The dark skies over Arcadia are beginning to shift, mirroring the quiet tension spreading through the underground world. In a sleek, ultra-modern office, Shiro stands at a window overlooking the city, his hands clasped behind his back. His reflection in the glass reveals a calm expression, but there's a sharpness in his eyes, a calculating mind already putting pieces into place.
Behind him, Hank enters the room, closing the door softly. "We've received word," Hank says. "Selene's back on her feet. No permanent damage."
Shiro doesn't turn around. "Good. I expected nothing less from her. But that encounter was a warning, Hank. Ronen is getting bolder."
Hank crosses the room, standing next to Shiro, who continues to gaze out the window. "The man's always been bold, but we've never seen him move this openly before."
Shiro's gaze sharpens. "It means he's confident. Confident enough to challenge us in the open."
Hank remains silent, waiting for Shiro to continue. Finally, Shiro speaks again, his voice cold and deliberate. "The smuggling of Phantom X wasn't random. Ronen's making a play for power, and we need to be ready for whatever comes next."
"Are we pulling the trigger on the next phase?" Hank asks, his voice steady but laced with anticipation.
Shiro turns to face him, his demeanor calm but his eyes burning with intent. "Yes. It's time we stop playing defense. We move on Ronen's allies. Start with the syndicates in the lower districts. Hit them hard, send a message. I want every one of his resources cut off."
Hank nods, but there's a glint of curiosity in his eye. "What about the Council? They'll start asking questions if we move too fast."
Shiro gives a faint smile. "Let them ask. They won't interfere once they realize how high the stakes are."
Hank steps back, ready to leave and set things in motion. But before he can reach the door, Shiro speaks again, softer this time. "And Hank... make sure Selene knows her next assignment. She'll be in charge of taking down the Ghost Market. I trust her to handle it."
Hank nods once more and exits the room, leaving Shiro alone with his thoughts.
---
Cut to: The Ghost Market
The infamous Ghost Market is located in the slums of Central City, a sprawling underground bazaar where illegal goods, weapons, and experimental serums like Phantom X are traded in secret. The dark, narrow alleyways are lined with vendors selling everything from high-tech weaponry to black-market pharmaceuticals. It's a lawless zone, where only the strongest survive.
Selene, her silver hair now tied back in a sleek ponytail, walks through the dimly lit streets with purpose. She's dressed in a black combat suit, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of trouble. Beside her, two other Arcadia operatives move in sync, their faces hidden behind masks. They're here to send a clear message—Arcadia controls the market now.
As they move deeper into the market, they catch sight of a man standing in the center of a small square, surrounded by a group of enforcers. He's a known associate of Ronen, one of his key suppliers. Selene motions for her team to spread out and prepare for an ambush.
The man, Rasmus, leans casually against a market stall, unaware of the Arcadians closing in on him. He's in the middle of negotiating a deal with a client when Selene steps forward, her eyes cold and focused.
"Rasmus," she calls out, her voice cutting through the noise of the market.
Rasmus turns, his eyes narrowing as he recognizes her. "Arcadia," he sneers, stepping back instinctively. "What the hell do you want? This is neutral ground."
"Not anymore," Selene replies, her tone icy. "This market is now under Arcadia's protection. Your dealings with Ronen end here."
Rasmus laughs bitterly, his enforcers stepping forward, weapons drawn. "You think you can just walk in here and take over? Ronen owns this place. You're making a mistake, lady."
Selene's lips curl into a dangerous smile. "No. The mistake was thinking Ronen could protect you."
Before Rasmus can react, Selene and her team spring into action. One of the operatives lunges forward, disarming the closest enforcer with a swift strike, while another conjures a barrier of energy to block incoming fire. Selene herself moves with deadly precision, her dagger flashing in the dim light as she cuts through Rasmus's defenses.
The fight is short and brutal. Within moments, Rasmus is on his knees, his enforcers either dead or incapacitated. Selene stands over him, her dagger dripping with blood.
"You're going to send Ronen a message," she says, her voice low but filled with menace. "Tell him that Arcadia is done playing games. His reign over the underground is coming to an end."
Rasmus glares up at her, blood trickling from a wound on his face. "You're making a big mistake," he hisses. "Ronen will destroy you."
Selene leans down, her eyes glowing faintly with conjure energy. "Let him try."
With that, she steps back, nodding to her team. They leave Rasmus broken and bleeding in the center of the square, the Ghost Market now firmly under Arcadia's control.
---
Cut to: Ronen's Lair
Deep in a hidden underground chamber, Ronen sits on a throne of black stone, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. He receives the report from one of his lieutenants, a smirk playing on his lips as he listens.
"Arcadia's making moves," the lieutenant says, his voice cautious. "They've taken the Ghost Market, and Selene... she sent a message."
Ronen's smile widens, but there's no warmth in it. "Good. Let them think they've won a battle."
He rises from his throne, his black sword gleaming in the firelight. "It's time we show Arcadia what real power looks like."
End of the current chapter..