Liam's eyes burned with determination as he sat in the dim glow of his laptop screen. His mind had already processed everything.
He had pissed off powerful people.
He had a target on his back.
He wasn't the only System User.
And now? His mother was exposed.
"I need a secure place. My mom and I are too open like this."
He took a deep breath and commanded,
"System! Find me a place I can secure easily against a Level 2-3 System user like myself."
The System's interface flickered, scanning thousands of locations in an instant.
> Analyzing Optimal Hideouts…
Filtering: Security, Accessibility, Defensibility, Strategic Advantage…
Options Located: 3 Viable Locations
A holographic blueprint appeared before Liam, outlining the three best options.
1) Underground Safehouse (Abandoned Bunker – Sector 8)
Built during Cold War
Reinforced steel structure
Easily defensible, multiple escape routes
Minimal detection risk
Requires renovation
2) High-Rise Penthouse (Private Floor – Blackwood Tower)
360-degree security access
Height advantage against attacks
Only one entry point – can be fortified
Requires significant funding to acquire
3) Hidden Warehouse (Industrial Zone – Sector 5)
Off-the-grid, no official records
Large storage space for weapons, tech, and inventory
Surrounded by abandoned factories – fewer witnesses
Already rumored to house underground deals
Liam's mind ran a hundred calculations instantly.
"The penthouse is great, but too expensive right now."
"The warehouse is useful, but I don't want to attract criminal attention yet."
"The bunker… it's hidden, strong, and gives me time to build my power base."
He made his decision.
"System, give me full details on the Underground Safehouse."
> Location: Industrial Ruins, Sector 8
Size: 3,500 sq. ft. (Underground Facility)
Defenses: Reinforced Walls, Emergency Ventilation, Old Military Lockdown Systems
Weaknesses: Limited Power Source, Requires Structural Repairs
Ownership: No official records. Abandoned.
Liam smirked.
"Perfect."
---
Securing The Bunker
The next morning, Liam packed up essentials—a burner phone, emergency cash, a tactical knife, and his modified laptop with encrypted data access.
Before leaving, he glanced at his mother, still asleep on the couch.
"I swear… I'll make sure no one ever threatens you again."
He left before sunrise, moving through quiet backstreets to avoid being tracked.
By the time he reached Sector 8, the sun had barely risen.
The bunker was hidden beneath a rusted metal hatch, covered in overgrown weeds and forgotten by time.
Liam ripped the hatch open and dropped inside.
The air was thick with dust, and old equipment lay scattered across the floor.
A massive steel door loomed at the far end, sealed shut.
> System: "This door requires power to unlock. Generators offline."
Liam scanned the area.
No problem. If I can restore power, this place is mine.
---
A New Threat Arrives
As Liam worked on getting the bunker operational, the System alerted him.
> WARNING: Unfamiliar System User Detected Near Sector 8.
His blood ran cold.
"They're already looking for me."
He shut off all lights, his combat instincts kicking in.
From the shadows, he saw two figures walking past the entrance hatch.
Their movements were sharp, methodical—trained.
Liam's mind raced.
"They don't know I'm here… but they're close."
The first figure spoke, his voice low.
"He's somewhere in this area. Boss said the kid's smart, but not invincible."
The second one scoffed. "Then let's flush him out."
Liam's jaw tightened.
"They think they're the hunters? Let's see how they handle being prey."
---
The Silent Takedown
Liam moved like a ghost, creeping along the dark bunker walls.
His enhanced reflexes allowed him to track every movement of his enemies.
The first stepped closer to the hatch.
Liam struck.
A quick jab to the throat—cutting off his air.
A leg sweep—dropping him instantly.
A precise elbow to the temple—knocking him out cold.
The second whirled around, eyes wide.
Liam was already on him.
He sidestepped a wild punch, twisted the guy's wrist back, and slammed him face-first into the bunker wall.
The man groaned, barely conscious.
Liam grabbed his collar, whispering coldly.
"Who sent you?"
The guy gritted his teeth, refusing to speak.
Liam's grip tightened. "I suggest you answer before I decide you're not worth keeping alive."
The guy gulped. "Vance… Vance sent us."
Liam's mind clicked.
"So that's his name… the one pulling the strings."
---
Reinforcing The Safehouse
By the time Liam finished securing the bunker, he had:
Locked the entrance with a reinforced security panel.
Repaired the backup generator, restoring partial power.
Set up a surveillance system linked to his laptop.
Acquired weapons from the unconscious goons before dumping them miles away.
His System updated.
> NEW SAFEHOUSE SECURED: Underground Bunker, Sector 8
Defensive Rating: 85%
Stealth Rating: 92%
Liam smirked.
"Let them come now. They won't find me until I want them to."
As he sat down, his phone buzzed.
It was a text message from an unknown number.
> Vance: "You've made your move. Now, I make mine."
Liam's smirk widened into a dangerous grin.
"Come and try."
Because this wasn't just about survival anymore.
This was war.
And Liam?
He was going to win.
---