Chapter 5: The Counterstrike Begins
6:45 AM – Mercury Plaza, Day 5
The morning wind sliced through Jason’s hoodie as he stood at the far end of Mercury Plaza. This district wasn’t like the student zones or sleepy corners where he’d thrived so far—this was shark territory.
Suits moved like wolves. Everyone walked fast. Eyes locked on screens. No one made small talk.
And right at the heart of it—Flash Brew.
Polished chrome cart. Holographic pricing. Staff in pressed uniforms. Their setup looked like a million-dollar food tech startup.
Jason watched a corporate woman sip their espresso, nod, then smile at a staff member in a Wavetech apron.
> [Competitor Branch: Flash Brew – Day 1 Sales Projection: $4,500]
[Sabotage Risk: Confirmed]
[Targeting: Iron Brew Mercury Launch]
Jason gritted his teeth.
They copied everything—his cart design, pricing tier, and even his drink names. But what really pissed him off was the location—exactly 200 feet from his designated corner.