First Steps to Power

For now, he focused, scribbling notes in the margins of his notebook. The laundry service charged twice the standard rate. The food supplier's pricing hadn't been renegotiated in years.

He could fix these himself—or leverage connections from his old life. Not exactly close friends, but people who owed him favors.

Vincent glanced up. Stephanie pretended not to watch him, her fingers sorting through mail. She was still guarded, but handing over those contracts was a win.

Trust was a slow build, and he was playing the long game.

This wasn't just about the motel. The system had bigger plans.

"Secure Local Operations" sounded like a stepping stone—one piece of a larger puzzle. Universe Enterprises, the corporation that had ruined his life, was still out there, pulling strings. The motel was just the beginning.

His thoughts broke when a faint buzz echoed in his head. The system's screen flared to life.

[New Task: Establish Local Influence.]

[Objective: Secure a meeting with a local business contact to strengthen motel operations.]

[Suggested Target: Marcus Reed, owner of Reed's Hardware Store.]

[Time Limit: 48 hours.]

[Reward: Access to Enhanced Negotiation Module.]

[Failure Penalty: Temporary Loss of System Enhancements.]

Vincent's jaw tightened. The stakes were increasing.

The system was pushing him beyond the motel, expanding his reach.

Marcus Reed? Vincent didn't know him, but a hardware store owner could be useful—discounts on supplies, partnerships for maintenance.

The Enhanced Negotiation Module sounded promising, but the system's rewards always came with a price.

And the penalty—losing the system's enhancements—made his stomach twist. Losing the strength, speed, and clarity it gave him? That wasn't an option.

He closed the folder and stood, stretching his arms. "Yo, Steph," he called, keeping his tone casual. "You know Marcus Reed?"

Stephanie looked up, brow furrowed. "Hardware store guy? Yeah, he's been around forever. Supplies half the damn town. Why?"

"Thinking partnerships," Vincent said, leaning against the counter again. "We're fixing this dump, we need materials. Local's the way to go."

She snorted, but there was a flicker of approval in her eyes. "Marcus is a hardass. Doesn't cut deals unless you've got something he wants. Good fuckin' luck."

"Challenge accepted," Vincent said, grinning. "Got an address?"

Stephanie grabbed a scrap of paper and scribbled it down, sliding it across the counter. "Don't make me look like an idiot, Vincent. You drop my name, make it count."

"Scout's honor" he said, pocketing the note. He grabbed his hoodie and headed for the door.

The system's timer was already ticking.

***

Vincent's walk was brisk, the early afternoon air biting. The main street was lined with faded storefronts, an old diner, and businesses that looked like they hadn't changed since the '80s.

His sneakers crunched against the icy sidewalk as he rehearsed his approach. Marcus Reed sounded like a no-nonsense guy. Vincent would need charm, competence, and just enough edge to avoid looking desperate.

The system's screen updated as he walked.

[Marcus Reed – Profile:]

[Age: 52. Former construction worker. Owns Reed's Hardware Store for 20 years.]

[Known for fair deals but distrustful of outsiders.]

Vincent smirked. Cheat codes for people. He hated how much he leaned on the system, but it was a damn lifesaver.

He tightened his grip on the note Stephanie had given him. If Marcus was a hardass, Vincent had one shot at making a good impression.

And if he failed?

Well, he wasn't planning to.

***

Reed's Hardware Store was a squat brick building with a hand-painted sign and a display of shovels and snowblowers out front. The bell jingled as Vincent pushed open the door, stepping into a warm, cluttered space that smelled of sawdust and metal.

Shelves were crammed with tools, paint cans, and plumbing supplies. A radio in the corner played classic rock, just loud enough to fill the silence.

Behind the counter, a broad-shouldered man in a flannel shirt flipped through a ledger. His graying hair was cropped short, his posture relaxed but alert. As Vincent approached, his eyes narrowed slightly.

"You need something, or you just lost?"

Vincent extended a hand. "Marcus Reed? Name's Vincent, working with Stephanie Moore over at the Stardust Motel."

Marcus shook his hand, his grip firm but controlled. "Heard that place is circling the drain. What's your deal?"

Straight to the point. Vincent liked that.

"Turning that place around," he said evenly. "Fresh start, solid plan. We're getting things back on track, and I need a supplier who won't cut corners on materials. Figured you and I could work something out."

Marcus leaned back, crossing his arms. "Lots of hotshots roll through with big talk. Most of 'em crash and burn. Why the hell should I bet on you?"

Vincent felt the system press at the edges of his mind, sharpening his focus. He leaned into it, letting his words come easy.

"I'm not some idiot chasing a pipe dream. I've got a strategy—cut costs, bring in guests, solidify local connections. You give us a fair deal, and I make sure every nail, every bulb comes through you. Plus, I'm looking at security upgrades—cameras, locks, the whole setup. That's steady business, cash upfront."

Marcus's expression stayed neutral, but Vincent caught the way his eyes flicked to the ledger before settling back on him.

"You've done your homework, I'll give you that," Marcus admitted. "But I don't do discounts for fuckin' promises. You want a deal, bring me something real—numbers, a contract. Then we talk."

Vincent nodded, unfazed. "Fair enough. I'll have it on your desk by tomorrow. Mind if I check your catalog? Wanna see what you're packing."

Marcus gestured to a binder on the counter. "Knock yourself out. I'll be in the back."

As Marcus disappeared into the storeroom, Vincent flipped through the catalog, noting prices for paint, light fixtures, door locks. The system's screen flickered in his vision.

[Task Progress: Meeting with Marcus Reed – 30% Complete.]

[Next Step: Present a formal proposal within 24 hours.]

Vincent exhaled, his mind already racing. He'd need a solid proposal—something convincing without overpromising.

Back at the motel, he could cross-reference supplier contracts, estimate costs, and put together something Marcus couldn't turn down. If he played this right, he'd lock in a supplier and take another step toward securing the motel—and whatever the system had planned next.