The room is vast, dimly lit by a chandelier hanging far above the large round table. At this table sits Shiro Arcadia, with Hank standing loyally beside him. Around him are seven shadowy figures, their faces obscured by the low lighting, leaving only their silhouettes visible. The air is thick with tension as they discuss matters that would affect not just their businesses but the entire world.
Shiro leans back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of his face, eyes glowing faintly blue as he listens. The council members exchange glances, but no one speaks until Shiro finally opens the meeting.
Shiro: "So, gentlemen, let's address the issue at hand. Hellery Industries... they've grown significantly in medical production lately. I trust you're all aware of why?"
One of the silhouetted figures leans forward slightly, their voice cold and calculated.
Council Member 1: "Hellery Industries' expansion is nothing short of miraculous, especially in the field of medical breakthroughs. Rumors circulate that they've found a way to reverse Phantom Virus symptoms. However, the real issue lies in the underground sector, particularly what's been happening with Phantom X."
Another figure interjects, their voice laced with unease.
Council Member 2: "The smuggling of Phantom X serum. It's spreading like wildfire in the black market, used by criminals and lowlifes. The drug gives them temporary conjuring abilities... extremely unstable ones. And it all leads back to Ronen's underground empire."
Shiro's eyes narrow at the mention of Ronen, though he remains outwardly calm. He turns slightly toward Hank, who shifts in acknowledgment.
Shiro: "Ronen... always a thorn in my side."
Council Member 3: "It's not just Ronen. The spread of Phantom X is destabilizing entire sectors. We're losing control of the situation. People are taking the serum without understanding the consequences—some are turning into monsters before our eyes."
Shiro lets out a small chuckle, though his expression is far from amused.
Shiro: "Monsters? Humanity has been creating monsters long before Phantom X. Ronen is just taking advantage of people's desperation. The real question is, what are we going to do about it?"
The council members murmur among themselves for a moment, voices too low to make out. Finally, another speaks up.
Council Member 4: "If Hellery Industries continues to rise and if Ronen continues his smuggling operation, we could be looking at a full-blown conflict. Phantom X is unpredictable. It's only a matter of time before it becomes a public threat."
Hank clears his throat, stepping forward.
Hank: "We've been monitoring Ronen's movements closely, sir. His reach extends far beyond the black market. He's got ties to several criminal organizations and—"
Shiro raises a hand, cutting him off. His eyes glint with a dangerous light as he addresses the council directly.
Shiro: "Let me make something clear to all of you. Ronen thinks he's playing some grand game, but the truth is, he's just a nuisance. As for Hellery Industries, they've thrived under my investments. Their medical production success is thanks to me. If I wanted to, I could crush them and Ronen in a single move."
The council falls silent, feeling the weight of Shiro's words. No one doubts his ability to make good on his threats.
Council Member 5: "Then what do you propose, Shiro?"
Shiro smirks, leaning forward. His eyes now glowing a brilliant blue, casting an eerie light in the dim room.
Shiro: "Simple. We cut Ronen off at the source. Disrupt his operations, dismantle his networks, and... let him know who really controls this city. As for Hellery Industries... we let them rise, for now. Their success is tied to mine. But the moment they step out of line, I'll remind them who's in charge."
The council members nod in agreement, though some still seem uneasy about Ronen's influence. Shiro rises from his chair, signaling the end of the meeting.
Shiro: "Hank, make the necessary arrangements. And ensure Ronen gets the message."
Hank bows slightly, stepping aside as Shiro walks out of the room, his aura radiating authority and power. The council watches him go, knowing that this game of shadows is only just beginning.
The camera shifts back to the silhouetted figures, the council whispering among themselves, plotting, while the name "Ronen" lingers in the air like a foreboding omen.
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Next Chapter Teaser:
As Shiro prepares to tighten his grip on the underground world, Ronen's schemes grow darker. Meanwhile, Reana Fenir, now fully introduced, finds herself caught in the middle of a dangerous power struggle, unaware of how deep the conspiracies run. And just as things begin to settle, a new, more deadly force emerges—one that threatens to turn the entire city upside down.