Chapter 8: Roots of Evil

In a skyscraper, a 40-year-old man stands behind a large glass window. His gaze is directed downward, but he is not enjoying the city view; instead, he is focused on the system interface he has been observing for years.

As he lights a cigarette with a flame created by his fingers, memories of his first murder resurface. The memory is vivid and disturbing. He recalls the cold sweat on his palms and the rapid heartbeat as he prepared for his first kill. The target was a man living alone in a small apartment. The task seemed simple but felt like stepping into an unknown darkness.

He felt waves of anxiety, his hands trembling as he approached the man’s residence. The apartment door creaked ominously as he opened it, revealing a completely unsuspecting target. The fear was palpable, yet there was also a strange, indescribable thrill. Each step closer brought a rush of adrenaline, heightening his senses and pushing aside his fear.

When the job was done and he saw the life fading from his target's eyes, there was a mixture of relief and disturbing excitement. The initial fear faded, replaced by a strange satisfaction. The reality of what he had done began to sink in, and despite its horror, there was a perverse pleasure in the precision and control. The fear and anxiety were replaced by an addictive drive, a sense of power he had never experienced before.

Returning to the present, the man exhales cigarette smoke, his expression unreadable yet with a hint of satisfaction. The memory of his first murder, the anxiety followed by dark excitement, has become a catalyst for his continued participation in these quests. Each murder has become a way to chase that initial thrill, to prove to himself that he can face whatever comes next. Now, with a new target, Clark Walker, he feels a familiar blend of anxiety and anticipation. He is ready to face this challenge, just as he has faced previous ones.

***

Clark and Alex managed to escape and are now hiding in an abandoned house. The atmosphere inside is gloomy, with peeling walls and broken windows. They sit in the darkest corner of the room, trying to calm themselves while reflecting on what just happened.

"How could they not fall, even though you hit them hard?" Alex asks, his voice full of confusion and worry. He still feels the lingering fear from the earlier fight.

Clark looks up at the damaged ceiling, thinking about the same thing. "I’m confused too. They don’t seem to feel pain at all. It’s like we’re fighting zombies."

Alex nods in agreement. However, it’s not just their enemies who are strange. Alex observes Clark closely, noting the visible changes in his friend. Clark’s once-skinny frame now looks more robust, and his skin appears brighter. "Clark, I can't help but notice the changes in you. Since we first met, you… you look different. Has something happened to you?"

Clark sighs, realizing Alex is right. He feels the changes within himself but isn't ready to be honest with Alex about what has caused them. "It’s because you’ve taken good care of me, Alex. If I were still living on the streets, I might not have developed like I have now."

Alex feels touched. It was not wrong to have invited Clark to stay with him, as many problems have been resolved with Clark's presence in his life.

As they are lost in their thoughts, the door of the abandoned house creaks open. Elena enters, surprising both of them. Her face shows concern and determination.

“Elena!” Alex exclaims, his voice filled with astonishment and relief. “What are you doing here?”

Elena closes the door behind her and steps in quickly. “I had to make sure you’re safe. I know how dangerous this situation is and couldn’t let you act without a warning.”

Clark looks at Elena intently. “Why do you care so much? What’s really going on?”

Elena shakes her head. “I can’t explain everything right now, but you need to know that Vincent and his gang are not to be taken lightly. They are involved with something much darker than you imagine.”

Alex looks at Elena, confused but also curious. “So, what should we do?”

Elena sighs heavily. “You need to leave here. If not, it’s not just you who will be destroyed, but your families too.”

Elena’s warning makes Clark and Alex exchange worried glances. For Alex, he might still consider stepping back from this conflict. But Clark, having received power from the system, cannot back down, as the quest has instructed him to eliminate the Black Vipers gang.

***

At the grand Drake Holdings building, a company with extensive business interests across various fields, Vincent Hayes enters Julian Drake’s office. Julian’s office is dominated by a modern, elegant atmosphere, with large windows showcasing a spectacular city view.

Julian Drake, a 40-year-old man with an imposing presence and authoritative aura, stands behind his large desk. He looks at Vincent with a sharp gaze indicating seriousness and a commanding personality.

Vincent approaches the desk and places several files on it. “Mr. Drake, I’ve come to report the latest developments regarding the serum you provided us.”

Julian nods and folds his hands on the desk. “How are the results?”

“The results are extraordinary. Our gang members have become much stronger. However, we’re also facing some issues. Our opponents have been able to handle us even with the serum.”

Julian frowns, and his expression begins to change. “There’s someone who can fight back against you? Who is he?” he asks with a tone of concern.

“As far as I know, his name is Clark Dawson, sir.”

Julian is slightly surprised by the name similarity, only differing in the last name. “Is he trained in martial arts or something? How did he manage to win?”

Vincent looks down, feeling guilty for the failure. “I apologize, sir. He is quite strong, but because my men couldn’t fight properly, they were defeated by Clark.”

Julian finds Vincent’s explanation hard to accept, as the serum they provided should double a person’s strength. Is it possible that a high school student is stronger than the effects of the serum?

Due to the implausibility, Julian decides to investigate Clark further, though he is unsure if he will find anything useful. What is most important now is to locate Clark Walker, not Clark Dawson.

***