Stervy was reading about a set of details. One of which was a case of an employment abuse that went viral. Normally he wouldn't be involved but the issue is that the Gambit King's company just acquired the employee. A social media influencer who had a contract with another company but now signed with Four Card Talents. Brianna Swerve. Social media followings of nearly half a million but her recent streams were said to be lack cluster. Just reading it? The company did not pay her the dues, sponsorships not going through for her. That and the sudden set of death threats. She left her company for Four Card Talents. Doing better but the previous company was going to sue. That and they had a full video of the other influencers who Brianna was friends with, be used as a means to declare the company's stance. Revealing an issue she had with mental health out in the blue. Despite it being confidential.
The hate comments filling up the social media pages despite her loyal fans fighting to protect her. They did sue on one capacity and she fought back. Lost the case but there was another issue that reached Stervy's ears. The judges were bought by the company. Mahra Talent Agency. Glancing at the details, Gambit King placed Brianna in the care of Stervy's territory. Which meant things were getting heated. It was crazy because people who were loyal to Mahra Talent Agency called her a traitor and would do everything and anything to bother her. Even overseas fans had shown up to in support to bother her. A bottle thrown at her during a press conference, along with rotten fruits.
"Sheesh. I knew people were fanatic but this? This is just crazy." Stervy spoke out loud as he went to check the pot by the kitchen stove. Some good old cream of mushroom soup, stirring the pot to check the consistency. It wasn't going to be super thick but not thin enough that it looks like water. A glance at the oven that was toasting the garlic bread he had just made. It was going well, then he heard the door open.
Brianna stepped out in her night gown, seemingly a little dazed to what was going on. Her hazel hair resting by the back of her hips. Rubbing her eyes. She looked like a cat to Stervy. Her eyes widened, a growl of her stomach. Then her eyes locked with Stervy who just sat by the counter with his laptop.
Brianna screamed as she ended up tripping, where Stervy climbed over the counter and caught her by the hand. As gentle as he could be with her. Any stronger and she would break. Mainly because in terms of physical strength, being an Enforcer opened up a lot more power in that department.
"Easy. Your manager dropped you off here because your apartment got broken into a couple of times. So relax."
"Ah, sorry but who are you?"
"Just a stranger. Made some soup and garlic bread. You can eat it first." Stervy heard the fax machine go off. Pretty old school stuff, but the details? It highlighted a lot of death threats. One of which was a case where her parents got involved. Including her younger sister. The parents had been stormed by the people who had a grudge with Brianna at the work place. The sister being stormed over by fans in her school.
"Your family got involved in this. Your manager's getting them out and coming here." Stervy said as he checked the window, seeing people standing outside. Flocking over with details. Dialing a number. Her face was a little uncomfortable, about to fall apart again but then again who can blame her?
"Yeah, make sure the manager takes the back entrance. Seems like some annoying bastards followed us here. What did the boss say?" Brianna kept her eyes locked on his figure, seeing the scars over his shoulders and neck. Then the tattoos spiraling about. A pack of birds on the right shoulders. With chains that spiraled about from it. An eagle, a falcon, a raven and a secretary bird.
"Got it. So send them to the hospital but nothing more. Since this is bodyguard duty." Stervy said as he let out a sigh. The rest of Brianna's family and her manager, came where Stervy glanced at the Book Keeper who accompanied them. Glancing out the window to see men in suits stepping out, things were ramping up. Some of them began cocking guns. Three of them fired into the air.
"WE KNOW THE BITCH'S THERE! BRING HER OUT AND NOBODY HAS TO DIE!"
"Keep them safe." Stervy spoke as he grabbed his katana.
"Wait, isn't it dangerous! They're using guns!" Stervy shrugged it off. Parking a cigarette to his lips, scratching his head as he took the stairs. One thing he hated about living at the 5th floor? Was the damned stairs. Cardio was a chore for him since Stervy had to do so much of it to increase his speed stat.
"Can't walk around with a cigarette in my mouth. But why the fuck is this a habit now?" Stervy spat out the cigarette to a nearby dumpster, stretching his neck as he stepped forth before the eyes of many. The men in suits pointed their guns at him. All they could see was Stervy moving close. A first step as they fired their guns, then dashing forward with the blade drawn. One big slash that turned heads into fountains. Bullets searched his body for a home with hopes to graze or wound him. only near misses, before they would touch his flesh. They would find a wall that stopped them dead in their trajectories.
