Chapter 303 Avoiding Alan's Pursuit
"Alan," Scott's voice was deep and magnetic, as if every word was filled with menace, "You shouldn't underestimate me."
Alan stopped and looked up at Scott, a hint of coldness in his eyes, but he didn't speak. He had long realized that he no longer had the power to choose. Scott not only knew Alan's past, but had even laid traps at every step Alan took, making it impossible for him to escape his control with every breath and every decision.
"Lynn must die." Scott's tone was even calmer, but every word was like a cold blade, cutting into Alan's heart. "I gave you a chance, and I gave you power. Your extraordinary performance tonight satisfied me, but if you want to live, you have to listen to me."
A surge of anger and helplessness rose in Alan's heart, and his fists involuntarily clenched. The emotion made him almost lose control, but he knew he didn't have enough options. The potion Scott provided made him powerful, but also trapped him, making it impossible to extricate himself.
"You want me to kill Lynn?" Alan's voice was deep and hoarse. "Do you know who he is? He is a senior Agent of the FBI." He couldn't help but worry for himself—he knew all too well what it meant to be an enemy of the FBI. The FBI was not just a simple agency; they had endless resources, technology, and intelligence. Offending them was tantamount to putting his life in their hands.
Scott smiled slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Do you think he can protect you? He's just a stepping stone for you. He doesn't have much to do with you. Do you think he'd risk his life for you?"
Alan didn't immediately retort; his heart was in turmoil. Lynn was more than just a mission target to him. Although he had once doubted his motives, he appeared in his loneliest moments and offered him some help. He didn't control him with threats as directly as Scott, but rather seemed like a woman with emotions and warmth. Moreover, he was a Agent of the FBI, with the support of the entire government behind him, and Alan could not underestimate his identity.
However, Alan now knew that he had to make a choice. His fate had long been firmly controlled by Scott's potion and threats. If he wanted to live, if he wanted to maintain this power, he could only obey the man in front of him. And at the same time, Lynn represented a risk he could not bear—his existence might drag him into an even deeper quagmire.
"You want me to go against the FBI? Do you know what that means?" Alan's voice trembled slightly, as if speaking his deepest fear. "I don't have much to do with Lynn, but the FBI... they can easily make you disappear."
Scott's smile didn't change, his tone still unhurried: "Alan, you still don't understand. Lynn and the FBI are not what you imagine them to be. If you can do what I ask, I guarantee I can create greater opportunities for you, and even give you more power. As for the FBI, they are but a fleeting cloud. Your true enemies in this World are not them, but those forces that want to control you and dominate you."
Alan lowered his head, his fists clenched, as if wanting to release the anger in his heart. The feeling of being pushed to a dead end made him almost explode, as if he could make a choice at any moment. However, with Scott's every word, he began to realize that his situation was not as simple as it seemed on the surface.
Lynn's identity made him deeply apprehensive. The FBI's power was not only reflected in their resources, but also in their ubiquitous intelligence network and strong political background. If he offended him, he would not only lose his protection, but also invite endless trouble. Even if he now had great power, facing an organization like the FBI, he might still be unable to resist.
Scott seemed to see through his hesitation, a cold smile appearing on his face. "Do you think you can contend with the FBI? You're just an ordinary person who just gained power. Do you think you can fight against the entire government, the power of an entire country?"
Alan took a deep breath and finally spoke: "I understand. I know my situation is very bad right now. You've given me power, and you've given me choices, but that doesn't mean I don't have a bottom line. I don't dare to be an enemy of the FBI, and I'm even less willing to kill an innocent person without reason. You want me to deal with Lynn; I can consider it, but you must give me a guarantee that my life will no longer be threatened."
Scott looked at him, seemingly surprised. Alan's reaction was not entirely unexpected, but he didn't expect Alan to maintain a certain degree of rationality in the face of immense pressure.
"You want a guarantee?" Scott raised an eyebrow, his tone gradually turning cold. "What do you want a guarantee for? To guarantee your life? You're too naive, Alan. In this World, only the strong can survive. Do you think the FBI will tolerate you defying their orders again and again? I tell you, choosing to be my enemy, or choosing to be the FBI's enemy, is the same; both are dead ends. The only difference is that you can live longer, and live stronger."
"So you want me to kill Lynn to ensure your plan goes smoothly?" Alan's eyes became a little firmer. "I can do it, but you must guarantee that if I do this, the FBI will no longer pursue anything related to me."
Scott looked at Alan, the corners of his mouth curving slightly upwards. "I give you my word. If you want to live, I can help you. If you do well, I can even make you stronger than you are now. But if you dare to betray me, that won't just be Lynn's problem." He paused, looking coldly at Alan, "Think carefully, this is not a choice you can easily change."
A tense atmosphere filled the air. Alan knew that at this moment, there was no turning back. His future was completely in Scott's hands. He could only accept this disgusting proposal, to face someone he didn't want to face, to make a decision he didn't want to make.
"I understand." Alan finally gritted his teeth and said, his voice so low it was almost inaudible, "I'll do it."
Scott nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "Very good, Alan. Remember, only the strong can control their own destiny, and only I can truly make you strong." He stood up, his gaze filled with ruthlessness, "Tonight, you will complete your mission. If you do well, perhaps it can even change your life."
Hours later.
Night fell, the streetlights came on, and the shadows of the trees along the streets stretched out under the streetlights, curving into black silhouettes. Lynn drove his car, heading home along a familiar street, the car window slightly open, and the fresh night breeze blew into the car, bringing a hint of coolness. The weather tonight was a bit chilly, and the air was filled with a damp scent, seemingly foretelling rain.
Suddenly, a strong sense of unease swept over Lynn. He sharply turned the steering wheel, a hint of alertness flashing in his eyes. But by then, it was too late—right in the middle of the road ahead of him, a figure appeared.
Alan stood there, his legs slightly bent, his body slightly curved, looking like a beast poised to strike. He stood neither too far nor too close, his gaze as sharp as a hawk, staring intently at Lynn, who was speeding towards him. At this moment, Alan made no attempt to conceal his actions; instead, he appeared unusually calm and ruthless, as if he had made up his mind.
Lynn's eyes widened, his heart rate suddenly accelerated. He quickly slammed on the brakes and sharply turned the steering wheel, trying to avoid the person who had suddenly appeared on the road. But Alan had already anticipated his movement. His steps were as light as the wind, and he suddenly strode forward, unhesitatingly blocking Lynn's car directly with his strong body.
In an instant, Lynn's car crashed into Alan's chest with almost no deceleration. The sound of metal colliding with muscle was deafening, the front of the car lifted sharply, almost overturning the vehicle. The airbags in the car instantly deployed, and Lynn was violently pushed towards the steering wheel by the impact. His head violently hit the front windshield, and blood dripped from his forehead.
But Alan did not fall, as if he had not been affected at all. He stood there, his legs firmly supporting him, staring expressionlessly at Lynn inside the car, like a ruthless monster. His hands pressed on the front of the car, as if issuing a final warning to Lynn.
Lynn's heart pounded, and he painfully lifted his head from the steering wheel, his consciousness gradually clearing. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. There was no fear in his heart, only an instinctive reaction—to escape.
"You... what are you doing?" Lynn's voice was hoarse and low, tinged with blood, his eyes filled with confusion and anger. "Are you trying to kill me?"
Alan didn't respond, staring expressionlessly at Lynninside the car. He looked down at the front of the car; the car, which had been forcefully blocked by his body, was completely deformed, its front bumper severely dented, and the wheels whined as they couldn't turn. Clearly, Lynn was no longer able to move the car.
He knew that his mission was to eliminate Lynn here, to completely allow Scott's plan to be implemented. Lynnwas not just a target, but also a threat. Alan had no hesitation, because in his eyes, the mission was more important than personal feelings.
However, Lynn's reaction surprised Alan—this man was not as flustered as he had expected. On the contrary, his gaze flickered with determination and calmness, and the anger in his eyes seemed no longer to be fear of the God of Death, but rather resistance to this sudden attack.
Lynn forcefully pushed away his chest, which was pressed by the airbag, and barely propped up his upper body. His head was still a bit dizzy, but with strong willpower, he quickly regained consciousness. His hands were already gripping the steering wheel, and a cold light flashed in his eyes, as if he was not going to sit idly by and wait to die.
Just as Alan was about to exert more pressure, Lynnsuddenly pulled open the car door and jumped out without hesitation, leaving a violent thud behind him. Alan watched him jump out, without the slightest hesitation, and leaped, directly pouncing towards Lynn, his speed so fast that it almost froze the air.
