After that incident, Riley's name did not simply travel around the city—it exploded through it.
Rumors of his strength and ruthlessness spread like wildfire.
Some exaggerated his deeds, painting him as a lone monster tearing through the underworld.
Others whispered that he was a rising force backed by a hidden faction.
The common folk gossiped with wide eyes, the nobles murmured behind closed doors, and the various underground gangs cursed his name with unease.
But Riley, busy with his own affairs, remained completely unaware that far beyond the streets he had shaken, far above the level he thought he was dealing with… greater powers were watching him.
In a secluded chamber deep inside the capital, two men sat across a long obsidian table carved with ancient runes.
Heavy curtains muted the daylight, and only the flicker of enchanted lamps illuminated their stern faces.
"We don't appreciate what you did, Edward."
