The meeting took place in a dimly lit chamber beneath Ravetham City Hall, an area known only to a select few. It was a relic from the city’s early days, with vaulted ceilings adorned by faded murals depicting forgotten deities. The air carried a faint metallic tang, mingling with the earthy scent of damp stone. A long, polished ebony table occupied the center of the room, its surface reflecting the flickering light of the chamber’s wall sconces. Surrounding it were chairs carved with intricate serpentine designs, a clear nod to Don Cappo’s reptilian nature.
Kaelen sat at one end of the table, his posture relaxed yet exuding an air of control. His violet eyes glimmered in the muted light as he leaned back slightly, arms crossed in a calm but commanding stance. Across from him, Mayor Don Cappo lounged in a throne-like chair. The green-scaled kobold wore a perfectly tailored pinstripe suit, his tail lazily swishing beneath the table. His reptilian eyes glinted with sharp cunning, a reflection of his years handling Ravetham’s political and criminal world.
Reports littered the table, accompanied by holographic projections detailing the destruction wrought by Selene’s mech rampage. The holograms displayed scenes of collapsed buildings, smoldering vehicles, and injured civilians, floating between the two leaders like restless ghosts.
Jason sat to Kaelen’s left, his blond hair disheveled and his blue eyes razor-sharp as he scrolled through financial estimates on a tablet. Draken occupied a nearby chair, his demeanor outwardly neutral but his draconic aura filling the space with tension. Loren stood silently behind Kaelen, her combat maid outfit lending her an air of readiness. The soft clink of the vials strapped to her belt contrasted with the heavy atmosphere of the room.
“So, let me get this straight,” Don Cappo began, his gravelly voice laced with amusement. “You want me to use the city’s emergency fund—money earmarked for infrastructure improvements—and blow it on a PR circus to sweep this mess under the rug?” He gestured at the holograms, his tone as dry as the wine swirling in his glass.
Kaelen’s reply was steady and deliberate. “No. What I’m asking is for the city to act decisively. People lost their homes. Businesses are crumbling. Families are grieving. This isn’t about PR—it’s about stabilizing Ravetham. If we move quickly—silence the media’s sensationalism, compensate victims, and rebuild—we can show people this city takes care of its own.”
Cappo leaned back, flashing a toothy grin. “A touching speech, Valrath. But don’t pretend this is just about the city. You’re cleaning up after your kid, and now you’re dragging me into it. What happens when my rivals figure out where the funds went?”
Jason snapped his head up from his tablet, his tone laced with irritation. “You’re acting like we’re asking you to take the fall. This benefits you too. A stable city is good for business—your business. Or would you prefer to watch the chaos eat into your profits?”
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Before Cappo could respond, a sharp crackle cut through the room, and the heavy stone doors exploded in a shower of dust and light. A golden beam of energy tore through them, leaving only scorched remnants in its wake.
Photon entered the chamber with an almost regal stride. His glowing armor radiated a divine brilliance, and his featureless helm gave him an unsettling, otherworldly presence. Each step echoed ominously, amplifying the tension in the room.
“Kaelen Valrath,” Photon’s voice reverberated, mechanical yet deeply resonant. “You’ve crossed too many lines. The Illuminati will not stand idle while your recklessness endangers the balance. It’s time you faced justice.”
Kaelen stood slowly, his gaze locked on Photon. “Photon,” he said with restrained irritation. “If you’re here to make a point, get to it. I don’t have time for dramatics.”
Photon raised an arm, and glowing glyphs illuminated the chamber. His allies materialized in beams of radiant light. Fernova emerged with her fiery hair flickering like embers, her movements exuding both seduction and danger. Talonman, the Kenku assassin, perched silently, his razor-sharp metallic talons flexing with anticipation. Temptrest stepped forward with primal elegance, as her calm, deep eyes fixed on Kaelen. Territorial, the towering Drow, crossed his arms, his grim expression and earth-shifting presence unmistakable. Finally, Singularity, crackling with electric energy, followed close behind. The disguised Alpha Draconian carried himself with a barely contained power that buzzed through the air.
“This isn’t a negotiation,” Photon continued, his tone unwavering. “You’ve endangered countless lives, ignored boundaries, and now think you can buy your way out. The Illuminati will ensure you face consequences.”
Draken was the first to break the silence, rising from his chair with a smirk. “Oh, fantastic. Cosmic cops. What’s the charge this time? Being too fabulous?”
Jason chuckled but activated his exoskeleton with a flick of his wrist. Loren moved subtly, placing herself between Kaelen and the newcomers, her hands hovering near her vials. Kaelen, however, raised a hand, signaling for restraint.
“Photon,” he said evenly, “if you’re here to lecture me, save it. You want justice? Then don’t worsen the situation. This city’s on edge. Pushing for a fight here won’t help anyone.”
Photon hesitated, Kaelen’s words cutting through his indignation. Behind him, Fernova’s staff began to glow, Temptrest’s cloak shimmered ominously, and Talonman’s talons scraped the table. The tension in the room was palpable, but Photon relented.
“This isn’t over,” he said coldly, signaling for his team to stand down. “When this city burns again, the blame will be yours, Valrath.”
As the Illuminati vanished in streaks of light, the tension lingered like the aftermath of a storm. Cappo broke the silence with a dry laugh.
“Well,” he said, pouring himself another drink. “That was quite the spectacle. But you’re right, Kaelen. If we act fast, clean this up, maybe the city survives another day.”
Kaelen exhaled, his mind already calculating his next move. The game was far from over, but for now, the pieces remained on the board.