Bryan scrolled through several websites for weapons. He was used to close-combat, thus he searched for something he could use for his bare hands. After senseless scrolling, he finally saw something.

TITANIUM KNUCKLE DUSTERS

50 CRYPTS

The picture showed a pair of shiny pairs of knuckle dusters [1]. They were obsidian black. On the knuckles, the serrated edges were sharp, resembling piranha teeth. On the handle, the symbol of a black skull with gleaming red eyes glinted ominously. Bryan fell in love the moment he saw them.

Quite menacing. They look great! Not to mention it fits my style and easy to carry around. I could have gone for gloves, but it's too tedious. It's decided then.

Bryan clicked 'purchase' and filled out his CRYPT account information. CRYPTS was a digital currency which had no central bank or administrator. It was completely anonymous; it was perfect for Dark Net transactions. After addressing the package to an abandoned warehouse on the other side of the city, he kept searching for more equipment for his trip to Great Colows. Half an hour later, Bryan went downstairs to the others, who greeted him warmly.

...

For the next week, Bryan was prepared his plan for Great Colows, studied for his finals, and trained his body. After waving to Alison, Bryan got a notification on his phone. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, before his blank expression turned to a huge grin.

It's finally here. I spent a lot of money I saved for the past six months. This better be worth it.

Bryan saved his pocket money he got from Lily and doing some odd jobs around the gym with Jeremy and Alison. It was too risky illegally collecting his funds this early on. His savings he toiled for the past six months vanished overnight, leaving enough for daily necessities. It was heartbreaking, but he sadly consoled himself, justifying it was for the greater good. He hailed a taxi after informing Lily he would be late. Giving directions to a nearby diner, Bryan started to think about what he had to do.

There should be a couple of patrol cars around the town now, so I should wait until they head home. I doubt they would stay overnight in there. Now all what's left is to take care of the Blue Wolves and Red Vipers, then burn the god-forsaken town to the ground… Wait, if I was brought back in a new body, would my old one still be there? Unlikely. I should just focus on getting rid of these idiots. Maybe I could spark another war and finish them off then. It's settled.

Even though Bryan planned everything out, there would always be unknown variables. Bryan's excursion wouldn’t be as simple as he thought. After a silent journey, he saw the diner. He paid the fare, walking in at a leisurely pace. After ordering a cup of coffee, he sat in the last booth, looking out at the highway. A faint scent tickled his nose. The steam rose up, giving off an irresistible aroma, rich and deep. After thanking the waiter, he sipped his coffee, savoring the bitter yet rich taste pervading his senses. Time slowly passed. When it was dark, he picked up an inconspicuous piece of paper folded in half near the ledge of the window. No one noticed this discreet action, and who would pay attention to a small piece of paper? Paying the bill, he walked out as he headed to the docks.

He wore the same black face mask, cap, and sunglasses when he was gathering evidence against Mr. Rogers. Although he looked like a third-rate detective, he couldn't care less. He soon arrived at a small warehouse. It was the place he scouted out. The warehouse was situated near the abandoned docks on the opposite side of the city. For his operations, it was ideal. No one came here after a fully furbished port was built. It was a decent size and didn't attract too much attention. Bryan entered the warehouse and found what he was looking for right away. In the center of the four walls, there was a cubic wooden crate, like from a Caribbean island. A normal padlock locked the contents inside.

However, he didn't acknowledge it. Walking along the walls, he checked for any cameras, mics, or other spy ware. Although the sellers he bought from had a good reputation for their untraceable products and privacy, Bryan wanted to be sure. Having combed through the entire building, he walked to the wooden crate and pulled out the small piece of paper from the diner. A string of numbers filled the entire note, which Bryan dialed on the padlock.

A clicking noise echoed through the warehouse as he opened the crate. Inside, was a plastic explosive strapped on the other side of the crate, wired to the back of the padlock. Therefore, if someone cut the padlock, it would explode the contents and the person breaking in. Avoiding the disaster, Bryan wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead. Only after he disabled the bomb did his tense nerves lighten.

Holy shit! I get the customer privacy, but what was that?! One wrong move and I would have been blown to oblivion. Well, I should be grateful they secured my package at the very least.

