The early morning light filtered through the cracked window of Darren's small apartment. Outside, the city hummed awake, indifferent to the storm brewing in its underbelly.
Darren sat at the worn kitchen table, eyes fixed on his phone screen. The system's interface glowed softly, highlighting the latest intel he had pulled overnight.
[Target: Ironclad Logistics Company]
[Threat Level: High]
[Suggested Action: Acquire controlling shares to neutralize threat]
Ironclad Logistics. The very name sent a chill down his spine. The company was the nerve center for the rival faction's sabotage operations—delaying deliveries, blocking supplies, and spreading chaos among Darren's business partners.
Taking control of Ironclad was risky. They were heavily guarded, tightly linked to powerful figures, and aggressive in protecting their interests. But Darren knew that without neutralizing this source, his growing empire would never be safe.
He tapped the screen, pulling up detailed financial reports and shareholder data. The majority stake was owned by a middle-aged man named Victor Kane — known in the underground as ruthless and fiercely protective of his territory.
Darren swallowed his nerves and sent a discreet message through the system's secure channel:
"Request meeting — investment opportunity."
The reply was almost instantaneous:
"Meeting accepted. Discretion required."
Two days later, Darren found himself sitting in a dimly lit private room at a downtown café. Across from him, Victor Kane studied Darren with a cold, assessing gaze.
"Eighteen years old, huh?" Victor smirked. "Bold kid, coming after my business."
Darren met his eyes steadily.
"I'm not here to fight, Victor. I want to offer you a deal — a buyout. Control for control."
Victor chuckled, but there was a hint of curiosity.
"Money talks, kid. What's your offer?"
Darren revealed a fraction of his current funds, but more importantly, his vision: a partnership that would stabilize the market and end the sabotage. He emphasized the growing alliances he had built and his family's stake in the community's future.
Victor weighed the proposal in silence.
"Interesting," he said finally. "But I'm not selling out that easily."
The meeting ended without a deal, but Darren knew the conversation was the first step.
Back home, Darren ran simulations through the system—calculating the funds he'd need to pressure Victor and other shareholders.
[System Notification]
[New Feature Unlocked: Negotiation Assistant — Improves deal-making success rate by 15%.]
Darren smiled. The system was with him.
As he prepared for the long battle ahead, Darren thought of his mother and Aria, sleeping soundly in the next room.
This wasn't just about money anymore. It was about their future.