However, Lynn did not dodge like an ordinary person, but instead met Alan head-on. Although he had just been hit by the car and his body was not light, his reaction was unusually swift. The moment Alan pounced on him, Lynninstantly rolled to the side, avoiding Alan's pounce, and quickly regained his footing.
The two figures quickly intertwined, like two beasts colliding under the moonlight. Lynn's movements were still agile; although he had just been hit, he didn't slow down at all. His steps dodged like a ghost, his figure appearing and disappearing.
Alan's eyes became even colder. He suddenly leaped again, his target clear, his fists like heavy hammers smashing towards Lynn. Lynn's reaction was still agile; he quickly lowered his head, dodging the punch, but did not completely escape, the wind from the punch almost hurting his ear.
The two of them engaged in a fierce struggle on this empty street. Alan approached Lynn with astonishing strength and speed, while Lynn skillfully dodged Alan's every attack with his flexible footwork. Every time they got close, Alan's fists could almost tear through the air, while Lynn, with his keen intuition and excellent skills, always made precise reactions at the last moment.
This fierce battle lasted for ten minutes. Although Lynn's body was already starting to feel tired, he did not retreat. He knew that if he gave up now, he would lose his life. A resolute look flashed in his eyes, as if he vowed to escape from Alan's hands alive.
"You're indeed not simple." Alan suddenly stopped, his breathing becoming heavy. He was no longer eager to attack, but stared intently at Lynn, his gaze filled with intense hostility.
"You and I have no deep enmity, why must you make things difficult for me?" Lynn wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, panting as he spoke.
"You don't understand." Alan's voice responded coldly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes. "This is a mission; you cannot escape."
Lynn took a deep breath, quickly assessing his surroundings. Although he was struggling a bit now, with his accumulated combat experience, he knew that if he continued to fight Alan head-on, he would likely be completely defeated.
"You don't want to keep fighting me, or do you want to escape first?" Alan narrowed his eyes; he felt Lynn's aura seemed to have changed slightly.
Lynn didn't answer, but seized the opportunity to turn around and suddenly ran towards the other end of the street. Alan followed closely, chasing without hesitation, the surrounding air seemingly cut open by their speed.
Although Alan's strength and speed far exceeded ordinary human limits, Lynn, relying on his familiarity with the environment and his agile movements, constantly changed direction, making it difficult for Alan to catch up for a while.
Just then, suddenly, a light flashed in front of Lynn's eyes. He saw a parking lot ahead, with a car parked there with an open door. He quickly made a judgment, rushed into the parking lot, and prepared to use the surrounding obstacles to avoid Alan's pursuit.
Alan clearly hadn't expected Lynn to make such a decision. He paused for a moment, then accelerated his chase.
Chapter 304 People from a Special Organization
Lynn sprinted towards the parking lot, his steps as swift as the wind, with only one thought in his mind: escape.
There was no turning back on this road, only the few parked cars ahead and the iron gate not far away.
He didn't know how much longer he could maintain his speed; the injuries from being hit by the car earlier caused him waves of intense pain, but he had no choice now.
Every time he looked back, he could see Alan's tenacious figure in hot pursuit, like a fierce leopard, rapidly closing the distance between them.
The parking lot was small, surrounded by high walls, making it feel very enclosed.
There was a small alley ahead; if he could enter it, perhaps he could temporarily shake off Alan's pursuit.
Lynn knew that if Alan kept chasing him like this, he would never escape, but if he could enter the alley, with his familiarity with the environment, he might be able to find an opportunity to counterattack.
"Can't stop, can't stop!" Lynn murmured to himself, gritting his teeth, and putting all his effort into rushing towards the alley entrance.
He covered the two steps extremely quickly, giving Alan almost no chance to get close.
However, just as he neared the alley entrance, Alan suddenly exerted force, accelerated his steps, and immediately blocked his path.
Alan's speed was much faster than Lynn's, almost instantly closing in behind Lynn.
He grabbed Lynn's shoulder, pulled hard, and forcefully threw Lynn aside.
Lynn lost his balance completely, falling heavily to the ground, a sharp pain shooting through his elbow, his skin scraped by the gravel on the ground.
"You can't escape, Lynn," Alan's voice was cold and merciless, standing less than three meters from Lynn, his gaze like a hunter staring at his prey, his face devoid of emotion, only chilling resolve.
Lynn gasped for breath, hands on the ground, trying to support himself to stand up, but the sharp pain in his chest made every effort exceptionally difficult.
He watched Alan approach step by step, yet felt no fear, only an intense desire to fight.
He knew that this moment was a crucial point of life and death for him.
Alan's steps gradually drew closer; he lifted his foot, seemingly preparing to step on Lynn's chest to completely end the chase.
However, Lynn did not give up; a determined glint flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly sprang from the ground, throwing a punch directly at Alan's chin.
Alan didn't expect Lynn to suddenly counterattack and quickly dodged the punch by turning sideways, but he didn't completely avoid it; the punch still grazed Alan's cheek.
A bloody scratch appeared on Alan's face, instantly gushing blood.
Lynn seized the opportunity to steady himself and immediately made another attacking move, looking directly into Alan's eyes without flinching.
"You still don't understand, do you?" Alan said coldly, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze becoming even sharper, piercing Lynn like a knife's edge.
However, Lynn had no time to respond; he only knew that if he didn't defeat Alan quickly, he would never have another chance to escape.
He quickly adjusted his breathing, lunging forward like a hawk pouncing on its prey, with a fierce momentum, striking Alan's chest hard.
Alan reacted extremely quickly, crossing his arms into a defensive posture, blocking Lynn's attack.
However, Lynn didn't stop; he used his body's momentum to quickly change the direction of his attack, delivering a punch to Alan's ribs from the side, and with powerful force, made Alan's body slightly recoil.
This blow finally made Alan feel a hint of pain.
He stopped, took a deep breath, and looked down at the spot where he was hit.
Lynn knew that this punch was not fatal, but it gave Alan a moment of hesitation.
In this instant, a glimmer of hope rose in Lynn's heart.
"You truly are not simple," Alan gritted his teeth, wiping the blood that splattered from the corner of his mouth, a crazy glint flashing in his eyes.
His body lunged towards Lynn, and suddenly, Alan exerted force like a wild beast, grabbing Lynn's shoulders and violently pressing him to the ground.
"You can't escape," Alan's low voice carried a strong sense of oppression, his eyes cold and emotionless, as if Lynn's life or death meant nothing to him.
Lynn fell to the ground, feeling the pain in his chest intensifying, his head spinning, almost losing consciousness.
But just then, he suddenly remembered the dagger in his car—it was something he always carried, not only for self-protection but also to deal with uninvited guests.
The dagger was in his pants pocket; if he could just break free from Alan's suppression again, he might have a slim chance of survival.
At this moment, Lynn had almost no hesitation.
He quickly rolled over, using all his strength to violently break free from Alan's suppression.
Alan clearly underestimated his ability to resist; when Lynn forcefully struggled, he finally succeeded in escaping Alan's control, quickly got up, and gripped the hilt of the dagger tightly.
"Are you crazy?" Alan's voice was a little impatient, his brows furrowed, as if he didn't understand why Lynnwould choose this method.
"Not crazy, but for survival," Lynn's voice was cold and resolute, with a desperate aura in his eyes.
Alan suddenly exerted force, rushing towards Lynn again, but Lynn quickly turned, the dagger flashing like lightning, striking directly at Alan's ribs.
Alan's body paused slightly, clearly not expecting Lynn to counterattack so precisely.
His body swayed slightly, and blood instantly gushed out.
"You..." Alan's voice was low, filled with anger and unwillingness; he glared fiercely at Lynn, his eyes full of killing intent.
Lynn did not stop; he quickly leaped back, using Alan's injury to accelerate his retreat, avoiding Alan's counterattack.
He gasped, looking at the dagger in his hand, his eyes shining brightly.
Alan still stood there, and although blood flowed from his wound, there was no fear in his eyes, only anger.
Lynn took a deep breath and quickly retreated a few steps.
He knew that if they continued to fight like this, neither he nor Alan would necessarily escape unscathed.
Moreover, the brutal power emanating from Alan made Lynn vaguely feel that if he didn't seize this opportunity to leave, he would never have another chance.
"Today, you won't easily kill me," Lynn's voice was full of confidence; he quickly ran towards the other side of the parking lot, his figure like a gust of wind, disappearing from Alan's sight.
Alan took a deep breath, seemingly shaken by Lynn's determination, but he was not in a hurry to chase.
He stood there quietly, watching Lynn's disappearing back, his eyes filled with anger and unwillingness.
"Next time... I won't let you escape," Alan said in a low voice, his words filled with firm resolve.
He knew that Lynn was not just an enemy, but a challenge, challenging all his limits.
