Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Date: January 22, 1999

Location: London, Night Streets

David moved swiftly through the chilled streets, his figure barely visible against the shadowed alleys. It had been almost a month since he'd first donned his costume, and already he felt his skills sharpening. Each night he became more fluid in his movements, his reflexes instinctual as he dealt with criminals in quick, precise strikes. Tonight, he decided on a different approach. He would try blending new orders with his pyrokinesis, testing how creative he could get while maintaining his cover.

He paused on the rooftop of a nearby building, the view of London stretching out beneath him, vibrant and restless. His free New Order command activated, a single thought filling his mind: "I can sense any weapon within 200 meters." Immediately, a subtle awareness settled in him, like a faint vibration leading him toward a nearby warehouse on the edge of the district.

Location: Abandoned Warehouse, London

He slipped inside quietly, the darkness concealing his form. A group of armed men were gathered, distributing boxes filled with guns and ammo onto metal tables. He could hear snippets of conversation—plans for selling the weapons, alliances being made.

David watched, eyes narrowing beneath his mask. These weren't just petty criminals. They were organized, likely connected to a larger syndicate. He couldn't let this operation take root in London.

He let his pyrokinesis spark to life, a small flame dancing on his fingertips as he descended from the upper ledge, landing with a silent grace that went unnoticed by the men. With a swift motion, he expanded the flame along the floor, creating a ring of fire around the group, trapping them.

One of the men turned and gasped, pointing. "It's him—Shadowflame!"

"[I'd advise dropping the weapons,]" David's distorted voice growled through the mask, the warning evident. The voice changer added an extra layer of menace, making his tone sound almost otherworldly.

The men hesitated, looking between the fire and their weapons. One tried to reach for his gun, and David extended his hand, igniting the man's sleeve with a flicker of his flames. The criminal yelped, frantically patting out the fire as he dropped his weapon.

"[You think selling weapons in this city will go unnoticed?]" David continued, his voice cold and firm. "[Not anymore.]"

The men surrendered, the remaining weapons clattering to the floor as they raised their hands in defeat. David allowed the flames to die down, his shadow looming over them.

---

Location: Joestar Residence, David's Room, Midnight

David climbed in through his window, ensuring his invisibility was still intact as he entered his room. He removed the mask, the weight of the night's events settling on him. He had disrupted an organized crime ring tonight, something he'd dreamed of doing in his previous life but could never have achieved. Here, he was a force, capable of making tangible change.

Yet, with each night, he felt the burden grow. He knew that he was walking a thin line between helping people and crossing into dangerous territory. He was changing the city—and himself—in ways he hadn't expected.

As he drifted to sleep, he felt a renewed determination settle within him. The world was only getting more dangerous, and he had to be ready for what was to come.

End of Chapter