[Airport Curbside]
The air between Alex and Vincent crackled with invisible energy. The red warning message [ANOTHER SYSTEM DETECTED] was still flashing in Alex's vision.
"You look confused," Vincent smirked, stepping closer. "Did your little 'Tycoon System' not tell you? You aren't the only lucky winner in this city."
Vincent reached out a hand toward the Rolls Royce.
"Do not touch the vehicle," Luna said coldly. She moved faster than the eye could follow, her dagger slashing toward Vincent's wrist.
CLANG.
It sounded like metal hitting metal.
Vincent hadn't moved his hand. But Luna's dagger had stopped inches from his skin, blocked by a dark, purple energy shield.
"S-Class Assassin?" Vincent chuckled. "Cute. But my Plunder System has a Level 4 Defense Barrier."
Vincent flicked his finger. A pulse of purple energy blasted Luna backward. She slid ten feet across the pavement, struggling to stay upright.
Alex's eyes widened. Luna—who had defeated elite mercenaries in seconds—was pushed back by a flick of a finger.
"System!" Alex mentally screamed. "Analyze him!"
[System Error. Target Level too high.] [Opponent Type: Plunderer.] [Mechanic: Steals stats, items, and luck from defeated enemies.]
Alex realized the danger instantly. Jessica was just the bait. Vincent was the hunter.
"You have Infinite Money," Vincent whispered, leaning in so only Alex could hear. "That's a nice ability. But my ability is Theft."
"If I kill you," Vincent licked his lips. "I get your System."
Jessica laughed from behind him. "Do it, Vincent! Kill him! Take everything he has! Make him beg like he made me beg!"
Vincent raised his hand. Dark energy gathered in his palm.
Alex didn't panic. He didn't flinch. He did the only thing he knew how to do perfectly.
"Sebastian," Alex said calmly. "How much is the airport security contract worth?"
"Roughly $50 Million a year, Sir."
"Triple it," Alex said. "Right now."
[DING!] [Expenditure: $150,000,000.] [Effect: Absolute Authority over Airport Security.]
WEEE-WOOO!
Instantly, ten armored airport police vehicles screeched to a halt around them. Fifty officers with assault rifles jumped out, aiming directly at Vincent.
"Freeze!" The Police Captain screamed. "Get on the ground! We have orders from the new owner!"
Vincent looked at the fifty guns pointed at him. He could kill them, but it would cause a national incident. He wasn't ready for that kind of heat yet.
The purple energy in his hand faded.
"Money," Vincent sneered. "Always hiding behind your wallet."
He grabbed Jessica's arm.
"We're leaving," Vincent said. He looked at Alex one last time. "This isn't over, Tycoon. I'm going to drain you dry. Slowly."
Vincent and Jessica walked away, the police parting to let them leave because they were too terrified to shoot the man with the scar.
Alex watched them go. His heart was pounding.
"Master," Luna limped back to his side. She looked ashamed. "I failed. I could not penetrate his barrier."
"You didn't fail," Alex said grimly. "We just met a boss monster."
Alex looked at the System interface.
[New Main Mission Triggered: The System War.] [Objective: Eliminate the Plunder System User (Vincent).] [Time Limit: 30 Days.] [Failure Penalty: Death. Your System will be transferred to Vincent.]
Alex clenched his fist.
"He wants a war?" Alex whispered. "I'll buy the battlefield."