BEYOND BETRAYAL: WAR WITHOUT END

Carrick walked out of Victor's office with a determined look. He had a plan and was ready to put it into action.

His first step was to visit the city's underworld, where he could find mercenaries and black-market dealers. He had paid for a list of the best mercenary groups in the country.

Carrick arrived at the Red Diamond bar, a place known for illegal activities. The bouncer, a huge man, looked him up and down before nodding.

"What brings you here?" he asked.

"I'm here on business," Carrick replied with a smile. "I'm looking for Jack Harris."

The bouncer's face changed from curious to cautious. "What do you want with Jack?" he asked.

Carrick handed him a roll of hundred-dollar bills. "Tell Jack that Carrick wants to discuss a job."

The bouncer took the money and disappeared into the crowded bar. A few minutes later, he returned with a rugged-looking man in his mid-40s.

"Carrick, this is Jack Harris," the bouncer said before melting into the crowd.

Jack's piercing gaze assessed Carrick. "What's the job?"

Carrick gestured to an empty table. "Let's talk."

Over whiskey and cigars, Carrick outlined his plan. Jack listened intently, his expression unreadable.

"You want me to join a private army to take down the Gale family?" Jack summarized.

Carrick nodded. "That's right. And I'm willing to pay top dollar."

Jack snorted. "You're either very brave or very stupid."

Carrick smiled. "Let's say I have a score to settle."

Jack leaned back, his eyes narrowing. "I'm in, but I have conditions."

Carrick raised an eyebrow. "Name them."

"First, I choose my team. Second, we get to keep our gear. Third, you guarantee our safety."

Carrick nodded. "Done. But I have conditions too."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "What are they?"

"You and your team must be loyal only to me. No side jobs, no betrayals."

Jack smiled, a cold glint in his eye. "You've got my word."

"Now for your troubles." Carrick handed Jack a wad of cash. It was about three thousand dollars.

With Jack on board, Carrick's recruitment efforts gained momentum. Next, he met Alex, a tech expert with a talent for hacking.

"I'm in, but I need better gear," Alex said, eyeing Carrick's equipment.

Carrick smiled. "You'll get the best. And a 10% cut of all profits."

Alex's eyes widened. "Deal."

Then, Carrick recruited Lila, a skilled sniper with a troubled past.

"I'm in, but I need protection," Lila said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Carrick's expression softened. "You'll have my protection, Lila. And a new identity."

Lila's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you."

Just as Carrick was about to leave the building. The bouncer came up to him and handed him a piece of paper. There seemed to be a note written on the paper.

"Seems you've got a job that requires not only manpower, but also talent. Meet me at Helios Hotel in one hour and we will talk. The name's Maximus Perch of KWE mercenary."

Carrick's legs almost went jelly.. he had just received an invitation from the leader of the Killer-Wolves Mercenary group? The most powerful man in the entire Mafia society? Leader of the strongest mercenary group in the world? Is this a prank?

«Ding!

Host should accept the invitation.»

Carrick didn't think twice and left the building, boarded a cab towards Helios Hotel.

*

Carrick arrived at the luxurious Helios Hotel, where Maximus Perch, leader of the renowned KWE Squad, had agreed to meet. As he entered the suite, he was greeted by Maximus's imposing figure.

Maximus, a towering giant with piercing blue eyes, extended a massive hand. "Carrick, good to meet you."

Carrick shook his hand firmly. "The pleasure's mine, Maximus. Your reputation precedes you."

"Now, before I join you, I want you to convince me just as you convinced the others. Recruit me." Maximus said.

"Alright." Carrick replied.

Maximus smiled, gesturing to a seat. "Let's get down to business. What makes you think I'd be interested in joining forces?"

Carrick leaned forward. "I've heard about the KWE Squad's impressive track record. I believe your skills would be invaluable in my... endeavor."

Maximus raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is this endeavor?"

Carrick outlined his plan to take down the Gale family, leaving out no details. Maximus listened intently, his expression unreadable.

When Carrick finished, Maximus leaned back. "I'm intrigued, but I have conditions."

Carrick nodded. "Name them."

"We'll only be business partners, not employer and employee. The KWE Squad remains autonomous."

Carrick nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. But before we discuss terms, I'm curious... Tell me your story, Maximus. How did you become the leader of the world's most famous mercenary group?"

Maximus's expression softened, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "It's a long story, but I'll give you the short version."

He leaned forward, his voice taking on a reflective tone.

"I grew up on the streets of Moscow, son of a former Spetsnaz operative. My father taught me everything he knew. I honed my skills in the Russian military, then went mercenary."

Carrick listened intently as Maximus continued.

"I met my core team – Starlet, Kelly, and Elixir – during a job in Africa. We clicked, and the KWE Squad was born. We took on high-risk missions, built our reputation, and never looked back."

Maximus's eyes sparkled with pride. A fake expression he had honed in the past.

"We've worked for governments, corporations, and even other mercenary groups. But we've always remained loyal to each other. That's the secret to our success."

Carrick's eyes locked onto Maximus's. "I understand. Loyalty is everything."

Maximus nodded. "Exactly. And that's why I'll only partner with someone who shares that value."

Carrick smiled. "I think we're on the same page, Maximus." Just then he saw Maximus' facial expression change.

"It seems Mister Carrick, that you and I are more alike in more ways than one. Perhaps it's best I tell you the long version of my story." Maximus said with an unreadable expression.

"Why the change of heart? How are we alike?" Carrick became a bit puzzled. The system wasn't saying anything which was unlike the all-knowing system.

"Allow me to tell you the story of my rise to fame. Perhaps it will help you reset your path on how to take down the Gale family."