Reborn as an American Writer

Hernan Reyes's eyes were dark and inscrutable as he listened to Mario's analysis. Seeing that his boss seemed unconvinced, Mario hurriedly continued, "Boss, in the past few days, while tracking Dominic and his crew, I've studied Hobbs seriously due to his appearance. I've found that this guy acts more than he thinks. He's a standard brute!"

Hernan Reyes finally showed some interest in Mario's words. "Go on..."

Noticing his words had an impact, Mario quickly elaborated on his understanding of Hobbs. "Boss, I had people investigate Hobbs. He's part of the American DSS (Diplomatic Security Service), and he and his team joined after retiring from the military. Their sole mission is to hunt down fugitives wanted by their federal government worldwide!

But we need to note, he doesn't have investigative authority, just a team specialized in capturing. In other words, he has no real power to investigate or make decisions—just to capture!

What does this mean? It means Hobbs and his team are just an execution unit! So, after we ambushed his team today and killed four of his men, this guy, who acts more than he thinks, definitely won't swallow this humiliation! And he hasn't reported the situation back to his country yet. Otherwise, with the typical American nature, his superiors would surely recall him after learning about such heavy losses under his command!

But this guy suffered such a big loss today, he definitely won't just retreat. He will seek revenge against us for sure. And how will he retaliate? Boss, I think he will blame you, and his revenge will be directed at you!

Boss, you need to enhance your security measures!"

Mario's sincere and lengthy speech forced Hernan Reyes to take it seriously. After all, Mario had been loyal and efficient for many years. He had been personally leading the pursuit of Dominic and the ambush on Hobbs. If not for being dispatched to handle the laundered money today, Hobbs' team and Dominic's crew would have had no chance to escape under Mario's command!

It's often said that your adversary knows you best. Given Mario's deep involvement in these events, his analysis was highly significant.

Sitting in the large chair behind his desk, Hernan Reyes habitually pulled a Cuban cigar from the box on his desk, a sign that he was pondering a serious issue. This action indicated that he was seriously considering Mario's words, needing time to analyze and make decisions regarding their next steps.

Mario, perceptive as ever, quickly stepped over to light the cigar for his boss, then stood silently, waiting for the ruthless and shrewd Hernan to reach a conclusion.

As the rich Havana cigar smoke curled around him, Hernan questioned Mario again, "Do you think Hobbs might team up with Dominic? If they join forces, will Dominic give Hobbs the memory card to take back to the USA and use it against us?"

Without hesitation, Mario responded firmly, "I don't think so, at least not for now. They are likely hiding somewhere in Rio. Based on my understanding of Dominic and Hobbs, they must be plotting how to violently retaliate against us. So, at least in the short term, I don't think Dominic will easily hand over the memory card to Hobbs.

Boss, Dominic is a wanted criminal in the USA! That memory card is extremely valuable to us, but it's also a bargaining chip for Dominic! Handing it over just like that? I think it's highly unlikely!

Boss, another crucial point is that both Dominic and Hobbs are very proud and believe in an eye for an eye. They won't easily let go of such a loss!"

Holding the cigar, Hernan found Mario's analysis quite plausible. Finally, he made a fatal mistake by trusting Mario's insights, unaware that Dominic's primary target was not him but the large sum of money stored in the police station's safe!

Mario's analysis was partially accurate, especially his understanding of Hobbs and Dominic's personalities. However, incomplete intelligence led him to make a wrong judgment. He believed that Dominic and his team would focus their revenge on Hernan Reyes, not realizing that their true goal was the hidden stash of cash.

In fact, Dominic and his team were now focused on the money in the police station's safe. Their plan was to steal the money and use it to lure Hernan, now heavily guarded, into a trap set by Hobbs. Hobbs, driven by vengeance, was the one aiming to kill Hernan personally!

Due to incomplete intelligence and misplaced trust in Mario's analysis, Hernan made a critical, erroneous decision. He instructed Mario to continue searching for Dominic and Hobbs throughout Rio de Janeiro to eliminate them. He also ordered additional security for his own safety but neglected the money in the police station safe.

In his mind, he couldn't believe Dominic would dare to rob a heavily guarded police station. This oversight would become his downfall!

Meanwhile, Mr. Castle, the mastermind behind these turbulent events, was in his hotel room. After sending the excited chubby boy back to his room post-show, he picked up the sluggishly flying quadcopter and began questioning his ever-responsive system. "System, I remember you said I could use the two random skill rewards you gave me to exchange for any skill from movie characters, right?"

The usually dormant system promptly responded, "Yes, host. You currently have two random skill reward opportunities stored in the system. You can use these to exchange for any skill that has appeared in movies or TV shows."

Hearing this confirmation, Castle's eyes lit up. He had already planned to exchange for a mechanical proficiency skill to upgrade his slow quadcopter. With the system's affirmation, he was ready to make his choice!

Reflecting on all the movies and TV shows he had seen, Castle tried to identify who had the best mechanical skills. Though it was hard to pinpoint the best, the guy with the sexy mustache and a glowing chest lamp, Tony Stark, certainly ranked in the top three. And if he could use Stark's skills, maybe he could even become this world's 'Iron Man,' right?

Without hesitation or further deliberation, Castle decided to exchange his two random skill rewards for Tony Stark's mechanical skills!

Immediately after making his choice, Castle eagerly informed the system, and without delay, a massive influx of information, much like when he acquired John Wick's firearm skills, surged into his mind, causing a warm rush.

Engulfed in new knowledge and methods, Castle's excitement almost made him overlook the system's notification: "Host has successfully exchanged for the mechanical skills of Tony Stark from 'Iron Man.' Skill transfer in progress..."

After a long while, Castle finally emerged from the flood of information. Sitting on the sofa, he began sorting through the newly acquired skills and experiences belonging to Tony Stark...

Then, with a look of betrayal on his face, he turned to the system to complain, "Cheater! Why do I have no knowledge or memories about Iron Man's suit, the arc reactor, or the new element? It's all just mechanical modification skills and experience???"

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