The 6-Tier System: The Adventures of Shawn Rossacks

Chapter 6 - Fulfilment and Vindication

The Goldfield's canopy was a high-security area, and access was strictly restricted. It was peace to finally be back where he once worked as Bruce Wayne. But he was going in as Vito DiMarco, the mafia boss. 

Bruce, however, was determined to enter. He pounded on the doors, demanding to be let in, causing quite a commotion. The security personnel checked the CCTV footage and were surprised to see such a persona on the premise. Alarmed, they contacted the CSO, who rushed to the scene.

"Who are you? What is going on here?" the CSO asked, holding his handgun.

"Bind me with whatever you can," Bruce said knowing that it was a day when the chairman and all heads of the organization would be present. Also, he knew that he would be watched are the moment. "Just take me to the chairman. I know something that he has to know. I have a piece of information that would keep his life and the company."

In the respite that followed, a call came through for the CSO and after the call, he ordered that Bruce be frisked and bounded. 

The security personnel brought Bruce into the chairman's office, his hands bound in handcuffs. The chairman looked concerned but intrigued by the unexpected turn of events.

"Who are you?" the chairman asked. 

Bruce was silent for a while, he wished he could introduce himself as Bruce Wayne but he looked Vito. "I am Vito DiMarco, head of the Mane District. Mr Chairman, I apologize for the intrusion, but I have crucial information that could save your life and uncover a massive conspiracy.

The chairman, curious and slightly sceptical, motioned for Bruce to continue.

"Sir, the guard has a phone that belonged to me. Look into it," Bruce said. Now he could feel that he was dying. He was bleeding out and hence was fading and his eyes were dimming. 

The chairman hesitated for a moment but complied, retrieving the phone after the CSO checked. 

"There is a file on the homepage, open it, enter the password "Goldfield1967," Bruce explained. 

The chairman unlocked the phone and his eyes widened as he saw the evidence displayed on the screen.

"My God! This can't be true," the chairman explained. "It shows that all the missing gold over the past ten years is located in a specific place, and Director Ben is behind it all."

The chairman swiftly took action, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Remove Bruce's handcuffs immediately! Lock down the entire facility, and I want a comprehensive report filed immediately."

"Yes, sir!

As the security guard unlocked Bruce's handcuffs, the chairman turned to him.

"Vito, you've proven yourself today. I owe you a debt of gratitude. What do you want in return?" the chairman asked. 

Just a moment later, before Bruce could answer, an announcement echoed through the facility. The chairman received a call and he sighed.

The room filled with a mix of relief and astonishment. The chairman looked at Bruce with newfound respect.

"Vito, your instincts were right. You've saved us from a major disaster. How do you know this? And I repeat, what do you want in return?"

"Justice," Bruce answered. "He is burning my District, I have to take him down to retain my district."

As the chairman made arrangements to secure the evidence and handle the aftermath, Bruce couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The battle was won, but the fight for truth and integrity would continue.

Bruce's phone rang, interrupting the steady hum of the office. He glanced at the screen and saw it was Arturo calling. Bruce quickly picked up the call, his tone serious yet composed.

"Arturo?" Bruce called. 

Arturo's voice crackled with fatigue as he responded, his breaths were heavy and uneven.

"Boss, what did you do?" Arturo asked. "They suddenly called for a retreat. Everything's in over here. Besides, I found Host's dead body in your office."

"Arturo," Bruce called. "I've managed to solve the case from within. It's time to gather the ruins. We'll regroup and proceed. Mane District will never die."

"Boss, you did as you have promised. You've cracked it," Arturo said and laughed.

"Gather the ruins, I'll be back," Bruce said and ended the call. He smiled at the success he had achieved. He had brought Director Ben to his knee, he had ended Host, and he had vindicated his soul and Vito's. He smiled as he turned to face the Chairman. 

"Sir," Bruce called. "My work is done here. I'm taking my leave."

"Vito?" The chairman called. "If you need anything, you're welcome here forever."

"I'll send my right-hand man to you in a day, give him a donation for our burning District," Bruce said and walked out. He took the elevator to the common floor and stopped there. Bruce walked out and examined it. He was lost in thought and in the respite that followed, the elevator bell rang and opened to reveal Director Ben in chain. 

