At first glance, it seemed like a straightforward spot with few places to hide. But Ethan’s sharp eyes quickly picked out the details others might miss.
“Here,” he said, tapping a shallow depression near the center. “This low ground could serve as a perfect hiding spot. The slope would deflect bullets, providing temporary cover. And over here—” He pointed to a cluster of boulders at the edge of the frame. “—this rock formation could break line of sight, making it easy for someone to evade gunfire or close the distance before your men can react.”
The old man listened intently, nodding as he mentally noted each potential risk.
“Then there’s this patch of underbrush beside the low ground,” Ethan continued. “If the target is fast enough, they could slip into the bushes and disappear before your team knows what’s happening. And once they’re in there, finding them will be like searching for a needle in a haystack.”
The old man’s expression shifted slightly, betraying a flicker of admiration. ‘No wonder Alex wants him gone… This kid’s instincts are razor-sharp.’
“The key to success is limiting the target’s options from the start,” Ethan added, placing the photograph back on the table. “Position your shooters here and here—” He indicated two spots overlooking the low ground. “—to cover the depression and the bushes. Station another group near the rocks to block any escape attempts. With this setup, your team will have complete control of the area.”
….
For the next half hour, Ethan meticulously examined the map, pointing out each spot where an adversary could find cover.
His fingers moved across the paper with precision, tracing the contours of hills and the outlines of rocks and shrubs. Old man’s men diligently recorded every detail, scribbling notes as Ethan spoke.
“…And this slope right here—if someone crouches low, they’ll be almost invisible from a distance. Bullets might skim the ground, but they’ll be safe if they stay flat. And that cluster of boulders on the east side? It creates a blind spot where someone could slip through unseen. You’ll want marksmen positioned here and here—” He tapped the map twice. “—to cover both of these routes.”
The old man listened attentively, nodding as Ethan continued. He couldn’t help but be impressed by the young man’s strategic insight.
‘This kid’s instincts are lethal. Was he in Military pr something.’ Old man thought as he listened to Ethan.
When Ethan finally leaned back, signaling he was done, The old man clapped his hands together.
“Ethan boy, your insight is remarkable. Truly the eye of someone genius or unparalleled.”
Ethan waved a hand modestly. “You’re too kind, Sir. I’ve just trained a bit more than most people, and have some expertise in some area… that’s all.”
The old man carefully folded the map and tucked it into his coat pocket before glancing back at Ethan.
“Even with your guidance, I can’t help but feel cautious. Our target is highly skilled—I wouldn’t want to risk any surprises. So, tell me… would you like to join us tonight? Your presence could make all the difference.”
The offer sent a thrill through Ethan’s chest.
‘They trust me enough to bring me into the action? This is it… the moment I solidify my place with the Wells family!’ Ethan mind was already made up in the moment.
“Of course, Sir,” he replied with a confident smile. “It would be my pleasure.”
“Excellent! I’ll have a car pick you up tonight. We’ll leave at nine sharp.”
“No problem at all.” With that, The old man stood, extending his hand. Ethan shook it firmly, holding back the grin that threatened to break across his face.
As Ethan watched The old man leave, anticipation buzzed in his veins. Tonight would mark the beginning of his rise—and the end of Alex Reid.
….
Outside the luxury hotel, Edwin and his grandfather stepped into his sleek black car and immediately dialed a number on his phone.
“It’s done,” he said as soon as the line connected.
“Good. I’ll leave the rest to you, Sir.” A voice came from the other side of the line.
Alex Reid’s calm voice carried a hint of satisfaction before the line went dead. Sliding his phone back into his pocket, Alex tapped the table thoughtfully.
After a moment, he picked up another phone—a prepaid burner with no ties to his name—and dialed a different number.
“Hello? Harold?” Alex’s voice was clipped and direct.
The man on the other end paused, then answered warily, “Yeah… who’s this?”
“You’ve been looking for Ethan Carter, haven’t you?”
Harold stiffened. “Who is it? And how do you know?”
“Let’s just say I have some information that might interest you. Tonight, 9:30 PM. Outskirts of city, up in the hills. Ethan Carter will be there. Don’t miss your chance.”
Before Harold could ask another question, Alex hung up, tossing the burner phone into the nearest waste bin.
Now… let’s see how this game plays out.
….
Meanwhile, Harold Winters crouched beside a dumpster, sifting through piles of discarded junk.
His clothes were tattered, stained with dirt and grease. His once-proud shoulders now sagged beneath the weight of ruin.
Ever since Ethan had betrayed him, stripping him of his home, his money, and his dignity, Harold had been reduced to little more than a vagrant, scraping by on scraps and dodging debt collectors at every turn.
But through all the misery, one thought burned brightly in his mind: Revenge.
He’d spent weeks searching for Ethan, following whispers and rumors across the city. Each lead had ended in disappointment—until now.
The moment he heard Ethan’s name through the phone, Harold froze. His pulse pounded in his ears as the voice on the line delivered its message:
“Let’s just say I have some information that might interest you. Tonight, 9:30 PM. Outskirts of city, up in the hills. Ethan Carter will be there. Don’t miss your chance.”
Before he could even process the shock, the line went dead.
For a moment, Harold stood frozen in place, gripping the phone so tightly his knuckles turned white.
Then, as if a spark had ignited within him, he threw down the trash he’d been holding and reached beneath his ragged coat.
His fingers closed around the worn handle of a fruit knife… the only weapon he possessed.
“Ethan, you bastard… You ruined my life. Took everything from me.” His breath came in ragged gasps, eyes blazing with fury. “Tonight, you pay for what you did. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth!”
Stuffing the knife back into his coat, Harold turned and vanished into the shadows of the alleyway. His heart pounded with a singular purpose: vengeance.
…
Bonus Chapters on: 500, 1000, 1500 Power Stones.
…
(A/N: Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)
Don’t forget to add this novel to your library and sent some power stones for support if you like the novel.