Leo Makes His Move

The transaction was done and both men were going their separate ways. While the dealer moved deeper into the dark alley, the other man stepped out into the streets and blended in with the crowd.

[Shadow Melding deactivated]

Leo phased out of the dark walls, wearing a thoughtful expression on his face. He had considered jumping out and beating the crap out of the two but after giving it more thought, he pushed them aside.

Ring leaders of these underworld businesses are usually brutal and extremely violent. It's not rare for subordinates to pick death over snitching. He had no intention of losing his only lead.

Leo discreetly followed a suspected drug dealer through the maze of narrow streets and crumbling buildings. He maintained a safe distance, careful not to alert his target to his presence.

The air was thick with tension as Leo observed the dealer's cautious movements. The dealer seemed to possess an uncanny awareness of being followed, casting furtive glances over his shoulder at regular intervals. James knew that he had to remain inconspicuous and let his intuition guide him through this treacherous game of cat and mouse.

Finally, the dealer turned into a dimly lit alley, the walls covered in layers of graffiti and the scent of decay lingering in the air. Leo paused for a moment, ensuring he was not spotted, before cautiously entering the alley. He relied on his sharp senses to detect any signs of danger as he crept closer to the dealer's destination.

Silently, Leo slipped behind a stack of crates, his heart pounding in his chest. The sound of muffled voices reached his ears, growing clearer as he drew nearer to the source. Peering through a narrow gap, he witnessed a hidden door nestled within the graffiti-covered wall. It was the entrance to the drug ring's secret hideout.

Huff!

Leo exhaled deeply as he pondered on his next action. Currently, demonic energy is hard to come by, so he planned on using his abilities only when necessary.

---

As Leo pushed open the door, his eyes widened at the sight that unfolded before him. The vast room was dimly lit, its atmosphere heavy with an air of menace. The walls were adorned with graffiti and displayed a multitude of symbols associated with the drug trade. Members of the cartel were scattered throughout, engaged in hushed conversations, their eyes shifting nervously, ever watchful for any signs of trouble.

Leo silently observes the room's layout. His keen eyes darted from one face to another, taking mental snapshots of the individuals who held the fate of countless lives in their hands.

Just as Leo was about to edge closer to the heart of the gathering, a voice boomed from the back of the room, commanding everyone's attention. It was the cartel's leader, a figure notorious for their cruelty and ruthlessness. All eyes turned towards him, and Ethan's heart skipped a beat.

The leader's gaze swept across the room, his eyes sharp and piercing, as if he could detect any hint of deception. His eyes fell on the lone figure stationed at the entrance of the room whose face was hidden within the darkness.

The man was dressed in a gray jumpsuit and black boots. He wore leather black gloves. Leo's hair was tied back into a ponytail and his eyes had a strange red flash in them.

"Yo!" Leo called out while walking forward.

[Shapeshift skill successful]

As he stepped out of the shadows, his facial features had been altered to prevent them from recognizing him outside.

"Who are you?" the leader asks with a hint of surprise in his eyes while his hand slowly reaches for his gun. He wasn't sure whether to call this man a brave man or a fool.

"My identity doesn't matter. What matters is that I'm searching for someone and I plan to find them using any necessary means" Leo sneered with cruelty blazing in his eyes.

"Who is this clown?"

"Blow his head off!"

"Kill this motherfucker!"

Ratatatata!

Gunshot sounds filled the air as these people did not hesitate to unload their weapons on Leo. They all fired at him recklessly without giving a single thought and after five minutes of unholy baptisms, they finally stopped.

Buzzz!

Chills ran down the spine of everyone in the room causing them to stagger back. Their eyes carried horror and fear in them as they saw their bullets suspended in mid-air unable to reach their mark.

Leo stood amidst it all with his hands shoved deep into his pocket. He wore a disappointed look on his face and shook his head.

[Berserk mode activated]

"One's level of reasoning is limited to the world they are exposed to. Don't bother trying to explain what you are about to see from now" Leo said those words so slow people would think he was hand-picking each word.

Bang!

Leo raced forward, charging into the crowd like a bull, sending a few people flying!

Ratatatata!

Sounds of gunshots drowned the cries for help of those who found themselves in Leo's path.

Bang!

Leo knocked another man to his floor only to see another crazed man charging at him with his gun raised high. It seems after realizing their guns don't work on them, these people fall into insanity and do the dumbest things!

Hmph!

Leo had no reason to evade so he threw a fast right hook at the enemy. His fist tore through the wind like a spear, striking at the face of the enemy, sending him spiraling back.

"Kill him! Someone kill that man!" The leader growled furiously, unfortunately, his actions only awarded him Leo's attention.

Bang!

Leo ignored everyone and charged at the man on the elevated platform.

"Stop him! Don't let him get close to me!" The man cried out and tried to flee.

Many people ran forward and stood in Leo's way but he responded by throwing an open palm forward sending a dark red energy palm forward.

Bang!

Over three bodies are sent airborne while the dark red claw tears through the encampment, striking at the fleeing man!

Pa!

Leo clenched his fist and the dark red arm wrapped around the leader. It mimicked Leo's movement, dragging him into the air and tossing him to Leo's end of the room!

Bam!

The man hit the ground and rolled a couple of times. He stopped while lying on his back and his skin peeled and bruised from the impact. Leo stepped on his chest and looked ahead to face what was left of

this group of people.

"Now, I will do the talking and everyone will listen" Leo said coldly.