The penthouse didn't sleep.
It hummed with activity — Zeke on a custom rig tracing digital footprints, Kai lifting in the private gym while bumping underground rap, and Damon… reading.
Books on international finance. Trade routes. Firearms. Pressure points. War theory. He didn't just want to be rich.
He wanted to be unbeatable.
System Update: Empire Development Tier II Unlocked
– $2M invested into silent holdings across shipping, tech, and luxury concierge firms
– Under-the-table logistics chain established: shell companies, front businesses, crypto launderers
– Street operations activated — distribution units, loyalty zones, soft enforcement crews
New Passive: "Double Vision" — You can now manage both the underworld and business world simultaneously with reduced risk of overlap detection.
Skill Unlocked: "Weapons Proficiency I" — Firearms, disarms, close-quarters combat (25% mastery).
Check-In: Black Talon Firing Range — Downtown
Damon arrived in silence. The instructor didn't recognize him — at first.
By the end of the hour, she was watching him reload with speed and precision like he was military-trained.
"You ever served?" she asked.
"Nah," Damon replied, holstering his Glock. "Just ready to protect what's mine."
Bonus Activated: "Precision Dominance" — Higher chance of headshots, killshots, and nerve-target disarms.
Later That Night — A New Player Enters
The penthouse buzzed.
Zeke opened the door, eyes narrowing at the woman standing there: tall, caramel-skinned, leather jacket, a knife tattoo snaking up her neck. Gun in her clutch. Smile sharp as glass.
She walked in without asking. Straight to Damon.
"Name's Nyah Rivera. I work for people who know power when they smell it. You're building something. I want in."
Damon studied her calmly. "Why?"
"I know the law. I know the street. And I look damn good doing both."
Zeke whispered, "She's ex-DEA… went rogue after her sister OD'd on product her unit was told to ignore."
Potential Role: Diplomat / Legal Cover / Transport Overseer
Affiliation Bonus: Dual Reputation Increase in law & street circles.
Flirtation Probability: 89%
Future Romance Flag: "Entanglement Potential."
Damon stood. "Alright, Nyah. Show me what you bring to the table."
She smiled slowly. "Careful, King. You might not want to give it back."
Empire Status: Operational – Low Profile
Territories: 3 neighborhoods
Revenue: $312,000/month (legal + illegal combined)
Power Level: "Rising Warlord"
Next Goal: Establish First Hidden Facility / Training Base