LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Chapter 15: The Don's Favor
The soft hum of a ceiling fan filled the room as Luca Moretti sat in Don Vincenzo's private study. The air carried the faint scent of aged leather and expensive cigars, a signature aroma of the Don's sanctum. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with thick volumes and memorabilia from Vincenzo's long reign as the head of the Moretti Family.
Luca adjusted his tie, his mind still buzzing from the recent victory. The Viper Syndicate's retaliation had been fierce, but Luca's countermeasures had left them in shambles. Despite the weight of responsibility, he felt a strange calm. He was winning—his system was guiding him to victory.
The heavy oak door creaked open, and Don Vincenzo entered, flanked by his two trusted advisors, Paolo and Enzo. The Don was a man in his late sixties, his once-broad shoulders slightly hunched with age, but his piercing gray eyes lost none of their intensity. He moved with the slow, deliberate grace of someone who commanded respect without needing to demand it.
"Luca," Vincenzo greeted, his voice low and gravelly. "You've had a busy week."
Luca rose, inclining his head respectfully. "Don Vincenzo. I'm just doing what needs to be done."
The Don waved for him to sit and took his place behind the massive desk, resting his hands on the polished surface. Paolo and Enzo remained standing, their expressions unreadable.
"Reports of your victories have reached me," Vincenzo said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The Vipers are bleeding. Their leaders are scrambling, and their soldiers are fleeing the city. This is your doing."
Luca inclined his head again. "The family gave me the resources. I only used them wisely."
Vincenzo chuckled, a low, rasping sound. "Humble as ever. But don't sell yourself short, Luca. It takes more than resources to dismantle a syndicate like the Vipers. It takes vision. Strategy. Guts."
Paolo nodded in agreement. "The Vipers underestimated you, and it cost them. Your tactics were... unorthodox but effective."
Luca allowed himself a small smile. The system's Tactical Genius skill had proven invaluable, but he knew better than to reveal the source of his insights.
"Thank you, Don," Luca said. "But this is only the beginning. The Vipers still have resources. If we don't press the advantage, they'll regroup."
The Don leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "And you believe you're the man to lead this charge?"
Luca met his gaze without hesitation. "Yes, Don. I know their weaknesses, their patterns. I can finish this."
For a long moment, silence filled the room. Vincenzo studied Luca, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded.
"You remind me of myself at your age," the Don said. "Ambitious. Fearless. Willing to do whatever it takes to protect the family."
Luca's chest tightened at the unexpected praise. Coming from Don Vincenzo, it was as good as a blessing.
---
The Don stood, motioning for Luca to follow. They walked out of the study and into a long hallway adorned with portraits of Moretti Family leaders. Vincenzo stopped in front of one, a painting of himself in his prime.
"This family has survived for generations because of men like you," the Don said, his voice softer now. "Men who are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good. But leadership isn't just about strength and cunning. It's about loyalty. Responsibility. Are you ready for that, Luca?"
Luca swallowed hard. "I am, Don. Everything I've done has been for the family."
Vincenzo turned to face him, his sharp eyes boring into Luca's. "Good. Because the family needs someone like you. Someone who can adapt to a changing world."
---
Back in the study, Paolo handed the Don a folder. Vincenzo opened it, scanning its contents briefly before sliding it across the desk to Luca. Inside were detailed reports on the Viper Syndicate's remaining operations—stash houses, contacts, suspected hideouts of their leaders.
"This is everything we know about the Vipers," Vincenzo said. "I'm entrusting this to you, Luca. Use it wisely."
Luca felt the weight of the folder in his hands. It wasn't just information—it was a symbol of the Don's trust.
"I won't let you down," Luca said, his voice steady.
"I know you won't," Vincenzo replied. "But remember, Luca, success comes at a price. Be prepared to pay it."
---
As Luca left the mansion later that evening, he felt a strange mix of pride and trepidation. The Don's trust was an honor, but it also came with immense responsibility. He had been given the tools to destroy the Vipers, but failure was not an option.
System Notification: New Objective – Eliminate the Viper Syndicate Completely.
Reward: Skill Upgrade – Tactical Genius (Advanced).
The notification flashed in his vision, and Luca's determination hardened. He had come too far to falter now.
---
The next day, Luca convened a meeting with his lieutenants. The safe house was buzzing with energy as Marco, Sal, and the other leaders gathered around the table.
"We've got everything we need to finish the Vipers," Luca said, spreading the folder's contents across the table. "Their operations, their leaders, their supply lines—it's all here. This is our chance to end them for good."
Sal whistled, impressed by the sheer amount of information. "The Don must really trust you to hand this over."
"He does," Luca said firmly. "And I'm not going to waste it. Here's the plan."
---
Using the system's guidance, Luca outlined a multi-pronged assault on the Viper Syndicate. Each lieutenant was assigned a specific target, from safehouses to key personnel. The attacks would be coordinated to strike simultaneously, leaving the Vipers with no time to react.
"Timing is everything," Luca said, his eyes sweeping across the room. "If one team falls behind, the whole plan falls apart. I need everyone at their best."
Marco nodded, his usual cockiness replaced by a rare seriousness. "We've got this, boss. The Vipers won't know what hit them."
Sal grinned. "Finally, some real action."
---
As the meeting adjourned, Luca stayed behind, staring at the map. The system chimed softly in his mind.
System Reminder: Leadership is a heavy burden. Be prepared for unforeseen consequences.
Luca exhaled slowly. He knew the system was right. The stakes were higher than ever, and one misstep could cost him everything.
But as he looked at the map, he felt a surge of confidence. He had the system, the Don's favor, and a loyal team by his side. The Vipers didn't stand a chance.
"This city is ours," Luca murmured, his voice filled with quiet determination. "And nothing will stop us."