11 An Unexpected Ally

The following few days were a blur of training with Mark, preparing for Mr. Long's dinner party, and gearing up for the boxing tournament. Mark pushed me harder than ever, and I could feel myself getting stronger, faster, more agile.

During one particularly intense training session, I unlocked two more skills:

[New Skill Unlocked: Iron Man Lv 1]

[Iron Man: Able to tank 3 full force hits of any opponent]

New Skill Unlocked: Fast Feet Lv 1

[Fast Feet: Increase your agility and reflexes by for 30 seconds.]

"Damn it, Damon, you've become a beast," Mark chuckled as he dodged my punches.

I landed a hit on his chest, and he stumbled back. "You've really improved, Damon," he said, impressed.

"Thanks, Mark, I owe it all to you," I replied.

"We still have to train some more to get you ready for the tournament. You'll need to use all the training I taught you," Mark said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Don't worry, I will," I said, a grin spreading across my face.

The system had explained that skills could be unlocked by certain actions or activities, and I was beginning to see the benefits of all my hard work.

*****

Friday, Jade Palace, CBD

When the day of Uncle Long's dinner party arrived, I drove up to the Jade Palace in my Porsche. The parking valet gave me a ticket, and I handed over my keys, feeling a sense of satisfaction at the sight of my sleek car.

As I walked through the doors, I could feel all eyes on me. I was used to people staring at me because of my money, but this was different.

"Mr. Ashburn, welcome to the Jade Palace! We're honored to have you here tonight."

The hostess led me to a table where Uncle Long was waiting.

"Uncle Long, it's great to see you again." I shook his hand.

"Ah, Damon, my boy, it's good to see you," Uncle Long said with a smile, gesturing for me to take a seat.

"Thank you for inviting me, Uncle Long. I appreciate the opportunity to chat," I replied, taking a seat across from him.

The dinner was extravagant, with a variety of dishes laid out on the table. Uncle Long poured us both a glass of wine as we began to talk.

As I sat at the table with Uncle Long, a sense of unease gnawed at me. His smile was too slick, too practiced, and his eyes held a glint of something that made my skin crawl. But I had to play it cool.

"Damon, I'm glad you could join me tonight," he said, his voice smooth and inviting.

"Yeah, well, your invitation didn't leave me much choice, did it?" I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

"I hope you've been enjoying your time in Dragon City," Uncle Long continued, waving a waiter over to pour us both a glass of wine.

"It's been... eventful," I replied, choosing my words carefully.

"Indeed, I heard about your recent exploits at the Four Clover Hotel," Uncle Long said, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"You certainly know how to make an entrance."

I felt a twinge of unease at Uncle Long's words. How much did he know about me?

"I'm just trying to find my way in this city," I said, deflecting the conversation away from my personal life. "It's been a bit of a challenge, but I'm managing."

"Of course, of course," Uncle Long said, taking a sip of his wine.

"I understand that you've been through a lot, Damon. Losing your parents at such a young age, it must have been incredibly difficult."

My grip on my wine glass tightened. Uncle Long's mention of my parents was a calculated move, well done Uncle Long.

"It was a tragedy," I said evenly, refusing to show any emotion.

"But I've learned to move on."

"Very admirable," Uncle Long said, nodding approvingly.

"And I understand you're planning to challenge your uncle, Richard Ashburn, for control of the family business."

I was taken aback. How did Uncle Long know about my plans?

"I'm not sure what you're talking about," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"My family's business is none of your concern."

Uncle Long raised an eyebrow, unfazed by my reaction.

"Perhaps not, but I can't help but admire your ambition, Damon. You're a young man with a lot of potential."

His words sent a chill down my spine. There was something about Uncle Long that I didn't trust, and I knew I had to be careful around him.

Uncle Long smiled, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I can help you, Damon. I have resources, connections. With my help, you could bring the Ashburn family to their knees."

I narrowed my eyes, distrustful of his offer. "And what's in it for you? Why would you want to help me?"

Uncle Long's smile widened. "Let's just say that I have my own reasons. But rest assured, Damon, if you choose to accept my help, you won't regret it."

I studied Uncle Long for a moment, weighing his words. Could I trust him? Or was he just using me for his own gain?

In the end, I knew that I had no choice. If I wanted to take down the Ashburn family, I would need all the help I could get.

"In that case there is something I'd like to talk with you about," I said, sitting up straight.

"Go on," he urged.

