After leaving the Continental facility. Xavier and Victor ran without any pitstop till they got to a busy road. There they boarded a taxi.
"Take us to Ancroft city." Victor said. "That would be $200 each." The taxi driver said with mischievousness clearly written on his face. Victor was about to refuse when Xavier simply opened the door and went in. "I only have $500 only me right now, and we still need to buy some food along the way." Victor said a bit worried. "Do not worry about it." Xavier spoke with a smile. 'Hey Erebus. I can make use of the gold coins as hard cash, right?' Xavier asked the system via telepathy. «Ding! Yes. Host just needs to will a few coins to materialize in his hand and it will be so. Note, one gold coin is equivalent to ten dollars.» Xavier smiled at the system's response. * Ancroft city was in front of a mountain. Victor's family mansion was hidden in the mountain. "Welcome to our humble abode," Victor said, one could sense pride in his voice. As they walked on the stone steps towards the mansion, Victor thought it will be best to play the role of a tour guide. "The mansion is hidden in the mountains, surrounded by trees and hills. It's a very special and luxurious place. As you drive up to the house, you can see that it's made of stone and wood, with big windows that let in lots of light. The roof is curved like the hills around it. Inside, the mansion is very fancy, with high ceilings, nice furniture, and beautiful artwork. Each room is decorated with care and attention to detail. The mansion has many special features, like a movie theater, a swimming pool, a wine cellar, and a spa. It's a great place to relax and have fun. Outside, the gardens are beautiful, with walking paths, fountains, and a pool that seems to blend into the mountains. The mansion is a peaceful and luxurious getaway from the world." Xavier followed Victor inside, where he was greeted by a group of rough-looking men and women. They eyed him warily, but Victor gave them a slight nod and that seemed to relax them. "This is Xavier, our new recruit," Victor announced. "He'll be working with us to take down the Continental and help in the rise of our family." The group nodded, seeming to accept Xavier's presence. Victor led him to a back room, where a burly man was waiting. Squared jaw, chiseled abs, tall, muscular, he looked every inch like Captain Guile from Street Fighters. "This is Marcus, our head of security," Victor said. "He'll train you in combat and help you get up to speed." Marcus eyed Xavier critically. "You look like a scrawny kid. What makes you think you can handle our line of work?" Xavier smiled grimly. "I have already taken down a few Continental guards and survived a brainwashing attempt. I think I can handle myself." Marcus raised an eyebrow. "We'll see about that. Let's get started." And with that, Xavier's training began. He spent hours each day honing his combat skills, learning new techniques and strategies. He also worked on his attributes, boosting his strength and agility. As the days passed, Xavier grew stronger and more confident. He knew he still had a long way to go, but he was determined to rise through the ranks and become a Mafia Lord. «Ding! Host has reached level 3. Attributes have been boosted.» Xavier smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment as he felt that his one month of constant training hadn't been in vain. He was getting closer to his goal. * Xavier walked into the meeting room, the dim lighting and heavy wooden table giving it a sense of gravity. Victor stood at the head of the table, flanked by several of LaGraine's family elders. Their faces were stern, their eyes fixed intently on Xavier. It was obvious that they were unhappy having a greenhorn join them at the executive meeting, but due to the fact Victor specifically requested for Xavier's participation, they could only suck it up. "Ah, Xavier, thank you for joining us," Victor said, his voice low and serious. "We have a mission of great importance to discuss." Xavier took a seat, his heart racing with anticipation. Even back at the Hale family, he was never allowed into such an important gathering. "What's the mission?" He asked with a serious tone. Although he felt intimidated, but it was obvious he was no longer the scaredy cat he had been in the past. Victor's