Chapter 7: Purchase Equipment

After Phoenix had perused the safe house options, he decisively chose his service package. The primary step was to reinforce his entire house, with all construction materials upgraded for maximum resilience. The walls, ceiling, and floors were to be reinforced with 100mm thick steel plates, while the windows would be replaced with bulletproof plexiglass.

An advanced air filtration system was next on the list, designed to prevent any harmful external gases from entering the home. The final touch was a comprehensive surveillance system, capable of complete monitoring without any blind spots, both inside and outside the house.

The standard doors were to be replaced with robust metal ones, similar to those used in bank vaults, designed to resist even explosive force. Phoenix's singular demand was to turn his home into an invincible steel fortress, impervious to any intrusion.

After ticking off all his requirements, Phoenix returned the tablet to Ryan, who looked on in astonishment at the extensive fortifications planned for a 120 square meter property. "You're turning it into a veritable fortress!" remarked Ryan, somewhat incredulously.

Catching Ryan's interest, Phoenix asked, "You seem familiar with fortresses?"

Ryan chuckled, "I've served as a mercenary abroad. I'm well-versed in military and martial strategies."

Sparked by this revelation, Phoenix leaned in closer and lowered his voice, "Do you, by any chance, have access to firearms?"

The question instantly made Ryan's expression serious. "Mr. Phoenix, you're aware that private gun ownership is heavily regulated," he cautioned quietly.

Phoenix confided, "I've crossed paths with some dangerous characters who don't play by the rules. Having some means of self-defense would be prudent to prevent being trapped."

Ryan kept to his professional demeanor, "Regrettably, Mr. Phoenix, our company doesn't handle such requests."

However, Phoenix could tell that Ryan's denial wasn't definitive. He leaned in, "This safe house project will run upwards of eight million dollars. If my safety is still compromised, it won't bode well for your company."

Meeting Ryan's gaze firmly, Phoenix added, "I'm seeking a means to protect myself. If you can arrange it, you'll be generously compensated."

Ryan considered the proposition with a frown, clearly conflicted. "Go home for now. I can't promise anything, but I'll see what I can do. If I find an option, you'll be the first to know."

Phoenix left with Ryan promising a half-month completion time for the safe house. The contract was promptly signed, and a million-dollar deposit was paid, with Phoenix inwardly acknowledging the remaining balance would never be settled.

After departing from Battle Dragon Security Company, Phoenix's living arrangements were essentially secured. He then reached out to his contact, Leo, who managed a local hunting ground. Phoenix arranged to purchase a variety of hunting equipment, reassuring Leo that it was for a safari and not for any nefarious purposes.

Phoenix promptly collected the equipment from Leo at the Western Mountain Hunting Ground. The trunk of his car was now filled with Fine Steel Crossbows, Advanced Compound Bows, and an ample supply of arrows, along with two top-notch Damascus steel hunting knives.

With his new acquisitions safely stored at home, Phoenix capped off the day with a solitary feast at hop pot restaurant. Anticipating the future scarcity of such indulgences, he impulsively ordered 10,000 hot pot bases, causing a stir among the staff. The manager, after realizing Phoenix was a serious customer, processed the unusual but profitable order, sweetening the deal with an additional 500 bases on the house.