Merlin's Custom Shop was located in a rather remote area, and as the police shut down more and more car mod shops and gun stores, the gangs' once-steady way of making money had also been disrupted.
On top of that, Merlin occasionally mass-posted missions, and many of the businesses involved were posting missions as well. As a result, all of Hell's Kitchen had begun to descend into chaos again, greatly hindering the Apple City police's operations.
Who knew how long it would take before they traced things back to Merlin.
As the number of players increased, many merchants also joined the platform and began posting missions, such as search missions for people like DR, the founder of West Coast G-funk gangsta rap.
Bounty missions, car theft missions, heist-planning missions, burglary missions, herb deals...
Many people saw the potential contained within the platform and flocked to join it. The active assets within the Game Platform increased accordingly.
As long as the R Star Subsystem and bunker research were not tracked down, the police had no way of stopping the platform's growth.
Besides, there was no shortage of planners like Pavel and Lester in Apple City.
"Come to think of it, I haven't heard much about you lately." After finishing his cola, Merlin tossed the can into the trash and continued modifying the Railgun for Arcee and the others.
"Things have been a mess lately, all sorts of people mixed together. I can't even find a target, so I'm taking a break for now." Frank walked over and sat on the sofa. Seeing that Merlin was the only one in the shop, he suddenly asked, "Are you planning to hire anyone? I want to find something to do."
"You know how to modify cars?" Merlin turned around and gave him a surprised look.
"I'm not good at modifying cars, but I'm decent with weapons." Frank pointed toward the armory in Merlin's backyard.
"Sure. I'm not in the shop very often anyway, so it'd be nice to have you watch the place for me. Just don't kill my customers in my shop." Merlin thought it over before agreeing, though he still gave him a warning.
The people who came here to buy weapons were a mixed bunch. Merlin was a little worried that Frank might recognize a customer and take him out on the spot.
"Don't worry. Since I want some peace and quiet for a while, I won't cause trouble," Frank promised.
"You don't have to hold back too much. If some customers mess with you, kill them. There's no such thing as the customer being God here."
"Looks like you're not completely heartless after all," Frank teased.
Every time he worked with Merlin, the man took a huge cut. It was downright ruthless. Still, Merlin's planning and hacking skills were worth those shares.
Sometimes, he could even clear your police bounty.
"If you don't want a salary, I don't mind," Merlin rolled his eyes.
"Then I'll go find Daredevil. I heard his friend is good at those kinds of lawsuits."
"He doesn't have time lately."
Daredevil, Matt, had recently been focused on The Hand.
Hearing Merlin say that, Frank remembered that he hadn't seen any news about Daredevil lately.
"Alright, let's go. We're heading to Merlin Aviation." After finishing up with Arcee, Merlin let out a long breath.
"Merlin Aviation?"
"I rented an aircraft manufacturing plant. The helicopters and fighter jets are made there."
"You didn't think this tiny custom shop of mine could build a fighter jet, did you?"
Frank: "..."
Brooklyn District, Perito Bank.
Bang! A sharp gunshot suddenly rang out on the bustling street, and the surrounding area fell silent for a moment.
"Ahhhhh!!!!" Then, a woman's shrill scream tore through the silence. Like a chain reaction, people on the street began screaming in panic, then hunched over and fled the area around the bank with practiced ease.
Bang! A group of robbers in black ski masks kicked open the bank doors and raised their bullpup rifles as they shouted.
"Everybody get on the ground! This is a robbery!"
"Friends! Today, you have a choice to make."
"Everybody on the ground! Now!"
One robber rushed straight toward the counter after entering the lobby, using his gun to stop the bank staff behind it.
"You, and you, come out from behind the counter. That's it, hands up!"
"Ring ring ring..."
"Ahhh... Please, don't shoot."
The bank alarm, terrified wails, and the robbers' rough threats blended together. The once-quiet lobby had now descended into chaos.
"Shut up! Anyone who says another word can get ready to meet God!" Irritated by the noise, one robber fired a burst into the air. The instant the sharp gunfire rang out, those crying on the floor seemed to have their throats squeezed shut. Their voices stopped abruptly, leaving only terror on their faces.
"Mike! Keep an eye on these people. We're going to get the money and equipment! This is our first mission, so we have to make it look good." The lead robber nodded in satisfaction at the now-quiet crowd. After giving the companion codenamed Mike his instructions, he slung a welding torch and explosives over his back and headed for the vault.
"No problem, but hurry up. The cops should be here any minute!"
"Don't worry!"
Boom!
Merlin, riding Arcee, and Punisher stopped on Brooklyn 8th Avenue as an explosion suddenly thundered from Perito Bank ahead.
The road ahead had been temporarily blocked off. Rows of police cars lined the street, sealing off the bank's exit completely.
Merlin and Punisher could only wait on the outskirts.
"Come to think of it, more players have started taking robbery missions as time goes on," Frank said as he watched the situation ahead.
"They've probably made some money and built up their equipment."
"And right now, nothing makes money faster or is more exciting than robbing banks."
"Everyone wants to get big and strong." Merlin leaned against Arcee as he answered.
Along the way, the sounds of police sirens in Brooklyn and helicopter rotors in the sky had never stopped.
Police cars, police helicopters, ambulances, fire engines... their presence could be seen on almost every street.
Some people were flying around on Tyrant MK2s, while others were playing around with Superburn, slapping Red Bull logos on themselves and pulling stunts across the city.
However, whether because their skills were poor or they were not yet familiar with it, one of them eventually crashed into a building and exploded into a fireball.
Firefighters were still putting out the blaze over there.
Meanwhile, ambulances were treating those caught in the explosion nearby.
There were even people stuck in traffic at intersections, with one driving a Bevel Magic Treasure and another driving a Spike Phantom, playing scoop cars in the street.
The cars that were suddenly scooped into the air made for a truly spectacular sight.
Not to be outdone, the police drove vehicles like Vigilantes and Decepticons after them.
Well... there were players among them too.
Before you continue