The afternoon sun cast a dim orange glow over the sprawling city as Adonis slipped through the bustling streets, his thoughts fixed on one target: The Elysian Gazette. With the information he had gathered earlier about their connection to Wolf & Co., it was clear that this newspaper company held the key to unlocking Burban Wolf's hidden dealings. But there was more to it than just business ties. As someone who hailed from a different world, a world with modern technology and information systems, Adonis recognized signs that the people of this world—especially those in positions of power—did not.
Moving from one source to another, he pieced together the story. Employees whispered of strange dealings, unusual payments that never appeared on public records, and articles that suspiciously swayed public opinion. Some of the older journalists had disappeared without a trace after reporting on certain topics, and the new recruits seemed too eager to toe the company line.
By the time the sun had set and the city lights flickered on, Adonis had gathered enough to confirm his suspicions. The Elysian Gazette was more than just a newspaper. They were deeply involved in controlling information, shaping narratives, and hiding certain truths from the public eye. This web of influence stretched even further than the Council realized, and Adonis was uniquely positioned to exploit it.
Sitting in a dimly lit corner of a tavern, Adonis sifted through his notes. He couldn't help but notice the glaring signs that no one from this world seemed to grasp. The unusual financial records, the precise timing of certain articles, and the subtle manipulation of public sentiment all pointed to a well-coordinated operation that would be obvious in the world he once knew. The people here lacked the tools and perspective to recognize these patterns, but Adonis, with his knowledge of modern Earth, could see it all clearly.
"This is bigger than the Council suspects," he muttered under his breath. "They think Burban Wolf is just a businessman with shady dealings. They don't realize that The Elysian Gazette is pulling the strings on a much grander scale."
Adonis leaned back, a slow smile forming on his lips. If the newspaper company was involved in such deep manipulation, it meant they had a lot to lose—and a lot they wanted to keep hidden. This presented a perfect opportunity. He could blackmail them, subtly, of course. Not for personal gain, but to set in motion his escape from the city. If he played this right, he could stage his own death, convince the Council and the world that Adonis was no longer a threat, and disappear into the shadows to start anew.
He folded his notes and began crafting a plan in his mind. The first step was simple: pressure The Elysian Gazette. He needed to hint that he knew something dangerous, something that could bring their entire operation crashing down. In return, they would help him manipulate the public and the Council. They could plant the story of his tragic demise, ensuring that he vanished without a trace. In exchange, they would get to keep their secrets, and he would secure a new identity far from the reach of those who sought to control him.
As Adonis finished his drink, he could already see the pieces of his plan falling into place. With The Elysian Gazette under his thumb, he could pull the strings in the background, ensuring that the Council believed whatever narrative he wanted them to believe. At the same time, he could exploit Burban Wolf's own secrets, using the businessman's illegal dealings to secure the funding he needed to leave the city—and perhaps the country—without a trace.
The next step would involve setting up the machinery to generate income from Wolf's operations. If he could siphon enough resources into a private account, he would be financially secure when he left the city. There would be no need to return, no need to look back.
Satisfied with the day's work, Adonis stood and made his way back to his apartment. His steps were steady, his mind buzzing with the possibilities of his plan. He had come a long way from the confusion and disorientation he felt upon waking up in this world. Now, with his abilities from the Chains Path and his knowledge of modern Earth, he was beginning to carve out his own destiny.
Once back at his apartment, Adonis slipped off his coat and glanced out the window at the sprawling city below. His fingers absentmindedly traced the intricate patterns of his Chains Path abilities. He knew he had to be cautious; the Council's eyes were always watching, but with the power he held now, he could manipulate events without ever drawing direct suspicion.
The room was silent except for the ticking of a wall clock in the corner, a reminder of time's ever-forward march. He had no idea how much of it he had left in this city, but Adonis intended to make the most of it.
He crawled into bed, a rare sense of calm washing over him. The pieces were all in place. The Elysian Gazette, Burban Wolf, the Council—each of them was a pawn in his game now, and before long, he would be ready to set his plan into motion.
Before his eyes closed, he murmured to himself, "By the end of the month... I'll be free."
With that final thought, sleep claimed him, and the wheels of fate continued to turn in the shadows.