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.

guards, stepped out. He immediately recognized the uniforms they wore as those

Defenders had undergone a complete restructuring. All

Warrick’s former contacts were no longer useful to him. However, it was clear that Huxley had already planted inside agents within

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

“Poseidon?”

their shock. They had all heard of Poseidon one of the four royal Gods of the Hall of

sworn enemy of West

have ties to the Hall of Gods.

situation, only a force as powerful

get

“Of course.”

forward to present a City

made the necessary arrangements,” Mulder said. “Put this on and come with

uniform?” Warrick glanced at his four

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

really that big of a deal?” Kalen

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

about the uniforms,” Mulder said. “Even if I

“Why not?” Kalen frowned.

patrol unit has a 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

“You little-”

matter. As long as you

nodded and said nothing. He turned to Warrick and said, “We