...

For two weeks straight, Zastan barely left the mansion. It wasn't because he feared the next wave of attacks from the Xia Family. The real reason was that he found it completely unnecessary to step outside. Everything he needed to manage could be done from the comfort of his fortress, and he had no desire to waste time leaving when Darius and his other subordinates could handle everything on his behalf.

The expansion of his milk tea business, the upgrades to his factory, the logistics of his growing business. Zastan just had to merely give orders and watch as everything unfolded seamlessly without him needing to set foot outside. It was incredibly convenient. The world outside his walls felt distant, unimportant. Why bother going out when he had a secure fortress, a growing army, and the means to control his business remotely?

But even in the security of his mansion, trouble had come knocking. Over the past two weeks, the Dragon Talon, the ruthless organization hired by the Xia Family, had launched several attacks. Zastan hadn't been caught off guard, though. He was ready. His forces had dealt with these attempts swiftly, and one of the attackers had been captured and interrogated. After using a variety of persuasive methods, the man revealed the name of the organization behind the attacks. Dragon Talon, a group notorious for its lethal operations.

With this new information in hand, Zastan increased his defenses. The number of MK3 Biochemicals patrolling the mansion tripled, and Zastan took it a step further, purchasing the more advanced MK4s. Each MK4 cost him 50,000 points, but their overall strength and intelligence were 25 times that of a regular person, making them the perfect guards for his growing business.

To further solidify his defenses, Zastan equipped each of the MK4s with cutting-edge technology. A set of armor known as Titanium-Aegis EXO and a weapon called the Vibra-Edge Blade. The armor alone cost 100,000 points per unit, but its capabilities were worth every point.

Titanium-Aegis EXO Armor:

A state-of-the-art suit designed for enhanced combat efficiency, the Titanium-Aegis EXO amplifies the wearer's physical strength by 5x. Its sleek, black, and silver design incorporates nanomaterial that reacts to the wearer's movements, offering maximum flexibility and protection. The armor is equipped with advanced energy shielding, which absorbs and dissipates high-impact attacks, making the wearer nearly invulnerable to conventional weaponry. Built-in combat systems also track and analyze enemy movements in real-time, providing tactical insights.

Vibra-Edge Blade:

A futuristic blade designed to cut through nearly any material, the Vibra-Edge Blade operates using ultra-high-frequency vibrations. When activated, the blade vibrates at such a speed that it creates microscopic oscillations, allowing it to slice through steel, reinforced armor, and even energy shields with ease. The weapon's lethality is further enhanced when the vibration mode is fully activated, making it capable of cutting through matter at the molecular level. The blade's sleek, matte-black design and lightweight construction make it a formidable weapon for close combat.

As Zastan stood on the balcony that night, looking down at the four MK4s standing guard below, their figures clad in the Titanium-Aegis EXO Armor and each wielding a Vibra-Edge Blade, a sense of great confidence washed over him. The four figures looked almost otherworldly, their armor gleaming under the faint moonlight, the air around them charged with power. With their strength now amplified 125 times that of a regular person, they were unstoppable.

Zastan smirked, feeling invincible. If the Xia family or Dragon Talon wanted to come for him again, they would face more than just disappointment, but rather, they would face destruction. Seeing the might of his MK4s in their cutting-edge armor gave him all the assurance he needed. His empire was secure, and the forces arrayed against him were nothing compared to the power he wielded now.

...

He glanced at the two MK4s on the far left, issuing a single command, "Go."

Without a word, the two MK4s nodded and activated their stealth systems. In an instant, their forms shimmered and then vanished into thin air. This was the advanced stealth technology integrated into the Titanium-Aegis EXO armor. By manipulating light and sound, the armor could render its wearer nearly invisible, undetectable to both the naked eye and most surveillance systems. They moved swiftly, their mission clear: to locate and discreetly destroy all the hidden Dragon Talon headquarters within the area.

The Dragon Talon had plagued him long enough, and Zastan had no intention of letting them continue their covert operations near his stronghold. These two MK4s would handle the task efficiently, eliminating every trace of the Dragon Talon's influence in the vicinity without drawing unwanted attention.

Zastan then turned his attention to the third MK4. "As for you, go to the Xia family residence. Deliver them a warning. Something that ensures they understand not to cross me again."

The MK4 gave a silent nod before disappearing into the shadows. Its mission was clear: to serve as a silent messenger, letting the Xia family know that Zastan was not a man to be trifled with. It would not be a bloody attack, but a direct message, one that would make them think twice before sending more assassins his way.

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As for the last MK4, Zastan commanded it to stay behind. "You," he said, "will remain with me. Stay in the shadows, and guard me in the dark."

The MK4 bowed slightly, acknowledging its duty, and then moved into the darkness of the mansion's grounds, becoming one with the night. It would remain there, unseen but ever-watchful, ensuring that no harm came to its master.

Zastan, now flanked by the unseen presence of his most powerful guard, allowed himself to relax. The operations were set in motion, and within hours, his enemies would either be obliterated or warned off for good. His confidence swelled as he returned to the mansion, knowing that his empire was not just growing but thriving under the pressure.

