Chapter 39 - The Legacy of Chaos
Inside the great meeting hall of the "Black Chaos" gang, the remaining leaders sat after the bloody battle of Zenon, with tension hanging in the air. The scars of the previous battle were still visible, and everyone was aware that the fall of the "Black Emperor" was just the beginning of a new era of chaos.
Togei Rakos stood, his body covered in bandages, his eyes reflecting a volcano of anger. In front of him sat Ryu Aklands, who appeared calmer than usual, while Nacht leaned against the wall, staring at everyone with cold eyes.
"So... who will take the lead now?" said one of the remaining leaders in a trembling voice.
Before Togei could respond, the hall's door was forcefully opened, and Vit Marcus entered with heavy steps, a clear mockery evident on his face.
"Leadership? You're talking as if it's that simple, while we are surrounded by traitors and opportunists. Zenon is dead, but that doesn't mean the war is over!"
Togei slammed his fist on the table and said in a low voice that carried a clear threat: "There's no time for this nonsense. We need to rebuild the gang... but first, we have to determine who is friend and who is foe."
Everyone exchanged glances before Ryu spoke quietly: "We have a bigger problem than just leadership. There are reports that some leaders were working for an unknown entity even before Zenon's fall."
Togei looked at him sharply: "Unknown entity?"
Ryu nodded: "We don't know much yet, but we have a name... 'The Black Hand.'"
Silence fell heavily in the hall. Just the name alone was enough to make everyone realize that the battle was not over yet; in fact, the real enemy might not have revealed itself yet.
"If this is true... it means that Zenon was just a piece in a larger game," Togei said, clenching his fist.
Nacht smiled cunningly: "Well, it looks like we have a new party to attend."
Vit declared while tightening his fist: "If the Black Hand is what was controlling Zenon, it's time to break it."
Togei looked at everyone and then said sharply: "This is not the end... this is just the beginning."
Chapter 40 – Shadows of the Black Hand
The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and rust, shrouded in complete darkness. Rio Aclance moved silently through the stone corridor, followed closely by Touji Rakos, Nacht, and Vitt Markus. Their destination was a hidden base left behind by Zenon Kaiser before his downfall—a place that might hold the answers to the forces moving behind the scenes.
When they reached a massive metal door, Rio raised his hand and pressed a panel on the side. Red lights flickered for a few moments before the door groaned open, revealing a dimly lit room filled with scattered documents and flickering monitors.
Nacht stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Looks like this was Zenon's operations room."
Vitt moved toward one of the devices but stopped when Rio's calm yet firm voice cut through the air.
"Don't touch anything. There could be electronic traps."
Rio sat before one of the main computers and inserted a hard drive—one he had taken from a Black Chaos Syndicate facility after Zenon's defeat. Lines of encrypted data began scrolling across the screen.
"Let's see what Zenon was hiding," Rio muttered, his fingers gliding over the keyboard.
A file with a cryptic title appeared before them:
"Phase Three – The Black Hand Project"
Touji raised an eyebrow, his voice cautious. "The Black Hand? Is this some new organization?"
Rio's eyes remained fixed on the screen. "Not new. They've been operating from the shadows for years. According to these files, the Black Hand was responsible for the experiments that made Zenon as powerful as he was."
A heavy silence filled the room. Then Vitt spoke, his voice sharp.
"Experiments? Are you telling me his power wasn't just from training?"
Rio nodded slowly. "That's right. And worse… the project isn't over."
The group exchanged tense glances. Then, in a voice laced with warning, Touji spoke.
"That means the real battle hasn't even begun yet."
Before they could fully process the weight of that revelation, the screens suddenly went black. A distorted, mechanical voice echoed through the room's speakers:
"You took longer than I expected to uncover the truth, Touji Rakos."
All eyes snapped toward the source of the voice. Touji clenched his fists, his voice a low whisper.
"Looks like the Black Hand has been watching us from the very beginning."
