21:04 PM
The Cage.
The underground club was in full swing when Jayden arrived. He moved through the casino floor with purpose, ignoring the gas and the players, heading straight for the private areas.
Marcus intercepted him before he reached the stairs.
"Big T’s busy," the massive bouncer said. "Co back tomorrow."
"It’s important," Jayden replied. "He’ll want to hear this."
Marcus studied him, then sighed. "Fine. Wait here."
He disappeared down the stairs, returning two minutes later. "Five minutes. That’s all he’s giving you."
Jayden followed him down to Big T’s office.
The cri boss was behind his desk, reviewing sothing on his holo-pad, bourbon glass at his elbow. He looked up when Jayden entered.
"Youngblood," Big T said, leaning back in his chair. "Heard you been busy. Word on the street is you tore through The Venom Lounge like a hurricane. Took down David and his whole crew." He smiled slightly. "I’m impressed. But I’m also curious—what brings you back to my door?"
"I need more information," Jayden said. "About the Black Cobra Pioneers. Specifically, one with fire manipulation abilities."
Big T’s smile faded. "That’s a dangerous question, youngblood," he said calmly, his voice low but sharp.
"I know. But my friend wasn’t with the trafficking division. David confird the Pioneers handle VIP targets. And I found so proof that a fire user took her." Jayden’s voice was steady but carried an edge. "I need a na. A location. Anything."
Big T was quiet for a long mont, his expression unreadable. Then he set down his glass.
"The Pioneers are the Black Cobra Syndicate’s elite," he said carefully. "They operate in complete secrecy. Even I don’t have much on them. But..." He paused. "I do know about one. Fire user. Nasty piece of work. Goes by the na Scorched."
Jayden’s entire body tensed. "Tell about him."
"He’s your typical rcenary," Big T began with a sigh. "High-level evolved. Level 60, maybe higher. Been with the syndicate for over a decade. Ruthless. Professional. And word on the street is... he’s never failed a job."
Jayden’s expression hardened. "Where can I find him?"
Big T’s expression hardened. "That’s information I can’t just give away, youngblood. Especially after you used my intel to bust the trafficking division. Black Cobras are watching now, wondering if I’m the leak. Giving you more information right now? That’s a death sentence for and my people."
"Then what do you want?" Jayden demanded. "Another job? Money? Na your price."
"I don’t have a job for you right now," Big T said. "And I don’t need your money. What I need is for the heat to die down before I start passing intel again."
"I don’t have ti to wait," Jayden said, his voice hard. "Every hour Cassandra is missing—"
"I understand that," Big T interrupted. "But I got people to protect, youngblood. I give you what you want right now, Black Cobras trace it back to , and everyone in this building becos a target. I can’t do that, kid. I’m sorry."
Jayden’s hands clenched into fists. He was so close. He had a na. Had his target. All he needed was a location. And it was right here, but Big T was refusing to share it.
He couldn’t accept that. Not after everything he’d been through in the last 48 hours.
But before Jayden could argue further, the office door burst open.
One of Big T’s lieutenants—a broad-shouldered man with worry etched on his face—rushed in.
"Boss, we got a problem."
Big T’s expression darkened. "What kind of problem?"
"Tonight’s main event. Our fighter didn’t show. Just got word he’s been arrested—caught in a raid on the east side. He ain’t making it."
"What?!" Big T slamd his hand on the desk. "I bet half a million credits on that fight! The Scorpions are gonna claim forfeit if we don’t provide a replacent!"
The man swallowed nervously. "I know, boss. I’m sorry. We’re trying to find soone, but—"
"But what?!" Big T asked furiously.
The man sighed. "Nobody wants to fight Tombstone. They’re all too scared."
Big T scoffed. "How pathetic." Then he turned to his other lieutenants standing around the room. "Any of y’all willing to step in?"
Silence. Every man instantly turned their gaze away and avoided eye contact.
"Tombstone’s a monster, boss," one finally said. "His last three opponents all ended up being hospitalized for weeks. One still ain’t walking right."
"Yeah, Big T," another spoke. "That dude’s a freak. I an he’s seven-feet tall, has super strength, and is said to currently be above level 50. Who would wanna go against that?!"
Big T cursed viciously, running his hand over his face. "This is a disaster. I’m gon’ lose half a million credits, and my reputation’s cooked. The Scorpions are gonna lord this over for years."
Jayden who’d been in the corner, eavesdropping, saw this as an opportunity.
"I’ll fight," he said calmly.
Every head in the room turned toward him.
Big T blinked in surprise, confusion, and amusent. "What?"
"I’ll fight," Jayden repeated. "Your main event. I’ll be your replacent. In exchange, you give everything you have on Scorched. Location of where the VIP captives are held. Everything."
Big T laughed—sharp and disbelieving. "Youngblood, are you out of your mind? My boys here—" he gestured at his lieutenants, "—they’re all Level 40 or higher. Trained fighters. And they won’t step in the cage with Tombstone. What makes you think you can?"
"Because I’m stronger than I look," Jayden said simply. "And I need that information."
Big T studied him carefully, his expression shifting from disbelief to calculation. "You serious about this, kid?"
Jayden gave a small nod. "Positive."
Big T stared deeply at Jayden. "If you lose, you know what happens right?" he said slowly. "Tombstone breaks people. Permanently. You go in that cage, you might not walk out."
Jayden’s expression didn’t shift. "I will," he said simply.
Big T leaned back in his chair, considering. Finally, he smiled—but it wasn’t friendly. "Alright, youngblood. You got balls, I’ll give you that. But listen close—I bet half a million credits on this fight. You step in that cage, you better win. Because if you lose?" His voice went cold. "Broken bones are gonna be the least of your problems. You’ll owe . And I will collect my debt."
"I won’t lose," Jayden said with absolute certainty.
Big T studied him for another long mont, then nodded. "Deal. You win, I give you everything I got on Scorched and the VIP holding facility. Location, security details, everything." He extended his hand across the desk. "But you lose, and you work for until that debt is paid. Understood?"
Jayden shook his hand. "Understood."
Big T’s smile widened. "Then get ready, youngblood. Fight starts in twenty minutes."
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