The Island of Shadows
Chapter 9: The Island of Shadows
Ethan stood on the deck of a private yacht, staring at the vast, untouched land ahead.
A massive island, far from any country's jurisdiction, surrounded by deep waters and dense mist.
His island.
It was a place no government could touch, no corporation could buy, and no enemy could infiltrate.
A kingdom in the making.
The Deal of the Century
Two weeks ago, the opportunity had appeared.
A powerful but discreet figure, known only as Mr. Black, had reached out with an offer.
A privately owned island—formerly used as an abandoned military testing site.
Recognized as neutral land, with no legal ownership disputes.
Sold under one condition: Absolute sovereignty.
Ethan signed the deal immediately.
$500 million transferred in an instant.
A fortune to most.
A mere investment for him.
The contract was airtight.
No government could claim it.
No military could station troops there.
No one could step foot without Ethan's permission.
And if they did?
They wouldn't leave alive.
System Expansion: Private Technologies Unlocked
Ding!
[System Alert: Island Infrastructure Unlocked]
Underground research facility blueprints.
Advanced security systems (autonomous drones, AI surveillance).
Military-grade resource extraction technology.
Stealth submarine docks and high-speed transport network.
Ethan's eyes gleamed.
"Time to build something the world has never seen."
Silent Construction Begins
The first phase was secrecy.
System-provided personnel, highly trained and fiercely loyal, began arriving.
Disguised shipments of construction materials flowed in.
Underground tunnels and hidden bunkers were dug in absolute silence.
A network of AI-controlled surveillance was activated.
The island would look like a barren land to outsiders.
But beneath?
It would hold the most advanced technology on Earth.
A Familiar Name from the Past
As Ethan reviewed the progress, his phone buzzed.
A message from Liam Carter, one of his earliest allies.
Liam: Bro, you won't believe this. Do you remember her?
Ethan: Who?
Liam: Your first love, back in the day. The one you saved.
Ethan's fingers paused.
His mind flashed back to a rainy evening, years ago—a girl, barely breathing, crying in his arms.
A girl he had protected at all costs.
Liam: She's back in the city. And she's looking for someone.
Ethan's grip tightened on his phone.
Fate had just made its move.
The island is officially Ethan's, and his childhood sweetheart is about to return.