The streetlamps of Willowbrook flickered in the early morning mist, but Alexander's mind was elsewhere. He and George walked silently along the outskirts, discussing a plan that had been burning in Alexander's thoughts for weeks.
"If we want to be heroes… real heroes," Alexander began, voice low but firm, "we can't just punish the bad. We have to change the society itself. The people around us… they live in fear of the powerful, of corruption. A real hero is the one who becomes a symbol of hope."
George's eyes narrowed. "Hope?" he said flatly. "Alexander… the people you want to save won't save you if the tables turn. Even if you beg, even if you bleed… they'll watch. That's the truth."
Alexander didn't flinch. He only shook his head, letting the words pass like dust in the wind. "If I fail… I'll become the villain. That's a risk I'm willing to take."
He left George behind and rode toward Rosewood, David riding alongside him. The sun barely touched the horizon when they reached the town. Alexander entered a small medical store, asking for supplies for his horse. The bell above the door barely jingled when—BANG!—a gunshot ripped through the morning calm.
David crouched instantly, instincts sharp as ever. "Alexander… down!" he hissed, eyes scanning the street.
Alexander leaned near the window, peering out. A group of men, no more than ten, were wreaking havoc in the main street. The insignia on their jackets told him all he needed to know: Nemesis Vanguard.
"They're attacking the town…" Alexander muttered, a spark of resolve lighting his eyes.
"Don't interfere," David warned, but Alexander had already drawn his revolver. He stepped onto the road, the morning light catching the cold steel of his weapon.
The first gunman raised his rifle. Alexander didn't hesitate. A single shot, precise and deliberate, dropped the man before he could fire. Chaos erupted around him, but Alexander moved like a storm incarnate—shots ringing, men falling, the scent of gunpowder thick in the air.
David joined him, twin shadows of righteous fury. Together, they became an unstoppable force, weaving between overturned carts and shattered windows, their bullets finding marks with lethal precision.
The townsfolk watched from behind barricades, awe and fear warring on their faces. The law tried to respond, but Alexander and David were the spearhead, cutting through the Nemesis Vanguard's ranks with brutal efficiency.
Hour after hour, the battle raged. Shouts echoed, horses screamed, and smoke clouded the streets. And when the last Vanguard member fell, Rosewood stood in stunned silence.
The tale spread like wildfire. Two men—two "messiahs"—had saved the town. The news traveled far, reaching the ears of businessmen and citizens alike. Marcus smiled at the reports, his plan unfolding perfectly… but a shadow of worry crossed his face.
Cornelius Fang would hear of this. He always did. And Marcus had no idea that Alexander had already met the man who would one day challenge everything they were building.
The calm after the storm was only temporary. The real game had begun.