The man in black cloak shoots his grappling hook at the building.

Before he could leave, Port asked him, “If this plan is successful, will you allow me to join you guys?”

He grunts, “I’m not the leader, but I’m sure he’ll give it a thought. Since you helped us for stopping Theo, I guess you deserved some merit.”

The mysterious lad presses on and left Port before he could ask more.

Port used his spare key to open unlock the knob. Just as what would a normal civilian would do, behind the door, large appliances were barged on the door keeping intruders to enter the restaurant. He decided to enter the backdoor, but it is still locked. He glanced up to the window and came up with an idea. His gun broke and entered the premises.

He silently walks on the second floor, which is the room for everyone lined. He glanced thoroughly and was careful not to damage any paintings and furniture as he went down.

The entire place was so dark that he didn’t even notice that there was a gun pointed behind him as he walks to the switch to turn the light on. He has been here for many occasions and used to sleep here if he has no money to pay the rent or if he has no place to go besides the Vesoga Plain.

When he presses the lights on, the gun was leaned forward his head. Through the single touch of the head of the gun, he can feel the uncontrollable shaking of the man.

“If you resist, I will not hesitate to put a bullet on your head! Lie down!” he shouted.

Instead of following his orders, Port slowly turns around and saw Henry profusely sweating as he held the gun.

“Port?!”

“Yeah, it’s me. You can put the gun down. Please, you might accidentally kill someone the way you hold it.”

Port unreluctantly guides Henry to hold down his gun and place it on the table.

“I’m so sorry if I freak you out.” Henry apologized.

Port was not completely angry at all. In fact, he’s glad that Henry has the guts to man up for himself. Although he’s worried about Henry’s mental capacity, for all this time, he knew that Henry never once held a gun and fighting is not one of his fortes.

“Seriously man, where have you been?”

“I’ve fixed some strings to loosen my end.”

“Huh? In any case, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been on guard alone throughout the night.”

“Ah-huh. What about the others?” Port asked.

“They’ve fled the city. Ever since the mayor gone nuts, hell break loose. For god’s sake what was he thinking?!” said Henry. He stood and kick the wooden chair.

“What actually did he tell the citizens before this happened?”

“He declared that the city will be under martial law. Said the godforsaken bastard that we’re on national alert. There’s a terrorist group that was involved in destroying that fat-ass Don’s building and quite a few infrastructures. He decided to use Theo’s invention cops to instigate everyone to find out the terrorist that lurking here.”

Port sat down and collect his thoughts for a moment. He did not know any kind of group that has enough guts to take on a big enterprise that has its own army. Kelby Hives has many branches that involve a dozen kinds of transactions, from transporting fruits, beauty products, medicine to inventing weapons. He only knew the only one who can hurt their enterprise that much, The Glade.

Even their suspicion is sound, it’s like finding a ghost amidst hell. He feels something is off with their sudden acts.

“I’m beginning to see a pattern here, and I’m not sure if I’m gonna like it.”

“You said something?”

“Nothing.” Port shook his head. “Where’s Millie and Liam?”

“Upstairs. They’re hiding in the panic room.”

“Good. You should be hiding too.”

“What?!”

“Look, something is going to happen and I’m not overselling that there might be catastrophic events that are gonna happen so soon.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Just hide. Please. Hide in the panic room.”

“What about you?”

“I’m going to prepare. I’m not just gonna sit here and wait for the hell to take over this city.”

Henry holds Port.

“What about we leave this city?”

“What?”

“We should pack up and leave her. Start a new life.”

“Are you nuts? This is our home. I’m not just gonna let that shitbag ruin this city where we grew up.”

“It’s – It’s a big risk! Can’t you see it?! This city is going to become a ruin. It’s going to destroy our everyone’s lives.”

There was a pause. Behind his retorts, he knows what’s the right thing to do for all of them, but he can’t just allow to let the enemy to win over his city. It was nothing less than a man’s pride, but as a citizen and warrior who can make a difference in this hell.

“No. If no one’s gonna stand up to stop their evil doings, they will continue to their evil bidding until no one can stop them anymore.”

“And what about us?”

“You have money. You have friends you turn to help.”

Henry sighed. “Why can’t you change your mind just once?”

“I have no choice.”

“You do have a choice.”

Port walks across the barstool and to the manager’s office.

“The man got to do what he has to do.”

“Fuck.” Henry said.

He picked up the gun and went to the underground chamber. This time he’s going to go all out. He never wanted to be like this, to be a thief, a mercenary, and lastly a lapdog.

He can still remember back then when he was a child, he would’ve to steal food for him to have a full stomach. He joins various gangs until it led him here to his current state.

Henry, his friend, was once too homeless, his father died due to a gang fight, his mom, well, she did not end up well. She became a prostitute. Henry never knows what’s the job of his mom, not until she died outside the bar she was working at. Since that, Port is the one who looked at him. How could possibly a spoiled kid would be able to survive the harsh reality outside his luxurious zone.

Port is the one who helped him to get through this point, and in return, he gave him a home that he never thought he could hope of. Even though he only visits once in a while, he never allowed Port to feel like an outsider despite the achievement he received.

Now, that things have turned upside down, Port can’t wag his tail on something he had involved to help bring a disaster to this breaking point. Knowing that this is a one-way trip, he must equip himself with powerful weapons and artifacts.

He may not know any kind of magic, but he has artifacts that can boost his physical prowess and allow him to level up to the enemy’s aptitude, or so what he assumed. He saw what happened back in the Vesoga Plain, Theo executes out of ordinary abilities. That terrifying scene had left him a chill that still crawls by just imagining it. Comparing himself to him, it would look like trying to crack an egg at its ends, which it’s nearly impossible, nearly. Besides, he’s not gonna fight alone, some people can help him accomplish his goals.

He is sure that they won’t deny his request, especially this time, they’re facing a national threat that could wipe out everyone in this city. Port tightened the leash of his braces and the armor that carried his guns and his ammo.

Clad in various artifacts, Port marched outside with a determined face daring to face anyone.