the system could allow. I scanned the details on electricity generation, from primitive fossil fuels to nuclear fission reactors, the more advanced fusion reactors that powered entire infrastructures, and the still believed to be far into the future, the theoretical Zero-Point Energy Reactors. I dove into smart grids, battery storage systems, and even quantum energy systems, absorbing as much as I could in the limited time. Jarvis stored every bit of it for me to review later.
"INT stat rising, sir. 47... 49... Current value, 50."
The five minutes flew by. I barely had a chance to process the weight of what I'd just gathered. As the timer neared its end, Jarvis confirmed the successful data capture.
"All relevant data copied, Host. You can access it whenever you like."
I exhaled, standing up and glancing around the Library, deciding to waste an additional 5000 credits to learn information about mechs. The knowledge here was priceless, but the prices they charged? Criminal.
"Let me get another 5 minutes," I said to the clerk.
"Sure thing," he said, his demeanor shifting as I had just decided to blow away a total of 10,000 credits.
"Alright, Jarvis, let's do the same again," I said as I pulled up schematics and all sorts of files relating to Mechs, their weapons, their systems, their designs their engineering, how to build them, etc.
"Sure thing, Host."
After the five minutes were over and I had gotten what I needed, I turned and made my way to the exit, feeling the weight of the data now securely stored in my neural network.
Once outside, I climbed into my MRAP, shutting the door behind me with a solid thunk. The city buzzed outside, but I was focused inward. Sitting in the driver's seat, I activated Jarvis.
"Start organizing what we got, Jarvis," I said. "I want to go over everything we obtained."
"Of course, Host," Jarvis replied as the data flooded back into my mind.
I started reviewing it, feeling my understanding deepen as the knowledge sunk in. Information on electricity generation systems filled my thoughts: nuclear fission reactors, fusion power, and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal systems. The mechanics of energy production, from turning turbines to harnessing the energy of the stars, became clear as the details clicked into place.
"INT stat increasing: 55... 58."
I moved on to the section about smart grids and energy consumption. The concept of AI-controlled networks rerouting energy across entire cities and planetary infrastructures was now mine to command. I grasped the methods of optimizing these systems, ensuring no energy was wasted, and maintaining efficiency at every level. Battery storage systems stood out, particularly the idea of quantum batteries, able to store colossal amounts of power for use when renewable sources weren't available.
"TECH stat rising... 65... 70."
The more I learned, the clearer it became. This was knowledge I could use, not just for mechs but for building entire systems of energy and infrastructure. It was all connected: from fusion reactors powering cities to smart grids optimizing energy use, down to the smallest detail like the materials used in high-efficiency solar cells.
"INT stat: 65... 67... Current value: 70."
As the data settled in my mind, I realized just how far I had come. I wasn't just learning anymore. I was evolving. Every piece of information brought me closer to mastery, mastery over energy, technology, and the systems that powered everything in this world. I sat back in the driver's seat, my mind buzzing with the possibilities.
"TECH stat: 75... 80."
I then brought up the archives on mech cores and their power system. Each line of data on energy generation, efficiency, and consumption fell into place effortlessly. Fusion reactors, smaller than their city-powering counterparts, yet advanced beyond anything I had seen, provided power to these mechs. Though smaller, they were still capable of generating enough energy to light entire cities. Their power grids, what I now understood as Power Distribution Systems, routed that energy through conduits to every part of the mech, from weapons to mobility to life support.
As I read, I felt the familiar sensation of Jarvis tracking my progress.
"INT stat rising, sir. 70... 72... 74."
I smirked. The intricacies of energy consumption and optimization fascinated me. How much power a plasma cannon drew versus the energy cost of a railgun or maintaining a mech's energy. I studied ways to balance that consumption, learning how to reroute energy dynamically in combat situations. A mech could shut down non-essential systems to divert energy to shields or weapons. Efficiency was key, and now I understood exactly how to maximize it.
"INT stat increasing... 75... 78."
Next, I delved into control systems. The Neural Link interface allowed pilots to control mechs with nothing but thought, connecting directly to the brain's neural network. The tech behind it was elegant, bypassing traditional physical controls and creating a seamless feedback loop between pilot and machine. Paired with Haptic Feedback Systems, the pilot could feel every movement, every impact as if they were the mech itself. I absorbed everything—how these systems were integrated, how they tied into energy optimization, and how they ensured instantaneous reaction times in battle. I smiled as I now knew how to improve these by generations, although obviously, everything was theoretical in my head. But I was sure I could further increase reaction time and speed as well as the overall movement of the mech.
"TECH stat rising... 80... 83."
I moved on to Composite Alloy Plating, the lightweight yet incredibly strong and durable material that was used as armor. Using advanced composites like graphene and carbon nanotubes, the armor is protected without sacrificing agility. I also learned about Reactive Armor, an innovation that could change its configuration in response to attacks, absorbing the brunt of a plasma bolt or deflecting a railgun shot.
Weapons were next. I tore through files on Plasma Cannons, Railguns, and Energy Blades, even normal cold weapons for mechs. I understood how each one was powered by the Fusion Core, their energy draw, and how much strain they put on the system. I began seeing ways to improve them, optimizing energy consumption while boosting power output. The missile pods and smart missiles, AI-guided for pinpoint accuracy, fit into the mech's Targeting Systems, which analyzed enemy weak points and calculated firing solutions in real time.
"INT stat: 80... 83... 85. TECH stat: 85."
The numbers kept on climbing, but I barely noticed a thing. I was in a trance, too deep into the files on mobility systems. Servo-enhanced joints allowed mechs to move with a fluidity that matched or exceeded human movements. But there was more: gravitational stabilizers, anti-gravity tech that allowed mechs to maintain perfect balance in zero-G environments, and thrusters that gave them short bursts of flight.
