chapter 16

Chapter 16: The World of Powers

The next day, Xander found himself in the heart of the city, standing amidst a crowd that bustled with an energy he had never before experienced. The air was thick with anticipation, and it seemed that everyone around him was waiting for something extraordinary to happen.

Raven and Liam flanked him, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. They were in neutral territory, a place where members of different mafia families often crossed paths. Here, the tension was palpable, but open conflict was rare due to the unspoken rules of this sacred ground.

"Are you sure about this?" Liam asked, his voice low and cautious. "Meeting with other families could expose us."

Xander nodded, his gaze fixed on a large building at the center of the plaza. "We need to understand what we're up against. If we're going to grow, we have to know the powers that others wield."

As they made their way toward the building, Xander couldn't help but notice the variety of people around him. Some looked like ordinary citizens, while others exuded an aura of power that was almost tangible. It was clear that not all of them were from the same world he had known before.

Inside, the building was a vast arena with seats surrounding a central platform. It was a place for demonstrations—a stage where superpowered individuals could showcase their abilities without fear of persecution. Today, several families had gathered to do just that.

Xander, Raven, and Liam took seats near the front, where they had a clear view of the platform. As the first participant stepped up, the crowd fell silent, all eyes focused on the young woman standing in the center.

She was from the Kurokawa family, known for their mastery of elemental manipulation. The woman raised her hand, and with a flick of her wrist, the air around her began to shimmer. Suddenly, water materialized out of thin air, swirling around her like a living entity. She commanded it with precision, forming intricate shapes before launching it into the air, where it solidified into sharp icicles that rained down upon the platform.

Xander leaned forward, captivated. "Incredible," he murmured, his mind racing with the possibilities. "Imagine what we could do with powers like that."

The next participant was a man from the Vesper family, who specialized in teleportation. He disappeared from the platform in a blink, reappearing high above the crowd before vanishing again, only to emerge in multiple places simultaneously. His mastery of space was unparalleled, and the audience erupted in applause as he bowed, his performance complete.

Liam whistled softly. "That's going to be tough to counter."

Xander nodded, his thoughts growing heavier with each demonstration. He had always known the mafia world was dangerous, but seeing these powers up close made him realize just how much he had underestimated the competition.

As the demonstrations continued, they witnessed individuals who could manipulate fire, summon storms, and even control shadows. Each new ability showcased was more awe-inspiring than the last, and Xander felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.

When the event concluded, the crowd began to disperse, but Xander stayed seated, lost in thought. He was jolted back to reality when a voice spoke behind him.

"Impressive, aren't they?"

Xander turned to see a tall man with a commanding presence. His dark hair was slicked back, and his sharp features were accentuated by the dim lighting of the arena.

"I'm Tobias," the man introduced himself, extending a hand. "I couldn't help but notice your interest in the displays. New to the scene?"

Xander shook Tobias's hand, maintaining eye contact. "You could say that. I'm Xander."

Tobias's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "You're from the new family, aren't you? Word travels fast around here. It's not every day we see fresh blood rising."

Xander chose his words carefully. "I'm here to learn. Today's display has given me a lot to think about."

Tobias chuckled. "That's the right attitude. But be warned, this world of powers is as dangerous as it is fascinating. The families here don't just show off for sport. They do it to send messages. Every demonstration is a declaration of strength."

Xander nodded. "I understand that. It's why I'm here—to know what's possible and to prepare for what's coming."

Tobias leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Then let me give you a piece of advice. The most powerful families are not just those with the strongest abilities, but those who know how to use them strategically. It's not enough to have power; you must know when and how to wield it."

Xander absorbed Tobias's words, recognizing the truth in them. Power without strategy was like a sword without a skilled hand to guide it.

As Tobias straightened, he gave Xander a knowing smile. "I'll be watching your progress, Xander. This world has seen many rise and fall. The question is, which will you be?"

With that, Tobias turned and walked away, leaving Xander with a renewed sense of purpose. He realized that his journey had only just begun, and the challenges ahead would require not just power but intelligence and cunning.

Raven and Liam approached, sensing the weight of the conversation. "What did he say?" Raven asked.

Xander looked at them, determination hardening his features. "That we need to be more than just strong. We need to be smart, too. Today was just the beginning. We've seen what's out there, and now we know what we're up against."

Liam placed a hand on Xander's shoulder. "Then let's get to work. We've got a long road ahead, but we'll face it together."

Xander smiled, grateful for his loyal allies. "Together."

As they left the arena, Xander felt the weight of the world pressing down on him, but for the first time, he embraced it. He knew the path he had chosen was fraught with danger, but he was ready to carve out his place in this world of powers.