Bruce felt a sense of fulfilment seeing him in chains. He walked close to him and whispered. "I am Bruce Wayne, the man you killed. I am Vito DiMarco, the man you killed. How do you think I know all?" Bruce laughed at the shock in his eyes. 

It was a satisfactory day for Bruce as he was reminded of Finn. He went back to the elevator and was transported to floor 4 where Finn had been promoted. He entered his office and was glad to have Alicia there with him. The two looked fixedly and scared. 

"Who are…" Finn would speak but he was met with Bruce's big fist, making Finn bleed. 

He then walked close to Alicia. "He would lose his position, you would lose him, and you'll go back to the street to work in the bar. As for Bruce Wayne, he is fulfilled now." Bruce said and walked out of the office. Smiling as he went. 

***

Bruce's heart sank as he returned to the once majestic mansion that now lay engulfed in flames. Thick smoke billowed into the night sky, obscuring the stars above. The sight before him was a devastating portrait of destruction. The elegant facade he had known so well now stood charred and crumbling. 

He looked at the cars, once gleaming symbols of luxury, lay upended and mangled. Pillars that had proudly adorned the entrance had crumbled to dust, scattered across the scorched earth. Among the wreckage, lifeless bodies littered the ground, a grim testament to the fierce battle that had taken place.

As Bruce surveyed the carnage, his heart went out to his wounded soldiers. They lay scattered across the floor, their bodies battered and broken. Some groaned in pain, while others lay silent, their eyes staring blankly into the abyss. A sense of profound sadness washed over him, knowing that these brave individuals had risked everything in the name of their shared cause.

Summoning all his strength, Bruce approached each fallen comrade and saluted them solemnly. It was a small gesture, a symbol of respect and gratitude for their unwavering commitment. Despite the chaos surrounding him, he paid his respects to each fallen soldier, their sacrifice etched into his memory.

Amid the desolation, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Arturo, his face bore the weight of exhaustion and grief, mirroring Bruce's own emotions. Without a word, Arturo approached Bruce, embracing him tightly. The two men stood there, their embrace a respite from the harsh reality that surrounded them.

"Boss, we nearly lost," Arturo whispered, his voice laced with a mixture of relief and sorrow. "It was close."

Bruce nodded, his eyes searching Arturo's face for any signs of doubt. "But we didn't," he replied, determination creeping into his voice. "We fought for what we believed in, and we prevailed. Their sacrifice will not be in vain."

Arturo's eyes met Bruce's, a glimmer of hope shining through the darkness. "You're right, Boss. We must honour their memory by continuing the fight. We can't let their sacrifices be forgotten."

SYSTEM: You're fulfilled, Bruce, you have a minute left. 

"As I've said, this place is now yours…"

"What?" Arturo questioned.

"Listen," Bruce said quickly. "In three days, go to the Goldfield Canopy. Ask to see the chairman, and tell him you're Vito DiMarco's right hand. He will give you a donation." Bruce handed him the phone. "The funds and all goes to you. You now own it all."

"What the fuck are you talking about, boss?" Arturo shouted and Bruce grabbed him by the shoulders.

"Listen to me!" Bruce shouted. 

SYSTEM: You have thirty seconds left. Wrap up the bromance, Bruce. 

"Vito DiMarco is dead. Who would survive six shots with internal organs hit? Director Ben killed Vito DiMarco and killed Bruce Wayne of the Goldfield. I am Bruce Wayne, reincarnated into Vito DiMarco to avenge both. Now my time is up."

The two stared at each other, Bruce realised the shock in Arturo's eyes and amid it all, the system spoke again. 

SYSTEM: 3,2,1

Bruce smiled and it all went dark. 

***

Within the dimly lit expanse of the hall, a man gasped for air, his eyes blinking open, only to find himself suspended in mid-air with his legs bound.

When he opened his eyes and coughed blood, a team of individuals swiftly converged upon him, their concern palpable. Amidst the chaos, one of them exclaimed, "Agent Payne? Are you alright?" 

His eyes widened in surprise, his voice strained as he corrected them, "I am not Agent Payne, I am Vito DiMarco."

A collective pause followed as the team exchanged puzzled glances, realizing the gravity of the situation and the startling truth that unfolded before them. 

After his words, he was lost in thought. There, a cranking sound happened in his head, but there was no voice. "So, now, I am Agent Payne," Bruce said and smiled.

"Yes, you're back!" one of the men around him said.