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.

He immediately recognized the uniforms they wore

the City Defenders had undergone a complete restructuring. All officials linked to Huxley had been

contacts were no longer useful to him. However, it was clear that Huxley had

Prescott, Lord 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 of

to the Hall of Gods. To them, such dealings

second thought, given their dire situation, only a force as powerful

a way to get us out?” Warrick asked

“Of course.”

men stepped forward

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

glanced at his four guards.

fate is none of

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

They were all just trying to survive, so a little flexibility

Mulder said. “Even if I could get more,

“Why not?” Kalen frowned.

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 if we get exposed, getting out of Celestria won’t

“You little-”

to argue when one of his comrades held him back and said, “Our safety doesn’t matter. As long as you can get Sir Prescott out of the city

He turned to Warrick