Night fell over Iron Heights, a sprawling industrial metropolis, broken only by the clinking of crystal glasses echoing between its steel towers. The feast celebrating the victory of the Duke of Iron was held not in the elegance of a mansion, but in a massive ballroom constructed with the arrogant architecture of glass and steel. Despite the cool autumn air outside, the interior was heavy with cigar smoke, expensive perfumes, and the laughter of the Duke's loyal men, creating an almost suffocating warmth.
Shadow stood like a foreign object within this new and luxurious world. He wore a sharply tailored black suit, finished with silver accents, crafted by the Duke's personal tailor. The outfit accentuated his dark and dangerous presence even further.
Moving away from the crowd, he approached the massive glass wall. Outside, the artificial lights of Iron Heights dazzled the eyes; steam rising from factory chimneys merged with neon lights, drawing a mechanical shimmer across the sky. Watching this, Shadow still felt the sting of Knox's betrayal in his heart — even this splendor could not quell his pain.
The Duke of Iron approached, crystal glass in hand, and stood beside him.
Duke of Iron:
"The noise is unbearable, isn't it? The noise of those who survived. Below, in the mines, there is only silence… and the groans of the enslaved, Shadow."
Adjusting his glasses, he stood by the window.
Duke of Iron:
"Did killing that pig Argon unsettle you? You think too much."
Shadow slowly lifted his glass to his lips. Even amidst the noise, his voice was cold and clear.
Shadow:
"I was thinking… how easily people can be bought… and how easily they sell themselves."
The Duke nodded with a mocking smile.
Duke of Iron:
"People either exploit or are exploited. You either wear a hero's mask… or remain unmasked and get crushed. Friendship is nothing but a burden, Shadow."
Shadow's violet eyes glimmered calmly, as if approving the words.
Shadow:
"As long as control is mine… I need nothing else."
The two of them continued to gaze at the metallic sky of the city.
---
THE NEXT MORNING – MEDIA STORM
The following morning, Iron Heights' central square was filled with a media frenzy. The Duke had organized a grand press conference to end the rumors about Argon's death. Though morning had come, smoke rising from the factories blanketed the sky in a gray haze.
Newspapers had already prepared their headlines:
Argon was portrayed as a tyrant, while Shadow was exalted as the Shadow of Justice.
The Duke began speaking in a loud voice to the crowd.
Duke of Iron:
"My people! Last night, not only did the reign of a tyrant come to an end; the torch of justice and progress was rekindled! Argon thought he gained power through swords and slavery. But the new era is won with Reason, Science, and Innovation!"
With a dramatic gesture, he raised his hand, silently indicating Shadow standing behind him.
Duke of Iron:
"And the one who eliminated this threat… this young man who believes in the future of our kingdom… Shadow!"
Camera flashes erupted one after another. Reporters scribbled notes breathlessly, their eyes fixed on Shadow's cold violet gaze.
Reporter:
"Shadow, was this an execution? Why did you kill Argon?"
Shadow remained motionless like a statue. Even this spectacle turned his pain into a flawless machine for the Duke's propaganda.
The Duke immediately turned the question in his favor.
Duke of Iron:
"This was the end of a tyrant! Shadow's heart holds only one purpose: to destroy unjust power! He is no longer just my right hand… he is the new hope of the kingdom!"
When the ceremony ended, the Duke and Shadow left the area in an armored vehicle.
---
IRON HEIGHTS – CENTRAL TOWER
Passing through the city, the scenery resembled a science-fiction world:
Steel skyscrapers, steam-powered railways, and cold mechanical life illuminated by neon lights.
The vehicle stopped in front of the city's tallest and largest tower. The top floor housed the Duke's administrative center.
The Duke led Shadow to his office, a circular space made entirely of glass walls. Beneath them lay all of Iron Heights.
Duke of Iron:
"This is the future itself, Shadow. Not for those clinging to the decayed traditions of the past. Under my rule, everything has order."
He took his seat at the desk, his expression turning serious.
Duke of Iron:
"Argon was merely a pawn. The real problem… is Lady Katerina."
He leaned over the map.
Duke of Iron:
"Katerina and her family have ruled these lands for centuries. Magic, nobility, pride… she is the last obstacle to my technological advancement. Argon's death weakened her power, but Katerina remains dangerous. Her agents stir unrest in my mining regions. She uses the people's loyalty and tradition to her advantage."
Turning his sharp gaze to Shadow, he continued.
Duke of Iron:
"Your first task is this: attacking Katerina with a sword would be foolish. We would lose the people's support. You will find her agents and report every step to me. Katerina must crumble because of her own pride and arrogance."
Shadow turned back to the glass walls, his violet eyes reflecting the neon lights with even greater intensity.
Shadow:
"I understand. I will carry out the task flawlessly."
The Duke nodded with satisfaction.
Duke of Iron:
"Remember. There are only two rules in this world:
Trust no one… and always maintain control."
As Shadow left the office, his long shadow cast sharp, jagged lines on the glass floor.
To the people, he was a hero…
But to the Duke, he was only a deadly weapon…
CHAPTER 4 – End