The moment the footsteps echoed through the vast, empty warehouse, you tensed. You and Daredevil immediately melted into the shadows, becoming one with the darkness around you. You could hear the mercenaries talking in low murmurs, their boots clanging against the cold concrete floor.
[Skill Update: Stealth – Lv. 3]
Your ability to move unnoticed in the shadows has improved, allowing you to evade detection with greater precision.
Daredevil's radar sense was already working overtime, scanning the area for their positions. His body was still, his senses stretched out like an invisible web. You could almost feel his calm aura, an anchor in the chaos of the situation.
"There are three of them coming this way," Daredevil whispered, his voice barely audible. "They're armed and alert. We need to take them out quietly, or this whole operation will be compromised."
You nodded, your grip tightening around the pipe in your hand. You had gotten better at using your surroundings, and this time, you'd be ready.
The footsteps grew louder as the mercenaries approached. The first one passed by, unaware of your presence. You made your move. In a flash, you stepped from the shadows, swinging the pipe at the back of the mercenary's head. The hit landed with a satisfying crack, and the man crumpled to the floor without a sound.
-15 HP (Mercenary)
+50 EXP
Daredevil moved in tandem, his form a blur as he quickly incapacitated the second mercenary with a series of precise baton strikes, knocking the man out cold. The third mercenary, who had been trailing behind, didn't see the attack coming.
Before he could even react, you were on him, your hand clamping over his mouth as you used your momentum to spin him into the ground. The impact was enough to knock him out, his body going limp.
-15 HP (Mercenary)
+50 EXP
The three mercenaries were down in seconds, their radios crackling with static, but not a single alarm was raised. It was the perfect operation—clean and efficient.
[Skill Leveled Up: Combat Awareness – Lv. 2]
Your awareness of combat situations has improved, allowing you to better track your surroundings and anticipate enemy movements.
Daredevil crouched next to the fallen mercenaries, his radar sense scanning for any more threats. "This was too easy," he muttered. "They were clearly expecting an attack, but not from us."
You glanced around, feeling the weight of the situation. The warehouse was large, filled with rows of crates and machinery, all of it covered in a thick layer of dust. In the back of the building, there was a steel door, guarded by a security checkpoint. This was the heart of The Black Hand's operation.
You and Daredevil approached the door with caution, carefully avoiding the camera near the entrance. You knew this was where things would get dangerous. This was the point of no return.
Daredevil signaled for you to wait, then moved toward the security panel. In a flash, he was working his magic, disabling the security system with a few quick movements. He was in and out before the guards even had a chance to react.
[Quest Update: Unseen Foes]
Objective: Infiltrate the Black Hand's warehouse and gather intel on their operations.
Objective Status: In Progress.
With the door unlocked, you and Daredevil slipped inside, careful not to make a sound. The room beyond was dimly lit, filled with computer terminals and several crates stacked high with materials. You immediately recognized the logo emblazoned on one of the crates: "Dr. Kestrel Morgan".
This was it. The source of everything.
Daredevil moved silently toward one of the terminals. You kept watch, your eyes scanning the room. The tension was thick, and you could feel your pulse quicken as the stakes became higher.
Daredevil's fingers flew over the keyboard, his face lit by the glow of the screen. He muttered under his breath as the system finally crackled to life. "Got it."
He pulled up files, encrypted data streams running on the screen, but the one that caught your attention immediately was titled Project Ascendant.
Daredevil clicked on the file, and a set of images appeared—pictures of experiments, strange symbols, and most chilling of all, images of people, their bodies altered. Enhanced. Mutated.
"These are the subjects," Daredevil said quietly, his voice tinged with disbelief. "They're turning people into weapons… just like the figure you fought."
You leaned in, your eyes scanning the data. There were names, numbers, and disturbing references to genetic alterations—"Subject 15", "Test Phase 3", and "Activation Complete." It was clear that Dr. Kestrel Morgan's work was more than just research. It was a twisted, ongoing project that involved the modification of human bodies to create enhanced soldiers.
At the bottom of the screen, you saw a report that sent a chill down your spine: "Candidate 1: Y/N (Codename: Adaptoid)".
Your name.
You didn't have time to react, as a sudden noise broke through the tension. The faintest click of a door opening, followed by several heavy footsteps. More mercenaries were approaching.
"Shit," Daredevil hissed, looking at you. "We need to move. Now."
[Skill Update: Agility – Lv. 4]
Your agility has increased, allowing you to react faster and move with greater precision.
You didn't need any further prompting. You grabbed Daredevil's arm, and the two of you dashed toward a nearby exit. As you moved, the warehouse came alive with noise—shouts, alarms, and the screeching sound of metal doors being forced open.
The mercenaries were closing in on you, but you were faster now, your body reacting instinctively to the danger. You ducked, rolled, and weaved through the maze of crates and steel supports, every movement more fluid than the last.
Daredevil moved with you, his batons flying as he incapacitated any guards who came too close. You fought with him, striking swiftly and decisively.
-15 HP (Mercenary)
+50 EXP
But you weren't here to fight—you were here to escape. The mission had changed from gathering intel to survival.
You reached the back of the warehouse, where another exit led out into the night. With one final push, the two of you barreled through the door, leaving behind the chaos of The Black Hand's operation.
⸻
[Quest Complete: Unseen Foes]
Objective: Infiltrate the Black Hand's warehouse and gather intel on their operations.
Reward: Information on Dr. Kestrel Morgan and Project Ascendant.
⸻
You and Daredevil stood in the shadows of the alley, panting, adrenaline still coursing through your veins. The weight of what you had uncovered pressed down on you.
Project Ascendant. Dr. Kestrel Morgan. Your name in the files.
"You're more connected to this than I thought," Daredevil said quietly, his voice heavy with concern. "They were planning something… with you."
You stood there for a moment, trying to process it all. "I need to know more. We have to find Morgan."
Daredevil nodded. "We will. But next time, we do it right. We can't afford another slip-up."
You turned back to the cityscape before you, the lights of Hell's Kitchen flickering in the distance. The fight was just beginning.