**"Towards the Masked Realm"**
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In the dim warehouse, flickering lights cast unsettling shadows on scarred walls. The air was thick with the smell of sweat and blood. Ryder and Maclovin faced off, guns drawn. Dr. Hayes, hidden in the shadows, felt his pulse quicken.

Ryder's eyes blazed. He flung his gun aside and clenched his fists. "Let's settle this with our fists."

Maclovin's face remained cold. He dropped his weapon. "Fine."

The fight was brutal. Ryder's wild punches contrasted sharply with Maclovin's precise strikes. Ryder's frustration grew as Maclovin's calm demeanor only fueled his rage.

"You think you can dodge me forever?" Ryder roared.

"Just long enough for you to tire out," Maclovin replied.

Ryder lunged, his face contorted. Maclovin's relentless blows transformed Ryder's face into a grotesque mask of agony. With a final, brutal kick, Maclovin shattered Ryder's ribcage. Ryder collapsed, gasping.

"You win," Ryder managed.

Maclovin stood over him. "I know."

As Maclovin turned to leave, Ryder drew a knife. Maclovin twisted his wrist and drove the blade into his side. Ryder convulsed and then lay still.

Dr. Hayes swallowed hard as the warehouse fell silent.

They moved to Victor's mansion, where Maclovin silently dealt with two guards outside Victor's room.

In the dimly lit room, Victor huddled in a corner. "Wh-who's attacking?"

"We're not here to harm you, Victor. Yet," Maclovin said.

"We need information and can offer protection," Dr. Hayes added.

Victor's eyes widened. "H-how are you still alive?"

Maclovin's face was inscrutable. "Where's the money?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Victor said.

"He's lying," Dr. Hayes said. "He knows about the money and documents."

Maclovin shot Victor in the leg. Victor screamed, clutching his wound.

"Alright, alright!" Victor gasped. "I transferred the money to The Syndicate. The documents are about them!"

Maclovin moved closer. "Tell us everything."

"The Syndicate controls everything from the shadows. It's like a cult with elaborate masks symbolizing power. The parties are secretive, every gesture significant," Victor said.

Dr. Hayes asked, "When's the next party?"

"Next month. It's risky. They don't tolerate uninvited guests," Victor replied.

"How can we blend in?" Dr. Hayes asked.

"You'll need convincing disguises and be prepared for anything. They punish betrayal severely," Victor said.

"Take us to the party. You're deep with them. Help us, and we'll protect you," Dr. Hayes urged.

Victor, skeptical, asked, "Why would I help you?"

"Maybe you want to stop giving them money, or you'll face the next bullet," Maclovin said.

Victor's expression hardened. "Fine. I'll figure something out. But you better keep your end of the deal."

As they prepared to leave, Victor's eyes scanned the room. "We're all set for tomorrow night. Remain calm; you just have to keep quiet."

Maclovin nodded. "Yes, we know. I'll observe the party and try to gather some intel."

Hayes sighed, his voice laced with emotionless sarcasm. "And I'll just do something useless, as per usual."

Victor's expression remained serious. "Just stick to the plan."

As they spoke, Hayes glanced out the window, his eyes narrowing. "Guys, I think I saw someone outside... below the flickering streetlight."

Maclovin and Victor turned to look but saw nothing. "It's nothing, don't worry," Victor said. "I've ensured no one knows about this."

Hayes relaxed, but his gaze drifted back to the window. He saw him again-a man with a smiling face, making a shushing gesture towards Hayes.

Hayes' heart skipped a beat as the man vanished into the darkness.

The chapter ends with Hayes' tense realization that they are being watched, heightening the sense of danger and uncertainty as they prepare for the Syndicate party.

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