THE FAMILIES: Lords of the underworld

In this world the term " Families" isn't just a nickname, it refers to the Five strongest gangs that dominate the global underworld.

Members of any gang are often called "Devils," a moniker earned through their ruthlessactions and their willingness to harm the public when deemed necessary.

Despite their immense power the Devils, don't operate without limits. On the contrary, when a gang claims a territory, their primary objective shifts. They meticulously work to avoid to harm the general public,instead focusing their violence on rival gang members. In a twisted sense, these gangs act as the unificial police of their claimed citie, offering a semblance of order and protection in exchange for some " tax" from the populace. The true pinnacle of this helierarchy are the few tier 1 cities, home to the top-tier gangs universally known as the Families. What sets the families apart from the other gangs is their unparalleled reach. Their control isn't confined merely to their primary cities; it extends deep into Tier2 and 3 cities, with some even having roots firmly embedded in the far-flung, tier 6 and 7 settlements.

Their Tier system is not just about influence, it reflects economic and environmental realities.

Tier 1 cities are the wealthiest and most influencial, gleaming centres of power.

Tier 7 cities represent the absolute lowest ring often serving as crucial industrial hubs. These lower tier cities ( tier 5, 6,7) are typically where factory bases and minor operations are concentrated.

Consequently, the general public suffer from immense pollution, with litter strewn everywhere, buildings in ruin or completely unusable, and even the water sources tendered unsafe.

Under a glow of a potent full moon,the forest was bathed in an ethereal light that pierced through the branches,illuminating every shadow nook. Deep within its heart where serene ponds led to winding pathways, the distant murmur of a river and a rustling of leaves hinted at a hidden world. Here and ancient mansion steeped into history, had been meticulously reconstructed and partially renewed.

Withing it's Grand hall, five regal throne chairs stood, drawing all eyes to a solitary figure.

Laximus Demon, the leader of the Demon family, finally spoke, his words not only startling the others but also preventing an imminent clash between two hot headed individuals.

Kai, still reeling from the abrupt command, fumed internally." Huh– who does he think he is ordering me around?" His gaze remained in Laximus, his mind churning with defiant thoughts.

Across the hall, Xylo mused along the similar lines." I wonder what's gotten into him, forcing him to speak now. Is the matter truly that serious, or is he just in a foul mood?" Despite having been elected a leader as a year prior, Xylos had never witnessed Laximus utter a single nonsensical word, always sensing an unsettling strangeness about the man." Laximus doesn't usually grace these gatherings with his presence, so whatever this is about must be significant enough to draw him here. And if he is the one telling us to take things seriously, I should probably heed his words."

Kai, still simmering, thought." I bet he sees himself as above us all," He mentally vowed to himself to teach Laximus a lesson when the opportune moment arose, but for now he focused calming himself. " Laximus is a man of action, while I'm confident I could take him, it would leave me vulnerable, and a single strike from these idiots could finish me off ."

Sera, observing the tense scene, was herself quite surprised. Laximus, enshrouded in a peculiar dark energy, was an enigma- unpredictable and unusually calm.

If one looked closely, the strange, living energy that constantly moved around him, from head to toe, obscured everything but a void of darkness.

He was the mysterious figure about whom, they possessed the least information. His true strength remained unknown, none had ever witnessed him fight, a terrifying prospect. Even Sera, who had been part of the Grand Leaders for far longer time than Cyrus, knew precious little about him. She couldn't even discern who lay hidden behind the mask.

" There was a rumor though," Sera recalled." Of a tier 2 city's gang completely being eradicate overnight. Some whispers attributed it to the Demon family, but no one was left to confirm-every last member perished. I highly suspect it was him. No one commands that kind of power: even we couldn't achieve such a clean sweep. That leaves only his gang."

" I truly wonder, who is behind that mask," she pondered, " could it be the original founder of the Demon family? No that's absurd; there is no way. And judging by his voice, it sounds too young, definitely not someone old,"

The two hot-headed eventually yeilded back, retaking their seats. Annoyance was clearly etched on Kai's face and though Xylos's expression remains mostly hidden, he too felt the sting of disrespect from Laximus, though he let it slide.

" This is truly interesting, though!" Xylos chuckled to himself, a slight smirk playing on his lips. " Even his butlers aren't ordinary."

The Grand Leaders were not alone: each accompanied by their tow most trusted servants, positioned behind them in case of unforeseen events.

Xylos's attendants wore flowing robes with light blue trims that trailed along the ground, designed for comfortable movement. Both appeared to be in their top- twenties, their hair a distinctive light yellow hue.

Vlad and Koruk, clad in identical outfits with matching hairstyles, could easily be mistaken for twins by anyone observing them.

Sera Helen, leader of the Noctis family, mirrored her attendats in attire: distinctive boot with an unusual feel, a specialized skirt, and black jackets casually draped over their shoulders. Their elegantly long legs were undeniably attractive, with the fabric beneath their jacket subtly revealing glimpses of their pale skin. Their hair tied back, featured tips dyed a deep, dark red. Maya and Mary, unlike Vlad and Koruk, were actual twins, always by Sera's side, poised and ready to defend her at any moment.

The companions of Kai Blaze were, to put it mildly, true gangsters. They wore specialized gear, identical to their leader's, designed to contain some immense, unleased power. Their armours were custom-crafted for a perfect fit, adorned with a fierce, wolf like ancient beast, emblazoned on the chest. Below their knees, a strange design depicted a beast's mouth, fangs bare and jutting sideways. An odd, heat palpable emanated from them. Their hair was cut short, with sections of their head completely shaven, and their physiques were as muscular as Kai's.

Fing and Chen, both powerful warriors and proud.

Finally, Laximus's attendants stood in stark contrast to the others. Their appearance seemed unremarkable compared to the flamboyant displays of the other leader's retinues. On Laximus's right stood Fallon, the eldest of the two. His face was marked by palpable wrinkles indicating the years of wisdom. His white hair stretched past his shoulders, tied in a ponytail. He wore a simple black shirt and trousers. Beside him, the other man only a few Fallon's junior, was similarly dressed in unassuming attire, his white hair also in a ponytail, though even longer than Fallon's. Their plain outfits didn't draw attention, but the vacant, emotionless looking in their eyes was unsettling.

They seemed utterly devoid of life.

Sera watched them, her gaze sweeping over each group, until a brilliant white light suddenly streaked toward the hall door.

The radiance was so intense that it forced everyone to avert their eyes. When they dared to look again, two men stood in the light's wake.

" I welcome King Immosel," Sera announced, greeting and being the first to show respect.