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Chapter 34 - 20. Urban Pursuit

Location: Outskirts of New York – Landing ZoneTime: 2:15 AM

As Vincent and his team sliced through the night sky in wingsuits, a single car below started to pick up speed. At the wheel: Nick Carson.

Nick Carson – former street racer, notorious outlaw of the underground racing scene, now an expert in high-stakes escapes.Once affiliated with a PMC, he ditched war for adrenaline, preferring the chaos of the city over battlefield protocols. He's a master at evasion, with a sharp mind for vehicle modification and unmatched knowledge of New York's layout. Now, answering Vincent's call—for one hell of a getaway.

Nick Carson"Catching people falling outta the sky? That's a first."With a grin, he floored the gas pedal.

As Vincent's crew landed, they bolted toward the car. Behind them, searchlights from a helicopter cut across the dark sky.

Dominique's PMC Strike Team – Black RavenElite operatives with combat experience.Armed with attack drones, helicopters, and high-speed pursuit vehicles.A multi-layered urban hunting squad—relentless and lethal.

Nick: "Helicopters and drones? Damn, Dominique's really going all out."Feynman: "Just drive. I'll handle the drones."Gabriel: "Time for some sniping practice."

Urban Car Chase Begins

First Drone Down (Feynman & Gabriel combo):

Feynman pops the roof and taps a quick command.

"EMP pulse in 5 seconds."

Gabriel lines up a shot.

Boom—EMP pulse stuns the drone, Gabriel's bullet finishes the job.Feynman: "First one's toast!"

High-Speed Chase – Tight Alley Maneuver (Nick & Vincent):

Nick veers into a narrow alley, boxing in pursuit vehicles.

One crashes into the wall and flips.Nick: "One down."Vincent: "Three more to go."

Onto the Freeway – Combat Ramps UpNick hits the freeway, pushing the engine hard.The helicopter opens fire."Bang! Bang! Bang!"Bullets graze the frame.Nick swerves skillfully.Nick: "Now this is a race!"

Helicopter Counter – Vincent's Bold Play

Vincent leans out the window.

Vincent: "Gabriel, sniper shot in three seconds."

Gabriel: "Who are we hitting?"

Vincent: "The pilot."

One shot, one hit—the chopper spirals and pulls away.

Final Decision – Choosing an Escape RouteNick: "We've got two choices:

Cross the Manhattan Bridge to New Jersey (safe but expected)

Cut through the high-rise zone and lose them completely (crazy but clean)"Vincent: "We take the second route."

Climax – Rooftop LaunchNick swerves into a parking garage, racing up the spiral.The pursuing team hesitates.Pursuer: "Are they serious?"Nick laughs.Gabriel: "You're not jumping off the roof, are you?"Nick: "Nope. I'm flying over it."

Full throttle.The car rockets off the rooftop ramp—soaring across the skyline—and lands on the opposite rooftop.

Chase Ends – Dominique's RageTime: 3:00 AMRemaining PMC units retreat.Helicopters low on fuel disengage.

Dominique throws the radio against the wall.

Dominique:"Vincent Kang... You've crossed the line. This isn't interference—it's war."He turns to his aide."Call Specter. And... find Isaac."

"No one's going to protect you now, Vincent. This time… you won't survive."

***

The Enhanced One's Choice"

Location: Harrison City – Dominique's Secret FacilityTime: 4:10 AM

Specter stood staring into a mirror.A body forged like steel. A machine of war who had never known defeat.

But this time... was different.

Defeat.The word echoed in his mind.

He clenched his fist.The mirror trembled slightly.

"Vincent Kang."

That man—just a human.And yet, he had wounded Specter. Forced him to retreat.

"Why should the strong obey orders?"

For the first time, Specter questioned the life he had lived.He had always been a "weapon executing orders."Whenever Dominique gave a command, Specter moved. Eliminated. Vanished.

But now—

He was angry.

Why?Why must he follow Dominique's orders?Why couldn't he be a public hero like Isaac?

They were both enhanced humans.And yet, Isaac was the "symbol of justice," while Specter was just a "killer in the shadows."

He opened his clenched fist.His heartbeat was racing.

He had always served Dominique under one belief:"The strong survive."

But now, having been defeated by Vincent—that belief was beginning to crack.

Location: Isaac's Hideout – Abandoned WarehouseTime: 4:45 AM

Isaac looked out the window.Once, he was the symbol of justice.

Now…A ghost of a fallen hero.

"Does true justice even exist?"

That question always brought back the memory—of his battle with Specter.

A voice interrupted his thoughts."Isaac. I have a message for you."

He turned around.

A man in a black suit—Dominique's operative.

Isaac smirked."What does Dominique want from me?"

The agent pulled out a folder."Mr. Dominique wishes to request your assistance."

Isaac tilted his head, intrigued."And what's he offering in return?"

"You would have his protection. And—"

"Not interested."

Isaac cut him off.He slowly stood, his gaze sharpening.

"You came here to give me orders?"

Before the man could reply,Isaac's fist slammed into his gut.

"Kuhh—!"

The agent crashed into the wall.

Isaac looked down at him coldly.

"Tell Dominique this:I'm not interested in playing anyone's dog anymore."

He lowered his voice to a quiet mutter:

"Never again."

Location: Dominique's Estate – Underground War RoomTime: 5:30 AM

"Isaac declined."

Dominique's assistant delivered the report.

But Dominique didn't flinch.He simply poured a glass of whiskey with calm precision.

"As expected."

The aide looked puzzled."You predicted this?"

"Isaac just needed a little push to realize we're the enemy."

Dominique lifted the glass.

"He'll see it now—clearly."

The aide hesitated."What about Specter?"

Dominique smiled.

"Specter's not like Isaac."

"He's a creature conditioned for obedience."

Location: Harrison City – Specter's Training FacilityTime: 6:00 AM

Specter stood, covered in blood.

Around him, a field of broken training drones.

"Why…""Why am I different from Isaac?"

He moved like a machine, repeating battle drills.

But the more he fought, the more one question echoed in his head:

"Am I just a tool?"

"Or… do I get to choose?"

Before he could answer himself—Dominique's voice came over the underground PA.

["Specter. It's time to deploy."]

Specter took a deep breath.

He adjusted his gear, his eyes cold and unreadable.

Looking into the mirror one last time, he thought:

"This time, I must end Vincent."

"If I don't… then I deny my own existence."

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