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.

his personal guards, stepped out. He immediately recognized the

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

clear that Huxley

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

“Poseidon?”

faces betrayed their shock. They had all heard of

sworn enemy of West

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

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

a way to get us

“Of course.”

stepped forward to present a City Defender uniform

come

Warrick glanced at his four

you alone. Their fate

few extra sets of clothes. Is it really that big of a deal?” Kalen

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

the uniforms,” Mulder said. “Even if I could get more, I wouldn’t give

“Why not?” Kalen frowned.

fixed number of men. I’ve secured 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,

“You little-”

of his comrades held him back and said, “Our safety doesn’t matter. As long as you can get

nothing. He turned to Warrick and