The Xia family and Dragon Talon wouldn't know what's about to come.

Meanwhile, at a Dragon Talon Headquarters

In the heart of the suburban sprawl, one of Dragon Talon's smaller, hidden headquarters operated under the guise of a shipping warehouse. Inside, a handful of agents were busy sorting through intelligence reports, their faces illuminated by the glow of the computer screens in front of them. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with the unspoken awareness that something big was brewing in the city. They had been briefed about recent attempts on Zastan's life, and the room buzzed with anxious energy.

"Are we sure we're secure?" one agent asked, his fingers nervously drumming on the table. "The Xia family's pull is strong, but Zastan has resources we don't quite understand. We should be on high alert."

Another agent scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "He's just a kid with money. We've dealt with bigger threats before. We can handle him."

Just as those words left his mouth, the room went eerily quiet. An unsettling chill ran through the air, and one of the agents glanced out the window. "Do you hear that?" he asked, a tremor in his voice.

Before anyone could respond, the doors of the warehouse burst open, revealing two imposing figures clad in black, their bodies shimmering as they moved. The MK4s, utilizing their stealth tech, had entered the headquarters undetected, their presence were like a ghost.

Back at the Mansion

Zastan leaned against the railing, a feeling of anticipation coursing through him. He had equipped his MK4s for this very moment, and though he couldn't see the action unfold, he could sense the power and precision with which they operated. The use of stealth technology meant that the Dragon Talon agents were ignorant to the imminent danger.

Suddenly, the tranquility of the night was shattered by the sound of chaos. Zastan smirked, knowing that his MK4s were executing their orders flawlessly. He imagined the surprise and confusion of the agents as they realized they were under attack.

Inside the Warehouse

The first MK4 moved like a shadow, swiftly navigating through the stacks of boxes and crates. As it approached the nearest agent, it activated its Vibra-Edge Blade, the blade vibrating silently at a frequency that made it nearly weightless in its grip.

The agent turned just in time to see the MK4 before it struck. The blade sliced through the air, and with a swift, clean movement, the agent fell to the ground, completely incapacitated. The MK4 continued, moving silently through the chaos, using its enhanced strength and agility to dispatch any threats without hesitation.

The second MK4 had already engaged another group of agents, its armor absorbing bullets that were fired in panic. With calculated precision, it countered, using the Vibra-Edge Blade to dismantle their defenses. Each strike was lethal, designed to incapacitate without unnecessary bloodshed, sending a clear message that they were not to be trifled with.

Outside the Warehouse

Outside, the night was still, but the sounds of struggle began to leak into the quiet streets. A few curious onlookers peered out of their windows, wondering what was happening. They saw shadows moving swiftly against the warehouse walls but couldn't quite make out what was unfolding. The MK4s were masters of stealth, but the sounds of chaos were unmistakable.

Back at the Mansion

Zastan felt a surge of adrenaline as he listened to the distant sounds of fights. He knew his MK4s were being efficient, but he also understood that they were sending a message. The Dragon Talon's smaller headquarters wouldn't just suffer losses, they would surely be left shaken and disoriented, unsure of how a threat like Zastan had penetrated their defenses.

As the sounds intensified, Zastan closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to visualize the unfolding scene. He imagined the agents scrambling for control, the panic in their voices as they attempted to defend themselves against the overwhelming might of his MK4s.

Inside the Warehouse

Inside, the remaining agents regrouped, trying to make sense of the chaos. "Get to the back! We need to secure the perimeter!" one shouted, his voice rising above the panic.

But it was too late. The MK4s moved with ruthless efficiency, cutting through the last of the agents like a hot knife through butter. The stealth technology allowed them to flank the agents, their movements fluid and calculated. They worked in perfect synchronization, anticipating the agents' every move.

Finally, as the last agent fell, the MK4s paused, surveying the destruction around them. The once-bustling headquarters was now eerily silent, save for the distant wail of sirens approaching in the night. They had achieved their objective without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves—exactly as Zastan had planned.

Back at the Mansion

Zastan opened his eyes, a satisfied smile gracing his lips. He knew that while these operations were only small strikes against Dragon Talon, they were necessary to establish his dominance and show that he wouldn't be a target without consequences.

Just as he was about to turn away from the balcony, Darius approached him, a knowing look on his face. "They've completed their mission," he said, glancing out at the darkened estate. "The headquarters have been neutralized."

Zastan nodded, his confidence reaffirmed. "Good. Let them know we're not to be trifled with. They'll think twice before sending another team our way."

Darius smirked, his eyes glinting with admiration for his master's bravery. "What's next, Young Master?"

Zastan leaned against the railing, looking out into the night. "Next? We prepare for whatever Dragon Talon throws our way. I want to ensure that our defenses remain unbreached and our operations continue to expand."

With the sun beginning to rise in the distance, Zastan felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was just the beginning. His empire would grow, and anyone who dared to challenge him would find themselves facing not just his wrath but the full might of the defenses he had built.

...