Becoming the Strongest as a Game Dev

Kendrick sits in the armored police vehicle, his wrists bound by cold metal cuffs. His eyes dart around frantically, a mixture of anger and bewilderment etched on his features. He turns to his father, Alistair, who maintains a calm, stoic demeanor despite their predicament.

"Father, how could this have happened?" Kendrick hisses, his voice laced with desperation. "We were supposed to be untouchable!"

Alistair remains silent, his gaze fixed straight ahead. The lack of response only fuels Kendrick's agitation.

"Say something, damn it!" Kendrick shouts, his outburst drawing a stern glare from the armed officer seated beside him.

"Be quiet," the officer commands, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Kendrick clenches his jaw, his knuckles turning white as he struggles against the restraints. He turns his attention back to his father, searching for any sign of a reaction, any hint of a plan to get them out of this mess.

Alistair's expression betrays nothing, his composure unwavering in the face of their impending imprisonment. Kendrick feels a sense of unease creeping up his spine, a realization that his father may not have the answers he so desperately seeks.

"What went wrong?" Kendrick whispers, his voice laced with a rare vulnerability. "We had everything under control. How could this have happened?"

Alistair remains silent, his gaze fixed straight ahead as the armored vehicle rumbles along the city streets. Kendrick's frustration builds, his mind racing to piece together the events that led to their downfall.

The officer beside him shifts in his seat, his grip tightening on his weapon. Kendrick knows better than to push his luck, but the burning need for answers consumes him. He opens his mouth, ready to unleash another barrage of questions, when the vehicle suddenly lurches to a stop.

Kendrick and Alistair exchange a brief, silent glance as the officer steps out to investigate the situation. The sound of voices and the shuffling of feet filters through the closed doors, heightening the tension within the confined space.

Explosions suddenly rock the armored vehicle, causing the officer to jerk the door open. "What the hell is going on?" he shouts into his radio. Kendrick and Alistair remain in the backseat, Kendrick's eyes wide with panic.

"We're getting ambused!" the radio crackles. "We need backup, we're—" The transmission cuts off with a sharp gunshot.

Kendrick turns to his father, his voice trembling. "What is happening?!"

Alistair's expression remains calm, almost expectant. "Hmm... so they finally made a move."

The officer steps out of the vehicle, weapon drawn, only to be met with a hail of gunfire from masked assailants. He ducks back inside, slamming the door shut. "We're under attack! I need immediate backup, over!"

Kendrick ducks down as bullets ricochet off the armored vehicle. "Who's attacking us? What's going on?"

"It seems our rescue has arrived, son. These are our associates."

"Our associates? But how—"

The sound of the door opening interrupts him. A man in a black mask leans in, his voice muffled. "Time to go, Thornfields. We've cleared the way."

The man reaches in, unlocking their handcuffs. "Follow me, quickly."

Kendrick and Alistair exit the vehicle, and Kendrick's stomach turns at the sight of the fallen police officers. Alistair, however, remains composed, his gaze steady.

More masked figures appear, surrounding the Thornfields. "This way, you two," one of them says, gesturing towards a waiting van.

Kendrick sits in the back of the van, his eyes darting around nervously. He turns to his father, Alistair, seeking answers.

"Father, who are these people? And why do they seem to be working with you?" Kendrick's voice is laced with a mixture of confusion and unease.

"They are a group known as the Revenants, Kendrick. They are a band of rogue Hunters and Developers who operate in the underworld of Jade City."

"The Revenants? I've heard of them before. They're notorious for their criminal activities - hitmen, drug dealing, kidnapping, smuggling. How are you involved with them?"

Alistair leans back in his seat, his fingers steepled in front of him. "I have had dealings with the Revenants in the past, Kendrick. They are a valuable asset to our business ventures, providing us with resources and protection when needed."

"Protection? You mean they've been helping us cover up our illegal activities?"

"Precisely," Alistair replies, his tone matter-of-fact. "The Revenants have been instrumental in ensuring the Thornfield empire remains untouchable. They have connections, resources, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to keep our interests safe."

"But how could we have been so careless as to get caught in the first place? And who would dare to challenge us like this?"

"That is what we intend to find out. The Revenants are already investigating the matter, and I have no doubt they will uncover the culprit behind this attack."

The van lurches to a stop, and the masked figures begin to usher Kendrick and Alistair out. Kendrick follows, his mind racing with questions and concerns.

As they enter a nondescript building, Kendrick notices the presence of other Revenants, all with a similar air of danger and professionalism. A tall, imposing figure steps forward, removing his mask to reveal a scarred face.

Third Person

The man's name is Alaric Voss, the leader of the Revenants. His imposing figure commands attention, his scarred face betraying a lifetime of hardship and violence. His piercing gaze sweeps over Alistair and Kendrick, sizing them up with cold, calculating eyes.

"Alistair," Alaric says, his voice low and gruff. "I must say, I'm surprised to see you in such a predicament."

Alistair inclines his head respectfully. "Alaric, I cannot thank you enough for the timely rescue."

"Let's be clear, Alistair. I only intervened because you still have your uses. The Revenants are not in the business of charity."

Alistair nods, understanding the unspoken warning. "Of course. I appreciate your pragmatism. Now, tell me, have you discovered who is responsible for this attack on my family's interests?"

Alaric's scarred brow furrows slightly. "Our investigation points to the Silverstone family. As to why they've targeted you, we're still looking into that."

Alistair's brow furrows with concern as Alaric reveals the Silverstone family's involvement in the attack on his interests. The Silverstones were a powerful force in Jade City, and he wonders what could have prompted them to his family.

"The Silverstones, you say?" Alistair murmurs, his fingers stroking his chin thoughtfully. "This is most troubling. They are not a family to be trifled with."

"Indeed. Which is why I advise you and your son to lay low for the time being. We will continue our investigation and determine the root cause of this conflict."

"Very well, Alaric. We shall heed your counsel. The Revenants have proven their value time and again, and I am grateful for your intervention today."

"See that you do, Alistair. The Revenants will be in touch."

With a curt nod, Alaric turns and strides away, his black cloak billowing behind him. Alistair watches him go, his mind racing with the implications of the Silverstone family's actions. He knew they would need to tread carefully in the days to come, lest they find themselves embroiled in a war with one of the most powerful factions in Jade City.

Kendrick, finally finding his voice, speaks up. "Father, what do we do now?"

"We wait, Kendrick. And we prepare for whatever the Silverstones have in store for us."

///

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Advance chapters in my P@|r$0n/Najicablitz