The Blackridge underground wasn't just sewers and shadows. It was a network — old smuggling tunnels, disused power lines, and forgotten maintenance routes. They called it the Ratline. And now, Elias Kane had access to it.
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[System Alert: Strategic Territory Expansion Opportunity]
New Pathway Unlocked – The Ratline
Requirements:
– Secure Entry Point (1/1)
– Clear Hostile Presence (Pending)
– Establish Supply Cache (0/1)
Reward: +15 CP | Tactical Movement Bonus | Hidden Encounter Unlock
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Elias read the notification as he crouched at the base of an abandoned maintenance hatch beneath West Vire. Dizzy stood behind him, flashlight trembling slightly.
"You sure this isn't a setup?" Dizzy muttered.
"No," Elias said flatly. "But if it is, I'll bury whoever set it."
The hatch groaned open with effort. Stale air rushed upward like the breath of something ancient. They descended, boots echoing against iron rungs, and entered the dark.
The Ratline was colder than expected — a massive drainage artery forgotten by the city, half submerged in runoff and silence. Trash floated in the shallows. Mold climbed the walls. But the space was wide. Navigable.
A perfect hidden lane for movement, supply drops — or ambushes.
******
[Mini-Map Expansion: Underground Layer Activated]
New Location Discovered: Blackridge Utility Tunnel A-9
Current Hostile Signals: 4
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Elias raised a fist. Dizzy froze.
Footsteps ahead. Four men — voices low, dialect clipped. Not Syndicate. Not Scavenger. Elias signaled for quiet and crept forward.
What he saw surprised him: four young men around a portable generator, armed but tense. Tattoos unfamiliar. Not street soldiers — freelancers.
He stepped out of the dark.
"Blackridge belongs to no one now," Elias said. "So explain what you're doing in my shadow."
Guns lifted. Dizzy cursed behind him.
"We're just holding a meet," one said. "Didn't know this was anyone's turf."
"It is now."
They stared. The tension was close to snapping.
******
[Optional Encounter: Recruit or Repel Tunnel Freelancers]
Decision Required: Use Threat, Bribe, or Offer Partnership
Success Grants: +6 CP | +Tunnel Node Claimed | Unique Contact Unlock
Failure Consequence: Minor Injury (Guaranteed) | Resource Loss Chance
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Elias opened his mouth — then changed tactics. He holstered his weapon, stepped forward, and dropped a burner phone onto the crate.
"You want to operate here, fine. But you move through my route, you pay the toll. Or the Syndicate finds out where your meet spot is."
A pause. One of them chuckled. Then nodded.
"Smart move, boss."
******
[Freelancer Deal Accepted]
+6 CP | Tunnel Node Claimed
New Contact Unlocked: Rafe – Black Market Courier (Tier 0)
******
They shook hands. The generator hummed. The Ratline was live.
Back topside, Elias mapped out the next steps. With the tunnel secured, he had fast movement routes from Vire to East Hollow. If the Syndicate tried to box him in, he could slip right under.
That night, a message arrived on the new secure line — Rafe's number.
**Rafe:** _"Package drop incoming. Untraceable. Yours free. Call it goodwill."_
Ten minutes later, a steel case arrived near the safehouse drop zone.
Inside:
– Tactical Gloves (Tier I)
– Burner SIMs x5
– Combat Knife (Blackridge Make)
– Note: "No one owns the dark. But you're closest."
******
[Crime Shop Bonus Stock Updated]
[Item Acquired: Tactical Gloves – Tier I]
+3% Weapon Handling | -5% Recoil | Passive Bonus to Disarm Attempts
******
Elias slipped the gloves on and flexed his fingers. Lightweight. Close-fit. Effective.
Another piece of the puzzle was falling into place.
And somewhere below, the Ratline whispered his name like a rumor made flesh.