At this moment, Lynn had already run into the dark alley, disappearing into the night.
Lynn hurriedly drove into the FBI parking lot; the roar of the engine seemed to still echo in his ears, and his body still trembled.
After the intense confrontation with Alan, his heart was still filled with vigilance and doubt.
As soon as the car door opened, he quickly got out, nervously crossing the parking lot, his steps hurried and powerful.
Although he tried his best to remain calm, the dangerous aura emanating from Alan still made him feel uneasy all over.
Upon entering the building, Lynn's gaze swept around; the office lights were somewhat dim, and the air was filled with a busy and tense atmosphere.
Several colleagues were hunched over their computers, processing case files, while he walked directly towards Mark's office.
Mark was an FBI technician, responsible for various investigations and intelligence screening, and with his excellent technical skills and outstanding analytical abilities, he had always been one of Lynn's most trusted people.
"Lynn, why are you back so late?" Mark was sitting at his desk, staring at the computer screen; seeing Lynn walk in, he immediately stood up, his tone full of concern.
"Some trouble, Mark," Lynn's face still looked somewhat grim, a hint of anxiety flashing in his eyes, "I need your help."
Mark didn't ask further, knowing that Lynn definitely had something to deal with.
He turned and walked to a large computer, quickly beginning to operate it.
"What do you need?"
"I need you to find someone," Lynn uttered Alan's description, concise and clear.
He had already decided that he must quickly screen Alan's information from the database, otherwise he would never be able to shake off this dangerous shadow.
Mark nodded and immediately took a folder from the desk, opening one of its pages.
"You mean the person who defeated you? Does he have any traceable information?"
Lynn took a deep breath and nodded: "His name is Alan, he's well-built, abnormally strong, and extremely fast, almost like some kind of experimental subject.
He has no identification, and all related information is very difficult to find."
"Understood," Mark frowned slightly; he knew that an unregistered subject like this could be very tricky.
"You need us to conduct a background check on him, right?"
"That's right, Mark.
Besides a background check, we also need to obtain some of his characteristics through his attack on me as much as possible.
We only know that he has abnormal physical strength and recovery ability, but his specific identity information is still unknown," Lynn said in a deep voice, with a hint of urgency, "I need to find his whereabouts as soon as possible, otherwise everything will be too late."
Mark nodded, quickly operating the computer.
"Okay, I'll arrange for a sketch artist now; he can draw a portrait of that person based on your memory, and then I'll input it into the FBI's database to see if we can find any related information."
Lynn sat down, his expression solemn, his hands clasped on the table.
He knew that he might have fallen into a larger conspiracy.
Alan was not an ordinary street thug, but more like some kind of experimental subject, or a "human weapon" dispatched by some unknown organization.
If he couldn't quickly track down his identity, then his confrontation with Alan was very likely to be endless.
Soon after, the sketch artist arrived at the office on time.
The sketch artist was a senior technician within the FBI, skilled at recreating a person's appearance from eyewitness descriptions.
The sketch artist entered the room, and Lynn briefly greeted him.
The sketch artist took out a sheet of drawing paper, placed it on the desk, and sat opposite Lynn.
"Agent Lynn, could you please describe Alan's appearance?" the sketch artist asked, picking up his brush, his gaze focused.
Lynn's thoughts returned to that night's confrontation with Alan; the images in his mind were still clear.
Alan's strong body, sharp eyes, and those almost emotionless eyes, as if ready to devour everything at any moment.
He was silent for a moment, then began to recall: "He's about 1.85 meters tall, muscular, and solidly built.
His skin is slightly dark, his eyes are very sharp, carrying a kind of ruthless aura.
Under the lights that night, I remember him wearing a black T-shirt and tactical pants, his back was slightly broad, his hands had clear muscle lines, especially those large hands; the sense of power when he clenched his fists is something I can never forget."
The sketch artist quickly and precisely began to outline, his brushstrokes fluid and firm, and with each detail Lynnadded, his drawing gradually became clear.
"What about his facial features?" the sketch artist asked, looking up at Lynn.
Lynn frowned, "His face is quite rugged, with distinct lines, thick eyebrows, and deep-set eyes.
His nose bridge is straight, his lips are thin, and he looks very resolute overall, giving off a strong sense of threat.
What impressed me most was still his eyes, like bottomless black holes, cold, as if seeing through everything."
The sketch artist's brush moved quickly across the paper, and soon, a clear outline of a portrait gradually emerged.
Lynn looked at the portrait, a silent moment in his heart; this man with a cold face and sharp eyes was indeed Alan—the enemy he could never forget.
The sketch artist stopped his brush and showed Lynn the final work.
Lynn carefully examined the portrait and nodded: "That's pretty much him."
"Okay, I will input this portrait into the FBI's database to see if we can find any relevant information," the sketch artist said, then quickly scanned the portrait into the computer.
Lynn's gaze remained fixed on the portrait, his brows slightly furrowed, his heart filled with unease.
Alan's identity still had no clues; it seemed impossible to track down any related information.
Moreover, he suspected that Alan was not just a simple target.
Perhaps, a larger conspiracy was hidden behind this.
Mark operated the computer very quickly, and a few minutes later, he looked at Lynn, a hint of confusion on his face.
"Lynn, the results are in.
The database found no existing records matching this portrait, and there are no clues for the name Alan."
Lynn's heart sank, and he took a deep breath.
"No clues at all? That's impossible.
How could he be a person with absolutely no record? His background must be very special, possibly hidden."
Mark frowned tightly, his gaze sweeping towards Lynn.
"We've tried our best to search, but currently, we can't find any information related to him.
What's certain is that he's not a regular criminal; he might be someone from a special organization."
Lynn's brows furrowed even tighter, the unease in his heart growing stronger.
Alan, who exactly is he?
His identity is so secretive that even the FBI's database can't find any relevant records.
This indicates that there must be a powerful and hidden force supporting Alan, and all of this seems to be gradually heading towards an uncontrollable situation.
Chapter 305 Underground Boxing Ring!
"Mark, keep investigating. He can't just disappear like this," Lynn said in a deep voice, full of determination. "I don't believe Alan truly appeared out of thin air."
Mark nodded, already intensifying his search. "Okay, I'll keep looking, but you need to be careful too. He doesn't seem like an ordinary enemy." He looked at Lynn, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes. "If Alan is truly some kind of experimental subject or someone controlled by an organization, then his target might not just be you."
Lynn took a deep breath, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "No matter what, I must find him as soon as possible and end all this."
The next morning, Lynn sat in the FBI office, elbows propped on the desk, hands clasped, brows deeply furrowed, his eyes fixed on the information on the computer screen. Scattered across the desk were some case files, but his attention was no longer on them. He was pondering Alan's identity, increasingly feeling that Alan was not an ordinary opponent, especially with his abnormal strength, extraordinary recovery ability, and that menacing aura.
Lynn broke the silence, rubbing his aching Sun. He speculated that Alan might be a marginal person, an unknown individual without a fixed identity or social security. Such people usually have no registered information, and to survive, they can only rely on gray, or even black, areas. For someone like Alan, the only way to survive is to enter those inconspicuous, extremely dangerous underground Worlds.
"Maybe he snuck in from abroad, trying to hide in a place like this," Lynn murmured to himself. Thinking of this, his thoughts became more focused. He needed to find more information about Alan, and Manhattan, a place with a large underclass, might offer some clues from those gray areas.
"Go to Manhattan and investigate Alan's background." Lynn had made up his mind. He tidied up the files on his desk, stood up, and prepared to leave.
He left the FBI building and drove towards Manhattan's bar district. This place was the other side of the city, where prosperity and darkness intertwined. The streets were filled with various bars, clubs, and Underground Gambling Dens, teeming with illegal transactions and social outcasts. Lynn knew that this place might provide him with some clues, especially in the bars, where those who had long frequented the Underground World might know something about a stranger like Alan.
He parked his car in a dimly lit alley and then walked towards a nearby bar. The bar was called "Dark Alley," with a dim yellow light bulb hanging at the entrance. The facade was simple, and the glass windows outside had been covered with a layer of dust by time, making it almost impossible to see inside the bar. Lynn walked in, the air thick with the smell of alcohol. People of all sorts sat at the surrounding tables, some looking dazed, others whispering.
The bar owner was a middle-aged man with a messy stubble and shifty eyes. Lynn walked to the bar counter, pulled out a ten-dollar bill, and handed it to the owner: "I need to ask about some people."
The owner glanced at him, then lowered his head to pour wine into a glass. "Asking about people?" His eyes were cunning. "What do you want to know?"
Lynn scanned the surroundings, trying to find any useful clues. "I'm looking for a man named Alan, tall, strong, usually wearing black clothes."
