The city was silent.
Too silent.
Fear had taken over everything.
Streets were empty.
Shops closed.
People stayed inside—
Watching.
Waiting.
—
Leo turned on the TV again.
"…Another announcement."
Kai, Zara, and Axel looked up.
The screen showed a government official.
Serious.
Controlled.
"We have confirmed new information regarding the recent attacks."
The room went still.
Zara held her breath.
The official continued:
"All individuals found at the Dragon incident sites…"
A pause.
"…were vigilantes."
Leo frowned.
"…What?"
"They were operating outside the law," the official said.
"Some claimed to be heroes…"
Images flashed—
People helping others.
Stopping crimes.
Standing up to powerful landlords and corrupt systems.
Zara's eyes widened.
"…They were helping people…"
The official's voice grew colder.
"They interfered with legal structures, including property control and investment operations."
Axel scoffed.
"So they're blaming the victims now."
The official looked straight into the camera.
"This is a warning."
Silence.
"To anyone attempting to act as a so-called 'hero'…"
A pause.
"…Dragon will eliminate you."
Leo felt a chill.
"…They're serious…"
The official finished:
"For your safety, remain indoors."
"Do not interfere."
"We will handle the situation."
The screen went black.
—
Silence filled the room.
Zara clenched her fists.
"…They're lying."
Kai didn't respond.
But his expression darkened.
Axel smirked slightly.
"This isn't just lying."
A pause.
"…This is control."
Leo looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
Axel crossed his arms.
"They're making people scared to stand up."
"No heroes."
"No resistance."
"Just fear."
Zara looked down.
"…So Dragon kills them…"
"…and the government justifies it."
Kai finally spoke.
"…They're working together."
Silence.
Leo's eyes widened.
"…No way…"
Axel didn't look surprised.
"I was starting to think that."
Zara shook her head.
"That's insane…"
Kai looked at the dark screen.
"…No."
A pause.
"It's planned."
—
Outside—
The city obeyed.
Doors locked.
Lights off.
People hiding.
Because now—
Being a hero meant dying.
—
Inside Leo's house—
Kai stepped away from the window.
His eyes cold.
Focused.
"They want people to stay quiet."
Zara looked at him.
"…What are you going to do?"
Kai didn't hesitate.
"…The opposite."
Axel smirked.
"Now that sounds interesting."
Because now—
This wasn't just about Zara.
Or Dragon.
Or the government.
It was about the entire city.
And Kai had just made a decision.
He wasn't going to hide anymore.
He was going to break everything.