Brianna watched his footwork, like a dancer taking the stage. It wasn't tap dancing but like ballroom foxtrot. The katana was his partner, seeing how calm he was despite the gunfire. It had a rhythm to it. Slow, quick, quick, slow. Slow with the first step, then going in quick with the slash. A stab to the throat as the blade pierced right through, Stervy twirled with the gurgling man as he pulled out the blade. A genuine performance with that calmness.
A gunman was reloading the rifle, only to meet Stervy's scabbard right in the face. Then followed by slamming the head next to a car, breaking the neck instantly. Seeing the air exhaled from his lungs forming small clouds. A short moment to catch his breath as the gunmen continued their onslaught when they finished their reloads. Panic had set in as their aim was getting worse, missing every shot. Fear had sunken into their hearts as the grimace became the last thing that they saw. The last attack? Stervy left marks on their bodies with his blade, snapping his fingers as the wounds burst open, letting them bleed out on the road. Sirens signaled that police were coming, where Stervy just wiped the blood of his blade with a swing. Then taking a moment to glance if there were any rolls or sorts of deformation. Blood stains on his sleeveless hoodie, he just sheathed the blade and held it by the scabbard. Tying it with a knot as he put the katana on the hood of a nearby car. Raising his hands as police officers came over.
Instead of arresting him, they just had a relaxed conversation. The police officers dealt with the aftermath, letting Stervy go. The citizens who saw this weren't surprised, mainly because they noticed the pin.
"Who is he? Wouldn't the police arrest him?"
"Not in Hazenkor. Enforcers like him are considered apart of the law. That's because the metropolis owes a lot to the Gambit King. Corruption got rooted and if there's signs of corruption, the police commissioner, the mayor and governor gave us the right to handle it. It's just how things go." The Book Keeper answered Brianna's question.
"He's an Enforcer? But... He doesn't... Seem like one."
"Don't compare me to my younger brother, Shady Enforcer now. And for the record, I'm the better looking brother." Stervy joked as he put the katana on a rack, taking off his hoodie as he threw it in the washing machine. Heading in for a quick shower. They could hear him singing in the shower. Brianna turned to her family who was a little confused but the Book Keeper brought them bowls of mushroom soup and the garlic bread that Stervy had made.
Slapping a towel on his head. Wrapping the towel on his head as he glanced at Brianna's family enjoying the mushroom soup and the garlic bread. He could hear the crunch from his room. They were enjoying the taste, Stervy stepped out as he stretched his neck. The sight of Stervy's bare chest made Brianna and her sister a little unnerved, seeing the chains that spiraled all around. Then seeing the words 'Blood Crane' written on his left chest, with the secretary bird that had a katana in the mouth, with its long quill like feathers stained in blood.
He took a seat by the countertop which was a few steps away from the dining table. Looking at the information on his laptop, where he read details about a group of gangsters who wielded katanas. Unlike the other gangs, they were protecting a certain part of the city. Despite not being affiliated with any other gang, Stervy found them interesting. Their name?
Shadow Wolves Association. Stervy turned to the Book Keeper.
"What do you know about the Shadow Wolves Association?"
"It's a small group. No more than a hundred men. They were originally one of the biggest associations but the Shady Enforcer put them down because the former head was involved with assassination of the late Gambit King. In terms of character, they were known for being ruthless. Taking in protection jobs and the like. Skilled with their own unique style of martial arts, The Shady Enforcer once called their blades beautiful like blossoming flowers. The current leader is a young man, the youngest of the Shadow Wolf's lineage. Only 21 years old but he changed how the group is perceived. They are protectors first and are on good terms with the current Gambit King. But lacking an Enforcer in their ranks means that they also tend to get into trouble with a lot of gangs. Gambit provides support in man power and Book Keepers but they keep to themselves often." Glancing at how the members of Shadow Wolves always had the wolf jaws painted on their necks. Wearing black shirts with black coats. The videos of what he found on the search engine? It showed why Raven would say they were beautiful. Unlike Stervy's sword play that was based on Yamato, the legendary painter. They were making flowers bloom with their blades, a signature that they had? It was leaving flower marks on their victims.
