09:00 PM
Sector 7 Headquarters – Hidden Level
Unlike the tense atmosphere on the streets of Ironport, the mood inside the Nero Familia headquarters is warm yet vigilant. The aroma of grilled meat and expensive wine fills the room. This is not just a party; it is a banquet for those who now control the city from behind the scenes.
For the first time, all the primary pieces are gathered at one table: Rion, Ren, Den, and their two newest members, Selina and Ricky.
The Gathering of Controllers
Ricky leaned back on the leather sofa, casually swirling his wine glass. "I have to admit, this base is much more comfortable than that cramped apartment the police department gave me."
"Don't get too comfortable, Ricky," Selina interjected, checking data on her tablet even in the middle of the celebration. "The forensic report I prepared for Sinclair has been sent to HQ. They fully believe that SG was destroyed because of Sinclair's 'brilliant' strategy."
Den sat at the head of the table, looking every bit the authoritative patriarch. He set down his glass and looked at Rion. "Sinclair is now a very obedient slave. But remember, Rion, the more people we pull into this circle, the greater the risk of a leak."
Rion, standing in the corner observing the monitors, gave a sidelong glance. "That's why I chose people who have something to lose. We aren't just a team; we are the owners of this city now."
Shifting Dynamics
Ren stepped toward Den, pouring fresh wine for her "Father" with graceful movements. "The city feels calmer today. The wealthy in Sector 1 are beginning to feel safe under your protection, Father. They have no idea that every cent they spend is now entering our ecosystem."
"Speaking of ecosystems," interrupted Garry, who had just entered carrying a tray of food. "We've finished inventorying the weapons from SG. We have enough firepower to topple three other minor factions without needing to fire a single bullet."
Mia and Mako seemed busy in another corner, giggling as they bypassed a newly updated bank security system. To them, this was a playground.
Tension Amidst the Celebration
Ricky tried to lighten the mood by approaching Rion. "So, Boss... what's the next move? We've got the cops, the guns, and the government in our pocket. Are we going to start collecting taxes?"
Rion looked at Ricky with eyes that were cold yet piercing. "The next step is ensuring no external enemies get in. Ironport belongs to us, and anyone who tries to disturb this 'fake' peace will have to deal with the Black Group."
Ren moved toward Rion, standing close enough that her perfume mingled with the scent of gunpowder that always clung to him. "Enjoy tonight, Rion. You built this empire with your own hands."
Rion didn't answer, but he placed his hand over Ren's on the table. It was a rare gesture, showing that behind his cold strategy, he acknowledged that without Ren and her connections, Nero Familia would never have come this far.
The Hidden Vow
Under the dim lights, Selina and Ricky exchanged a look. They knew that joining Nero Familia meant there was no turning back. They were no longer police officers upholding the law; they were the law itself.
"To Nero Familia," Ricky said, raising his glass.
"To the new Ironport," Den added in a heavy voice.
The night ended with an unspoken understanding: they had won the first battle, but the real war—maintaining power in a city built on betrayal—had only just begun.