A fierce storm thunders over River City, the wind's howl echoing down the empty streets.
But in the warmth of home, Adam lies comfortably as Eli, eyes half-closed, his thoughts undisturbed by the chaos outside.
Lily, breaking the silence, pipes up. "Eli, what do you like to eat the most?"
Adam, still half-drifting, replies, "There's nothing special that I like."
Lily scrunches her face in disappointment. "Ugh, you're so boring! Come on, tell me... do you like any boy?"
Adam's eyes snap open a bit more, irritation flickering in them. "No, I have no interest in boys."
Unfazed, Lily leans closer, a mischievous grin on her face. "Hmm... so, are you interested in girls, then?"
Adam raises an eyebrow, sighing. "Is this what goes on in your mind all the time?"
Lily laughs, leaning back. "It's not just that! I mostly think about magic, you know... and then, maybe, I think a little about boys."
Adam thinks to himself, feeling slightly exasperated. "What on earth is she thinking? I have no interest in knowing."
Lily watches him with a playful glint in her eyes. "By the way, Eli, if you were a boy... I think I'd definitely have a crush on you."
Adam rolls his eyes. "I don't want to hear about this."
Lily sighs, her gaze lingering on him. "Hey, you're the only one I can talk to like this, you know?"
Adam doesn't respond, merely listening as Lily continues her chatter. For a while, he lets her words fill the silence between them.
After some time, Anastasia and Robert return, preparing lunch. Adam joins them at the table, eating in quiet companionship.
When the meal finishes, he lends a hand in the restaurant, helping wherever needed.
As he's surveying the customers, Adam's attention sharpens when he overhears a snippet of conversation from a nearby table.
"Did you hear about what happened in District 4 today?" one customer whispers, leaning closer to his companion.
Another customer nods gravely. "Yes, I heard that a mysterious man killed some gang members there."
A third customer pipes up, "That mysterious man should come here and teach a lesson to the goons in this district too!"
The first customer scoffs. "You think he's some hero? He's probably just another gang member, no one else would have the nerve to stand up to them."
"Who knows?" another replies. "Maybe he's a Royal Knight sent by the King himself, secretly eliminating the scum."
"Whatever he may be, he isn't coming here. The thugs in this area are worse," someone mutters under their breath.
Another chimes in, half-joking, "Who knows? Maybe he's hiding among us, a hero in disguise."
Adam listens quietly, almost amused, when Lily suddenly taps his shoulder. "Eli, what are you listening to so intently?"
He shrugs, ignoring her question, and resumes serving food to the customers. As the day winds down, Anastasia bids him farewell, leaving him alone to tidy up. But Lily isn't done just yet.
"Come with me, Eli!" she exclaims, tugging at his sleeve.
Adam waves her off gently. "Not now, Lily." Before she can protest further, he slips away, heading into the crowded streets.
After a short walk, he finds a secluded alleyway, where he transforms back into his true form, shrouded in black. With quiet resolve, he turns his steps towards the Dockmaster Organization's headquarters.
At the Dockmaster headquarters, Bran and Samoo, along with a few other members, are preparing to leave.
"Boss, did you hear?" Samoo says eagerly, glancing over at Bran. "Rumor has it that some mysterious person dressed in black killed a few members of the Merry Syndicate in District 4. Think it's true?"
Bran's expression darkens at the mention of the mysterious figure. He shoots Samoo a glare. "Can't you stay quiet for once?"
Samoo blinks in surprise, sensing an unusual tension in his boss. "Boss, are you... alright?"
Before he can get an answer, a chilling voice cuts through the air. "Yo, Bran. Did you miss me?"
Bran's face drains of color. Turning around slowly, he sees Adam standing over the lifeless bodies of his other men, Samoo sprawled nearby, gasping for breath. He struggles to speak, but no words come out.
Bran stumbles back, stammering. "Y-you... you're here?"
Adam's gaze pierces through him. "Did you do as I asked, Bran?"
Bran's voice trembles as he fumbles in his pocket and pulls out a document, holding it out with shaking hands. "You... you stirred up trouble in District 4, so I couldn't do much... But here. This document has everything about our organization and the Merry Syndicate."
Adam accepts the document without a word, not sparing Bran a glance. "Don't worry, Bran. I know where you stand."
Bran pleads, voice cracking. "Please, let me go. I'll leave this city for good."
Adam's voice turns icy. "Did you forget already? I told you, Bran. You're mine to command for the rest of your life. Or would you rather die?"
Bran stares at him, despair etched on his face. "Why... why me? What have I done to you? Just kill me already!"
Adam chuckles softly. "Oh, Bran, I know you don't want to die. Which is exactly why you'll keep working for me. And your next task is simple."
Bran's shoulders slump, a flicker of defeat in his eyes. "Another task?"
Adam's smile is as cold as the storm outside. "Yes, my loyal dog. You're going to the headquarters. Tell them you spotted me in District 3's park and bring every senior member you can. Only the big ones. I don't have time for the small fry."
Bran's face pales, mouth dropping open. "Are you serious? What... what are you planning to do?"
Adam's eyes flash with a dangerous glint. "The same thing I did in District 4."
Bran stammers, pleading. "But... the Dockmaster senior members are powerful! Even If I help you, I'll die!"
Adam's voice turns steely. "You don't know your own boss, Bran. But I assure you, there's no one in this city who can take me down."
Samoo, still lying nearby, finds his voice. "Boss, I'll... I'll help with this task. I understand his power. Serving him might just be our safest bet."
Adam gives an approving nod. "Good. Use every contact you have, Bran. And remember, I only want the strong. I don't have time for the rest."
With that, Adam disappears into the shadows, leaving Bran and Samoo in the deserted street, the weight of his command bearing heavily upon them.
Bran turns to Samoo, voice shaking. "You're... really going to follow through?"
Samoo nods, determination in his eyes. "This man… if we align ourselves with him, there might be a brighter future for us yet."