The war chariots screeched to a halt around us, surrounding the entire barbecue stall area with military precision. These weren''t ordinary police vehicles—these were the elite Special Tactics Unit''s armored transports,plete with mounted weapons and reinforced ting.


    Commander Keller emerged from the lead vehicle, his imposing figure d in tactical gear. His steely gaze swept over the scene, taking in the gang members who were now frozen in ce like statues.


    "Uncle Keller!" ra eximed, rushing forward with surprising speed. She threw her arms around themander''s waist, her earlier fearpletely vanished.


    I observed themander''s transformation with interest. His hard military demeanor softened momentarily as he patted ra''s head, before his expression hardened again when he looked at the gang members.


    "These men," ra dered dramatically, pointing at the bald leader and his associates, "tried to abduct me! They said they ''own this area'' and threatened to kill us both!"


    Themander''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that so?"


    The gang leader seemed to shrink under Keller''s gaze. "Sir, there''s been a misunderstanding—"


    "Cuff them," Commander Keller ordered his men, cutting off any excuses. "All of them."


    Within moments, the entire Red Star Society was being rounded up and ced in restraints. I stood back, somewhat amazed at how quickly ra''s exaggerated phone call had escted into a full military operation.


    Commander Keller approached me while his men handled the arrests. "Mr. Knight," he said, recognition evident in his voice. "I apologize for any trouble. William Vance speaks highly of you."


    "No trouble at all," I replied, ncing at ra. "Though I think the situation might have been... slightly exaggerated." <var ss="frag-928362">Help<i ss="node-sep"></i>us<i ss="node-sep"></i>continue<i ss="node-sep"></i>by<i ss="node-sep"></i>reading<i ss="node-sep"></i>at<i ss="node-sep"></i>the<i ss="node-sep"></i>source:<i ss="node-sep"></i>*.</var>


    ra shot me a look that was half-guilty, half-triumphant.


    Keller''s mouth twitched in what might have been a suppressed smile. "Nevertheless, we''ve been tracking the Red Star Society for months. Their activities extend beyond simple extortion. We''ve suspected them of human trafficking, drug distribution, and several unsolved homicides."


    I raised my eyebrows, giving ra an appraising look. Her impulsive call may have done more good than I''d realized.


    "Thank you for looking after ra," Commander Keller continued. "William tends to be... preupied with his work."


    "It''s no problem," I answered. "She''s an interesting youngdy."


    ra beamed at thepliment.


    Commander Keller lowered his voice. "Between us, Mr. Knight, I''ve heard about your... capabilities. If you ever consider putting them to use for the city''s defense, my door is always open."


    I nodded, filing away this unexpected connection for future reference. In my experience, allies in high ces were invaluable.


    After ensuring ra was safe, I drove her back home. Our ns for the evening thoroughly disrupted, I called Alistair Northwood to postpone our herb-gathering expedition to another day. The elderly alchemist was understanding, though I could hear his disappointment through the phone.


    "Another time, young man," he said. "The golden moonflowers will bloom again next month."


    ---


    The following evening found me adjusting my tie in front of a mirror. William Vance had extended an invitation to a high-profile party—another social obligation I couldn''t avoid if I wanted to maintain my growingwork of connections.


    Anthony Harding stood nearby, checking his watch. "We should go. These events have a protocol, and being fashionablyte only works for certain people."


    I nodded, giving my reflection one final assessment. The ck suit Mariana had gifted me fit perfectly, making me look every inch the rising star alchemist I was bing known as.


    The hotel hosting the event was one of Veridia City''s most exclusive establishments. As we pulled up to the entrance, I saw a line of luxury cars stretching around the block—Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, and custom sports cars that cost more than most people''s lifetime earnings.


    "Quite the gathering," I remarked as we walked through the doors.


    Anthony adjusted his sses. "The Veridia Business Association only holds these gs twice a year. William pulling strings to get you invited speaks volumes."


    The ballroom was a study in opulence—crystal chandeliers, marble floors, waiters circting with champagne and hors d''oeuvres on silver tters. At least two hundred of the city''s elite mingled throughout the space, their conversations a steady hum beneath the ssical music yed by a string quartet.


    William Vance spotted us immediately, excusing himself from a circle of executives to approach. "Liam, Anthony! d you could make it." He pped my shoulder with a familiarity that drew curious nces from nearby guests.


    "Wouldn''t miss it," I replied, epting a ss of champagne from a passing waiter.


    As William led us through the crowd, making introductions, I noticed the reactions my name provoked—widened eyes, whispers behind hands, assessing looks. My reputation was spreading faster than I''d anticipated.


    After about an hour ofworking, I found myself at the edge of the ballroom, observing the social dynamics y out before me. Anthony stood nearby, equally content to watch rather than participate in the parade of wealth and influence.


    "...heard he cured the Sterling girl''s terminal illness with a single pill..."


    "...took down the entire ckwood family without breaking a sweat..."


    "...working directly with Pavilion Master Valerius herself..."


    The snippets of conversation about me floated through the air. Some urate, some wildly exaggerated, all contributing to the growing legend of Liam Knight. I sipped my champagne, finding the situation both amusing and useful. Let them talk—fear and respect were currencies as valuable as gold in this world.


    A group of young heirs near us seemed particrly fascinated with discussing my exploits.


    "My father says he''s the most talented alchemist to emerge in decades," one woman whispered not quite quietly enough. "The pill he created for the Sterling family should have been impossible for someone his age."


    "I heard the Martial Guild is keeping tabs on him," another added. "They don''t like unknowns with that much potential."


    I was weighing whether to introduce myself when a loud, arrogant voice cut through the sophisticated murmur of the room.


    "What''s so special about that damn Liam Knight? He''s just a coward. I stole his Pill, and he didn''t even dare fart!"


    The deration hit like a thunderp, silencing nearby conversations. Heads turned toward the source—a young man in an expensive but garishly styled suit, his face flushed from too much alcohol.


    Anthony tensed beside me. "Do you know who that is?" he whispered.


    I studied the loud-mouthed stranger, memorizing his features. "No," I replied quietly. "But it seems he knows me."


    The room''s atmosphere shifted palpably, guests subtly moving to create distance between themselves and potential conflict. I felt dozens of eyes on me, waiting to see how the rising star would respond to this brazen challenge.


    I handed my champagne ss to Anthony and straightened my tie. "Let''s fix that, shall we?"