eyes locked onto Xavier's. "We've received intel that a powerful Mafia family will be transporting a valuable shipment through our territory. We aim to... relieve them of that shipment." The last part was said with an evil grin on Victor's face. Meanwhile Xavier was happy as this will be an opportunity to earn some XP. Xavier's face cracked with a smile. "Which family?" Victor's expression turned ominous. "The Hale Family." BADUUM! The room fell silent, the weight of Victor's words hanging in the air. Xavier felt a shiver run down his spine. The Hale Family? His family? "What's the shipment?" Xavier asked, trying to keep his voice steady. "We're not entirely sure," one of the elders replied. "But we know it's valuable. And taking it will deal a significant blow to the Hale Family's operations." Xavier's mind raced. He had joined the LaGraine Family to take down the Continental, but now he was being asked to target his own family, but he could not do anything as no one here knew he was a Hale. 'Well, not anymore though.' Xavier said in his mind. "I see," Xavier said, trying to process his emotions. "And what's the plan?" Victor smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "We'll ambush the convoy at the old warehouse district. We have men on the inside who will ensure the route takes them right into our trap." Xavier nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. He was about to cross a line, one that could never be uncrossed. "Let's do it," Xavier said, his voice firm. The room erupted into a flurry of activity, the elders discussing details and strategies. Xavier sat back, his eyes fixed on Victor, a sense of determination burning within him. This was it. He was all in.Xavier sat on a metal chair in the armory. Victor had decided that the ambush operation will only consist of twenty persons including Xavier. Knowing the kind of effect his identity will have on this mission, Xavier had decided to wear a mask."System. Kindly show me my stats please." Xavier said to the system.«Ding!STAT (System for Transfer and Analysis of Tactical data):Host: Xavier HaleAge: 18Status: HealthyAttributes:Strength (STR); 35Intelligence (INT); 40Agility (AGI); 35Vitality (VIT); 40Endurance (END); 40Charisma (CHA); 25Combat stats:Attack power (ATK); 45Defense (DEF); 40Health points (HP); 100%Mana points (MP); 300Accuracy (ACC); 60%Evasion (EVA); 55%Performance metrics:Experience points (XP); 1,400Level; 3 (1,400/20,000)Skills:Revitalization (passive, upgradable) lvl 3Ever-Calm (passive, non upgradable)Undying Resolve (active, non upgradable)Weapon master (passive, upgradable) lvl 4Hand-to-hand combat (passive, upgradable) lvl 5Gold or currenc
Xavier walked into the meeting room, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows. The LaGraine family elders and Victor were already seated, their faces stern and focused. "Xavier, thank you for joining us," Victor said, his voice firm. "We've received intel that the Hale Family is transporting a new shipment to their warehouse. We believe it contains more of the crystalized energy cells we discovered amongst the crates." Two nights ago, they had ambushed the Hale family's convoy and raided their warehouse. They discovered that apart from refined gold, most of the crates contained blocks of energy cells. Xavier's eyes narrowed. "What's so special about these energy cells?" Victor leaned forward. "They have the potential to produce new, highly advanced weapons. We can't let the Hale Family get their hands on that kind of power, once they make use of these energy cells, they will be unstoppable amongst the Mafia community. We need to get that power for ourselves." The elders
Xavier and his team were dragged to a secured cell in the basement, the sound of dripping water and faint screams echoing through the corridors. Marco sneered at them, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "You fools," Marco spat. "You thought you could infiltrate our mansion and steal from us? We've been expecting you." Xavier's eyes narrowed. "How did you know?" Marco chuckled. "Your precious Victor thought he was clever, planting a spy in our midst. But we discovered the traitor and turned them to our advantage." "Who was it?" Xavier demanded, his anger rising. Marco leaned in, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Ah, that would be telling. Let's just say they were very close to Victor. Close enough to feed us information and lead you into our trap." Xavier's mind raced. Who could it be? One of Victor's most trusted allies? Marco continued, "We fed your spy false information, and they unsuspectingly led you into our trap. And now, you'll pay the price." Xavier's anger flared, b