Chapter 41: The Factions of Chaos
Inside the dimly lit hall that once served as Zenon's headquarters, Touji and his comrades sat around a round table, exchanging sharp glances. They all knew the truth—Zenon's death wasn't the end of the conflict. It was only the beginning.
"Things are spiraling out of control," Vitt muttered, leaning back in his chair, staring at the ceiling as if trying to piece his thoughts together.
Rio, who had been silently observing, let out a quiet sigh. "There's too much chaos. The syndicate is leaderless, which makes us easy targets."
Nacht, who rarely spoke, ran his fingers along the table's surface before stating in his usual cold tone, "Don't forget, some of the old leaders are still alive. They'll do whatever it takes to seize control."
They all knew the truth—the Black Chaos Syndicate hadn't collapsed entirely. It had splintered into warring factions, each one vying for dominance.
New Challengers Emerge
Meanwhile, in an abandoned district on the outskirts of the city, a secret meeting was taking place.
A tall man, clad in a long black coat, stood in the center while the others sat before him. His deep voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"The time has come to fill the void Zenon left behind… We cannot allow them to control this chaos."
This group had been operating from the shadows for years, waiting for the perfect moment to make their move. And now, with Zenon gone, their time had come.
Touji and His Comrades Make Their Move
After hours of discussion, Touji made his decision—waiting any longer would only make things worse. He stood up, his voice firm and resolute.
"We won't sit around and let others decide for us… We will determine this city's future."
Rio smirked slightly. "As always, patience isn't your strong suit."
Nacht said nothing, but the way he stood up was answer enough.
Vitt chuckled as he rose to his feet. "Well, things are about to get interesting."
This was the first step toward claiming what was left of the Black Chaos Syndicate.
But what they didn't know was that far more powerful enemies were already watching them from the shadows—waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
End of Chapter 42
Chapter 41: The Assassin's Arrival
Days had passed since Touji and his crew made their move, and chaos had only grown. What was once Zenon's empire had turned into a battlefield, with factions fighting to seize control.
In the dead of night, in one of the city's darkest alleys—where no one dared to walk alone—a shadow moved swiftly between the narrow passageways. It stopped in front of an abandoned building and knocked three times in a precise rhythm.
"Finally, you've arrived."
A man in a black leather coat and a wide-brimmed hat, partially concealing his face, leaned against the doorway. He studied the visitor for a moment before a faint smirk appeared on his lips.
"I was wondering when you'd decide to step into the scene, legendary assassin… Creed."
From the shadows stepped a tall figure, his piercing crimson eyes glowing faintly beneath the dim streetlights. His long silver-gray hair was tied back, giving him an almost spectral presence. This was no ordinary man—this was Creed, one of the deadliest assassins to have ever worked under Zenon's command.
Creed casually took a seat on a worn-out chair, crossing one leg over the other. His voice was calm, yet filled with unshakable confidence.
"I hear you need my services."
The man in the leather coat grinned.
"With Zenon dead, things have gotten… complicated. We need someone eliminated. The name is Touji Rakos. Interested?"
Creed didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pulled out a small blade, spinning it effortlessly between his fingers. After a moment, he glanced up at the man, his cold smile sending a chill through the air.
"Touji Rakos? That name sounds familiar… Let's see if he lives up to his reputation."
Elsewhere…
At their temporary headquarters, Touji and his team were deep in discussion, strategizing their next move against the rival factions. But Rio, ever the watchful observer, suddenly spoke.
"We have a problem."
Touji turned to him, his expression sharp. Rio tossed a folded paper onto the table.
"There's a new assassin in town… goes by the name Creed."
Vitt, leaning lazily in his chair, raised an eyebrow.
"Creed? Never heard of him."
But Nacht, who rarely showed reactions, spoke in a low, measured tone.
"Creed isn't just any assassin… If it's the one I'm thinking of, we're in real trouble."
