Meanwhile, back at the city, a strong perimeter was created around the District Inc. building, with barricades blocking its entrance as plans for repairs were underway.
A day after the events at District Inc., local security forces and investigation agencies had been bribed off, demanding their compliance and discontinuation of the investigations concerning the incident.
The area was sealed off from the public, and officers patrolled around the premises, keeping guard and watching out for any recurring threats. Newspapers and TV reporters flooded the area, eager to interview the man allegedly behind the incident.
"Mr. Briskly... Mr. Briskly..." The voices of reporters struggling for a spot echoed as they pursued Julius Briskly, who was heavily guarded by a group of three hefty men. He had just made his way out of the lower parts of the building, leaving the perimeters set and heading towards his limousine car.
"No comment at this point," one of the bodyguards said as they shielded Briskly, moving on.
They guided him to the car and proceeded to open the door, allowing him to enter before heading for their own ride, the convoy up front.
As Julius settled into the seats of the limo, he came face to face with a menacing figure at the other end. At first, he presumed the dazzling sensation of dimmer lights after being under the sun had taken hold of him, but he soon realized that there really was someone present in the vehicle, flesh and blood.
In a moment of realization, Julius questioned, "How did you get in?"
Coming into view was Viktor Rook, a major figure in the affairs of the syndicate, dressed in a stunning black corporate suit tailored to perfection, with striking black shoes matching his attire.
"Well, let's just say I asked nicely," Viktor replied as he slouched in the chair, crossing his feet along the cushions, his voice tinged with sheer masculinity.
"As you can see, our little show didn't go as planned. I have you to thank for that," Julius bickered bitterly.
"Relax, Briskly. The target on Jon and CREED is still alive. Our mission is far from over. You handle clearing up this mess and reconciling with the trust of the people," Viktor replied.
With the Syndicate's operations now brought to light, a new chapter had arisen in their existence—a group long hidden, now revealed with intentions yet unknown. Julius risked tarnishing his public image, as his reckless act at District Inc. didn't turn out so well.
"I have to devise a plan," Julius muttered.
"If any intel or speculations about what happened begin to circulate, I'll be done for," Julius lamented.
"I have a proposition," Viktor cut in.
"To avert the impending disaster, you should organize a briefing with the press and the public before any speculations arise," Viktor advised.
"You have the upper hand— the money, the power, the influence. We can shape the people's beliefs," he added.
"That is a good idea. Yes, I like it!" Julius replied in excitement, a visible sign of happiness on his face. "We'll arrange it with the press at once!" Julius affirmed.
"The Syndicate has played a major role in helping you attain the position you're in today, but yet no one knows about us. We've been in the shadows for far too long," Viktor vocalized.
"What are you proposing?" Julius asked.
Just then, Viktor smiled and stared cheerfully at Julius, leaving the rest of the scene to play out.
Meanwhile, back at the secret hatch in the lower part of the city, Enzo and Jiele remained in the hideout, with Jiele monitoring several live feeds from the city.
It had been two days since the incident at District Inc., and a briefing had been arranged at the city square. Jiele focused the feed on the city square, as it was the current area of interest. Enzo had retreated to the lab section of the hatch, working on research and conducting experiments.
Finding his way to the podium, Julius stood on an eventful day to give an alleged "full report" to the press and public.
Jiele sat in a chair close to the console, peering intently at the monitor, observing Julius Briskly and the mysterious figures who seemed to be operating behind the platform he stood on.
"Citizens of the city, I am here today to take a stand against those who have oppressed and caused us harm and pain without justification," Julius affirmed.
"What is he talking about?" Jiele muttered to herself from her seat.
"They rise and destroy anyone who stands in their treacherous ways whenever they stand for the truth. We won't allow this any longer," Julius spoke over the monitor.
"This can't be good," Jiele lamented, her eyes glued to the city square live feed displayed on the screen.
"What's going on?" Enzo questioned from behind the counter.
Just then, Enzo walked out from the compartment where he stood and approached the large console, paying close attention to Julius Briskly's words.
"We have stayed silent for far too long. The rebel anomalies shall oppress us no longer!" Julius ranted from the screen.
"A few days ago, I was attacked by an anomaly, an agent of the so-called protectors—CREED. And for the first time in a long time, I truly understood what it was like to be defenseless. I know a man like me can have a lot of enemies, but this one went too far," Julius spoke authoritatively.
"I was in the middle of a meeting aiming at community service when the assailant barged into the room, bursting through the door and drawing arms at me and the board of directors. For all we knew, we were done for. Fortunately, due to the quick and offensive actions of a private firm I hired, we were able to push off the threat," Julius continued over the monitors.
"This special force came to my rescue and was able to suppress the attacker, minimizing the intended harm and damage on me and my companions at the District Inc. building."
"Unfortunately, the attacker managed to escape with his life and is on the run. However, the impact left on the District Inc. building was devastating," Julius conveyed deceptively to the public.
"In regards to this motion, I am here to propose a solution. An answer to our biggest problem..."
Immediately, the curtains behind the stage began to give way, revealing a shady compartment within.
"...I give you the Syndicate Division—SYND!" Julius proclaimed, motioning with his hand towards the back of the stage.
A group of seven armed assailants emerged from behind the curtains, each equipped with heavy gear and weaponry as they marched toward the stage. The members of the Syndicate were now presenting themselves in an alleged sugar-coated version.
"The Syndicate Division, 'SYND,' is a tactical assault and recon squad, equipped with gear and accessories capable of neutralizing or disarming any anomaly target," Julius continued on the stage.
"You wish! You guys are not even half of what a CREED agent is. Jon alone can best the lot of you," Jiele affirmed from her seat.
"This event made me realize how seriously the security of life should be taken. Some of us, granted powers and abilities, unfortunately, are now using them for evil. They have corrupted the image of anomalies in the eyes of the public and walk freely among us."
"However, all that is about to change. I am here to plead with you, the people. None of this can work without your support. Steps are being taken to implement SYND as an official organization. A petition has been provided to register SYND as a functional and private arm of our security forces. All we need is your support. Signing the petition will enact SYND as a legal branch in our armed forces and, in turn, ensure your safety!" Julius affirmed from the podium.
While a minority from the crowd seemed to disagree and jeer at the motion, the majority overshadowed them and cheered loudly in support of the act.
"This is outrageous!" Enzo exclaimed.
"We can't just sit here and let them succeed in spreading these... These lies!" Enzo protested, his anger palpable.
"We can't do much, Enzo. Whatever happens from here, we'll need to be intensively cautious. All anomalies are at risk, including you and me," Jiele reminded Enzo.
"We'll just have to wait. When we get in contact with Jon, I'm sure CREED will do whatever it takes to expose the truth and protect the people," Jiele affirmed, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve.
As the briefing continued, Jiele kept a close eye on the monitors, observing the actions of Julius Briskly and the Syndicate members on stage. She couldn't shake off the feeling of impending danger, sensing that this new development would only serve to escalate the conflicts between anomalies and those who sought to control them.
Enzo, on the other hand, depressingly retreated to his work in the lab, his mind consumed with thoughts of the potential consequences of the Syndicate's rise to power.