Chapter 14: Damn that's fucked up

The second Lukas hit "Accept," his entire world shifted.

The air around him felt thicker.

The streets? Quieter.

The System had always been a tool. Something he could use.

But now?

Now, it was something that could kill him.

And the worst part?

It wanted him to kill for it.

---

[MISSION ACCEPTED.]

[CLEANING THE UNDERCITY]

OBJECTIVE: KILL 4 CHEM-ENFORCERS

TIME LIMIT: 5 HOURS

FAILURE PENALTY: DEATH.

---

A timer appeared in the corner of his vision.

4:59:59…

4:59:58…

Lukas's stomach dropped.

This was real.

There was no undo button.

No way out.

If he didn't kill four people in the next five hours, his life was forfeit.

And the worst part?

He had no idea where to find them.

---

4:55:20

"Think. THINK."

Lukas's boots slammed against the pavement as he sprinted through the Lanes, cutting through alleys, side streets, abandoned shops.

Nothing.

No gangsters.

No Drug dealers.

No assholes shaking down shopkeepers.

Zaun was never quiet.

But tonight?

Tonight, it felt like the entire city had just vanished.

Like it was mocking him.

Like it knew he was on a timer—and was laughing.

---

He skidded to a stop near a cluster of street vendors.

This was a hotspot for illegal shit.

Chem dealers, gang members, underground traders—this was their turf.

But tonight?

No one.

Lukas's pulse spiked.

"What the fuck is happening?"

There was always crime here.

There was always someone to kill.

So why, on this specific night, did it feel like Zaun had decided to play by the rules?

---

4:41:50

His breathing was getting heavy.

He had been running for almost twenty minutes now.

Nothing.

His stomach tightened.

His hands clenched into fists.

He needed a plan.

Somewhere that wasn't under Vander's influence.

Somewhere outside the Lanes.

Somewhere the Barons still operated.

And then—

It hit him.

Lukas stopped in his tracks.

Ahead of him, in the distance, stood an abandoned factory.

A massive, rusted husk of metal and smoke-stained concrete.

One of the many places left to rot after the rebellion.

Factories like this were prime real estate for scumbags.

No enforcers patrolling.

No rules.

No witnesses.

And, most importantly?

It was exactly the kind of place the Chem-Barons would use to do business.

Lukas inhaled sharply.

"This has to be it."

---

He moved in silently, sticking to the shadows.

The air here was different.

It smelled like oil, rust, and the faintest trace of something chemical.

The faint buzz of neon lights flickered from inside the factory.

People were in there.

Lukas could feel it.

He crouched near a broken window, peering inside.

And there they were.

---

4:30:15

Three men.

Chem-enforcers.

They weren't just hired thugs.

These were syndicate men.

They weren't here to rob people.

They were here to make money for the Barons.

One of them was talking to a twitchy-looking junkie, passing something between their hands.

The other two?

Standing guard.

Weapons in hand.

Lukas's eyes narrowed.

"Pipes. Clubs. No guns."

Good.

Less risk.

More control.

And best of all?

They hadn't noticed him.

Yet.

---

Lukas's breathing slowed.

His heartbeat steadied.

He wasn't panicked anymore.

He wasn't desperate.

He was hunting.

---

He checked his EVE levels.

It was full.

Enough for at least five or six Electro Bolts.

Good.

That meant he could do this quietly.

No gunshots.

No screams.

Just quick, clean work.

---

The first guy—the dealer—was too far from cover.

If Lukas attacked him first, the other two would see.

He needed to start with the lookouts.

He moved around the side, positioning himself on a high metal beam above them.

They were standing close together.

If he timed this right—

He could take both down before they even knew what hit them.

---

Lukas raised his hand.

Fingers curled into the shape of a gun.

A small spark of blue electricity danced at his fingertips.

He took a slow, deep breath.

Steadied his aim.

And whispered—

"Nowhere to Run."

Fuck it, i'm a fan of Sova (Yes i Know this is a Neon move but come on, sova is epic)

---

A bolt of pure electricity shot forward.

It slammed into the first enforcer's chest.

His body locked up, convulsing violently.

His eyes rolled back.

And then—

He collapsed.

The second guy had just enough time to turn before—

Zap.

Another bolt hit him square in the chest.

His body jerked—

Then fell limp.

Two down.

One left.

---

The dealer had been too distracted counting his money to notice at first.

But the second he looked up—

His face went white.

He turned to run.

Lukas sighed.

"Sorry, Bro. Can't let you get away."

He raised his hand—

"Zap."

A third bolt hit home.

The last body hit the floor.

---

3:27:00

Three out of four.

Lukas exhaled sharply.

His hands shook.

His heart pounded.

He had just murdered three people.

And for the first time—

There was no fear.

No panic.

No regret.

Just cold, quiet certainty.

The mission wasn't over.

He still had one more to go.

And the timer was still ticking.

Lukas wiped the sweat from his forehead.

And kept moving.

Because tonight?

Tonight, he was the real monster in the dark.