Veins of Valor Shadows of Tension

At the university campus, near a fountain surrounded by students. Leo and Jordan are sitting on a bench, taking a break between classes.

Jordan Lee(MC's Friend)

You’ve been distracted lately. Everything okay?

Leo Carter (MC)

Yeah, just a lot on my mind. Met someone… interesting.

Jordan Lee(MC's Friend)

(curious) Oh? Who’s the lucky guy?

Leo Carter (MC)

(Hesitant) His name’s Luca. He’s not like anyone I’ve met before. Strong, intense… and dangerous.

Jordan Lee(MC's Friend)

(Raising an eyebrow) Dangerous? You’re not getting mixed up with the wrong crowd, are you?

Leo Carter (MC)

(Smirking) Maybe, but I can handle it. Besides, there’s something about him that I can’t resist.

Jordan Lee(MC's Friend)

(sighing) Just be careful, Leo. I don’t want to see you get hurt.

At Luca’s office, a dimly lit room with a large desk and surveillance monitors on the walls. Luca is reviewing security footage while Nina enters with a stack of files.

Nina Shaw(ML's PA)

Here are the latest reports, Luca. Everything’s in order, but there’s something unusual.

Luca DiFalco (ML)

What is it?

Nina Shaw(ML's PA)

(handing over a file) There’s been increased activity in the city’s hacking circles. It’s subtle, but it feels like someone’s probing our systems.

Luca DiFalco (ML)

(frowning) Could it be connected to Leo?

Nina Shaw(ML's PA)

(nodding) Possibly. He’s good, but this feels like something more organized.

Luca DiFalco (ML)

(clenching his fist) I need to find out who’s behind this. If Leo’s involved, I need to protect him… even if it means crossing some lines.

Nina Shaw(ML's PA)

(concerned) Just be careful, Luca. This could get messy.

At the rooftop of a university building, overlooking the city. Leo is sitting on the edge, gazing out at the skyline when Luca approaches quietly.

Luca DiFalco (ML)

Nice view.

Leo Carter (MC)

You again? What’s your excuse this time?

Luca DiFalco (ML)

(smirking) I’m just checking on you. Making sure you’re not getting into too much trouble.

Leo Carter (MC)

(rolling his eyes) And who says I need checking on?

Luca DiFalco (ML)

(serious) You’re in deeper than you realize, Leo. There are things in this city that you don’t see coming until it’s too late.

Leo Carter (MC)

(In a challenging tone) Maybe, but I’m not backing down. I can handle whatever comes my way.

Luca steps closer, his gaze intense.

Luca DiFalco (ML)

(softly) Just know that if you’re with me, you’re not alone in this. But it comes with risks… big ones.

Leo looks into Luca’s eyes, sensing the weight of his words.

Leo Carter (MC)

(nodding) I get it. But I’m not afraid of taking risks. Especially not with you.

In a dark alley near the university, where a group of shady figures are gathered. Eli, unaware of their presence, is walking home alone from a late-night study session.

Shady Figure 1

That’s him. The one who’s been poking around in our networks.

Shady figure 2

Should we teach him a lesson?

The figures begin to follow Eli, their intentions clearly hostile.

Eli Turner(MC's Roomie & hacker buddy)

(to himself, muttering) Why do I feel like I’m being watched?

As the figures close in, Eli’s phone buzzes. It’s a text from Leo, asking if he made it home safely. Eli quickly replies, trying to keep calm.

Leo Carter (MC)

(texting) Just checking in. Are you good?

Eli Turner(MC's Roomie & hacker buddy)

(texting back, worried) Not sure. Something feels off. I’m almost home though.

Eli quickens his pace, not noticing that the figures are getting closer.

End of the episode