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2024-10-29 19:42:56The dim light in Oz’s workshop casts long shadows across the cluttered room. Jamie steps inside, his clothes still damp from the rain and his thoughts heavy with everything that’s happened in the past few hours. The familiar scent of old paint and rusted metal fills the air as his eyes adjust to the chaos around him. Half-finished sculptures, abstract art, and strange machinery litter the space, creating a labyrinth of Oz’s eccentric mind.
In the back, hunched over a table, Oz mutters to himself, his gnarled fingers tracing patterns on a massive canvas. He doesn’t acknowledge Jamie at first, engrossed in whatever vision he's trying to create. After a beat, Oz turns, grinning with a mixture of mischief and knowing in his eyes.“Ah, you made it,” Oz says, gesturing lazily for Jamie to take a seat. His voice carries that usual edge of sarcasm, but there's something deeper—something that weighs heavy beneath his casual tone. “You look like a man drowning in more than j
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20k Rolin Chapter 14: Restless Calm (0x12RC)
Jamie steps out of Oz’s place, the echo of their conversation still swirling in his mind. The rain that had poured relentlessly earlier has subsided, leaving the streets wet and gleaming under the pale streetlights. He tilts his head, watching as a few stray droplets fall from the rooftops above, the sky now quiet in contrast to the storm inside him. The cool night air fills his lungs, but it does little to ease the tension coiled in his chest.*I can’t go back yet,* he thinks to himself, tightening his fists. He knows Emma is waiting for him, but there’s no way he’s ready to face her—not yet. There’s too much swirling around him: the system, the Broker, and now the vague but unsettling revelations from Oz. His feet instinctively lead him away from home, away from everything familiar.His phone buzzes, snapping him out of his thoughts. He glances at the screen and sees Lyle’s name flashing.*Again?* It’s the second time today, just hours apart, and he’s not in the mood for another con
20k Rolin Chapter 15: Running on Edge(0x15ROE)
The rain had stopped, but the night still clung to a damp chill as Jamie walked down the deserted street. The puddles reflected the distant streetlights, their glow flickering like a heartbeat. He had just left Oz’s place, his mind weighed down by the cryptic advice and the unsettling realities of the system. His thoughts scattered, he pulls out his phone, intending to text Lyle, when it hits.The familiar sensation snaps into place, sharp and clear in his mind: *the system activates*.*New Mission: Retrieve Classified Intel.* *Location: Underground Facility, North Seattle.* *Time Limit: 1 Hour.* *Reward: 200 Essence.*Jamie freezes, his eyes narrowing. It’s the same facility Lyle mentioned during their last phone call. Too coincidental. The system never operates on coincidences, and Jamie knows better than to question it at this point. But the timing couldn’t be worse.Just then, his phone rings—Lyle. Jamie hesitates b
20k Rolin Chapter 16: Lingering Shadows(0x16LS)
The soft hum of the system in the air is a constant reminder that nothing stays still for long. Jamie hasn’t been able to fully relax since the mission, even though he’s tried. Each time he closes his eyes, flashes of the underground world flood his mind—faces he can’t trust, names whispered in the dark, and the classified intel they fought so hard to obtain. The 200 Essence is a boost, but it comes at a price. Jamie can feel the system nudging him, urging him toward his next move, but he’s still processing everything. He rubs the back of his neck and looks out the window. The rain has finally stopped, leaving the streets slick and quiet. It’s eerie how calm it is after all the chaos they’ve been through. *Ding.* The system notification cuts through the silence like a blade. Jamie instinctively tenses. Another mission? He opens the interface and reads the message. **New Mission Available** _Obtain high-level intelligence from subject “Cipher”—a key player in the underworld o
20k Rolin Chapter 17: Into The Web (0x17ITW)
The aftermath of the fight leaves Jamie on edge. His pulse slows, but his senses stay sharp, eyes flicking to every shadow that stretches beyond the dim alley. He bends down, checks the pockets of one of the unconscious attackers, but finds nothing useful—no ID, no sign of allegiance. The system warned of hostiles, but as usual, it keeps the details frustratingly vague. “Any chance these guys are connected to Cipher?” Jamie asks, his voice barely a murmur. Lyle emerges from his hiding spot, shaking off dust from his jacket. “Could be. Cipher’s got eyes everywhere. Or maybe they’re just goons trying to make a quick buck. Either way, we’re not sticking around to find out.” Jamie gives him a long look. “How about we start with some answers? What do you know about Cipher that you haven’t told me yet?” Lyle’s grin falters, but only for a second. “Look, Jamie, Cipher’s not your typical underworld boss. He’s... different. Rumor has it he’s got connections way deeper than anyone reali