"Alan?" The owner seemed to hesitate, then whispered, "Are you here to cause trouble? You need to understand the rules here; people in the bar have their own rules for survival."
Lynn stared into the owner's eyes and said in a deep voice, "I don't want to cause trouble, I just want to get some information. Do you know him? If you do, tell me, where is he? I'll pay you."
The owner froze for a moment, his gaze flickering, but he quickly realized that Lynn wasn't there to make trouble but had a certain persistent purpose. He sighed, hesitated for a while, then replied in a low voice, "I've heard of him. Alan... he's indeed not an easy person to provoke. He often comes here but never interacts with anyone. He usually sits alone in a corner, drinking, his eyes very cold."
Lynn's heart stirred, and he continued to press, "Has he been here recently?"
The owner nodded. "He did come a few days ago and had a bit of a conflict with some people. If you ask me where he went, I'm not sure. But he did say one thing, 'I won't stay here too long; I'll leave after a while.'"
Lynn's heart tightened. It seemed Alan didn't intend to stay in Manhattan for long, so he wouldn't be easy to find. Lynn continued to ask, "Does anyone know anything about his background? Who did he contact when he came here?"
The owner shook his head, clearly not knowing much about Alan. "Alan isn't a regular here; he barely has any contact with others. As for his background, no one dares to ask. If you really want to know more, go ask the old regulars who always hang out in the corners; maybe they know something."
Lynn didn't press the owner further and turned to walk towards the corner of the bar. He sat at a table by the window, looking around. Most of the people in the bar seemed a bit abnormal, many of them from the city's underclass, their lives so oppressive that only alcohol could offer them a temporary escape from reality.
Lynn noticed a few older men in the corner, whispering to each other from time to time, their eyes occasionally sweeping towards him. Lynn's heart stirred, and he decided to try his luck. He walked to one of the tables, smiled, and sat down, saying in a low voice, "I'm looking for someone you might have heard of."
The men looked up at him, their expressions wary. Clearly, in this dark area, strangers were not easily trusted.
"Who are you looking for?" one man asked in a low voice, his eyes flickering, clearly not fully letting down his guard.
Lynn didn't rush to answer but pushed the glass on the table towards the man: "I'm looking for a man named Alan. I heard he used to appear here. Do you know him?"
The man looked at the glass, sighed, and slowly said, "Alan? I've heard of him, but he doesn't have many friends; he often comes alone. What do you want to know?"
Lynn leaned in closer, "Have you seen him in contact with anyone? Did he have any dealings or contact with certain people?"
"Dealings?" The man looked down at the table. "Alan wouldn't deal with these people; he only contacts the boss's group. I heard he has a connection with some big shot, but I don't know the specifics."
"Boss? Which boss?" Lynn's heart stirred, and he continued to press.
The man hesitated for a moment but still said in a low voice, "If you want to know, it's best to find the owner of that Underground Gambling Den; he's met Alan. Every time Alan comes to the bar, he greets him. You can try going to the Underground Gambling Den to see."
Lynn nodded. "Underground Gambling Den, got it." He stood up and quickly left the bar. As he stepped out, the cold night air enveloped him. Lynn knew he was getting closer to the truth. Alan's whereabouts had finally yielded some clues in this place filled with gray dealings and black markets.
Lynn quickly drove to the Underground Gambling Den near the bar. The casino was located in a seemingly dilapidated old building, with no obvious signs outside, only a pitch-black door. Lynn pushed the door open without hesitation, greeted by dim light and a cacophony of sounds. The whispers of the crowd, the shuffling of cards on the gambling tables, and the constant clinking of coins filled the entire casino with a suppressed and tense atmosphere.
He quickly surveyed his surroundings and found a luxurious office area in one corner of the casino, with two Black-Clad Guards standing at the entrance, clearly responsible for security. Lynn stepped forward and calmly said, "I need to see the boss."
One of the guards impatiently glanced at him and said coldly, "Don't know you, can't see him." He was about to close the door when Lynn calmly pulled out his FBI badge and subtly displayed it in front of the guard. "This is my ID. I'm an FBI Agent, and I need to see your boss about something."
Seeing this, the guard's face changed, and he immediately pushed the door open: "Wait a moment, come with me."
Lynn was led by the guard into a private office within the casino. The door slammed shut behind them, cutting off the outside noise. The office was dimly lit, with a heavy wooden desk piled high with documents and ledgers. Old gambling promotional posters hung on the walls, and the air was thick with a mixture of tobacco and alcohol. The boss sat behind the desk, his gaze sharp, a half-smile on his face. He looked at Lynn, who stood at the doorway, a hint of wariness in his eyes.
"You said you're FBI?" The boss's voice was low, with a subtle hint of menace. "What are you doing here?"
Lynn didn't respond immediately but took out a portrait of Alan, placed it on the table, and looked directly into the boss's eyes. "This person, you must know him, right?"
The boss's gaze swept over the portrait, freezing for a moment, then his expression quickly became neutral. He didn't answer immediately, his gaze turning to the night outside the window, seemingly pondering how to handle the situation. Lynn didn't rush, waiting quietly, having already made considerable preparations in his mind. For a boss in a place like this, unexpected calmness could be the biggest danger signal. Lynn continued to observe the boss calmly, waiting for his reaction.
After a few seconds, the boss finally spoke, his tone carrying an undeniable calmness: "Alan..." He swallowed, seemingly deliberately avoiding certain topics. "I know him. But you're looking for him, I'm afraid it's not for a drink."
Lynn nodded, his voice steady: "I'm not here for a drink. I'm looking for Alan; I want to know where he's been recently and what he's doing."
The boss extinguished the cigarette in his hand, seemingly finally deciding not to hide anymore. "You want to know where he's been recently and what he's doing?" He smiled, a hint of mockery in his eyes. "Alan is a mysterious person; no one truly understands him, even I only see him occasionally. If you want to know what he's doing, I'm afraid you'll have to ask him yourself."
Lynn didn't give up, taking a step closer, his gaze fixed on the boss's eyes: "I know he doesn't often interact with people, but he must have had contact with you. Tell me where he went, and perhaps you can avoid trouble." He paused, his tone becoming firmer, "You also know that Alan's background is not simple. You don't want to cause trouble, do you?"
The boss looked deeply at Lynn, his mouth twitching slightly, and finally lowered his head, rubbing his forehead. "Alright, you win. Alan did have some contact with me, but it was when he occasionally came over. I only know that he doesn't stay here too long." He paused, his gaze complex, "But I must warn you, Alan is not the simple person you imagine. His background is far more complex than you can understand."
Lynn's heart tightened, already realizing that Alan was not just a simple figure from the Underground World. The boss continued, "You want to know where he went? I can give you a clue, but you have to promise not to reveal this. You can go to the Underground Boxing Arena to find him; he's been going there a lot lately."
Lynn's tense body relaxed slightly. Underground Boxing Arena! He had long known that Alan's skills were extraordinary; anyone who could contend with him wouldn't be an ordinary underground thug, but rather a master honed in a boxing arena. "Underground Boxing Arena, where is it?"
The boss pointed towards the door. "After you leave here, walk five minutes down the street, and you'll find it in an alley. Remember, don't let anyone know you went there. The Underground Boxing Arena is a gray area where many people gamble their lives, and Alan just feels more comfortable in that kind of environment."
Lynn nodded, quickly memorized the information, thanked the boss, and turned to leave the office. He returned to the casino's main hall, his gaze sweeping around, his target already clear. The Underground Boxing Arena, though not well-known, could gather many hidden individuals in these places where illegal activities intertwined. If Alan went there, it certainly wasn't for simple gambling; he likely had a deeper purpose.
Stepping out of the casino, the cold night air once again hit him. Lynn took a deep breath and quickly quickened his pace. Following the boss's directions, he walked down the street and indeed quickly found a seemingly inconspicuous alley. Dim lights in the alley cast strange Shadow, and there was almost no one around, eerily quiet. Lynn walked into the alley, followed the narrow street, and arrived in front of a seemingly abandoned old warehouse. The large door was tightly shut, but a sliver of light seeped through the cracks beside the door, and faint sounds of commotion could be heard from inside.
He lightly knocked on the door. Moments later, a burly man poked half his body out from behind the door, warily scrutinizing him. "What do you want?" The man's voice was deep and hoarse, carrying an undeniable threat.
"I'm looking for someone," Lynn said in a calm, unhurried tone.
"Who?" The burly man's eyes narrowed slightly, staring at Lynn.
"Alan," Lynn replied curtly, his gaze fixed directly on the man's eyes.
The burly man froze for a moment, seemingly making a judgment instantly, then abruptly pushed the door open. "Come in." He made way through a narrow opening, and Lynn walked in without hesitation.
