Chris arrived at the new headquarters after escaping from Skull-Head and proposing his project. He was astonished by the base—it was advanced, but in a simple way, not overly exaggerated.
Kevin greeted him:
Kevin: "Welcome, Chris. You disappeared for an entire month and only contacted us yesterday. This is the first time you've gone a whole month without talking to me. I felt lonely, man… but I'll have to get used to it, because I'm sure it'll happen again."
Everyone laughed, and Chris replied:
Chris: "Sorry, Kevin. Even I'm not used to it, but this is my job. I have to do whatever I can to expose Skull-Head."
Kevin: "I know everyone here, but who are the people that came with you?"
Jota: "I'm Jota, a gang leader. I met Chris a month ago. Nice to meet you, Kevin. Man, you're the one who planned all of this and saved us. You're a genius!"
Kevin: "No need for praise, man. But yes, I'm good at spying, just like Chris. In the end, we're friends—but I prefer to stay here, sending intel to Chris while he carries out the missions. Still, if things get serious and I'm forced to fight, I'll join in without hesitation. Isn't that right, Edward?"
Jota suddenly shouted:
Jota: "EEDWAAARD?! Isn't that the leader of Skull-Head? He's the one who piloted the plane!"
Jota pulled out his gun and pointed it at Edward.
Edward: "Oooh, Jota, I've heard about your gang. I even wanted to recruit you, but I didn't have time before Chris captured me and asked me to join him."
Jota was shocked, his head spinning:
Jota: "Wait… stop! Did Chris ask you to join him? That's strange. Chris is fighting Skull-Head, yet he asked you to join him? Does that mean you and Chris were working with Skull-Head? And that Chris, the Black Mask, was serving under Skull-Head's orders?! Isn't that right, Black Mask?"
Chris: "I have never worked under anyone in my entire life. As for Edward—one month ago, I went on a mission. The goal was to capture him so he could work with me. I had no other purpose, Jota. And if I had ever decided to betray you, I could have done it the first time we met."
Jota calmed down, collapsed to the floor, then got up:
Jota: "I need some rest. Do you have a room?"
Kevin: "Yes, we do." He escorted him inside.
Chris: "Edward, have you seen Ace? He's not here."
Edward: "Hmm… I wonder where Ace is. Maybe I killed him… just kidding, Chris. You know Ace loves sleeping."
Chris: "Alright, I guess we all need some sleep."
That night, Raven went to Skull-Head.
Skull-Head: "Oooh, Raven—the man enhanced by Edward. Since you're here, why not work with me? I need a man like you—powerful, with extraordinary abilities."
Raven: "What are you saying, fool? Do you really think I would work under a filthy man like you? In the end, you're just Edward's student. You'll never surpass what he achieved. Do you think I've forgotten the countless mistakes you made, mistakes that almost got us all killed? Edward forgave you, taught you everything he knew. But I came here to tell you that I will finish what Edward started."
Skull-Head: "Do you think you can operate without my funding and resources?"
Raven: "I don't need your resources. Edward has his own, along with soldiers. I'll work alone and produce what I need by myself. I don't need you. I will serve no one but Edward—understand, Skull-Head? Your brain is no better than a boot. Goodbye."
Raven stormed out, furious.
The next day, Chris woke to Kevin's voice:
Kevin: "Chris! Wake up! Something terrible has happened!"
Chris's heart pounded as he thought: What's the next disaster? I just want a single day of rest.
He followed Kevin and saw the news:
News Anchor: "Breaking News! Valenham has fallen out of control! Gangs have spread everywhere. Police are resisting, but were forced to build a protected zone in the south of the city, gathering civilians there since it's the only safe area. The rest of the city is under gang control. Police urge all residents to head south immediately. They warn that the city will become even more dangerous if civilians don't relocate. Authorities add that the southern evacuation is necessary because a military campaign will soon be launched to purge Valenham of gang forces—yet its success depends on civilians cooperating."
Chris turned off the TV.
Chris: "We need to move, Jota. The city's state actually suits you now."
Jota: "I never expected things to get this bad. The gangs have gone too far since we arrived. This is a direct challenge!"
Chris: "Alright. Jota, Kevin, everyone—get ready. I'll put on the mask and head into the city now."
Chris went into the city, wandering until he entered an alley. Gang members emerged:
Gang Members: "Looks like we've got ourselves a feast, boys!"
The fight broke out. One thug grabbed Chris and held him down.
Thug: "Shoot him!"
Chris ducked; the bullet hit the thug instead. Chris pulled out his gun and shot another through the mouth, shattering his jaw. The rest fled in fear.
He then made his way toward the southern district, but it would take two to four days on foot. Wanting to avoid unnecessary clashes, he kept moving carefully.
Jota called him:
Jota: "Oi, Chris, I realized it's too dangerous for you to move alone. Send me your location—I'll have my men escort you."
Chris hung up and decided to wait for them. While waiting, he explored the area and found a grocery store. But inside…
The store was drenched in blood. Bodies lay across the floor—a mother clinging to her child. Blood everywhere. The shelves stripped bare.
Tears fell down Chris's face, unbidden. A memory he didn't want to remember flashed in his mind. Suddenly, Jota's men arrived:
Gang Member: "Black Mask, let's go! We need to move now!"
Chris got into the car.
Chris: "Head south. It's urgent."