Touji narrowed his eyes, his voice steady.
"If he's looking for me… I'll be waiting."
This was the beginning of a new battle, one that wasn't just about power or territory. The arrival of Creed wasn't just a threat—it was the declaration of a war unlike any before.
End of Chapter 42
Chapter 43: The Hunter's Trap
A dark night...
The streets of the city were blanketed in thick fog, as if the city itself was hiding a terrible secret. On this night, no one dared to walk the streets—except for one man.
He moved with quiet, calculated steps, as if the darkness itself was an extension of him.
Creed, the assassin, navigated the alleyways, searching for his prey. He wasn't a mindless killer—he was a hunter, precise and methodical. He studied his targets before striking, ensuring that when he moved in for the kill, there would be no escape.
Stopping in front of an abandoned building, he slipped inside without a sound, vanishing into the shadows.
At Touji's Hideout…
Touji sat on an old, worn-out couch, his gaze fixed on the floor. He looked deep in thought, but his mind was far from idle.
Rio, sipping from a cup of tea, broke the silence.
"If Creed is who I think he is, he won't come at us directly. He's a professional hunter."
From his place by the window, Nacht watched the streets with a sharp, calculating gaze. His voice was as cold as ever.
"That means he's studying our movements right now."
Vitt, grinning, flicked a knife into the wooden table with a sharp thud.
"If he's watching us, let's make him think he has the upper hand. Then we flip the table on him."
Touji finally lifted his head, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.
"We wait. Let's make him show himself first."
Elsewhere…
Creed had been watching Touji for some time now, but he wasn't reckless enough to strike blindly.
A faint smirk played on his lips as he whispered to himself,
"You're not an easy target… but that just makes this more interesting."
He turned to leave, but then—he felt it.
A shift in the air.
Someone was following him.
Moving without hesitation, Creed melted into the shadows. Then, just as his pursuer drew close—he struck.
In a flash, he had his blade pressed against the person's throat. His voice was calm but laced with menace.
"Who sent you?"
But then, he paused.
A single raised eyebrow was the only reaction he allowed himself when he saw who it was.
Rio.
The strategist of Touji's crew simply smiled, his expression unreadable.
"Finally found you."
Creed let out a quiet chuckle.
"You're sharper than I expected… but that doesn't change anything."
Then, in a blink, he was gone.
Back at the Hideout…
Rio returned, tossing a small knife onto the table.
Touji eyed him and asked,
"How did it go?"
Rio smirked.
"He's careful… but now, he knows we're aware of him."
Nacht, his voice low and steady, added,
"That means he'll make his move soon."
Touji stood, grabbing his sword.
His tone was lethal.
"Then let's be ready to welcome him."
End of Chapter 43
Chapter 44: Hunt or Chase?
Midnight…
The city was eerily silent, as if holding its breath, waiting for something to unfold.
In a narrow alley, Touji and his crew stood on high alert, waiting for Creed, the assassin who had been tracking them.
Rio leaned against a wall, his eyes scanning the shadows. Nacht calmly cleaned his weapon, while Vitt, the most eager of them, twirled a knife between his fingers, his anticipation almost palpable.
"He'll show up tonight… I can feel it." Rio muttered.
Touji didn't respond. His gaze remained locked onto the empty street, his expression unreadable.
"When he moves, don't let him escape." he finally said.
On the Rooftop…
Creed watched them from above, his keen eyes studying every movement. He had no intention of rushing into a fight—he wanted to make them uneasy first.
"If you're waiting for me, that means you're prepared… but are you ready for what comes next?" he whispered to himself, a smirk playing at his lips.
Then, in a flash, he hurled a small dagger straight at Touji!
Touji reacted instantly, dodging just as the blade buried itself into the wall behind him.
"He's here!" Vitt shouted, already preparing for a fight.
But when they turned—Creed was gone.
