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.

enforcement team had taken over, the City Defenders had undergone a complete restructuring. All officials

to him. However, it was clear that Huxley had already planted inside agents within the

us to assist you,” Mulder

“Poseidon?”

guards glanced at one another, and their faces betrayed their shock. They had all heard of Poseidon one of the four royal Gods

enemy

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

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

have a way to get us out?”

“Of course.”

and one of his men stepped forward to present a

the necessary arrangements,” Mulder said. “Put this on and come with us. We’ll get you out

Warrick glanced at his four

Their fate

really

it make? They were all just trying to survive, so a little

“Even if I could get more, I wouldn’t give them

“Why not?” Kalen frowned.

Sir Prescott. If the rest of you try

“You little-”

one of his comrades held him back and said, “Our safety doesn’t matter. As

and said nothing. He turned to Warrick and said, “We don’t have much time.