20k Rolin Chapter 18: Deep In The Web (0x17DITW)
Jamie’s pulse steadies as the system notification fades from his vision, but the weight of what they’ve just uncovered clings to him. Cipher's reach extends far beyond what he expected, and he can’t shake the feeling that this is only a small piece of the puzzle. He glances at Lyle, who’s catching his breath against the grimy alley wall, still clutching the portable drive with all the stolen data. "Next step?" Lyle asks, his voice a bit breathless, though the glint in his eyes says he's already thinking ahead. Jamie scans the narrow alley, his instincts urging caution. “We’re sitting on a ticking bomb. Cipher’s people will be combing this area soon. We need a safe spot to go through what we grabbed.” Lyle nods, adjusting his backpack. “I’ve got a place. It’s off-grid. No surveillance. It’s just... not close.” "Doesn’t matter," Jamie replies, already moving. "Lead the way." They stick to the back streets, keeping to the shadows. As they navigate through the underbelly of Seattle,
20k Rolin Chapter 19: The Trap Tightens (0x19TTT)
The air feels thick as Jamie and Lyle weave through the streets of downtown Seattle. The city is bustling, unaware of the impending storm brewing just beneath the surface. Seattle Central looms ahead, its towering structure cutting sharply against the darkening sky. As they approach the building, Jamie's heart pounds in sync with the system's ever-looming presence in his mind. Lyle adjusts his backpack, checking the makeshift comms device he rigged up. “So, what’s the plan when we get inside? We’re talking high-security here, and if Cipher’s people are already in place, we’re walking straight into a deathtrap.” “We’re not walking in,” Jamie replies, his voice low. “We need to hit them from the inside out. Disrupt their communications, take out key personnel, and cut off their backup. Holmes should be in position by now, and if everything goes smoothly, we’ll have a window to sabotage the whole thing before they even realize what hit them.” Lyle quirks an eyebrow. “Smoothly, huh?
20k Rolin Chapter 20: The Unseen Cost (0x20TUC)
The sound of boots pounding down the hallway outside grows louder, like a war drum signaling the inevitable. Jamie’s pulse races, his mind calculating the odds. Lyle is hunched over the terminal, fingers trembling as he continues to work, sweat beading on his forehead. Holmes has taken up a defensive position near the server room’s exit, gun drawn, eyes hard as stone. “They’re almost on us,” Holmes growls. “Make a choice, Anderson. Do we go out guns blazing, or do we pull the plug on this whole operation?” Jamie stares at the servers, feeling the weight of his decision closing in. He had been in situations like this before, where every second mattered and each choice carved a path of consequences. But this one felt different. **Darker.** The system in his mind pulses, as if urging him to act, to trust in its power. But that power came with a cost—a cost he wasn’t willing to fully understand yet. “Jamie,” Lyle’s voice break
20k Rolin Chapter 21: Fractured Bonds (0x21FB)
Jamie stands outside the apartment door, the weight of the past few days heavy on his shoulders. He hasn’t been back since Emma dropped the bombshell: her betrayal, the shady people she met, and the fact that she’s pregnant with his child. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The system hums faintly in the back of his mind, but this isn’t a battle where it can offer help. This is something he has to face alone. He unlocks the door quietly, stepping inside. The apartment feels different—like an alien space he no longer belongs in. Emma is sitting on the couch, hands folded over her stomach. When she sees him, her eyes widen in relief, but Jamie can tell there’s tension behind it. “I didn’t think you were coming back,” Emma says, her voice tentative, almost pleading. Jamie doesn’t respond immediately. He closes the door behind him and leans against it, taking her in. The woman he married. The woman who, not long ago, sold him out. “I had to,” Jamie finally says, his
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Chapter 31: Uncharted Territory (0x31UT)