Chapter 306 Don't arouse suspicion!
The scene inside the warehouse surprised Lynn a little. Although it looked old and dilapidated, it had been transformed into a makeshift boxing arena. There were spectator seats all around, and in the central ring, a boxing match was fiercely underway. Below the stage sat some shabbily dressed, grim-faced gamblers, their eyes fixed on the match in the ring, occasionally letting out bursts of cheers. The atmosphere was tense, filled with a palpable sense of oppression.
Lynn did not linger on the match but quickly scanned the surroundings, trying to find Alan's whereabouts. Just then, a familiar figure caught his attention. In a distant corner, a grim face sat quietly—Alan! He was tall and dark-skinned, exuding a chill that was out of place in the surrounding environment. Lynn's heart stirred, and he quickly walked towards Alan.
Before he even got close, Alan looked up, his eyes meeting his coldly. Alan seemed to have noticed Lynn's presence long ago; his sharp gaze seemed capable of piercing through everything. Lynn did not hesitate at all, walking directly up to Alan and saying in a low voice, "I need to talk to You about something."
Alan did not reply, just looked at Lynn indifferently, his eyes full of coldness. His hardened face seemed to never show a trace of emotion, like an iceberg.
"You know I'm looking for You," Lynn continued, his tone unwavering. "Tell me why You came here, why You are hiding in a place like this."
Alan finally spoke, his voice low and hoarse: "I came here to stay quiet for a while. You can leave."
Lynn's eyes were sharp; he was not easily dismissed by Alan's words. "I know You didn't come to box. What is Your purpose? Who is supporting You from behind? Are You just a tool, or do You have other tasks?"
Alan smiled slightly, revealing a hint of coldness: "A tool? You know too little about me." A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes, and his voice deepened, "If You must know, go find the answer, but You will never know the truth behind it."
Lynn stood in the corner of the Underground Boxing Arena, his eyes fixed on Alan's retreating figure, his heart pounding. The noise in the arena seemed distant at that moment, his thoughts focused on Alan. Alan was no longer a simple target; he had deeply realized that he was not facing an ordinary criminal, but an opponent with powerful combat capabilities, perhaps even a weapon trained by certain forces.
Alan stood up, ready to leave. He was tall, and his walking steps were steady and powerful, as if each step landed on the ground, causing a heavy vibration. Lynnobserved that Alan did not greet anyone, not even stopping to make brief exchanges with those around him. Clearly, he was ready to leave, and Lynn's plan quietly took shape at this moment.
"This is my only chance," Lynn thought to himself. He took a deep breath, quickly adjusted his position, and prepared to follow Alan, seizing the opportunity to capture him in one fell swoop.
Alan walked out of the arena, and Lynn followed closely, maintaining an appropriate distance. He knew that Alan was not like ordinary criminals and might be very sensitive to being followed, so Lynn carefully adjusted his speed, trying not to let Alan notice him. But even so, Alan seemed unusually alert. His pace was unhurried, yet it gave off a strong sense of oppression.
Walking out of the alley, Alan did not head towards the street but deviated from the crowded road, entering a darker alleyway. Lynn's heart stirred when he saw this. Alan seemed to be deliberately avoiding public view, and this was a sign he could not ignore.
"It seems he knew someone was watching him all along," Lynn speculated in his mind, while also quickening his pace.
Alan's figure gradually disappeared at the end of the alley, and Lynn followed without hesitation, accelerating. He tried not to make any sound, his footsteps light, trying his best to avoid letting Alan detect him. But just as he turned into another alley, suddenly, Alan's figure stopped.
Lynn instantly stopped, his heart pounding, and cautiously hid to one side of the alley. Alan's movements were without the slightest hesitation, as if he had known someone was following him all along. He slowly turned around, his gaze as sharp as a blade, sweeping directly towards where Lynn was hiding. At that moment, Lynnfelt a sense of oppression from the other party, as if all eyes were focused on him.
"I thought You would wait until I got further away," Alan's voice was low, with a hint of a sneer. "You are quite patient."
Lynn walked out from his hiding place, knowing that he could no longer delay. "I won't let You go, Alan." His voice was clear and firm, revealing an unwavering determination.
Alan smiled slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, as if he had foreseen all of this. His body suddenly tensed, like a fierce beast poised to strike. Instantly, he lunged towards Lynn, his movements so fast they were almost impossible to track.
Lynn reacted immediately, quickly sidestepping to dodge. However, Alan's speed was far beyond expectation; his punch almost grazed Lynn's shoulder, hitting the concrete ground on the street with a loud bang. Lynn's body was propelled by the Impact, almost losing his balance. Alan's fist carried a terrifying power, as if it possessed destructive force capable of destroying everything.
"This is not what I want, Alan." Lynn steadied himself, reacted quickly, and swiftly drew his gun from his waist, aiming at Alan. The muzzle trembled slightly, aimed at Alan's chest.
Alan stood there, a cold smile on his lips, his gaze locked directly onto Lynn's eyes, as if he didn't see the gun muzzle at all. He suddenly leaped, a nimble turn of his foot, quickly approaching Lynn, leaving only a negligible distance between Lynn's gun muzzle and him.
Lynn's reaction speed was extremely fast; the gun muzzle turned, ready to fire. However, Alan had already appeared before him. Almost instantaneously, one of his hands violently grabbed Lynn's wrist, firmly pinning his gun. At the same time, Alan's other hand had swept across, accurately hitting Lynn's chest.
Lynn's body felt as if it had been struck by lightning; the severe pain made it difficult for him to breathe, and he almost couldn't stand steady. His mind instantly went blank, almost losing perception of his surroundings. Alan's strength almost completely deprived Lynn of the ability to resist, but Lynn did not give up. He gritted his teeth, enduring the pain, and used his remaining strength to kick towards Alan's knee, trying to make him let go.
Alan's knee was instantly hit, his body slightly trembled, and he released his wrist, giving Lynn a little breathing room. Lynn seized the opportunity to draw another dagger and quickly lunged at Alan. The two instantly became entangled, their speed so fast and their movements so fierce that there was no pause.
Lynn's dagger flashed with a cold light, attempting to stab Alan's abdomen, but Alan's movements were as swift as a ghost. He quickly dodged, avoiding the attack, and at the same time, an elbow strike hit Lynn's chest. Lynn felt another sharp pain; his body was violently pushed away, and he almost fell to the ground.
At this point, Lynn finally realized that Alan was not just an ordinary opponent. Whether it was speed, strength, or agility, Alan far exceeded Lynn's expectations. He had become a presence that could not be underestimated and possessed the ability to contend with him. Lynn was shocked, but also became more convinced that he had to stop Alan here, otherwise, if he escaped, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Just as Lynn was about to get up again, Alan suddenly stopped, his eyes grim and indifferent, as if without any emotional fluctuation. He said in a low voice, "You are very resilient, but You cannot win this game." After speaking, he abruptly turned around, quickly leaped into the Shadow, and disappeared into the darkness.
Lynn's body was gasping violently, his eyes fixed on the direction where he disappeared.
"Damn it," Lynn cursed lowly, covering the wound on his chest, struggling to stand up.
Lynn dragged his weary body back to the FBI branch. The sky had completely darkened, and the streetlights outside the window lit up one by one, reflecting the fatigue and anxiety on his face. His wound still ached faintly, especially on his chest; that last blow had almost made him unable to breathe. Although he had endured it, the pain inside was still surging in waves. His movements became somewhat heavy, each step seeming so laborious.
Lynn walked into the branch and went directly to Mark's office. Despite the late hour, Mark was still sitting in front of his computer, his fingers flying across the keyboard. Seeing Lynn walk in, Mark looked up, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes: "You're back, how are things? What's the situation?"
Lynn didn't respond immediately, walking to the desk and placing Alan's portrait in front of Mark, letting out a long breath: "Alan's trail has been temporarily cut off by me. His movements are much faster than we anticipated; he already knows we are pursuing him and is quite well prepared." He paused, his eyes becoming more determined. "However, I have basically figured out his area of activity. More importantly, I think we can find Scottthrough him."
Mark's eyebrows raised slightly; he clearly hadn't expected Lynn to make such a speculation: "Scott? Why do You think so?"
"Based on the information I got from Alan, Alan seems to have some dealings in the Underground Boxing Arena, and during the time Scott was missing, I suspect he might be connected to these places," Lynn said concisely. "And Alan is clearly not an ordinary criminal; his background is extremely complex, not the kind of person we imagined. I think Scott's disappearance is somehow connected to Alan."
Mark's gaze gradually deepened; he stood up and quickly flipped through some documents on the desk: "You mean, Scott might have been involved in the Underground Boxing Arena? Or was led to a certain place by Alan?"
