A Meeting of Power

The Volkov Estate was nothing short of a fortress.

Surrounded by high walls, armed guards, and a security system more advanced than most government facilities, it was clear that Mikhail Volkov was a man who didn't take chances.

I walked past the iron gates, my hands in my pockets, as the guards eyed me cautiously.

One of them, a tall Russian with a scar across his cheek, nodded. "Mr. Gebb, Mr. Volkov is waiting for you."

I smirked. "He always does."

The estate was a masterpiece of power and wealth. Grand chandeliers, marble floors, and a smell of aged whiskey filled the air.

As I entered the main lounge, I saw him.

Mikhail Volkov.

The kingpin of Eastern Europe's business empire.

A man whose influence stretched from corporate offices to the darkest corners of the underground world.

He sat in a large leather chair, a cigar resting between his fingers, his piercing blue eyes studying me like a chess piece.

"Mr. Gebb," he greeted, his deep Russian accent sharp but controlled.

I smirked, taking a seat across from him. "Mr. Volkov. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

He chuckled, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "You are always so casual, even when the world is against you."

I leaned back. "The world's been against me since birth. Nothing new."

His lips curled into a small smile. "Then let's not waste time. I called you here because I have an offer. One you should consider very carefully."

I raised an eyebrow. "An offer? Interesting. But let's be honest, Volkov. Men like you don't 'offer' things. You make deals."

He chuckled again. "Smart man. Yes, this is a deal. One that could benefit you greatly."

I gestured for him to continue.

He leaned forward, his expression turning serious.

"I know about Project Hades."

The air between us shifted.

My smirk faded slightly. "Do you now?"

He nodded. "And I know that you and your partner, Liberty, are planning to take it down."

I remained silent. Let him talk.

Volkov took a slow drag from his cigar before continuing. "Project Hades is not just a threat to you. It is a threat to the balance of power in this world."

I narrowed my eyes. "Go on."

He leaned back. "The people funding it? They are not simple men. They are not like the syndicates you crushed last night. These men control nations. Wars. Economies. You and Liberty may be strong, but even you cannot fight a war on every front."

I let his words sink in.

Then, I smirked. "You underestimate me, Volkov."

He chuckled. "I do not underestimate you, Mr. Gebb. I respect you. Which is why I am here to offer my support."

I raised an eyebrow. "Support?"

He nodded. "Weapons. Intel. Resources. Whatever you need."

I studied him carefully. "And in return?"

Volkov's eyes darkened slightly. "When this war is over, and you stand victorious… I want something from you."

I leaned forward. "What?"

He took another drag of his cigar, then looked me directly in the eyes.

"I want the names of every man involved in Project Hades. Every scientist, every funder, every hidden puppet master. I want their identities."

I tilted my head. "Planning a purge, Volkov?"

He smiled. "Let's just say… I do not tolerate threats to my empire."

I considered his words.

This was a dangerous deal.

Volkov was a man who never left debts unpaid. If I gave him the information he wanted, he would hunt those men down, one by one.

And I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

I exhaled. "You're asking for a lot."

He smirked. "And you are walking into hell. A little insurance wouldn't hurt."

I tapped my fingers against the table.

Then, I grinned. "Fine. I accept."

He extended a hand. "Then we have a deal."

I shook it. And just like that, another powerful alliance was forged.

As I stepped out of the Volkov Estate, the night air was cool and sharp.

My phone buzzed.

It was Henry.

[Henry: Where the hell are you? Battle starts in 4 hours.]

I smirked, texting back.

[Me: Just making sure we have some extra firepower.]

Henry responded instantly.

[Henry: Don't do anything reckless.]

I chuckled.

[Me: Too late for that.]

I slipped my phone back into my pocket, lighting a cigarette.

Volkov's resources would tip the scales in our favor.

And soon…

Project Hades would burn.