The night was thick with tension.
Seven SUVs had not moved since dusk.
Men in tactical gear patrolled the perimeter, eyes scanning for any sign of weakness.
Inside, Lin Chen remained calm.
[System Log: Consortium Units — Engaged. Local Conflict Potential: High.]
[Recommended Action: Escalate Authority.]
He didn't hesitate.
---
Preparation
Lin Chen moved through the clinic with precision.
Every camera.
Every corridor.
Every access point under his control.
Dr. Hart and the staff followed silently, fully aware:
any mistake now could mean death.
[System Log: Defensive Measures — Fully Activated.]
[City Control Progress: 50%.]
---
The Message
A secure line buzzed.
The leader of the consortium appeared on screen.
"Doctor Lin," the voice was cold, almost amused.
"You've become a public problem. Cease operations, or we remove you."
Lin Chen leaned against the counter.
"No," he said simply.
"Problems are for those afraid of results."
---
First Contact
The SUVs surged forward.
Security doors slammed shut automatically.
Outside, the consortium's operatives tried every breach—
physical, electronic, psychological.
Inside, Lin Chen moved with calculated calm.
A single glance, a subtle gesture, and the Authority Field subtly projected, forcing hesitation.
One operative coughed.
Another stumbled, instinctively checking his gear.
The leader's face twisted in disbelief.
---
A Calculated Demonstration
Lin Chen approached the central patient ward.
Several critical patients were monitored continuously.
He adjusted their systems manually.
Vitals stabilized instantly.
No alarms, no fuss.
The message was clear:
"Harm anyone, and every consequence is traceable and undeniable."
---
The Turning Point
A shout outside.
The consortium's communications were jammed.
Lin Chen didn't move.
Dr. Hart whispered,
"They're trying to overwhelm the network."
He didn't reply.
Instead, he tapped the central console.
[System Log: Node Linkage — Active. Real-time Monitoring Across All Clinics.]
[Authority Field Radius — Expanded.]
Every operative outside felt it—unseen, inescapable.
Control had shifted.
---
Aftermath
The SUVs retreated slowly.
The operatives vanished into the night.
The consortium had tested him.
They had failed.
Lin Chen surveyed the clinic.
"Authority isn't given," he murmured.
"It's demonstrated."
[System Log: City Control Progress: 56%.]
[Consortium Attention Level: Maximum.]
[Next Objective: Expand Node Network & Consolidate Public Support.]
---
End of Chapter