Chapter 7 Acquiring the Essential Gear

Kenneth wasted no time selecting the upgrades for his safe house. His first choice was to reinforce the entire structure of his home. Walls, ceilings, and floors would all be replaced with four-inch-thick steel plates, and bulletproof glass would replace the windows. Next, he opted for an advanced ventilation system equipped with air filtration to block any harmful gases from entering. Finally, a high-tech surveillance system would provide complete 360-degree coverage of the property. All doors would be upgraded to heavy-duty vault-grade metal, resistant even to explosive force. Kenneth’s mission was clear, which was to turn his home into an unbreakable iron fortress. After finalizing his selections, he handed the tablet back to Warren, who was visibly stunned by the scale of the project. A modest 1,292-square-foot house was being transformed into an impenetrable bunker. “With the right weapons, this place could rival a military outpost,” Warren muttered. Kenneth’s interest piqued. “Oh? You’re knowledgeable about fortifications?” Warren grinned. “I used to be a mercenary abroad, so I know my way around military hardware.” Kenneth’s mind raced with possibilities. Lowering his voice, he asked, “Then, could you help me get some guns?” Warren’s demeanor shifted. In Sinovia, owning firearms was strictly illegal. “Mr. Kenneth, you must realize that such items are prohibited for private citizens,” Warren said cautiously. “Are you dealing with some dangerous enemies?” Kenneth nodded. “Exactly. I’ve crossed paths with some very dangerous people. They’re armed and ruthless. I need weapons for protection. Sitting around defenseless isn’t an option.” Warren chuckled nervously. “Mr. Kenneth, I’m afraid I can’t assist with that. We’re a legitimate business.” Kenneth, however, noticed the hesitation in Warren’s eyes. He wasn’t unwilling, he simply didn’t want to risk it. Kenneth leaned forward and pressed, “This project is costing me over one million one hundred twenty thousand dollars. If something happens to me, your company’s reputation will take a hit too.” Fixing his gaze on Warren, he added, “I only need basic self-defense equipment. Help me, and you’ll be well-rewarded.” Warren hesitated, weighing his options. He had the contacts but was wary of the risks involved. “For now, go home. I can’t promise anything, but I’ll see what I can find out,” Warren replied, still undecided. Kenneth didn’t push further. He knew guns were a sensitive matter. Smiling, he said, “Alright, I’ll wait for your call. Please expedite the safe house construction.” Warren reassured him, “It will be ready within two weeks.” Kenneth signed the contract and paid a deposit of one hundred forty thousand dollars. The remaining balance? Kenneth smirked, thinking, They’ll never see it anyway. After resolving his housing arrangements at ValorGuard Security, Kenneth climbed into his car and made a call to his acquaintance, Julian Lockhart. Julian ran a hunting lodge in Valkyrean, leasing several hundred acres in Westerleigh for recreational hunting. The area was stocked with harmless wildlife, and Julian had a supply of legal hunting equipment such as crossbows, compound bows, and air rifles. Kenneth, who had visited the lodge before, still had Julian’s contact details. He reached out to request a large batch of hunting gear, offering to pay above market value. As a businessman with occasional favors owed to Kenneth, Julian quickly agreed. “Kenneth, what’s all this equipment for? These things are for hunting or personal hobbies, not for hurting anyone,” Julian teased, though he sounded cautious. Selling equipment came with risks if it was misused, and while Julian had strong connections to operate a hunting lodge, he wasn’t about to jeopardize them. Kenneth chuckled. "Relax! I’m planning a hunting trip with some friends to the Afranthia Wildlife Reserve. Just making sure we’re fully equipped!" Julian clicked his tongue in amusement. "Kenneth, you’ve got style! But Afranthia’s no joke. They’ve got lions and hyenas, you better be careful out there!" "Will do. How soon can you have the equipment ready?" "I’ve got most of it in stock. You can pick it up anytime." Kenneth immediately drove to Westerleigh Hunting Lodge, determined not to waste a single moment. From Julian, he purchased five steel crossbows, three premium compound bows, and three hundred bolts and arrows for each. He also bought two Damascus steel hunting knives, known for their strength and sharpness. These knives were so durable that only prolonged use against hard materials would damage them. Kenneth loaded the gear into his trunk, feeling reassured by the sight of his new equipment. Since everything was legally acquired and he had a hunting license, he wasn’t worried about running into trouble with the authorities. He returned home by sunset but soon ventured out again to Olive Garden for a satisfying pasta meal. Realizing he’d need pasta supplies for the future, Kenneth placed an enormous order for 10,000 jars of pasta sauce. The restaurant staff were shocked, suspecting he might be a competitor attempting to cause trouble. Luckily, Olive Garden’s professional service prevailed. After some discussion with the manager, Kenneth’s order was accepted on the condition that he pay cash upfront. Kenneth readily handed over over one hundred forty thousand dollars. His generous purchase left the manager delighted, who added a bonus of five hundred jars to the order.