Xavier sat in Victor's office, nursing his whiskey, his mind reeling from the failed rescue mission. The dim lighting and soft hum of the air conditioner couldn't calm his frustration. He still couldn't believe the fact that Marco played him and got away with it again. Now what was he to do about his mother. He couldn't begin to imagine what his Mother would be going through at the hands of Marco and rest of the Hale family.Victor's expression was grim, his eyes reflecting the weight of their failure. "Xavier, I'm sorry. We underestimated Marco's preparations."Xavier's gaze drifted toward the cityscape outside, his voice laced with frustration. "It's not your fault, Victor. I knew the risks. But I won't give up." Of course he won't give up. He couldn't tell Victor the real reason for his determination.Victor leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "We'll regroup, plan again. We won't let Marco win."Regroup and plan again? Not a chance. Xavier had already received a message from th
Xavier left Victor's office, determination in his stride. He had a plan, and now it was time to execute it. His first stop was the city's underworld, where mercenaries and black-market dealers lurked.He had paid the system ten gold coins to get a list of the most reputable mercenary group in the country.He arrived at the infamous Red Diamond bar, a hub for illicit activities. The bouncer, a towering giant, eyed Xavier before nodding."You here for business or pleasure?"Xavier smiled. "Business. I'm looking for Jack Harris."The bouncer's expression changed from curiosity to caution. "What do you want with Jack?"Xavier handed him a hundred dollar bill roll. "Tell him Xavier wants to discuss a job."The bouncer pocketed the bill and disappeared into the crowded bar. Minutes later, he returned with a rugged-looking man in his mid-40s."Xavier, this is Jack Harris," the bouncer said before melting into the crowd.Jack's piercing gaze assessed Xavier. "What's the job?"Xavier gestured
(Author's Note: Three chapters has been allocated to Maximus' colorful and action packed backstory. It will be a first person POV as Maximus is recounting his earlier days)."Some think the mighty and powerful – heads of state, military commanders, and billionaires – are untouchable, exempt from the rules that govern the rest of us. But I've seen the other side. I wasn't born with a golden spoon or a title. I was once just like everyone else, with hopes and heartaches. And I, too, once felt the all-consuming fire of passion."I stepped into the dimly lit room, neon lights casting an eerie glow. A long, imposing table dominated the space, flanked by six chairs, only one of which remained empty. The darkness was suffocating, obscuring everything, including my own reflection. I claimed the final seat, my presence a declaration of defiance.They thought me ill-prepared, too green for this high-stakes mission. But they underestimated me. As leader of the KWE mercenary group, a small yet fo
The air erupted in a cacophony of gunfire as my team and I found ourselves trapped in a deadly ambush. Xenos militia troops emerged from the shadows, their weapons blazing."Dammit, we've been set up!" Risky yelled, diving beside me to avoid a hail of bullets. "I knew those Candace government officials couldn't be trusted! Saboteurs, every last one of them!"My instincts had warned me something was off, but I hadn't anticipated this level of betrayal. The Xenos had brought an entire battalion to take down seven former soldiers – an absurd show of force."Three hundred soldiers against seven of us?" I muttered, incredulous. "Who mobilizes an army for a handful of men?"The militia's relentless barrage pinned us down, forcing us to scramble for cover. Our team's training kicked in, and we returned fire with precision, but the odds were stacked against us.As bullets whizzed past, I assessed our situation. We needed a new plan, and fast, or risk being overrun.“Father! Shall we retreat!?
