Saturday, 10:07 a.m.
Ground Zero HQ
The team was buzzing after the successful launch of TALA. Social media was still exploding, and Jared was being hailed as the "Tech Scholar of the Year" by several education blogs. The mood was electric.
But Leo wasn't smiling.
His system had been pinging warnings since dawn.
[ALERT: Ares Entity Activated "Black Chain Protocol"]
Target: MetroDrop Logistics
Method: Hostile takeover attempt via shell company "RedMile Holdings"
Time to Impact: 72 Hours
Recommendation: Intercept with Defensive Stake or Counter-Acquisition
Leo stared at the flashing notification, then opened a secure window showing live stock movement data. He watched as MetroDrop's minority shareholders began offloading small percentages—one by one.
"They're clearing the board," Leo muttered. "Ares is coming straight for my ground."
At noon, Leo called an emergency meeting with his core team.
"MetroDrop is under siege," he began. "We were planning to finalize our acquisition in Phase 3. They're trying to cut ahead."
Martin blinked. "Is this the logistics company you've been investing in quietly?"
Leo nodded. "It's the spine of our future delivery infrastructure. If they grab it first, they'll gain real-world control over everything we ship, deploy, or develop."
Zari's eyes darkened. "So we're going to war."
"No," Leo said. "We're going to buy time—and then we crush them."
[Mission Branch Selected: Counter-Acquisition Strategy]
Task 1: Freeze minority seller shares through emergency private buyouts
Task 2: Leak RedMile Holdings' shell structure to the media
Task 3: Stage a public partnership event with MetroDrop to stall acquisition
Deadline: 72 hours
Reward: Full control over MetroDrop + Logistics Infrastructure Boost
Penalty: Ares gains physical distribution leverage
Zari and Dreigh immediately began coding a smart contract system to lock shares into escrow with anonymous protection. Meanwhile, Aria started planning a brand campaign positioning Ground Zero and MetroDrop as "Partners for Public Empowerment."
Leo?
He called Nyx.
"I need to expose RedMile's shell structure," he said. "You up for it?"
On the other end of the line, Nyx laughed.
"I was born for it."
Later that night, Leo visited Mr. Santelices, MetroDrop's current CEO—an aging but sharp logistics veteran with salt-and-pepper hair and a legacy to protect.
"They're offering my board a buyout too sweet to ignore," the man said, sipping his tea.
Leo placed a sleek tablet on the table and slid it toward him.
"What's this?"
Leo answered calmly, "₱120M in private equity, fronted through a legacy development fund. No dilution. No loss of control. Just partnership."
The man looked surprised. "That's more than what RedMile is offering."
Leo smiled. "Because I'm not buying your company. I'm protecting your purpose."
[CEO Loyalty Secured: Edgar Santelices – Ally Status Gained]
Share Transfer: 32% Direct to Ground Zero Holding Trust
Ares Interruption: Takeover Blocked at 49%
System Bonus: Distribution Route Control – Enabled
Leo's Infrastructure Influence: +24%
Sunday, 2:40 p.m.
Across social media platforms, a story broke:
"RedMile Holdings Exposed: Foreign Shell Entity Tied to Anonymous Wealth Fund"
The article trended within hours, sparking concern about foreign interference in local logistics. Anonymous forums hinted that an underground billionaire war was playing out in plain sight.
In the EvoForge bunker, Ares' knuckles turned white.
"Who leaked it?" he snapped.
An assistant stammered, "The system traced a deep breach, but we can't find the entry point."
Ares closed his eyes.
"Leo has a hacker."
He turned to the screen, which displayed Ground Zero's banner with the slogan:
"We build with you—not on top of you."
Ares muttered, "Fine. If you want war… I'll give you one."
That night, Leo sat alone in his dorm room.
His phone buzzed.
A video message.
He opened it.
The footage showed a familiar face—Jared—walking home late from Ground Zero. As he turned into a dim alley, a shadowy figure approached him.
The clip cut off.
[Rival Action Detected: Psychological Attack – Threat Display]
Message: "Back off, or your people disappear."
Response Options:
A. Launch counter-espionage scare tactic
B. Silence the threat using legal/underground leverage
C. Prepare security reinforcement protocols
D. All of the above
Leo didn't hesitate.
He selected: D. All of the above.
Then he whispered to the empty room:
"You just made your biggest mistake."