Lynn nodded: "That's possible. Alan is not someone who acts alone; there must be a larger network behind him. And Scott, before his disappearance, did have some contacts that we couldn't track. We must find that clue through Alan; perhaps it can reveal the truth about Scott's disappearance."
Mark was silent for a while, seemingly considering whether Lynn's speculation was valid. After a moment, he finally spoke: "You are saying that we should focus on the Underground Boxing Arena as a clue?"
"That's right," Lynn replied. "The Underground Boxing Arena is a frequent activity location for Alan; we can only search in this direction now. Alan is obviously very alert and has avoided us in multiple actions, but the information in the Underground Boxing Arena should be a breakthrough. Scott is very likely to have also entered this circle, perhaps even as part of a transaction."
Mark frowned slightly, looking a bit uneasy: "Although the Underground Boxing Arena is a gray area, the people there are very complex, and it's difficult for us to investigate thoroughly through official channels. Moreover, if Scott is indeed involved, the situation will be more difficult."
Lynn was unfazed, his tone still firm: "Yes, the situation is indeed complex, but this is our only clue. Since we already have Alan's whereabouts, we must seize this opportunity. If Alan has a direct connection with the Underground Boxing Arena, then we will be able to find more clues."
"So what should we do?" Mark asked, a cautious light flickering in his eyes.
"We must start investigating the owner of the Underground Boxing Arena," Lynn replied. "I have already obtained some information that some people there have had contact with Alan. We can use this clue to find more information about Alan, and possibly even uncover the real reason for Scott's disappearance."
Mark nodded, quickly organizing some materials: "Okay, let's act immediately. First, let's look up the background of the Underground Boxing Arena, investigate the owner's identity and history, and see if there are any clues related to Scott. We also need to prepare a plan to enter the arena, after all, the environment there is very complex, and no accidents can happen."
"Right, we need to be low-key and not arouse suspicion," Lynn added. "I will first investigate the specific location and personnel of the Underground Boxing Arena, and You be prepared to follow up at any time."
"Understood," Mark agreed, then quickly began searching for information about the Underground Boxing Arena.
Lynn left Mark's office, a clear plan of action already in his mind. The clue of the Underground Boxing Arena clearly could not be abandoned; Scott's disappearance was very likely related to these underground transactions. Lynnknew that he had to find this place as soon as possible, investigate thoroughly, and uncover the truth behind it.
He walked to the garage, started his car, and drove directly towards the Underground Boxing Arena in Manhattan with a clear destination. In his heart, every move of Alan was full of danger, and the confrontation between him and Alan was becoming increasingly complex.
When Lynn arrived at the Underground Boxing Arena, night had completely fallen. The streets here were still dark, there were almost no pedestrians on the street, and the atmosphere was oppressive and mysterious. Lynnwalked to the entrance of the narrow alley and indeed saw the abandoned warehouse he had seen before. The door was tightly shut, but through the cracks in the windows, Lynn could still see the dim lights inside, as if entering another World.
Chapter 307 A trap!
He stopped the car and observed silently for a while, making sure he didn't detect anything unusual. Lynn took a deep breath, deciding not to delay any longer. He quickly got out of the car and walked towards the entrance of the Underground Boxing Arena. This time, he didn't try to conceal himself, but directly approached the rusty large door and knocked.
The response from behind the door was still quick. A muscular man peeked his head out from behind the door, saw Lynn standing there, and frowned: "You're here again?" His tone was full of vigilance.
"I'm here to see the boss," Lynn said calmly. "There are some things I need to discuss with him."
"The boss isn't free," the muscular man's voice was clearly impatient.
"I know he's busy, but I have an urgent matter," Lynn said in a deep voice. "This is about Alan, about the Underground Boxing Arena."
The man immediately froze, a complex expression flashed in his eyes, and then he said in a low voice: "Come in." The moment he opened the door, Lynn quickly stepped inside.
Inside the Underground Boxing Arena, it was still the familiar scene: gambling tables, stages, people drinking, the restless noise, everything was the same as before. This time, Lynn walked directly towards the corner where the boss was. He knew that in this place, anyone could be a key figure.
"Boss," Lynn approached a black table. The boss was sitting behind it, his gaze coldly sweeping over him. "I need some information."
The boss raised his head, his gaze sweeping over Lynn's face, his eyes unfriendly: "You're not here to fight this time, are you?" He showed a hint of disdainful smile. "What do you want?"
"I know Alan comes here often, and you have contact with him," Lynn didn't beat around the bush and said directly. "I want to know Alan's background. Where has he been active lately?"
The boss lowered his head and chuckled softly: "Do you really think you can get what you want from me?" He paused, his gaze suddenly becoming sharp. "You'd better understand, this kind of place isn't somewhere you can just wander into."
Lynn was neither rushed nor slow, and slowly took out a photo from his pocket, placing it on the table: "The person I'm looking for is in this photo, his name is Scott. Tell me where Alan has been lately, and I'll give you more in return."
The boss's gaze instantly froze. He looked at the photo, then suddenly fell silent, as if weighing something. After a moment, he finally spoke: "You're not the first person who wants to know about Alan. For some questions, you'd best figure them out yourself," he said lightly. "However, if you want to know his whereabouts, I can give you some clues."
The boss gently pushed the photo away, his gaze still calm. Lynn couldn't see any emotional fluctuation in his expression, but he knew that people in this kind of place were extremely good at hiding their true thoughts.
"I know you're not simple," Lynn said, trying to remain calm. "Your contact with Alan is clearly more than just boxing. You also know that what's behind this is far more than just the Underground Boxing Arena's gambling. Alan isn't an ordinary fighter, his background is complex, and all the clues point to a larger network. If you know his recent activities, or have any information that can help me, I hope you'll tell me."
The boss didn't respond directly, but lowered his head and pondered for a moment, seemingly evaluating whether Lynn's words were trustworthy. The people around were still discussing heatedly, the air filled with the smell of alcohol and tobacco, and the noise was constant. But at this moment, the entire World seemed to stand still, and all eyes seemed to be on the two of them.
Finally, the boss raised his head, his eyes changing slightly, as if he had made a decision: "Alan..." He paused, as if carefully choosing his words. "He doesn't stay here for too long, and his affairs aren't entirely as simple as boxing matches. He comes here not to mingle among these people."
"Then what is he here for?" Lynn lowered his voice, eager to hear more information.
"He has deals here, has had contact with some people, especially that group of underground arms dealers. Haven't you noticed these people coming and going, and having a lot of tacit understanding with Alan? They're not like ordinary gamblers," the boss said in a deep voice. "Alan never directly contacts the gamblers, he focuses on the people carrying weapons. And these people are completely invisible under the nose of your FBI. If you want to know Alan's whereabouts, I'll tell You, he's been in contact with these people recently."
Lynn's heart couldn't help but beat faster. He heard the crucial information in the boss's words—Alan was not simply a regular at the boxing arena, he had a deeper background involving arms dealing. This coincided with some of his previous suspicions; the Underground Boxing Arena was merely a cover Alan used to conceal his true identity. Moreover, Alan was clearly more than just a thug; behind his network lay a more complex exchange of interests.
"What kind of deals have these arms dealers had with Alan?" Lynn continued to press, knowing he was close to the truth and had to keep digging.
"I don't know much about the content of their deals," the boss's eyes flickered, seemingly choosing the right words. "However, I've heard of several large weapon deliveries, all with Alan acting as an intermediary, responsible for coordinating locations and providing protection. As for the specific details, I wasn't involved and didn't ask. They also never let me know too much. If You want to find Alan, You have to start with these people; they are his backing."
Lynn nodded, a clearer direction in his mind. "Where are these people, and how do I contact them?"
A hint of hesitation showed in the boss's eyes, but he finally picked up the phone book on the table, flipped open a page, and looked up at Lynn: "I can give you some clues, but You have to promise me You won't spread this information. The rules here can't be broken."
Lynn clearly understood that the rules of this place were different from the outside World. Underground transactions often relied on a certain tacit understanding, and once leaked, the consequences would be unimaginable. "I understand, You can rest assured," he said, his tone firm and sincere.
The boss pointed to a set of numbers in the book: "These are a few people who have had more dealings with Alan, and they have a certain status in this circle. You can find Alan's next move through these people."
Lynn quickly wrote down these numbers, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew that this information was extremely important to him. The clues to Scott's disappearance had become clearer, and the arms dealing behind Alan was the key to a larger conspiracy.
"Thank You." Lynn stood up, silently making up his mind that no matter the cost, he had to catch Alan and find out Scott's whereabouts.