Shadow Wolves Association.
Recruitable. *High Difficulty*
If you recruit them you gain access to new allies.
Shadow Wolf Boss(SSR Ally) Skill granted
Blossoming Flowers Swordsmanship. *A unique swordsmanship. Increases Fissure + New status 'Blossom' leaving targets with doubled Fissure + Bleed + Fracture count. Shadow Wolf Elites (SR ALLY) Shadow Wolf Steps : Silences footsteps. Increases damage against enemies that are unaware Shadow Wolf Regulars (R Ally) Wolf Pack : when moving as a group, Shadow Wolves gain higher damage resistance and increased 'Blossom' effect chances of landing on enemies.
Your skills as Section 6 Stiletto have been added.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Stiletto A hidden blade doesn't mean that it won't be used.
Increased damage on surprise attacks. Case Management When in situations that require full on combat, you gain 50% increased speed and 25% increased dexterity in weapon handling. The Bloodied Stiletto A name earned. One that is from the Stiletto that is tainted by blood.
Increased attack power up to 25% Fissure count now stacks with each attacks. Multiple slashes on enemies to develop fissure and snap of the finger to maximize damage output. Fissure count does not last forever, so make sure you take the opportunity when it comes. Information Specialist You can now discern truths from the lies. You can read through plenty of information without being tired. Building profiles easily on factions, faction affiliations and the like.
You now have access to a book that allows you to record the details.
Innate Skills (New ones that have formed)
The True Painter Your blade is a brush and each stroke leaves its mark. You have mastered the Horizon Slaying Blade. *Sovereign version of your regular Sky Cleaver Technique* The Realized Possibility Increases your capability in Causalities. Your Sovereign Title is The Horizon Slayer.
Stervy read those details with a sigh, then glancing at the Shadow Wolves data he had in the laptop. Finding a book by his side as he began to scribble all the details. They were in his territory right now.
"Keep them safe here. I'm going to pay the Shadow Wolves a visit." Stervy shut his laptop and grabbed his katana.
"Yes, Enforcer. By the way... Some people are calling you the Dancing Enforcer with today's events. Are you fine with that?"
"That's fine by me. Besides, my kid brother operated in the shadows... Not by choice. It was something he needed to do." Stervy said as he stepped out of the house. Making his way by walking through the streets. All eyes were on his pin and the katana in his hand. Holding it by the scabbard, a unique way but that had to be due to this Causality's personality that was injected into him. So far there were no cases of rejections yet but he couldn't help but be worried.
Making his way through as officers merely gave him a brief nod out of respect. Then making his way to the Shadow Wolves HQ, only to hear gunfire. Seeing a Shadow Wolf member limping out with gunshot wounds. Stervy went straight to him, cutting the top part of his hood and slashing it to smaller pieces as he helped the man.
"Get away. You're not supposed to be here." Turning to a few men with guns walking over.
"The Shadow Wolves will be defeated today... When you're crushed. We'll take on that Enforcer next!" Stervy put the man to the side and drew his blade. Letting out a sigh.
"I just wanted to meet the Shadow Wolves but guess I'm not getting any rest today either."
"Heh, what are you supposed to b-" Stervy moved in quick, slashing the head off the smug faced gangster. An elbow to the next man's face, then smashing the skull with the scabbard. Kicking headless gangster back, going in for a thrust. The Horizon Slaying Blade, a katana based technique that made quick and fluid movements. No energy would be lost, focusing on maximizing each slash. Every brush stroke was in the name of his Constellation, Yamato. Then Horizon Slayer, the name given to the man who once parted the skies in another possibility. Fully realized as Stervy felt his body move faster. His blade following his intent. Slashing a gunman in half, ducking to dodge an overly eager bullet. Scabbard strike to the throat, binding the gunman's throat by the neck with the scabbard. A quick twist as the man's neck twisted to the back. Flipping the body as the others felt unnerved. Screaming in fear and distracted. Stervy took his chance, slashing their bodies as he watched the Fissure take root into their skin and bodies. Going for multiple slashes. Leaving deeper cuts than before, a snap of his fingers as the bodies just burst open with blood and guts splattering the area.
