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.

taken over, the City Defenders had undergone a complete

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

Poseidon sent us to assist you,” Mulder said with a

“Poseidon?”

glanced at one another, and their faces betrayed their shock. They had all heard of Poseidon

enemy of West

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

given their dire situation, only a force as powerful

way to get us

“Of course.”

his men stepped forward to present a City Defender

said. “Put this on and come with us. We’ll get you out

glanced at his four

fate

a few extra sets of clothes. Is it really that big

They were all just trying to survive, so a little flexibility shouldn’t be too much

“Even if I could get more,

“Why not?” Kalen frowned.

extra spot, just enough for Sir Prescott. If the rest of you try to blend in, it’ll raise suspicion. And if we get exposed, getting out

“You little-”

As long as you can get Sir

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