Confidence is key, Overconfidence is a weakness

Even though Enzo was impressed with Alfonzo in his previous life, having worked with him only as an ally, and not as a superior, Enzo had apparently not seen all of Alfonzo's abilities.

Alfonzo was a cutthroat, but after establishing a magical contract with Enzo, he became firmly on Enzo's side.

They talked for a bit before Enzo asked the main question he had come here for.

"What is your relationship with the Crimson Serpants? And where is their base of operations in the city?" Enzo asked, leaning forward in his chair.

Alfonzo leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he considered Enzo's question. The dim light of the office cast long shadows across his face, accentuating the sharp angles of his features.

"The Crimson Serpents, huh?" Alfonzo's voice was low, measured. "They're not an organization to be trifled with, sir. Our relationship is... complicated."

Enzo raised an eyebrow, ignoring the fact that Alfonzo called him sir, and waited for Alfonzo to continue.

"We've had dealings in the past. Mostly, we stay out of each other's way. They control a much larger portion of the city's underground than we do, and we've found it's better for business to maintain a certain level of... distance and respect."

Alfonzo paused, his fingers drumming on the armrest of his chair. "As for their base of operations, that's not common knowledge. They're careful, and they've shifted places a few times this year alone."

Enzo leaned forward, his gaze intense. "But you know where they are, don't you?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Alfonzo's face before he quickly masked it. "It's always a good idea to keep a close eye on potential enemies, sir. But I must warn you, going after the Crimson Serpents is no small matter. There is a reason they are undisputedly the top dog in the city."

"I'm well aware of the risks," Enzo replied, his voice cool and confident. "Now, tell me what you know."

Alfonzo hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Since he had signed a contract, even though he didn't know it was much more binding than a normal one, he was a man of his word.

"There's an old warehouse district down by the docks. It's been abandoned for years, or so it seems. But there's one building that always has activity, no matter the time of day or night. Deliveries come and go, but never during regular business hours."

"And you believe this is their base?"

"It's one of them, at least," Alfonzo confirmed. "They're too smart to put all their eggs in one basket. But if you're looking to make contact or... deal with them, that's where I'd start."

Enzo nodded, processing the information. "Have you ever been inside?"

"No, sir," Alfonzo replied, shaking his head. I've never had reason to, and they don't exactly welcome visitors. But I've heard things. Rumors of underground levels and their state-of-the-art security systems. It's said to be a fortress disguised as a run-down warehouse."

"Interesting," Enzo mused. "And what about their leadership? What do you know about who's running the show?"

Alfonzo's expression grew guarded. "That's... not something I have much information on. The Crimson Serpents keep their hierarchy close to the vest. But there are whispers of a figure they call 'The Viper.' Nobody seems to know if it's a man or a woman, young or old, or even a single person. Just that they're the ones calling the shots."

Enzo leaned back, his mind racing with possibilities. "Thank you, Alfonzo. This information is valuable."

"If I may ask, sir," Alfonzo said, his tone respectful but cautious, "what do you plan to do with this information? The Crimson Serpents aren't known for their forgiveness."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Enzo's mouth. "Let's just say I have some business to discuss with them. Nothing for you to worry about."

Alfonzo nodded, knowing better than to press further. "Of course, sir. Is there anything else you need from me?"

After Enzo shook his head, the two clasped hands and parted ways.

====

Enzo slipped through the shadows and made his way to the dockyard, his footsteps as light as a mouse on his way to get cheese.

His eyes, now sharper than any human's, scanned the area. Most of the buildings stood dark and abandoned, but one structure caught his attention.

It had a big red door that seemed to stick out as odd in the dark of night.

Enzo crouched behind a stack of old shipping containers, observing. Soon, two men in nondescript clothing came out from behind the building. As Enzo observed the two, he noticed their hands never strayed away from the bulges in their jackets, which Enzo presumed were their firearms.

Taking another five minutes, Enzo used his enhanced eyesight to find six security cameras that were cleverly hidden among the building's weathered exterior.

As he watched the guards walk around the perimeter of the building, seemingly on patrol, Enzo considered his options. A frontal assault would be foolish - even with his powers, alerting the entire compound would only complicate matters.

Alfonzo had told him that this wasn't the Crimson Serpants' only base in the city, which meant that if he was found out, the rest of the bases would go on lockdown or into hiding.

That would only waste his time. No, this called for a more subtle approach.

He spotted a rusted fire escape on the building's far side, partially hidden by shadows. The guards' patrol route left it unobserved for brief periods. It was a risk, but a calculated one.

Enzo waited, timing his move carefully. When the moment was right, he darted from his hiding spot, moving with inhuman speed. In seconds, he was at the base of the fire escape, his hands gripping the cold metal.

He paused, listening intently for any sign that he'd been detected. The night remained quiet, save for the distant lapping of waves against the shore.

Satisfied, Enzo began to climb. He moved swiftly but cautiously, mindful of any creaks or groans that might betray his presence. As he climbed, he kept his senses alert for any internal security measures.

Reaching a darkened window on the third floor, Enzo paused. He could sense movement inside—guards patrolling the interior—but he was able to parse out gaps in their rounds, just as there had been outside.

'It seems that this is all the Crimson Serpants are. They're just a gang of thugs, after all. I don't know what I was so scared for,' Enzo smirked as he ripped the window pane off its frame.

That's when his smirk was replaced with a grimace, and the whole compound reacted instantly to a blaring alarm.

'Well fuck.'