The air was thick with disbelief as everyone in the square stared, wide-eyed, at Adam.
His masked face and silent demeanor were unsettling, and his actions had left a shocking impact on everyone present.
As Adam turned his gaze to the remaining thugs, a wave of fear washed over them.
They tried to crawl away, but every slight movement brought them sharp, unrelenting pain.
Panic took over as they whimpered, desperately trying to escape Adam's approach.
Adam drew his sword with a fluid, calm motion, and in a matter of seconds, he dealt with each one, cutting them down without a hint of hesitation.
The people in the crowd watched in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of awe and terror.
No one dared to speak or even move.
When it was over, Adam slid his sword back into its sheath, turned, and walked away, leaving behind the carnage and an atmosphere of eerie calm.
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room at the headquarters of the Merry Syndicate, news of the attack in District 4 had already reached the senior members.
Tension hung heavy in the room as the eight members gathered around a table under a single, dim light.
One member, seated at the center, spoke first. "Did anyone find out what happened today?"
Another member, seated across the table, replied, "As far as we know, some mysterious person is interfering with our operations in District 4. This stranger announced publicly that no one should pay us protection fees anymore."
A third member leaned forward. "Do we know who this person is?"
"Our ground network is working on it, but we have little information so far," replied the second member.
One of the members, skeptical, suggested, "Could this be the work of the Arthur family?"
The second member shook his head, uncertain. "We can't say for sure, but we're looking into any possible connection to that family."
The fourth member chimed in, his tone grim. "We need to inform the Kol family about this as well. If the Arthurs are involved, they'll need to handle this properly."
A sixth member sighed in frustration. "If this was a one-time incident, it wouldn't affect our operations much, but if it continues, our entire plan could be in jeopardy."
The eighth member added darkly, "You're all focused on the plan, but I can see a future where the people no longer fear us. That would be disastrous."
The first member nodded. "Send details about this mysterious person to all our operatives. Make sure everyone knows that if they see him, they are to report back to headquarters. Only groups of ten or more should engage him; otherwise, they must retreat."
The boss of the Merry Syndicate sat at the head of the table, his face hidden in shadows, speaking for the first time. "We need to catch him—immediately."
The room fell silent as the members absorbed his words and nodded in agreement.
Kol Family Mansion-
In the dimly lit chamber of the Kol family mansion, Victor, the head of the Kol family, sat with his brother, Dorain. A glint of ambition and malice reflected in Dorian's eyes.
"Victor, the day is near. Soon, we'll rule this city, and our final plan—so crucial for the kingdom—will succeed."
Victor, his voice more cautious, replied, "Don't count your victories before they're won, Dorian. We've waited years for this revenge against the king and those noble families. We'll take it, but patience is key."
A knock interrupted them, drawing their attention. Victor called out, "Come in."
A servant in black stepped into the room, bowing slightly. "Sir, there is an emergency report from District 4, from the Merry Syndicate."
Victor's face tightened with concern. "What does it say?"
"Sir, the syndicate was conducting an operation when it was interrupted by a mysterious individual. He killed seven of their men in public and announced that no one should pay the protection fees."
Victor stood up, fury in his voice. "How is this possible? I personally struck a deal with the Arthur family head, promising no interference in exchange for leaving their members alone. Has that old fool gone back on his word?"
Victor clenched his fists, pacing the room as he muttered, "This is a troubling development. We must deal with it swiftly, or we risk losing control."
Dorian looked at the servant and said, "Send word to the syndicate and other allied groups. I want this mysterious individual found at all costs. Victor, we may need to have a talk with the Arthur family."
The servant nodded and exited, disappearing into the shadows of the corridor.
Arthur Family Mansion-
In the Arthur family mansion, Alaric was engrossed in his work in the library when a knock sounded on the door. He looked up, calling, "Come in."
Gavin and Roland entered the room, accompanied by a city guard.
Alaric's gaze shifted from his work, curiosity piqued. "What's the matter? You all arrived together."
The guard stepped forward. "Sir, there has been an incident in District 4."
Alaric leaned forward, a serious expression crossing his face. "What kind of incident?"
The guard explained, "Some thugs were harassing the citizens there when a mysterious person arrived, killed the thugs brutally, and told the people not to bow to any gang members."
Alaric's brows furrowed. "Are any of our people involved in this?"
Gavin seemed momentarily surprised by his father's question but replied, "No, Father. Our investigation so far shows no involvement from our side."
Alaric's gaze turned sharp as he looked at Gavin. "Are you sure you're not responsible for this?"
Gavin straightened, a hint of frustration in his voice. "No, Father. I wouldn't go against your orders."
Alaric nodded thoughtfully. "Then set up a meeting with the Kol family. We need to make it clear that we had no hand in this."
Gavin and Roland exchanged uneasy glances. Gavin couldn't help but protest, "Father, why should we tell them? This act is in our favor. We should be glad."
Alaric's voice hardened. "Gavin, don't question me. Just do as you're told."
Gavin and Roland fell silent, surprised by the unyielding tone in Alaric's voice. Neither had seen this side of him before.