Chapter 21: The Deadly Alliance

The Copperheads weren't finished. Rod had expected retaliation, but the scale of what came next was far beyond what anyone in Dustvale had seen before.

The first sign of trouble came when a pair of scouts stumbled into the Viper headquarters, battered and breathless. One had a broken arm, the other limped from a deep gash across his thigh.

"They've joined forces," the taller of the two rasped, collapsing into a chair. "The Copperheads and the Steel Jaws—they're working together."

A murmur rippled through the room. Rod's lieutenants exchanged uneasy glances. The Steel Jaws weren't just another gang; they were a well-organized, heavily armed group that had dominated the northern territories for years. Their leader, a ruthless man known only as Iron Jack, was infamous for his brutal methods and unrelenting ambition.

Rod leaned forward, his expression unreadable. "How sure are you?"

The scout winced, clutching his injured arm. "Saw it with my own eyes, boss. Iron Jack met with the Copperhead leader, Grady, in the old lumberyard. They shook hands, and their men started moving together—at least fifty of them."

The room fell silent. Even Li, usually unshakable, looked concerned.

Carl broke the tension. "Fifty men? That's almost double our numbers! How are we supposed to fight that?"

Rod stood, his presence commanding. "We don't panic. Numbers don't mean victory—not if we play this smart."

The Steel Jaws' reputation loomed large over Dustvale. Stories of Iron Jack's exploits spread like wildfire: towns razed, rivals butchered, entire gangs wiped out. His men were known for their discipline, their loyalty stemming not from fear but from respect for their leader's cunning and strength.

Grady, the Copperhead leader, was no fool. He knew that aligning with Iron Jack was his best shot at taking down the Vipers. Together, their combined forces were a juggernaut, poised to crush anyone in their path.

Rod spent the next few days gathering intelligence. Every Viper was mobilized, from seasoned fighters to street-level informants. The town was buzzing with activity, whispers of the impending war reaching even the most remote corners.

In the war room, maps of Dustvale and its surrounding areas were spread out on the table. Rod traced potential routes and chokepoints with his finger, his mind racing.

"They'll come from the north," he said, pointing to a narrow pass that connected the Steel Jaws' territory to Dustvale. "It's the only way they can move such a large group without being spotted."

Li nodded. "It's a good place for an ambush. But if we fail, they'll march straight into our territory."

"We won't fail," Rod replied, his voice firm. "We'll hit them hard and fast, break their alliance before it can solidify. They're expecting us to cower, to defend. We'll surprise them."

The day of the ambush arrived. Rod and his men positioned themselves along the narrow pass, hidden among the rocks and foliage. The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation.

When the enemy finally appeared, it was an intimidating sight. Dozens of men marched in formation, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. Iron Jack rode at the front, his imposing figure cutting a fearsome silhouette against the horizon. Grady walked beside him, his wiry frame dwarfed by the Steel Jaws' leader.

Rod raised his hand, signaling his men to hold their positions. Timing was everything.

As the first wave of enemy fighters entered the pass, Rod unleashed his powers. A sudden gust of wind howled through the canyon, kicking up dust and debris. The enemy stumbled, their ranks breaking as they tried to shield their eyes.

"Now!" Rod shouted.

The Vipers sprang into action, descending on the disoriented enemy with a ferocity that caught them off guard. Li led a group of sharpshooters, picking off targets with deadly precision. Carl, armed with a newly acquired shotgun, fought with a determination that surprised even himself.

Rod was a force of nature. Lightning crackled around him as he charged into the fray, his strikes scattering enemies like leaves in a storm. The Steel Jaws and Copperheads, so confident in their numbers, found themselves overwhelmed by the Vipers' strategy and Rod's sheer power.

By the time the dust settled, the pass was littered with bodies. The remaining enemies had either fled or surrendered, their morale shattered.

Iron Jack and Grady were nowhere to be found, having retreated when the tide turned against them.

Back at headquarters, the Vipers celebrated their hard-fought victory. But Rod knew this was just the beginning. The alliance between the Copperheads and the Steel Jaws had been dealt a blow, but it wasn't broken. Iron Jack wouldn't take this defeat lightly.

As he stood in the corner of the room, watching his men toast their success, Rod's mind was already working. The war wasn't over, and the next battle would be even tougher.

"They'll come back," Li said, approaching him with a drink in hand.

Rod nodded. "Let them. We'll be ready."