An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

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.

by several of his personal guards, stepped out. He immediately recognized the uniforms they wore

had taken over, the City Defenders had undergone a complete restructuring. All officials linked to

no longer useful to him. However, it was clear that Huxley had already planted

Poseidon sent us to assist you,” Mulder said

“Poseidon?”

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

sworn enemy

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

situation, only a force as powerful

get us

“Of course.”

forward to present a City Defender uniform

on and come with us. We’ll get you out of the

at his four guards. “What about

fate

a few extra sets of clothes. Is it really

five-what difference did it make? They were all just trying to survive, so a little flexibility shouldn’t be too

not just about the uniforms,” Mulder said. “Even if I could get

“Why not?” Kalen frowned.

one 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 of Celestria won’t

“You little-”

doesn’t matter. As long as you can get Sir Prescott out of the city safely, we’ll figure out the rest on our

turned to Warrick and said, “We