The boss didn't say anything, just nodded slightly, then turned back to his desk and continued to deal with his pile of complicated affairs. Lynn said no more, quickly left the bar, walked out the door of the Underground Boxing Arena, stood on the dim street, and took a deep breath.
He understood that this was far from over; in fact, it had just begun. The Underground Boxing Arena, Alan, the arms dealing, and the missing Scott, every link was full of unknowns. Lynn knew that if he didn't speed up and continue the investigation, the truth would become increasingly distant, and the missing Scott might never be found.
He got back into his car, took out his phone, and dialed Mark's number.
"Mark, I have a new lead," Lynn said concisely.
"Tell me, what's the lead?" Mark's voice came through the phone, with a hint of urgency.
"There seems to be a lead on an arms dealing line behind Alan," Lynn said while driving. "I got some information from the bar boss. Alan has close ties with a group of arms dealers, and these people are involved in some large weapon transactions. I suspect Scott might be involved."
Mark's breathing slightly deepened, clearly showing strong interest in this information: "Arms dealers? That doesn't sound like a simple criminal group. If Alan is really operating behind the scenes, all of this might be more complex than we thought. What do You plan to do?"
"I've already obtained a list of people who have dealt with Alan. Next, we need to find these people and see if we can track Alan's whereabouts through their connections. Since Scott's disappearance, have there been any similar arms dealing leads?" Lynn asked.
"We are currently looking for intelligence on arms dealing. This type of information involves a lot of sensitive content and requires time," Mark replied. "But this is also a breakthrough. If Scott is indeed involved, his location might be found through Alan's contacts."
Lynn nodded slightly, although he knew things were complicated, he still maintained a clear goal in his heart: "We need to speed up our actions and not give these people more time."
After hanging up the phone, Lynn decided to continue tracking the people on the list.
Lynn's car sped through the night, traversing the busy streets of Manhattan, heading straight for the destination marked on the map. The lights outside the window were like flowing starlight, quickly receding, while his thoughts raced. The list provided by the bar boss was clearly the key to uncovering the connection between Alan and those arms dealers, and all of this pointed to the missing Scott.
Following the information provided by the boss, he found an underground trading market hidden behind an abandoned factory. This place harbored some criminals, mainly engaged in illegal arms sales and gray market transactions. Lynn got out of the car, locked the door, and quickly approached the factory area. He didn't rush in, but hid in a corner to observe, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.
The factory area was surrounded by high walls, and occasionally a few figures could be seen moving within the walls, the atmosphere exceptionally tense. Lynn held his breath, carefully Bypass a dilapidated truck, trying to avoid making any noise. As he gradually approached the factory building, several figures in the distance were talking in low voices, seemingly discussing something.
He quietly crept closer to one of the men in black clothes and heard some key dialogue: "Alan has news, he's coming to pick up the goods tonight, the location is the old spot."
"He's really quick, Alan moves fast. Is the stuff needed this time big enough?"
"Of course, that's Scott's arrangement, the deal has just begun."
Lynn's heart suddenly pounded. Hearing Scott's name, he immediately seized this clue. He moved a little closer and listened carefully.
"Then we're ready to receive him, the old spot, everything as usual," another voice responded.
Lynn held his breath, remembering these keywords. Scott's plan was underway, and these people were clearly just his subordinates, Alan was responsible for execution, and behind these transactions was a vast network. Clearly, Scott had completely hidden his identity and was closely cooperating with underground forces through these arms dealers, continuing to execute his conspiracy.
Lynn didn't delay any further and quickly tapped his communicator, notifying Mark: "The intelligence I just heard is very important. Scott is controlling everything, these arms dealers are his strong supporters, and Alan is just his tool. Tonight's transaction is part of his plan, the location is the old spot."
"The old spot?" Mark's voice asked urgently. "Are You sure that's Scott's plan?"
"Yes, those people just talked about 'Scott's arrangement,' and they are preparing to welcome Alan's arrival," Lynnconfirmed. "If we can use this transaction to catch Alan or those arms dealers, we might be able to further track down Scott's true location."
"Understood, I'll mobilize more personnel." Mark's voice sounded more urgent. "Be careful, absolutely do not expose yourself."
Lynn nodded, having already made up his mind. Tonight's action must be swift and decisive. He knew that this transaction point could very well be a trap. Scott had already noticed that he was being pursued, and tonight's action was not just about gathering intelligence; he might face greater challenges.
He no longer hesitated and decided to infiltrate and lie in wait around the transaction location in advance, making full preparations for the arrival of Alan and the arms dealers.
Time passed minute by minute. Lynn lay behind a Deprecated building, monitoring the factory gate. The wind blew gently, and the surroundings were silent, with only a few cars occasionally driving by. Just as he was waiting patiently, a black SUV suddenly sped towards the factory entrance, its headlights piercing the darkness. Lynn's eyes immediately widened, and he saw Alan's figure through the car window.
As Alan's SUV slowly stopped in front of the abandoned factory gate, Lynn's heart beat a little faster.
He quietly looked around, making sure no one else was paying attention, and quickly approached the factory gate, hiding behind a dilapidated steel plate. The light here was dim, the air filled with the smell of mold and oil, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, carrying a sense of oppressive loneliness. There was almost no sign of human activity around the factory, and all vigilance had to be concentrated at this moment.
Lynn's ear was pressed tightly against the steel plate. As Alan got out of the car, all sounds became clearly audible. Alan's steps were steady and powerful. Compared to the fierce fighter in the Underground Boxing Arena before, his movements at this moment were full of calmness and composure. Clearly, this place was not unfamiliar to Alan, and he even seemed to completely trust the environment here.
"He came really fast," Lynn silently evaluated in his heart. He tightly gripped the communicator in his hand, ready to report to Mark at any time. Through this lead, Lynn had a more intuitive understanding of Alan and the Scott who was manipulating things behind the scenes, and deeper doubts began to arise in his heart.
Chapter 308 Everything for you is over!
Alan no longer hesitated and walked straight towards the factory gate with exceptionally familiar steps. He carried a heavy bag on his shoulder, looking as if he had just completed a mission, and it seemed he hadn't fully expended that power and cold aura. Agent Lynncontinued to follow, maintaining a safe distance to ensure he wasn't discovered.
The almost silent factory gate slowly opened, and several men in black emerged from the darkness, holding seemingly heavy boxes, as if waiting for a specific contact person. Alan exchanged a few simple words with them, but judging from their expressions, there didn't seem to be much emotional exchange, just calmly exchanging some necessary information. Afterwards, Alan nodded to them and walked towards the inside of the factory.
Agent Lynn stared intently at Alan's retreating figure, a growing sense of unease rising in his heart. "These people look very much like the subordinates of arms dealers," he quickly analyzed in his mind. "There seems to be some kind of tacit understanding between Alan and these people; their relationship is far from simple on the surface."
He didn't dare to be careless and decided to continue following. The interior of the factory was even darker, the iron floor echoing with a dull sound, and the surroundings were different from the outside, filled with the smell of machine oil, as if it was a long-abandoned factory that was still operating to some extent. Alan and the men in black walked quickly, and soon, they disappeared inside a warehouse door.
Agent Lynn followed quietly without hesitation. He was familiar with this environment, having performed tasks in similar places many times. Although there were no modern equipment or surveillance systems like those in the city outside, in this dilapidated building, the most dangerous places were often not high-tech facilities, but those seemingly insignificant details. Agent Lynn's gaze swept across the interior of the warehouse—tall shelves were piled high with various items, appearing messy and disorganized, but he could sense that everything here was filled with a hidden atmosphere.
"These boxes likely contain weapons," Agent Lynn quickly deduced in his mind, his heart rate also quickening.
The warehouse was very quiet, with almost no sound. Agent Lynn slowed his breathing and tiptoed towards the depths of the warehouse. Suddenly, he heard a low conversation. Agent Lynn moved closer, hiding behind a pile of steel pipes, peering towards the other end of the warehouse.
He saw Alan talking with several people in military uniforms. They looked very professional, with cold eyes, clearly not ordinary gangsters. Alan's expression remained calm, seemingly discussing matters related to weapons and transportation with them.
"These people..." Agent Lynn quickly analyzed in his mind. "Their equipment and movements don't look like those of ordinary criminals; they are more like people from the military or special forces."
There was not much negotiation in their words; Alan's conversation with them was extremely brief and direct, seemingly requiring no unnecessary communication. At this moment, Agent Lynn suddenly noticed that while Alan was talking to these soldiers, their eyes occasionally scanned a package in the corner. That package appeared particularly special, even looking like some kind of important item.
A thought flashed through Agent Lynn's mind: "Could this package be the core of a transaction Alan is involved in?"
