Scene opens.
Loma slowly opens his eyes. His body aches as if he's been dragged through fire. The dim ceiling light flickers, buzzing faintly. He blinks, disoriented.
Loma (groggy): "W–where… am I?"
A familiar voice cuts through the haze.
Xoza (leaning against the wall, arms crossed): "Finally awake, rookie. You got messed up pretty bad. But don't worry—you'll live. For now, get up. Our boss wants a word."
Still weak, Loma forces himself upright. Each step down the narrow hallway feels heavy, the echo of their footsteps ringing like a drum of judgment. The air itself seems thicker, pressing down on him.
🛑 RDX Meeting Room
The door creaks open. Silence greets him. Inside, the core members of RDX sit around a long table, their expressions carved in stone.
At the head of the table—Vamos. His sharp gaze is cold, unreadable, yet crushing. The room bends around his presence.
Vamos (voice slicing through the silence): "So… you're here, Loma. Sit."
Loma and Xoza take their seats. The weight in the room is suffocating, as if every breath is being measured.
Vamos:
"Listen carefully. First, you need to understand the world you've stepped into. Our country—Kaijura. Our city—Ryukon. A city divided by fangs and claws."
He raises a hand. An advisor steps forward, unrolling a map across the table. The parchment slams down, dust scattering under the dim light.
Advisor (calm, firm):
"Ryukon is split into five territories.
— Hoshin District — RDX's ground… for now.
— Kuroda Block — claimed by Blackcore.
— Tenrai Strip — home of the Apex Predators.
— Seikou Heights — ruled by the Azure Fangs.
— Ironclad Alley — belongs to the Iron Fist Gang."
The names echo in Loma's mind like grim landmarks of war. His eyes widen as he realizes how small RDX's share really is compared to the predators circling them.
Advisor (grim, voice hard as stone):
"We attacked Apex territory… but while we were away, others moved. By the time we returned, we had lost ground. If this continues, RDX will be crushed. Our enemies will tear us apart and divide what's left."
Xoza (slamming his fist against the table, teeth clenched): "Tch… damn it."
The advisor's gaze sweeps the room, his words landing heavier than any punch. He fixes his eyes on Loma.
Advisor (low, cold):
"Right now, RDX is too weak. Even a single crew could storm Hoshin and take it—unless Vamos himself steps in. But we cannot depend on him forever. The rest of you…" his stare sharpens "…must get stronger. Fast. Otherwise… RDX is finished."
Silence falls like a guillotine. The room is heavy with unspoken fear.
Narration (Loma's thoughts):
Crushed…? By all sides…? Is this the world I've stepped into?
Chapter 10 End — "The Danger"