Chapter 7 – Shadows in Motion

The Crimson Circle's arms shipment was scheduled for midnight at Pier 17, a secluded harbor where Garrison Logistics operated under minimal scrutiny. Eric had spent the last two weeks meticulously preparing for this mission. It wasn't just a test of his newfound abilities but the first strike in his war against the Crimson Circle.

--The Plan--

Eric's incredible understanding allowed him to craft a plan that accounted for every detail. Using the information extracted from Garrison Logistics, he mapped the layout of Pier 17 and studied the guards' patrol patterns.

His objective was clear: destroy the shipment and gather evidence that could expose the Crimson Circle's network.

To do this, he needed to:

1. Infiltrate the pier without detection.

2. Plant explosives on the shipment.

3. Escape with critical documents or digital files.

--Suiting Up--

As the clock ticked toward midnight, Eric donned his vigilante suit. The lightweight combat armour hugged his frame, providing both protection and flexibility. His tactical mask slid into place, and he activated its thermal vision mode, instantly seeing heat signatures through walls and containers.

From his gear bag, he retrieved a compact EMP device, a set of mini-explosives, and his custom grappling hook. Every piece of equipment had been tested rigorously over the past two weeks.

[You equip your vigilante gear. Preparedness increased. Equipment efficiency: 100%.]

--Infiltration--

Eric arrived at Pier 17 under the cover of darkness, using the surrounding industrial buildings as a vantage point. His grappling hook launched silently, securing itself to a crane overlooking the shipment area.

Swinging across, he landed on a stack of shipping containers, crouching low to avoid the gaze of patrolling guards. The thermal vision in his mask revealed four guards near the shipment, while two others monitored the area from a security booth.

He moved with precision, his footsteps silent against the cold steel. As he approached the main shipment, he disabled two cameras using the EMP device.

[You disable surveillance equipment. Detection risk reduced by 40%.]

--Planting the Explosives--

The shipment was stored in a large container marked with a fake "Agricultural Supplies" label. Eric opened the container, revealing crates of disassembled assault rifles, ammunition, and other military-grade equipment.

Carefully, he placed mini-explosives on the crates, ensuring they would destroy the weapons without endangering civilians nearby. Each explosive was synced to a remote detonator on his wrist.

[You successfully plant explosives. Mission progress: 50%.]

--Gathering Evidence--

Eric knew destruction wasn't enough; he needed proof of the Crimson Circle's activities to draw law enforcement into the fight.

He entered the security booth, where the two guards sat distracted, playing a card game. Moving like a shadow, he incapacitated them with precise strikes to their pressure points.

Accessing the security terminal, Eric inserted a data extractor and began downloading files. His mask's HUD displayed the progress bar, which seemed agonizingly slow as footsteps echoed outside.

A new notification appeared:

[You analyze guard activity. Conclusion: A patrol will arrive in 45 seconds. Prepare to evade or neutralize.]

Eric gritted his teeth and slipped out of the booth just as the files finished downloading. Hiding behind a stack of barrels, he watched as two guards passed by, none the wiser.

--The Explosion--

With the explosives in place and the evidence secured, Eric retreated to a safe distance. From his perch atop a nearby crane, he pressed the detonator.

A controlled explosion rocked the pier, lighting up the night sky. The container and its deadly cargo were reduced to smouldering debris. Guards scrambled in panic, their radios crackling with frantic orders.

Amid the chaos, Eric vanished into the shadows, his mission a success.

[Objective complete: Arms shipment destroyed. Evidence acquired: Shipment records and financial transactions.]

Not long after the explosion, sirens echoed across the harbor. Police vehicles surrounded Pier 17, their blue and red lights cutting through the smoke.

At the forefront of the response was Detective Elias Grayson, head of the city's major crimes unit. Grayson was a veteran officer with a reputation for being unyielding in his pursuit of justice. His gruff demeanour and sharp instincts had earned him the respect of his peers and the ire of criminals across the city.

Grayson stepped out of his car, a trench coat draped over his shoulders, and surveyed the chaos with a critical eye. His gaze lingered on the smouldering remains of the shipment, his mind already working through the possibilities.

"Secure the area," he barked at the officers under his command. "I want forensics on every piece of debris. Someone finds out who owns this pier and why the hell it's stocked with military-grade weapons."

A young officer approached, looking nervous. "Sir, we found unconscious guards near the security booth. No sign of the perpetrator, but... they were taken down with precision."

Grayson's eyes narrowed. "Precision?"

"Yes, sir. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing. Pressure points, no excessive force. It's almost... surgical."

Grayson stroked his chin, intrigued. "Someone wanted to send a message. But this isn't just some amateur trying to make a statement. This is calculated."

As his team worked, Grayson's thoughts turned to the bigger picture. The destruction of the shipment was too clean, too deliberate. It wasn't random vandalism—it was the work of someone with a plan.

--Expanding the Arsenal--

Back in his hidden lair, Eric reviewed the files he had stolen. They revealed connections between the Crimson Circle and several powerful figures, including Senator Mark Harlow. The shipment had been destined for a private militia tied to an international arms dealer.

Eric used his profits from stock trading to purchase advanced materials and tools. With his incredible understanding, he began designing:

1. A reinforced utility belt with compartments for smoke bombs, EMP grenades, and other gadgets.

2. An advanced grappling hook with increased range and speed.

3. Shock-resistant gloves capable of delivering a non-lethal electric charge.

• [You develop new equipment. Arsenal expanded. Combat versatility increased.]

--The Next Target--

The files also revealed the Crimson Circle's next move: a high-stakes meeting between their key leaders and several corrupt officials. The meeting was scheduled to take place at a luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

Eric's path was clear. This meeting wasn't just a chance to gather intelligence—it was an opportunity to strike fear into the heart of the Crimson Circle's leadership.

As he stared at the city lights from his lair, Eric felt a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn't just a man seeking revenge; he was a force of justice, methodical and relentless.

Meanwhile, back at the pier, Detective Grayson knelt near the remains of the shipment. His sharp eyes caught the remnants of an explosive device, carefully placed and expertly detonated.

Grayson muttered to himself, "Whoever you are, you've declared war on some dangerous people. Let's just hope you're on the right side of it."