Just as he was thinking, Alan suddenly turned around and walked towards the other side of the warehouse. Agent Lynn also quickly began to track him, following closely behind. At this moment, Alan seemed unaware that he was being followed. Agent Lynn held his breath, his footsteps making almost no sound.
Suddenly, Alan stopped. His ears seemed to detect something, and he quickly turned back. Agent Lynninstinctively ducked down, hiding behind a damaged piece of equipment, fearing being discovered.
Alan's eyes scanned the surroundings, a vigilant light flickering in his eyes. After a moment, he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and continued walking forward. Agent Lynn held his breath in his hiding place, but his heart was filled with doubt. "Did he sense something? I must be careful."
Soon, Alan reached the depths of the warehouse and stopped in front of a heavy steel door. He pressed a combination on a keypad, and the door slowly opened. Alan walked in. Agent Lynn seized the opportunity to quietly follow. Although the sound of the door opening and closing was light, in this silent environment, Agent Lynn could clearly feel a sense of unease spreading around him.
Agent Lynn gently pushed the door and slipped in silently. The light inside was much dimmer than outside, with almost no lighting facilities; the only light source came from a few weak bulbs in the room. It looked like a storage room, with various items placed around, seemingly used to store weapons.
Alan was standing in a corner of the room, speaking in a low voice with several men wearing black tactical suits. Judging from their tone and expressions, Agent Lynnguessed that they were definitely engaged in some kind of transaction.
"Are you sure these goods are okay?" Alan's voice was cold and low.
"Don't worry, all the weapons are marked on the manifest, and the quantity and type are correct," a man in a military uniform responded, his tone carrying a natural deterrent. "According to the previous agreement, Mr. Alan, your portion has been arranged."
"Very well," Alan nodded. "I will implement Scott's requirements as soon as possible and prepare for delivery." He paused slightly, then added, "There must be no more mistakes."
Agent Lynn listened to these words in secret, a chill rising in his heart.
"I must speed up," Agent Lynn silently resolved in his heart. The next action would be crucial; any misstep could cause Alan and Scott to disappear into the darkness again.
Agent Lynn moved silently in the room, his heart rate gradually accelerating. The content of Alan's conversation with the soldiers in tactical suits made him increasingly anxious. Scott's name frequently appeared in their dialogue, and the person behind everything finally became clear in Agent Lynn's mind. Alan, as a tool, was being used for a larger plan, while Scott was completely immersed in this complex conspiracy, controlling everything.
Agent Lynn's eyes quickly scanned the surroundings. This storage room was piled high with various items, including labeled wooden boxes, weapon accessories, and some unidentifiable packages. Clearly, this was the transit point for the transaction, and Alan and the soldiers were likely arranging the final handover.
Agent Lynn continued to move towards the back of the room, carefully avoiding several standing guards, trying to make no sound. Just as he approached the corner of the room, Alan and the officer's conversation suddenly quickened, their tone becoming more serious.
"Scott's requirements have been conveyed to you; time is running out," Alan said in a low voice. "You must ensure there are no oversights, after all, this transaction involves complex targets and backgrounds, so there can be no mistakes."
"Understood, Mr. Alan," one of the officers nodded, a very serious expression in his eyes. "All the goods are ready, and according to the plan, the transfer can begin early tomorrow morning."
"Very well," Alan responded coldly. "We will no longer tolerate any risks. After tomorrow, you will have new instructions. Scott hopes to complete this task as soon as possible."
Agent Lynn's eyes widened slightly, and a chill surged in his heart. Tomorrow was clearly a critical point, and Scott's mission was clearly related to this transaction. A bold speculation flashed through Agent Lynn's mind: if this transaction failed, or if Alan's whereabouts were exposed, then Scott's entire plan would likely be exposed, leading to the collapse of the vast network he had built.
Agent Lynn slightly retreated, preparing to leave the room, but just as he turned around, a hand suddenly reached out towards his shoulder. Agent Lynn was startled, his heart almost stopping.
"Who are you?" a low voice came from behind, followed by Alan's cold gaze.
Agent Lynn's heart raced; there was hardly any time to think. He quickly turned around, his eyes locking directly with Alan's. Alan showed no panic, instead revealing a hint of a cold smile, as if he had anticipated Agent Lynn's appearance long ago. He didn't rush to act but slowly pulled the safety off his pistol, staring coldly at Agent Lynn.
"It seems you've been following me for a while," Alan's voice was chilling. "You really are a guy who isn't afraid of death."
Agent Lynn took a deep breath, trying to remain calm: "I'm not here to die; I just want to know the truth."
"The truth?" Alan's lips curved into a cold smile. "You came here, looking for me, looking for Scott, but you don't even understand what you're facing. Do you think you can stop us? Do you think you can understand the truth of all this?" Alan's voice was full of mockery. "You're just a Agent from the outside World; you can't understand the rules of the game here."
Agent Lynn's gaze became sharper: "I know you are Scott's tool, and Scott is hiding a bigger secret behind him, involving arms dealing and the forces you control. Do you think I don't know these things?"
A subtle flicker of emotion flashed in Alan's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He did not answer again but waved his hand coldly, signaling to the few soldiers beside him to surround Agent Lynn. Agent Lynn knew that the current situation was not optimistic. He was completely surrounded, and there was no sign of compromise in Alan's cold eyes.
"Do you really think you can stop all this?" Alan asked again, his eyes cold. "You cannot understand; Scott's plan is far larger and more complex than you imagine. All your efforts today are destined to turn into nothing."
Agent Lynn's eyes narrowed, and he suddenly realized that he might have touched upon a huge secret. Scott's plan was not just a simple arms deal; what was hidden behind it was far more than the transfer of goods. He was planning a subversive action, perhaps even posing a threat to global security.
"What exactly are you doing, Alan?" Agent Lynn gritted his teeth and asked. "What is involved behind your transaction?"
Alan did not answer immediately but showed a meaningful smile. "You are too persistent, Agent Lynn," he slowly approached Agent Lynn, smiling coldly and whispering, "If you want to know all the answers, you might as well keep chasing. However, your time is running out. What you can see is only a part of what I am prepared to give you. As for the bigger mystery, only true players can unravel it. You will find that the gap between you and me is far greater than you imagine."
Agent Lynn's heart sank suddenly, realizing that what Alan said was not groundless. The huge network behind it might have already started operating. And he was just a small pawn in this game, getting closer and closer to the truth, but always unable to grasp the whole situation.
"You will never know the truth, Lynn," Alan said contemptuously, a hint of relaxed mockery in his tone. "Scott never intended for you to know."
Agent Lynn could almost feel the threat in Alan's words. He knew that if he persisted at this moment, not only would his own life be in danger, but even the entire FBI investigation network might be affected as a result.
However, he still did not back down. He knew deeply that the situation behind the scenes was complex, and every step he took might be paving the way to uncover the truth of this conspiracy.
Suddenly, Alan's pistol pointed at Agent Lynn's chest, and the tense atmosphere in the air heated up again. Agent Lynn did not move, his eyes still fixed on Alan, as if engaged in a final standoff. Alan's muzzle moved slightly, but ultimately he did not fire. Instead, a meaningful smile appeared on his lips.
"I know you are very smart," Alan said in a low voice, "but some things you can never change."
Just then, Agent Lynn suddenly heard a rapid sound of footsteps next to his ear, followed by the surrounding men in black falling down one after another. Agent Lynnwas slightly startled, and then saw Mark rushing into the room with several Agents. They quickly subdued the surrounding soldiers and temporarily brought the situation under control.
Alan suddenly turned around and tried to escape, but Agent Lynn had already lunged forward and pinned Alan to the ground. After a fierce struggle, Alan was finally subdued, and the pistol was taken from his hand by Agent Lynn.
"Do you think you can escape?" Agent Lynn gasped for breath, grabbing Alan's shoulder, his tone firm. "Everything about you is over."
Not long after.
Agent Lynn roughly pushed Alan into the interrogation room. The moment he closed the door, he could hear the echoes in the corridor outside gradually disappear. The light inside was extremely harsh, and the air was filled with the smell of disinfectant water. The lifeless atmosphere made one feel involuntarily depressed. Alan remained calm, with no hint of wavering in his eyes. He sat on the iron chair, his hands locked with chains, a slight metallic clinking sound coming from his body. Despite being arrested, Alan did not appear dejected, but rather thoughtful.
Agent Lynn stood on the other side of the table, staring at Alan. His heart was still racing, his thoughts in disarray. Alan's behavior was confusing, and the Scott who was controlling everything behind the scenes made Agent Lynn feel the sense of danger approaching step by step. "Alan," Agent Lynn said coldly, breaking the silence in the room. "You know what crime you have committed, you know how serious the transaction you were involved in is, and you know the consequences you will face if you betray Scott."