Skill Book Broker: From F-Rank to Tycoon

Chapter 22: Iron Claw's Counterstrike

Victor Graves stood in the middle of the Iron Claw control room, the air filled with anxiety. The inspectors showed the damage to the warehouse, each scene more horrific than the previous one - flames licking at the remains of their delivery trucks, charred equipment in the yard and reports of piles of missing equipment.

"This is not just a crime," Victor cried in a low voice. "This is a fight."

Marcus stood nearby, his composure increasing as he intervened. "This is calculated." His attack knew exactly where to hit us to do more damage. He was smarter than we gave him credit for."

Victor slammed his hand down on the table, a force that shook nearby equipment. "He will not be underestimated again." I want all the resources we dedicated to finding Adam Walker."

"And we're going to do it?" Marcus asked, his voice measured.

Victor's eyes narrowed. "We're putting an end to this. So no one dares to cross us again. "

Adam's safe house was eerily silent. the first As Vince walked into the room, he sat at the kitchen table and scrolled through his tablet. Leaning against the wall, Adam studied his system interface, his mind racing through contingency plans.

"They want to go up," Vince said, breaking the silence. "That warehouse is a big deal. They're going to beat everything you have now."

Adam replied in his strong voice: "Let them go. "If they want to fight, we'll give them one."

Vince stopped walking and turned to him. "And what What could be more powerful than you think? You're playing a bad game, Adam. "

"That's the only kind of game you should play," Adam replied with a blank look.

Evelyn sighed and dropped her tablet. "He's not wrong, Adam. They are too big for us to represent. If we want to continue this trend, we need more allies. "

System Adam called and gave a message.

Use special-purpose managers to strengthen the network. >

Adam slowly moved. "You're right. If we can't match them in numbers, we'll beat them on fairness." Vince scratched his chin, his expression thoughtful. "There's a guy - his name's Lauren. He used to be one of the Iron Claw's frontmen, but he and Victor split up after the fight." He has the skills and the knowledge of their inner workings."

"Sounds good," Adam said. "Where can we find him?"

"That's the hard part," Vince replied. "I heard he's under the bar. Not a very good place. "

Adam laughed. "Good thing I don't have friends."

The underground city of

is a stark contrast to the glittering skyscrapers above. Light tunnels and temporary structures created a maze of shadows and whispers. Evelyn walked closer behind Adam and put her hand on his gun.

"This place gives you creeps." he whispered

"Not welcome," Adam replied, his eyes scanning the crowd. His system displayed the potential threats in red, their weak expressions blaring in his vision.

After hours of navigating the winding streets, Lauren found herself in the corner of a dilapidated pub. The man was large, his broad shoulders and dark face giving him a menacing look.

"What do you want?" Lauren growled, her voice cracking.

"To send the Iron Claw to hell," Adam said as he slid into the seat next to her.

Lauren raised an eyebrow. "And why would I help you with that?"

Adam replied, "Because you want to." "They turned on you. They do the same to others. "

Lauren paused and considered her gaze. "It's a brave word for someone who's still breathing. What's your angle?"

"I have something they don't," Adam said in a calm voice. "Unequal access to resources thinking And a plan to destroy them for a while. But I need someone who knows his weaknesses."

Lauren was silent for a long moment, then a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "You're brave, boy. I like that. OK, I'm in."

Evelyn took a deep breath, her breath brushing against her face. Adam held out his hand, Lauren shook it vigorously.

"Welcome to the team," Adam said with a sharp tone.

As they headed back to the safe house, Adam's system He called again

Evelyn looked at Adam as they walked. "Do you think he can be trusted?"

Adam replied, "Not really." As much as he hated Iron Claw as he loved them, we were fine.

For the first time in weeks, Adam saw a glimmer of hope. The pieces fell into place, and Lauren was by his side, and things began to change.

The iron claws want to fight, and Adam is ready to fight for them.