An alleyway a short distance from Lily's Restaurant, surrounded by shadows on all sides, Bran and Samoo walked in silence. The narrow passage between the buildings muffled the sounds of the bustling city nearby. The only sound that could be heard was the shuffling of their feet against the cobblestones.
At that very moment, Samoo was rubbing his cheeks with his hands. Bran had slapped him hard just a short while ago, and the sting still burned his skin. His pride had been hurt even more.
Samoo: "Boss, are you really serious about that girl Eli? To me, that girl was giving off danger signals. And, I saw how you were looking at her…"
Hearing this, Bran suddenly stopped in his tracks, his broad back tensing. He turned around slowly, his eyes locking on Samoo, piercing him with a deadly gaze.
Bran: "Did I ask for your opinion, Samoo?"
Samoo recoiled, taking an involuntary step back. His boss's reaction sent a shiver down his spine. His voice cracked as he tried to regain composure.
Samoo: "I was just telling you, boss. Robert's family is nothing, but he's been interfering a lot in our matters. If we let someone go like that, people will stop fearing us."
He hesitated, but decided to push on.
Samoo: "And boss, that girl… she can become a problem for us in the future."
Bran stepped forward at the mention of Eli's name, looming over Samoo like a tower. The alley seemed to darken, and Bran's voice dropped to a dangerously low tone.
Bran: "I need to make something very clear, Samoo. Who is your superior here? Who's the upper rank at Dockmaster?"
Samoo stammered, his voice trembling.
Samoo: "Y-you are, boss."
Bran's eyes flashed dangerously as he stepped closer, his towering figure casting a shadow over Samoo.
Bran: "Listen to me, street rat. If you ever mention Eli's name again, or even look at her, I'll feed you to the street dogs. You won't even see it coming. Did you understand me?"
Samoo's face drained of color, his legs threatening to give out beneath him. He nodded frantically.
Samoo: "I understand! I understand, boss!"
Bran's hand shot out and gripped Samoo's shoulder, his fingers digging into the flesh. A surge of mana pulsed through Bran's hand, causing Samoo to wince in pain.
Bran: "I couldn't hear what you said… Speak louder!"
Samoo, now in agony, screamed.
Samoo: "I UNDERSTAND!"
Satisfied, Bran released him and chuckled darkly, wiping his hands as if they were dirty from touching Samoo.
Bran: "That's better. Loyal as ever, like a good little dog. Now get out of my sight."
Bran walked away, his laughter echoing through the alley. Samoo collapsed to the ground, clutching his shoulder. His eyes burned with frustration as he clenched his fist and slammed it into the ground.
Samoo: "One day… I'll show you, boss. Just you wait."
Scene Change: Kol Noble Family Mansion-
In the dimly lit chamber of the *Kol Family Mansion*, the chamber walls were adorned with paintings of long-lost ancestors of the Kol family. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and dust. At the center of the chamber sat a long table, and around it, several figures were seated. Their faces were shrouded in darkness, hidden beneath hoods.
At the head of the table sat Lord Victor Kol, the imposing head of the Kol family, his sharp features and cold eyes reflecting his ruthless ambition. He was in his late forties but carried himself with the confidence of a man in his prime.
Victor Kol: "The Arthor family still clings to their status as founders of RiverCity, but their influence is weakening. They've become nothing more than a symbol."
Seated next to Victor was his sister, Selene Kol, a powerful mage with a reputation for cruelty.
Selene Kol: "We've been eroding the Arthor family's power for years, Victor. Now, they're little more than figureheads. Their so-called 'symbolic influence' is worthless."
Victor nodded, though his gaze was distant. He turned his attention to his younger brother, Dorian Kol, the family tactician.
Victor Kol: "Dorian, what do you have to report?"
Dorian, a man in his late thirties with a shrewd mind, leaned forward.
Dorian Kol: "The lower districts are under our control. The market areas, the merchant guilds… They all answer to us now. We have the underworld firmly in our grasp, through the Merry Syndicate, the Ironclaw Guild, and the Dockmaster Union."
There was a murmur of approval around the table, but Dorian's expression remained serious.
Dorian Kol: "But the Arthors still have one key advantage: the City Guard. Their control over the military gives them the power to challenge us if we move too openly."
Victor's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table as he pondered this. After a long moment, he looked at Dorian again.
Victor Kol: "Do you have a plan to weaken the Arthor's military?"
Dorian paused, weighing his next words carefully.
Dorian Kol: "I do… but it's risky. If we want to truly cripple them, we'll need to incite chaos in their own ranks."
Victor's interest piqued. He leaned forward, the room going silent.
Victor Kol: "Tell me more."
Dorian took a breath before continuing.
Dorian Kol: "We control the 2nd and 4th Districts. My plan is simple: we stage a riot in the 4th District.."
There was a shocked silence in the room. Several members of the Kol family spoke up at once.
Other 's Voice: "A riot? In our own district? Are you mad?"
Dorian smirked, his eyes gleaming with cunning.
Dorian Kol: "That's the difference between me and all of you. I think two steps ahead."
Victor silenced the room with a single gesture, his gaze locking on Dorian.
Victor Kol: "Enough. Let him finish."
The room fell silent once more, all eyes on Dorian.
Dorian Kol: "My plan is very simple..."
Everyone is shocked.
Selene folded her arms and looked at Victor.
Selene Kol: "Victor, it's up to you. Will you approve this plan?"
Victor smiled slowly, a calculating gleam in his eyes.
Victor Kol: "This plan… will ensure our future success. I approve it."