Chapter 41 - Back to Verbindung

The gentle hum of the train echoed through the carriage as Matteo and Ludovica sat side by side, their journey back to Verbindung underway. The soft hum of conversation surrounded them as passengers shuffled in their seats, some lost in thought while others chatted animatedly with their fellow travelers.

"Are you sure you trust your friend, Ludovica?" Matteo's voice broke through the gentle rumble.

Ludovica met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "Yes," she replied simply.

"Alright then, we will see when we get back," Matteo conceded, leaning back in his seat as he contemplated their next move.

As the train pulled into Verbindung station, Matteo and Ludovica rose from their seats, gathering their belongings before disembarking onto the bustling platform. The air was thick with the scent of diesel and the sound of bustling activity as passengers hurried to catch their connections or reunite with loved ones.

Making their way through the crowded station, Matteo's keen eyes scanned the scene before them, various groups and individuals moved with purpose through the throng of people.

Near a goods train full of shipping containers, a scene unfolded that caught Matteo's attention—

"How many containers are there this time?" one of the mafiosos inquired, his gaze fixed on the train owner.

"145," the owner replied, his voice tinged with resignation as he braced himself for the inevitable demand for payment.

"So according to 15 Alpenas per container, it should be... 145 multiplied by 15... that is..." The mafioso trailed off, his brow furrowing in concentration as he struggled with the simple calculation and he started counting his fingers.

One of the junior members couldn't help but stifle a laugh at the mafioso's expense, earning him a sharp smack on the head from the irate gang member. "What's so funny, huh?" the mafioso demanded, his eyes narrowing in anger.

The junior member wisely chose to remain silent, not wishing to incur further wrath.

Sensing an opportunity to assert his dominance, the mafioso turned to the young member. "If you're so smart, then you tell me!" he challenged, his tone laced with menace.

The junior member hesitated for a moment before tentatively offering his answer. "That's 2175 Alpenas, boss," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Very good," the mafioso acknowledged with a nod. "Now since I am generous boss, I will reward you, and your reward is to clean the entire warehouse floor with a toothbrush when we get back, how does that sound?"

"It sounds wonderful, boss." The kid replied meekly.

But before the situation could escalate further, the train owner interjected, his voice trembling with apprehension. "Ummm....15 Alpenas? It was 10 Alpenas per container last month!" he protested, desperate to avoid the inflated fee demanded by the gang.

"Inflation, shithead! Talk to the leader if you have problems!" the mafioso snapped back, his patience wearing thin as he silenced the owner's objections with a harsh rebuke.

Defeated, the train owner fell silent, resigning himself to the inevitable payment demanded by the gang.

As Matteo processed the scene before him, his mind whirred with calculations and possibilities. "Fifteen Alpenas per container. Almost a hundred thousand containers are transported each month... that's over 1.5 million Alpenas! PER MONTH!" he murmured to himself, his thoughts consumed by the staggering scale of the extortion racket. 'Damn! This is good business!'

"Hello! Earth to Matteo!" Ludovica's voice broke through his reverie, her tone cutting through his thoughts as she stood near the open door of a waiting taxi, her gaze fixed on him expectantly.

////////////

Matteo settled into the taxi beside Ludovica, his mind still reeling from the revelation of the lucrative protection racket.

With a few deft movements, Matteo opened his system and navigated to the Assets section,

[

- Refresh : 20 Creds -

1. Urban Sanctuary Apartment (Safehouse):

 - A discreet high-rise apartment in the heart of the city.

 - Features:

 - Enhanced security measures.

 - Secret rooms for confidential meetings.

 - Advanced surveillance systems.

 - Cost: 200 Creds.

2. Eclipse Lounge (Business Front):

 - A high-end nightclub with a hidden agenda.

 - Features:

 - Trendy and upscale décor.

 - Legitimate business operations.

 - Concealed backrooms for covert meetings.

 - Cost: 400 Creds.

3. Shadow Alley Auction House (Black Market Emporium):

 - An exclusive auction house for contraband items.

 - Features:

 - Invite-only events.

 - Disguised as a legitimate auction house.

 - Deals in rare and illegal artifacts.

 - Cost: 1000 Creds.

- Back -

]

his eyes scanning the available options. After a moment's consideration, he selected the Urban Sanctuary Apartment—a discreet safehouse nestled in the heart of the city.

"I will arrange for a place for you to stay for the time being," Matteo informed Ludovica, his tone decisive. "I have some unfinished business. We will meet with Lysander and the other recruits after a few days. I will call you."

Ludovica nodded in understanding, "What am I supposed to do for a few days?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Whatever you like. You are free to explore the city," Matteo replied cryptically, a hint of mystery in his voice. "Familiarize yourself with the city; you'll need it."

Matteo leaned back in his seat "Change of plans," he said casually to the driver, rattling off a random address in the city. "Head there instead."

With a nod from the driver, the taxi sped up, its tires humming against the pavement as it disappeared into the bustling streets of Verbindung

///////////

The taxi dropped off Matteo and Ludovica near what appeared to be an abandoned construction site. The building, though technically complete, exuded an eerie atmosphere of neglect and disuse.

Its sleek, modern façade stood in stark contrast to the surrounding urban landscape, hinting at a project that had been left abandoned.

Ludovica's skepticism was evident as she surveyed the scene before her. "This is where you've arranged for me to stay?" she asked incredulously, her voice tinged with doubt.

Matteo, equally perplexed by the unexpected location, felt a flicker of uncertainty. 'Had the system malfunctioned?' he wondered silently. 'That's not possible!'

Matteo chose to trust the system and confidently gestured for Ludovica to follow him. As they made their way through the abandoned building, Matteo couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

Hidden cameras dotted the hallways. All the flats and apartments are unfinished with just a whitewash and no furniture.

Reaching the designated safehouse indicated on his map, Matteo paused before a closed apartment door. Ludovica watched with growing confusion as Matteo observed the door with a sense of purpose.

All this while Ludovica was extremely confused. "What is he up to now?" she mused, her curiosity piqued by Matteo's cryptic behavior.

With a determined expression, Matteo turned to Ludovica. "Through here," he declared, his voice full of anticipation.

Pushing open the door, Matteo revealed a sight that took Ludovica's breath away.

The apartment beyond was a vision of luxury and opulence, a stark contrast to the dilapidated abandoned building.

Plush furnishings adorned the spacious living area, bathed in soft, ambient light that filtered in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, while gleaming marble floors added a touch of elegance to the space.

The kitchen looked really modern and clean, with shiny countertops and fancy appliances. It had a big island with stools where you could sit and eat or chat.

In the living room, there was a big TV on the wall, perfect for watching movies or shows. The furniture was comfy, and there were soft rugs on the floor.

Ludovica's eyes widened in astonishment as she took in the lavish surroundings. This was no ordinary safehouse—it was a sanctuary.

In the study, stood a workstation, its sleek design and cutting-edge technology gained a nod of approval from Matteo. Multiple monitors displayed feeds from hidden cameras placed strategically throughout the building.

'So that's what Enhanced Security Measures and Advanced Surveillance System mean, huh? Cool! '