Finally, I dove into energy optimization on a broader scale. Each mech had its limits, but knowing how to redistribute power between systems in real-time could make or break a fight. I studied how power was drawn from the reactor, and how the system automatically shifted energy from life support to weapons or from shields to thrusters. My mind raced with ways to improve efficiency, to minimize waste while maximizing performance.
"INT stat: 90. TECH stat: 90."
Coming out of my trance I noticed just how my INT and TECH stats had pretty much.
"Holy shit, Jarvis, does this mean I now have an IQ higher than Einstein or something?" I ask in my head.
"Host, Great human minds like Einstein and Tesla have been all but forgotten in this universe, many geniuses have come and gone. However, you would rank far above them all since God gave you an unmatched genius. Your IQ cannot be measured or compared to human standards, all that's missing is you actually putting it to use and doing your own research or testing to create something new or advance what's already been made."
"Oh," I say out loud. "I've always been smart, but I guess I'm smart as fuck now! When I return to my life on Earth, oh the shit I'm going to make."
"For that, you have to finish all your missions, and you're still in the beginning stages. At the speed you're progressing you'll be an ancient soul in the body of a man in his mid 20's by the time you return to Earth."
"What a buzzkill," I say as I start to reflect. The knowledge I gained today wasn't just for now. It was for everything that came next. With a final glance at the educational cafe, I smirked and shifted the MRAP into gear. There were no limits to what I could do now. The universe wasn't ready for what I was about to unleash. It's about time I use my brains and make us some credits to really start building up.
*Third Person POV*
Ghost, dressed in an all-black suit and wearing a black Oni Mask along with some aviator shades, moved through the city like a shadow, his enhanced body blending seamlessly with the grim, chaotic streets. Whispers of his and Aspen's actions have started to be spread among the bandits, mercenaries, and street gangs. To them, they were specters, two men who appeared out of nowhere yet proved why they only needed two. They were far more dangerous than any group in this city.
The target? The Tiger Claws.
Ghost's mind was set. They needed to know the Tiger Claws' strength, their resources, and most importantly, how much they knew about him and Aspen. The group had suffered a significant loss recently, their last heist turned disastrous when two men had messed up their plans and killed dozens of their men. Now, the Tiger Claws were pulling in all their resources to find those two men.
As Ghost approached a dingy, dim-lit bar known for being a hub of information brokers, his eyes scanned the area. The place reeked of desperation—mercenaries looking for jobs, thugs preying on the weak, and dealers whispering shady transactions in the dark corners. Ghost ignored them all. He was here for one thing.
Inside, the bar was quiet save for the murmurs of hushed conversations. Ghost's target was a man known as Roth, a sleazy information broker with ties to nearly every major player in the city. Roth sat in his usual booth, nursing a drink, his greasy fingers tapping away on his Nexus.
Without a word, Ghost slid into the booth across from him. Roth didn't even look up, too engrossed in his dealings.
"I need information," Ghost said, his voice cold.
Roth glanced up, his eyes narrowing at the figure in front of him. "Information ain't cheap. Got 10,000 credits?"
Ghost's eyes flashed with annoyance. "How much is your life worth in credits?"
Roth's cocky smirk faltered slightly. "Listen, friend, I don't work for free. No one here does. Credits or nothing."
Before Roth could react, Ghost reached across the table, grabbing the man's collar and slamming him against the table. He then grabbed the man's wrist and a muffled crack echoed through the air as Ghost twisted it just enough to send a sharp bolt of pain shooting up Roth's arm.
"I wonder just how much is your life worth," Ghost whispered, his voice carrying the promise of death.
Roth's face paled as he looked up, blood running down his nose, his free hand trembling as he tried to pull away. "I—okay! Okay! Fuck, there's no need for this. I'll talk!"
Ghost released his grip, leaning back in his seat as Roth massaged his wrist, eyes wide with fear.
"Tiger Claws," Ghost said. "I want everything you know about them."
Roth nodded quickly, scrambling to gather his thoughts. "They've been moving a lot of product; their drugs, weapons, tech... But recently, they've shifted focus. Their boss, some guy named Kazuo, he's been pulling in resources like crazy. Rumor is, they're trying to find two men who messed up their last heist and killed dozens of their men. They're getting desperate, and they've been pulling in all their resources to track those two down."
Ghost's expression didn't change, but the wheels in his mind were already turning. "Oh really? I wonder just how much do they know about us?"
Roth swallowed hard, his eyes darting nervously around the bar as he heard Ghost's remark. "Not much. Not yet, at least. But they're paranoid. They've been watching everyone, trying to figure out who's who. I heard they're keeping an eye on the Black Vultures too because rumor is that they got hit by 2 men, and they had no choice but to comply."
Ghost nodded slowly, piecing together the information. "What are they worth?"
"They've got money, that's for sure. Black market deals, tech smuggling... they've got the backing of some pretty powerful groups, some corpos. If you're really who you claimed to be, you'll need more than 2 men to deal with them."
Ghost stood up, satisfied with what he'd learned. "That's not something you ought to worry your little head about." He straightened his suit and looked around. "If I hear a peep about what you've told me today, I'll come back and castrate you before slowly peeling the skin from your neck and pulling your throat out of it. Understood?"
Roth nodded vigorously, "Yes, no words will come from me…. Hey, next time... maybe just bring the credits."
Ghost didn't even bother responding.
Back on the streets, he disappeared into the crowd once again, his mind already working through the next steps. He had what he needed: the Tiger Claws were on the move, building strength and looking for blood. They were desperate to find the two men who had embarrassed them, and they didn't know much about him and Aspen yet, but that wouldn't last.
Word Count: 5246 Words 🙂