Almost dying every other day was a daily occurrence to him, so he let it slip his mind. He checked everything to make sure he got what he asked for.

A pair of knuckle dusters, a bulletproof vest, handcuffs, military grade rope, a steel serrated balisong knife [2], black combat suit, a garrote wire [3], and some claymores [4]. Should be-

After Bryan checked over everything, he noticed a box at the bottom of the crate. Taking it out, he inspected it for any triggers before opening. Inside he saw some tools, parts for two guns, magazines, two holsters, two suppressors, and around a thousand bullets. Puzzled, he checked his order once again, confirming he didn't purchase them.

A crimson envelope stuck itself to the roof of the box. It was stamped in white wax. The stamp was a snake in a shape of an 'S'. He opened it and read it to himself.

Dear customer, thank you for purchasing. Our customer's trust is our number one priority, and we keep full disclosure of every deal we make, no matter the customer. Since this was your first purchase, we have added two Silver Demons along with a suppressor for each one free of charge. Tools, parts, and ammunition can be found inside. Thank you for purchasing from our subsidiary and hope to be of service once again. Yours truly, the Salvador family?!

Bryan's pupils constricted to a pin drop. He knew the Salvador family wasn't simple after meeting Elina, but he never knew they would be in the arms dealer business. Considering the website Bryan bought from was just a subsidiary, he concluded their roots must be spread all over the illegal trade if this was just a subsidiary! Bryan had a wry smile on his face when he thought of the next time he met Elina. Facing her sweet smile, knowing he bought weapons from her family to end others. He shook his head and vowed to be careful the next time he bought anything from the Dark Net. Luckily, the Salvador family was reputable and noble, otherwise he could have made contact with an organization he wished he didn't. After shaking his head, a big smile appeared on Bryan's gloomy face, thinking about the guns he got for free. Bryan was frugal by nature. He spent the bare minimum for all the essentials, yet it costed almost all his savings. Bryan didn't complain since he didn't have to go through paperwork, and they were untraceable.

Not to mention, the prices to buy these items legally were astronomical. Getting some freebies was a welcome gesture, as long they didn't try to kill him. Bryan read the instructions and started to build the two handguns. Around two hours later, two sleek pistols lay on the table. The silver body shone a cold glare, petrifying anyone who stared it down. Sinister black streaks decorated the barrels up to the rough handle. The sharp grooves of the mechanical killing machines were sculpted with perfection.

Alright, time for some target practice.

Bryan set up a row of cans and bottles he collected around the docks before backing up a reasonable distance. He loaded the two guns in each hand before firing them at the same time. What were supposed to be loud gunshots instead became quiet snaps, the suppressors were working at full capacity. Bryan used semi-automatic guns before, so it didn't take long before he was satisfied with his skill. His trained body helped deal with the heavy recoil of the guns, while the suppressors lowered it even more.

In the end, he was able to shoot with accuracy. He got used to the recoil and was eventually able to shoot with a gun in each hand, with and without the suppressors. Bryan wasn't worried about the noise since he was quite far away from the main city. After emptying two magazines, he called it a night after checking everything else was in order. He took his two knuckle dusters and stashed the rest under a floor board in the warehouse. Looking at the two sinister black knuckle dusters with gleaming red eyes, he felt safer than using his bare fists.

He took another taxi home and explained he was hanging out with some friends. Lily believed him without a doubt. Emily, on the other hand, had suspicions about his explanation. After he went back to his room, he started to practice making viruses and studying for his finals as well as his exams to graduate. He decided after the result was out, he would ask to take the next year's exams and graduate early. He didn't want to stay in school for the next year since he had so much to do.

Furthermore, he wanted to become a mercenary on The Dark Net and gain reputation. Bryan also wanted to know why he was brought back and what the system was. Reflecting back on the memories Bryan received, he felt odd there was nothing about the existence of other countries. Bryan searched online about the surrounding countries, only to realize there wasn't any! He asked Emily and Lily, which they responded with an asinine look. He realized Zain was the only country in this whole world! Facing the ridiculous truth of this world, he felt something off about everything here. How come no one thought it was strange there were no other countries? Why was he the only one who noticed this? Bryan could only turn to the one place which had all the answers, yet the time was not now.

It would be far in the future when the truth of this world would unveil itself before him...