Jamie and Selina move swiftly through the narrow alleyways, shadows clinging to them as they put distance between themselves and Sokolov’s fortress. The city skyline stretches ahead, its bright lights a strange comfort after the darkness of Sokolov's domain. The system chimes again, reminding Jamie of his recent milestone: Total Essence: 1000. The number glows in his mind, filling him with a rare mix of satisfaction and curiosity. What would the system offer now that he’s reached this new level? Selina nudges him. “You alright? You’re looking… far away.” Jamie blinks, snapping back to the present. “Just… taking it all in.” He glances at her, noting the exhaustion etched into her face. “Let’s find somewhere safe. We can talk then.” They continue moving, winding through the backstreets until they find a secluded spot near an old, abandoned warehouse. Selina leans against a rusted metal fence, catching her breath, while Jamie keeps an eye on their surroundings. “This’ll do for now,”
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Chapter 30:The Exit Gambit (0x30TEG)
The exit looms ahead—a set of heavy steel doors just a few paces away. Jamie feels a surge of adrenaline; freedom is so close he can almost taste it. Selina moves beside him with calculated precision, eyes locked on their escape. But as they close in, a familiar voice slices through the silence. "Leaving so soon?" Jamie’s heart sinks as Sokolov steps into view, flanked by two guards, each one armed and steeled for confrontation. Sokolov’s eyes gleam with cold amusement, a smirk twisting his lips. "Jamie, Jamie… I thought we had an understanding." His voice is smooth but menacing. "Yet here you are, taking things that don’t belong to you. You disappoint me Jamie... I'm hurt" Jamie’s fists clench, muscles tensing, ready. He knew a showdown with Sokolov might be inevitable, but this close to escape, it’s a bitter pill. "You took from me first," Jamie replies, voice low, steady, laced with anger. "I’m just leveling the field... Returning things to it's natural state" Sokolov chuckle
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Chapter 29:The High Stakes (0x29THS)
Tension crackles like a live wire as Jamie faces off with Darius, each muscle taut, every nerve primed. It's Dark- they stand in a wide, dimly lit corridor—a stark contrast to the sterile brightness of the room Jamie has just left. The exit is close—agonizingly close—but Darius blocks it, and the glint in his eye promises a battle Jamie can’t ignore. “Turn around now,” Darius sneers, “and I might let you walk out with all your bones intact.” Jamie’s jaw tightens as he settles into a loose fighting stance. “I’m done with your games, Darius. I’m getting out, whether you’re in the way or not.” Darius smirks, stepping forward. “Good. I like a bit of resistance.” Without warning, Darius lunges, fists swinging like sledgehammers aimed at Jamie’s head. Jamie dodges left, feeling the rush of air as the blow grazes his cheek. He retaliates instantly, driving an elbow toward Darius’s midsection. The hit connects, but Darius barely flinches. “That all you got?” Darius taunts, grabbing Jamie
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Chapter 28:The Weight of Silence (0x28TWOS)
The city streets blur as Jamie and Selina keep a low profile, weaving through narrow alleys and dimly lit corners. The adrenaline finally begins to ebb, leaving a dull ache in Jamie’s muscles and a heaviness in his mind. Despite their victory, he knows the mission is far from over—Darius isn’t the type to forgive or forget. They’ll be hunted, no doubt, but that’s a worry for another moment.For now, they need somewhere secure to regroup.They finally slip into a quiet, out-of-the-way café near the docks. The faint, comforting hum of jazz music plays over hidden speakers, an odd contrast to the tension still hanging between them. Jamie gestures to a booth at the back, and they take seats, each glancing around to ensure they aren’t followed.“Didn’t think we’d make it out of there,” Selina mutters, running a hand through her disheveled hair. “Darius isn’t usually that…personal.”Jamie nods, setting the black case between them. “He probably didn’t expect us to put up that much of a fight
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Chapter 27: A Dance With Shadows (0x27ADWS)
The corridor stretches ahead, silent and foreboding, as the ambush warning flashes in Jamie’s mind. He freezes, instincts sharpening, as Selina moves closer, her stance tense and alert.“They’re here,” Jamie whispers, his voice barely audible.Selina’s gaze darts around, her unease surfacing. “You’ve got ten seconds. Where do we go?”Jamie’s mind races as he assesses their options. Ahead lies a side room that might lead to a servant's stairwell, while retreating means doubling back.“Left,” he murmurs, nodding towards the narrow doorway. They slip into the shadows, just as footsteps echo around the corner.Pressed against the wall, they hold their breath as three guards appear, scanning the area. Jamie’s fingers brush his knife as he leans close to Selina. “Backup plan?” he asks, voice low.Selina pulls a compact device from her belt, her mouth curving in a smirk. “Always prepared,” she whispers, pressing a button. The lights flicker, casting eerie shadows, and the guards glance up,