[Discretion: R +18]Emeka's voice was low and husky. "Assume the position," he whispered, his palm tracing the curve of her backside.She obeyed, crawling onto the bed with fluid grace. "I live to serve, my love," she purred, her tone dripping with seduction.The command had ignited a spark within her. She settled onto her hands and knees, her body arched and inviting.Emeka's eyes roamed over her, his gaze burning with desire. He reached out, his hand connecting with a gentle smack on her rounded flesh."Your wish?" she teased, glancing back at him with a sultry smile.She kneed on the bed with her well shaved pussy fully opened. Emeka licked his lips and pushed in two of his fingers and pulled out again."Ohhh, please just fuvk me,"she moaned. Emeka spank her butt once more and dive all the way to her hilt without warning."whhsh.."she moaned out in pain. She didn't mind being treated like a hooker, she was certainly enjoying every bit of it.Emeka began riding her roughly and her m
Maximus's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah, the Hale Manor. I've heard so much about it. It's going to be a pleasure to watch you take them down, Xavier."Xavier's gaze turned cold, his mind focused on the task ahead. "Let's get this over with. I have a score to settle."As they approached the Hale Manor, Xavier could feel the weight of his past bearing down on him. He had been born into this family, but they had never accepted him. They had treated him like dirt, like he was nothing.But now, Xavier was back, and he was not alone. He had Maximus by his side, and together, they were unstoppable.The gates of the Hale Manor swung open, and Xavier's eyes locked onto the mansion. It was just as he remembered it - grand, opulent, and cold."Shall we?" Maximus asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.Xavier nodded, his jaw clenched. "Let's do this."As they stepped into the mansion, Xavier was met with the familiar sight of his family's portraits hanging on the walls. He felt a surge of an
I stood at the entrance of the dark tower with anger and hatred burning in my eyes. I just found out that my mate has been faithful to me all these while and she was even the one who helped me escape the subatomic world, but those witches tried to fill my head with lies and fabricated photos, not to mention the torture I went through in their hands. And I will make them suffer a hundredth fold.“How do you wish to play this Maximus?” the demon wolf asked. I clutched the handle of my sword so tight my knuckles were white.“Slow, painful, near death and then an undesirable death.” I said grinning from ear to ear. If someone was there to capture my expression at that moment, I'm sure the person will shudder from fear as I knew I looked like the smiling devil.“Let's go harvest their fears, anger and lives.” the demon wolf said.I dashed into the lobby and was met with the whizzing sound of lightening.“Did you think we won't notice your disappearance?” a girl in plain white came out from
I slowly opened my eyes, only to be consumed by darkness. The blackness was suffocating, making it impossible to see beyond my own nose.I tried to stand, but my body refused to cooperate, anchored to a mysterious chair.Panic threatened to overwhelm me, but I forced myself to calm down. I attempted to meditate, seeking a connection with the demon wolf within. Silence greeted me.A melodic voice pierced the darkness, its sweetness laced with venom. "Don't bother striving for what's beyond your grasp."I gritted my teeth, fighting to maintain composure. "Who's there? Show yourself!"The voice chuckled, a manic edge creeping in. "The legendary Roman Prince, Maximus Aurelius, bringer of death, now reduced to a helpless captive."Her laughter sent shivers down my spine. I struggled to recall how I ended up here, how I lost consciousness, and who this mysterious woman was."You've discovered you can't reach the demon wolf within," she said, her amusement evident.A spark of realization ign
As I approached the tower, my expectations shattered. Instead of a dark, foreboding Rapunzel-esque spire, a sleek glass skyscraper pierced the sky. I snorted. "Evil tower, indeed."The locals must have never seen a skyscraper before, I thought, or they've been trapped in their quaint town for too long. They sure reminded me of the locals in Rome. What would Commodus when he sees the modern Rome now? He was just immature to kill his father for the throne. Too bad he didn't get to enjoy his time as King.With a flourish, I unsheathed my swords and stepped into the building. The lobby's eerie silence enveloped me. Empty halls stretched out, devoid of life.I strode to the elevator, pressed the top-floor button, and waited. Minutes ticked by, yet the elevator didn't budge. Confusion gnawed at me.Just then, a familiar voice whispered in my ear. "I smell magic here, Maximus."I turned to face the demon wolf, surprised. "You're still here? I thought you'd wandered off."The wolf's gaze lock
The skeletal figure raised its hands to the sky. "As the dead obey Hades, so shall they obey me," it declared. "I summon all doomed souls within Minos' territory. Rise as death knights and heed my call."The ground trembled, and skeletal hands burst forth from the earth. Quickly, they multiplied - ten, hundreds, then thousands. Each wore black armor and wielded fiery swords.I merely smirked, stared at the clone like it was some kind of a stupid creature.“The more, the merrier, this just got more fun. And here I thought you were some mighty creature, I was wrong, you're just another dumb prey.”I gripped my sword and dashed towards the vast army at superhuman speed.I was like a blur to them and they were unable to retaliate. The death knights were falling, battered, dismembered, headless and burnt. But then I soon began to feel weak.Why the hell was I feeling weak? I should be feeling stronger the more I kill, shouldn't I?“Do you feel it now demon wolf?” The clone smiled and said.
