karlmaks
Stories
7
Chapters
3,734
Words
6.7 M
Comments
25
Reading
23 d, 6 h
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“…Understood,” a voice muttered before placing the receiver back onto its base. A foreman exhaled a puff of smoke, his gaze sweeping over the now-empty warehouse. Hiram and his group had been dismissed—without a single cent of their wages, of course. This was standard practice for the company, saving them a considerable sum of money. Since the workers bore the brunt of the loss, there was no reason for anyone else to complain. Foreman A glanced at his companion. “Someone will be coming…-
1.8 M • Ongoing
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“Mr. Jobav, it’s Lake. I’ve arrived at the warehouse, but…” Lake’s voice crackled through the phone, distorted by the sound of heavy rain, like a radio plagued with static. Mr. Jobav, with his advancing age and declining hearing, struggled to make out the words. “Speak up!” “Mr. Jobav, there are only one or two thousand bottles in the warehouse—not the tens of thousands you mentioned.” For a moment, Mr. Jobav froze, his hand going slack. The receiver slipped from his…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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Over the past few days, Mr. Jobav had come to many realizations. He had once thought that Federation citizens, especially those with some status, would at least maintain a veneer of decorum. But now he understood—this entire Federation, from top to bottom, was utterly shameless. Previously, he believed that those who appeared polite and civilized weren’t all bad. That was only because he hadn’t been placed on the dinner table yet. Now that he was metaphorically laid out on a platter,…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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After Hiram mentioned the large stash of liquor in the warehouse, he fell silent, his hands hanging by his sides as he stood to the side. He had said all he needed to. Lance picked up a phone directory—a relic of the times. These directories were an invaluable tool, listing the phone numbers of companies and individuals alike. Some publishers even thrived by printing directories filled with escort service ads, placing them free of charge in public phone booths while earning revenue from…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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Jingang City, Bay Area, the exclusive residence of the influential—lavishly called a villa. The Federation elite had a peculiar fondness for "heaviness," particularly those in high society. They adored aristocratic aesthetics, where everything exuded opulence, elegance, and grandeur. Their studies reflected this preference: towering bookshelves, wide and hefty desks, red or white high-back chairs accented with gold trim. Fine cashmere rugs covered the floors, often accompanied by a globe in the…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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The hitman spotted Jimmy the moment he stepped out of the Brotherhood's building. Tossing aside his newspaper, he stood by the curb, watching Jimmy chat with his crew as they waited for a car. The hitman knew this was the best moment to strike. Jimmy and his men felt safe in numbers, likely assuming no one would dare attack in broad daylight. He’d prepared meticulously for this day. Over the past week, he hadn’t been idle—he’d familiarized himself with every alley, planned escape routes, and…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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Gunfights erupting at night in Jingang City are common, but an intense shootout in broad daylight is rare. Though brief, this occurred in the port district, one of the three most active areas in the city. Within an hour, almost half of Jingang City knew that the Brotherhood had engaged in a firefight with someone outside their office in broad daylight. Jimmy was shot but managed to leave. The gunman who injured him died in an alley. In a room, Mr. Jobav sat with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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The Port District was vast and bustling, though its prosperity was one of poverty rather than opulence. Its vibrancy was a stark contrast to the Bay Area or the downtown core. In the Port District, women offering companionship services wore cheap, often secondhand, revealing clothes. They stood under streetlights at alley corners, conducting quick, transactional business. Clients would negotiate prices and head into the alleys. There was no pretense of charm or conversation—only business. In the…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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While Detective Lukar was busy tracking down the identities of the victims in the Imperial District, and Lance’s labor agency was attracting a steady stream of clients, Mr. Jobav found himself facing a different kind of trouble. Mr. Jobav’s office was situated in the most vibrant part of the Imperial District. Though not officially the city center, this area was the heart of activity for the Empire’s citizens in Jingang City. Tourists from the Empire often remarked to their families upon…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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In the end, Mr. Jobav didn’t immediately hire a hitman. Instead, he picked up the phone and called Cohen, a senior member of the Camille Gang. Cohen and Jobav hailed from the same region, making them quasi-hometown acquaintances. With Jobav’s financial support, Cohen had climbed the ranks to his current position. In the Federation—or anywhere in the world, for that matter—money was the foundation for advancement, whether in politics, business, or gangs. In the underworld, gaining influence…
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1.8 M • Ongoing
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