Turning to the Shadow Wolf gangster who was still injured.
"Where's your base?"
"It's just a 10 minute walk from here... Just go straight and then take a left! Why are you getting involved?"
"I'm looking for a crew." That was when the ambulance arrived where the paramedics met their eyes on Stervy's pin.
"Take care of him. He's one of mine." A brief nod as the Shadow Wolf wanted to protest but succumbing to his wounds as he fell into shock. Whether he lives or dies? That's up to god, Stervy's job is to rescue the Shadow Wolves. Heading over to the sound of echoing gunfire. Trailing it like a bird on a hunt, the scent of blood and gunpowder invaded his senses. Sharpening it as he stepped into view, seeing the Shadow Wolves who were being worn out by the gunmen. The manor that was inside had a fight of its own.
"Who the hell are y-" Before the other gunmen could get an answer, Stervy began with his series of attacks. Fast slashes that were faster than the eye could keep up. Diving to the side where he used the blade to pierce a man's throat. Then picking up another pair of katanas that belonged to two dead Shadow Wolves. He was in perfect form, prancing forward. These weren't his usual blades, so he had to show a bit more restraint. Get the most out of each attack. His blades were his brush and the battlefield was his canvass. Grimacing at the gunmen who became his painting instruments.
Like a graceful dancer, Stervy's swings unleashed red that painted the environment. Beauty in violence. The Shadow Wolves could only marvel as their minds remembered a scene. A scene that was engraved deep into their memories. Awakening the sight of the Shady Enforcer who destroyed their group in the past. Hearing the words 'The price of killing my boss was paid. That's all there is to it. Raise the successor well.' Those were the words that they remembered, the level of chaos and bloodshed. Like Stervy did not fear dying.
That unrelenting nature to the odds that were stacked. The gunmen felt their weapons being useless. A bullet grazed Stervy but the one who fired the shot had his head pierced. The gunmen began to retreat as Stervy swung the blood off the borrowed blades, sheathing it and placing it back to the hands of their wielders. A nod to the two dead Shadow Wolves before moving into the manor. Seeing the young man face with the katana facing against a man wielding a pair of machetes.
The young man was injured but he wasn't going to back down as the man with the machetes taunted him.
"Is this the might of the oh so great, Shadow Wolf?! You're nothing more than a cub pretending to be strong!" The young man continued to face the onslaught as Stervy watched, putting a cigarette to his mouth. Lighting it up. It seems like this habit had kicked in for this particular Causality. He would never want to smoke this much but after what had just occurred? A cigarette felt like a vacation.
The young man was slashed by the shoulders and kicked back. On his knees but raising the blade still. That conviction, for a moment. Reminded Stervy of the Raven he saw who had faced everything the Sovereigns could throw at him. Legends began not from the fall but from the rise after the fall.
"Time to die!" The young man parried the attack but another gunman readied his pistol from behind. An attempt to interrupt the duel which Stervy handled by snapping the neck until the head faced backwards. The sound of that neck snapping interrupted the duel.
"Who.. Who are you?"
"An Enforcer of Gambit. The older brother of Shady Enforcer." Those words alone had brought the animosity of the Shadow Wolves who were present, their eyes locked with Stervy. Readying their blades.
"What happened to my men?"
"Outside? I killed a number of them and they ran. I'm here because my younger brother had done something. I was planning to meet the Shadow Wolves to talk things over but you decided to attack them and even in a duel. You would use a dirty tactic by having one of your men ready a gun to shoot him."
"Hah?! What does that even matter!? It's only the victor that matters! We don't have any honor or pride!" Stervy drew his blade.
"Doesn't matter, I'm going to kill you!" The man charged at Stervy but before the man reached him. A few hundred swings were executed as Stervy watched the man freeze in place. Not sheathing the blade, he just walked over to the young man.
"The Successor was raised well. Fighting despite all of the pain. I came here just for a visit. I was thinking of recruiting you but." Snapping his hands as the machete wielding man's body exploded.
"I think it's better to let you recuperate first."
"When you said that Shady Enforcer was your brother... Was that true?"