As our helicopter soared towards London's outskirts, I sat between Major Triston Allen and Sergeant Anderson Marshal.Major Allen spoke through the headset, "Did you know Minos de First slaughtered 2,300 apprentices to revive his soulmate? Now, he controls an army of death knights and skeleton soldiers."I remained silent, sensing he was trying to provoke me.Sergeant Anderson responded, "That's ridiculous! Who confirms this?"Major Allen replied, "Intel from reliable sources. We're in over our heads, guys."I stayed quiet, unsure why they'd joined this perilous mission.Sergeant Anderson asked, "Xavier, what's your take on this?"I remained silent, lost in thought.Major Allen pressed on, "We need to know what we're up against. Xavier?"Sergeant Anderson intervened, "Let him focus, Major. We'll brief soon enough."The helicopter flew on, tension lingering.“No one has ever gone into his cave and returned.” Anderson said.So he truly is the most terrifying Necromancer alive. No one ha
«Ding!Two hours to doors unlock!» the AI system spoke out.Maximus smiled at Xavier."You must be wondering why I'm being such a talkative.""Yes, in fact, it's begining to annoy me. We're stock in here for another two hours." Xavier said. He really wanted to leave the facility and proceed with his plan to take down all Mafia families."I will keep you company for the next two hours then." Maximus said with feigned sadness."Dude! we're in this together!" Xavier almost blew his top."Then allow me to continue my life story." Maximus said beaming with smiles."What? weren't you through with all that.." Xavier was about to complain but Maximus placed his hand on Xavier's mouth."Hush, don't interrupt."*It was a few years after I returned from Rome, approximately twelve years after Rome. I got called up by Lucius, but this time, I had to hunt down and eliminate a few anomalies. Those with magic and systems just like you and I.I left the airport and hailed a cab to take me to the emba
It's been almost four years since Commodus brutally killed my father, plunging Rome into chaos. Daily, I heard horrifying stories of murder, rape, and war - the very evils my father had worked tirelessly to eradicate.Seeking justice, I waited patiently for the perfect moment to strike. Then, I learned Commodus had revived the brutal gladiator battles my father despised. Seeing an opportunity, I decided to become a gladiator to infiltrate Rome and get close to Commodus.Now, as a top-ranked gladiator, I've proven my skills in the arena."Spaniard, beware of the Roman gladiators," Motumba, a friendly dark-skinned gladiator from the desert, cautioned. "They're formidable opponents."I reassured him, "Don't worry, Motumba. They're human, just like us. We can beat them."Or, if you'd like a more modern and conversational tone:It's been four years since Commodus murdered my dad and sent Rome into chaos. I've been waiting for the right moment to take revenge.Then, I heard Commodus was hos
I approached Father, bowing slightly. "Father, the war with Germania is over, just as I promised."He dismounted his horse, hugged me, and kissed my cheek. "The gods blessed us the day you defeated the cyclops. You've liberated Rome once more."I smiled. "Rome gave me a home, and for that, I'm forever grateful."I took his hand, joking, "Let's go home, Father. You smell like dust and smoke."Father laughed, glancing at the approaching nobles. "The young Caesar thinks I need caring for."The nobles chuckled. I was taken aback. Did he just call me "Young Caesar"? Does he plan to make me his successor? What about Commodus?Uncomfortable, I decided to address it.“Father, what young Caesar, I am not even of royal birth, besides, you have Commodus.” I said but he only smiled.“Walk with me son. We need to talk.” he said and I then held his hand.We walked through the ranks of the Roman soldiers and onto the path leading to the outskirt of the battlefield.“All of Rome have chosen you as th