An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

As night deepened, the streets were nearly empty under the city’s full lockdown, save for uniformed patrols. The few civilians who were out walked hurriedly, afraid of drawing trouble.

At that moment, a ten-man patrol unit approached the small courtyard where Warrick was hiding.

Leading them was Mulder Frank, a burly man with a buzz cut. After ensuring the street was clear, he stepped forward and knocked on the courtyard door.

The knocking followed a distinct rhythm, like a secret code. After the first knock, there was no response, so he knocked twice more.

On the third knock, the gate finally creaked open a crack. A shadowed figure inside revealed only half their face and muttered in a low, deep voice, “The sun shines bright in the sky.”

Without missing a beat, Mulder responded, “I raise my glass and ask the blue sky.”

It was the secret code they had set up beforehand.

“Come in, gentlemen. Sir Prescott has been expecting you.”

The courtyard door swung open, and Kalen gestured for them to enter.

Mulder nodded and led his team inside.

Once they were all in, Kalen poked his head out to scan the street. After confirming that there was nothing suspicious, he quickly closed the door.

At that moment, the residence door opened.

Warrick, accompanied by several of his personal guards, stepped out. He immediately recognized the uniforms they wore as those of the City Defenders.

City Defenders had undergone a complete restructuring. All

However, it was clear that Huxley

Lord Poseidon sent us to assist

“Poseidon?”

had all

enemy of

to the Hall of Gods. To them, such dealings bordered

given their dire situation, only a force as powerful as the Hall of Gods could get them safely out

have a way to get us out?” Warrick

“Of course.”

men stepped forward to present a City Defender uniform with

“Put this on and come with

Warrick glanced at his four guards.

orders were to escort you alone. Their fate is none of my concern,”

few extra sets of clothes. Is it really that big of a deal?” Kalen couldn’t

were all just trying to

said. “Even if I could

“Why not?” Kalen frowned.

of you

“You little-”

held him back and said, “Our safety doesn’t matter. As long as you can get Sir Prescott out of the city safely, we’ll figure out the

Warrick and said, “We don’t