"I think Richard is trying to set me up. He's trying to frame me for the death of my parents."

Uncle Long raised an eyebrow. "That's a serious accusation, Damon. What evidence do you have?"

"None yet, but I intend to find out the truth. I won't let Richard get away with this."

"You have a lot of passion, Damon. That's a good thing, but you have to be careful. Passion can lead you into danger if you're not careful."

"I know. But I'm willing to take the risk. I can't let Richard get away with murdering my parents."

I leaned forward, my eyes locked on Uncle Long.

"I want to see him brought to justice, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen."

"I admire your determination, Damon. But there are other ways to achieve your goals. You don't have to put yourself in harm's way."

"I'm not afraid. I'm going to face Richard, and I'm going to make him answer for what he's done."

"Your uncle is a powerful man, Damon. He has connections, resources. You can't just go up against him alone."

"I can take care of myself. I'm stronger than you think."

"You're strong, but not invincible. You're going up against a very dangerous opponent, and I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I appreciate your concern, but I have to do this. I have to confront Richard and find out the truth."

"Alright, if you insist. Just remember, I'm here if you need me."

I nodded, gratitude welling up inside me.

"Also there is something else you should know," I said, clearing my throat.

"The De Margradzo family are involved in this somehow. I believe Richard is trying to arrange a marriage between their daughter and me."

"Hmm. That is interesting." Uncle Long's eyes narrowed.

"It sounds like your uncle is planning something big."

"I don't trust him. He's been playing games with me ever since my parents died. And now he wants to marry me off to some rich socialite."

"Sounds like he's trying to control you," Uncle Long mused.

"He's probably trying to keep you from getting too close to the truth."

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of. If he's going to all this trouble, then he's definitely hiding something."

Uncle Long nodded thoughtfully.

"It sounds like you have a lot to think about, Damon. But I'm sure you'll figure it out."

"What does this mean?"

"It means you need to be extra careful, Damon. The De Margradzo family are dangerous, and if they're involved, it could get very messy. And if Richard is trying to arrange a marriage for you, he's not going to give up easily. He's not going to let you walk away from this."

"Aren't you the mafia boss? Can't you do something about this?"

Uncle Long shook his head.

"Unfortunately, the De Margradzo family have their own powerful backers. We're not going to be able to interfere directly. But we can offer you our support and protection, if you need it."

I swallowed.

"Thank you, Uncle Long. I appreciate that."

Uncle Long smiled.

"Of course. I've been in your position, Damon. I know what it's like to feel like you're fighting alone. And I know how important it is to have someone in your corner."

"So what do we do now?"

"We need to figure out Richard's next move. What's his endgame here? What does he want with you and the De Margradzo family?"

"That's a good question." I leaned back in my chair, pondering the possibilities.

"I think the answer may lie in his past. His dealings with the De Margradzo family may not have ended when I was born."

"So you think he may have been involved in something before that? Something bigger?"

"Possibly. It would explain why he's so eager to keep me under his control."

"Well, it's a lead worth investigating."

Uncle Long steepled his fingers.

"I'll see what I can find out."

"Thank you, Uncle Long. I appreciate your help."

"Of course. I'm happy to help. Just be careful, Damon. Richard isn't the only one who's dangerous."

I nodded, knowing he was right.

I left the Jade Palace restaurant.

The valet pulled up with the Porsche.

I got in and sped off toward the Emerald Tower.

It turns out that I was cautious for nothing about Uncle Long. I was just glad that I didn't have to fight him or his guards. He wasn't just the mafia boss, he was a very powerful man who I didn't want to mess with.

I was also grateful for his advice and assistance. He was a good guy who had my best interests at heart. He knew I was in a tough spot and wanted to help me out.

When I reached the penthouse suite, I was greeted by a smiling bellboy.

"Welcome back, sir."

"Thanks."

I gave him a generous tip and went inside.

I walked into the spacious living room and threw my keys on the glass coffee table.

The penthouse was amazing, but I wasn't here to sightsee.

I had work to do.

"I have no idea how I'm going to pull this off."

"I've got money now, but it's not going to last long. And I'm sure the De Margradzo family's who's worth more than one trillion is not going to wait around for me to get my shit together."

"I'm going to have to make some big moves, and fast."

***

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter. I tried to create a realistic and engaging narrative that showcases Damon's struggles, strengths, and motivations. I don't want Damon to be overpowered even with the system.

Let me know what you think in the comments!