The Chase Begins…
Touji took off, vaulting over the alley wall, chasing the assassin through the twisting streets. Rio and Nacht followed closely behind, while Vitt took an alternate route, aiming to cut Creed off.
"He's fast…" Touji muttered, pushing himself harder.
But then—Creed vanished into an abandoned building.
Rio caught up, falling into stride beside Touji.
"He's luring us into a trap." Rio warned.
Touji didn't slow down. Instead, his lips curled into a confident smirk.
"Then let's turn the trap on him."
Inside the Building…
Darkness swallowed them as they entered, the only sounds were their breathing and the faint creak of old wood.
Then—without warning—
Blades flew from the shadows!
Touji dodged, twisting mid-air. Nacht barely avoided a strike, while Rio pulled out his gun and fired into the darkness. But his shot hit nothing.
A voice echoed from the shadows—low, mocking.
"Did you really think you were hunting me? No… you're the prey here."
The Fight Begins!
Touji gripped his sword tighter, his smile sharpening.
"Alright then… let's see who's really the prey."
Then—he charged into the darkness, and the real battle began!
End of Chapter 44
Chapter 45: The Prey Becomes the Hunter
Inside the abandoned building…
Darkness swallowed the space, making visibility nearly impossible. Touji and his team stood on high alert, their eyes scanning the shadows where Creed lurked, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
A faint shuffle against the dust-covered floor—then silence.
Rio whispered, his voice barely audible.
"He's fast… relying on the dark."
Vitt smirked, tightening his grip on his dagger.
"Which means he's just a coward who won't face us directly."
But before he could finish, Creed struck!
Moving with blinding speed, he appeared behind Vitt, dagger flashing toward his back.
Touji reacted in an instant, intercepting the blade with his sword before shoving Creed backward with raw force.
"If you think the darkness will protect you, you're mistaken." Touji said, his voice icy.
Creed smirked before vanishing into the shadows once more.
"You have skill… but can you defeat me on my own turf?"
Changing the Game
Rio analyzed the situation rapidly, then turned to Nacht.
"We need to expose him. Use the flash bombs."
Without hesitation, Nacht pulled a small device from his pocket and tossed it into the air.
"Flash detonation—now!"
A brilliant explosion of light flooded the room!
For a split second, Creed was fully exposed, perched on a rusted steel beam high above them!
Touji wasted no time—he launched himself toward Creed with lethal speed, sword slashing downward!
But Creed was just as fast.
He twisted at the last second, barely dodging, then retaliated with a precise stab aimed at Touji's ribs!
Touji dodged mid-air, his reflexes razor-sharp.
Vitt saw his chance—he hurled a dagger at Creed, who couldn't avoid it entirely.
Shhk!
The blade sliced into Creed's left shoulder!
"You—!" Creed hissed, but before he could react—
Touji was already upon him.
A brutal punch connected with Creed's chest, sending him crashing down from the beam!
The Battle Intensifies
Creed hit the floor hard but rolled smoothly to his feet, eyes blazing with fury.
"You're strong… but that doesn't mean you'll leave here alive!"
He pulled out two short swords and charged at Touji with deadly speed!
Steel clashed against steel. Sparks flew.
Each strike was lightning-fast, every movement lethal.
But Touji was calm. Focused. Dangerous.
He studied Creed's movements, waiting for an opening.
Then—he found it.
A mistake.
In a split-second, Touji struck with a powerful kick, knocking Creed to the ground.
Before the assassin could recover, Touji's sword was at his throat.
"It's over." Touji said, his voice low and final.
But then—Creed smirked.
"You really think so?"
He pressed a small button in his hand.
Explosion!
The entire building shook violently as the wall behind them erupted in flames and debris!
A thick cloud of dust filled the air, making it impossible to see.
When the smoke finally cleared—
Creed was gone.
Rio clenched his jaw.
"He escaped…"
Touji's grip on his sword tightened.
His voice was quiet but deadly.
"Not for long. I'll kill him soon enough."
End of Chapter 45