"Yes. He went missing for a while, he needed sometime off from this life. He may not look like it but he does feel remorse. Most likely because you watched your father die by his hands." Then Stervy brought out his phone. Where he dialed Raven's number.
"Hello?"
"Raven. I'm with the Shadow Wolves. Seems like some other gangs have been encroaching on their territory. Got any words of advice?"
"If you're planning to talk. They won't stab you in the back. They're more of, draw their blades and fight you head on. But they're tough. I think I still got plenty of scars from those guys. Out of everyone I fought, they might be the only ones I feel a little... Off about. There was a kid. If he's still alive he should be the successor. His father who was a close friend of the Gambit King betrayed him and tried to kill his son. It might've been the one time I broke a rule in the Book. The Book Of Wrongs state that what he did was supposed to be punishment to the whole family but when I saw that kid? I had to stop and walk away. I just froze. Kid reminded me too much of the current Gambit King. I killed the dad and walked away. Even then the Shadow Wolves left enough cuts that I'll remember for life."
"Or more like you." Raven fell silent. Stervy hit the nail on the head in that one.
"Why'd you call?"
"I was thinking of bringing them into my crew. So I'd like to know a bit more."
"It won't be easy. If they know that you're my brother. They won't react calmly. But at the same time, lying to their face is an issue. You might get turned out from the door. Or you'll have to fight your way in. Most of the time it's a duel. But if you help them when they're in trouble. They don't forget debts. The successor, if I recall his name is Kaze."
"That is correct, Shady Enforcer." Kaze spoke up, where Raven's voice fell silent. Just hearing him sigh over the line.
"Your brother saved us from an attack. And we don't forget debts... I understood the truth when I met with the Gambit King. The current one and I. We share a somewhat amicable friendship but one that must be hidden. Can you stand witness?"
"I can." They turned to Gambit King, Glenn with the mask appearing before them.
"So how does this work, Raven?"
"It's different per the crew. For Shadow Wolves, it would require you to share a glass of some really expensive sake and some sakazuki cups. I think you're more familiar with it than I am, Stervy."
"Ah that sort of ceremony?"
"Yeah. You're their Master and they're your blades. So wield them." The cups were being brought as Kaze poured the first for Stervy with Glenn standing as witness. Then pouring for himself, Kaze held the cup with his head lowered.
"The Shadow Wolves will serve the new Enforcer. Your grudges are our grudges. Your enemies are our enemies. The pack hunts according to you. I, Kaze Azai swear upon the lineage of Shadow Wolves."
"The Dancing Enforcer, Stervy Ashenworth accepts the Shadow Wolves as my crew. Your foes are mine. Your grudges are mine. Anyone who harms the Shadow Wolves is an insult to my honor and pride." Stervy said as he lifted his cup, lowering his head to Kaze. A sign that meant they were equal to each other.
"Gambit King has observed this, the Book Keepers. Take note of this moment." Kaze and Stervy drank from their cups as they took a deep breath. Glancing at one another, a grin crept to their faces.
"Raven."
"Right. Right. Shady Enforcer, attests this union. The Dancing Enforcer and Shadow Wolves are a crew now." The other Shadow Wolves got on their knees, lowering their heads to Stervy.
"What's our first of order of business, Enforcer?" Kaze inquired.
"We hunt, Kaze. They dared to do this in your territory and by extension my territory." Kaze smiled as he got up, turning to the other Shadow Wolves.
"I'll prepare the Shade Ink. They will need it to form their bond with you." Glenn said as he made a call.
"Raven, how does this part work?"
"The tattoo is just part of it. You decide what you want it to be. And you'll need one tattooed on you as well."
"We'll figure that out later. Thanks for that, Raven."
"Have fun. Don't go too crazy." Raven hung up, as Stervy had gotten his objective. Recruiting the Shadow Wolves and Kaze who was their boss. Stepping out as the Book Keepers made way for them, followed by a book being given by another Book Keeper.
"Information on where they are." Stervy flipped through the pages.
"After our hunt. The Shadow Wolves will be free to roam my territory. Kaze, you'll join me for an assignment."
"Yes, Enforcer." Stervy smiled as he gave them their orders. It was a full on clean up operation.