- 20k Rolin
Chapter 26: The Hunt Begins (0x26THB)
Jamie’s eyes lock onto Darius as the air in the room thickens with tension. Every muscle in his body is poised for action, his mind racing through a thousand possible scenarios. He knows, without a doubt, that Darius won’t hesitate to put him in the ground.But Jamie isn’t one to back down, especially not now.Sokolov leans back in his chair, hands steepled in front of him, watching with an almost amused detachment. "This will be... entertaining," he says, his voice smooth, yet carrying the weight of control.Darius steps forward, his boots thudding heavily on the polished marble floor. He’s built like a tank—tall, muscular, with a scar running down the side of his face, evidence of countless battles fought and won. His dark eyes are cold, devoid of any emotion."I’ve heard about you, Jamie," Darius says, his voice like gravel. "But stories don’t mean much in the real world. Let’s see what you’re made of."Jamie’s hand hovers near his holster, ready to draw his weapon if necessary, bu
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Chapter 25: Into the Lion's Den (0x22ITLD)
The next evening, Jamie stands in front of the mirror, staring at the reflection of a man he barely recognizes. He looks the same—sharp jawline, intense gaze—but something inside him has shifted. The weight of the decision presses against his chest, like an invisible hand squeezing tight. The mission he’s about to embark on isn’t just another job. This one is personal, and the stakes have never been higher.He straps a holster around his chest, securing the pistol against his ribs, hidden beneath his jacket. His system buzzes faintly, a low hum in the back of his mind, but it offers no guidance. Not tonight. Even the system seems to understand that what he's walking into is a test not of skill, but of will.The plan is simple—on the surface. Selina will get him close to Nikolai Sokolov’s mansion under the guise of an invited guest. Once inside, they’ll locate the documents Vincent wants, and Jamie will handle the rest—neutralize Sokolov and ensure the blackmail mat
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Chapter 24: A Game of Shadows (0x22AGOS)
Jamie stands outside the rendezvous point, a dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The streets are quiet, save for the occasional rustle of wind pushing through the cracks in the worn buildings. The moon casts a pale light over the scene, adding to the eerie stillness.He glances at his watch—twenty minutes early. Lyle always says arriving early gives you the upper hand, time to assess the environment and see who might be watching. But tonight, something feels different. Jamie’s system has been unusually quiet, no nudges or flashes of insight. It feels almost... dormant.His instincts, however, are wide awake.A flicker of movement catches his attention, and Jamie’s eyes shift toward a figure approaching from the shadows. Selina, as poised as ever, steps into the light, her dark clothes blending with the night. She moves with the grace of a cat, her expression calm but her eyes sharp, scanning the area with the same precision as Jamie.“Right on time,” she says, her voic
- 20k Rolin
Chapter 23: The Silent Connection (0x22TSC)
Jamie stands at the edge of the upscale hotel lobby, scanning the room for any sign of Selina. Lyle has given him the basics: Selina is dangerous but necessary. She holds the keys to getting inside Nikolai Sokolov’s mansion, but trusting her is out of the question.The soft hum of conversation mixes with the clinking of glasses as well-dressed patrons mingle around him. Jamie feels out of place, a predator hidden in plain sight. He checks his watch, tension coiling in his chest like a spring wound too tight. Lyle set this meeting up, and if Selina doesn’t show soon, Jamie will have to assume the worst—that she’s already decided to double-cross them before the job even starts.Just as the thought crosses his mind, the soft click of heels catches his attention. A woman in a sleek, dark red dress walks through the entrance, her eyes cutting through the room as if she owns it. She’s stunning, but there’s an edge to her that keeps Jamie alert. Her confidence isn’t just from beauty—it comes
