Axton returned to Atlas City alongside Hart and the other Dragon Claw members who had joined him in his search for the butler.

Their mission was partly done.

Upon finishing the short quest of finding Mayor Duncan's butler, shimmering notifications appeared before each of them as their system windows lit up one by one. Experience points were then dished out to the players.

Of course, Hart and Axton received the lion's share of the rewards, to match the extent of their direct involvement in the operation. The others didn't complain and this was because they knew the difference in contribution was obvious.

After exchanging a few words of farewell, Axton parted ways with Hart and headed straight back to the mayor's estate. The place felt emptier now — quieter, almost haunted.

Several soldiers stood by the gates, maintaining order while priests in white robes gathered inside to perform the last rites for the late Mayor Duncan.

The faint smell of burning incense filled the air, mingling with the melancholic sound of low tone prayers.

There was no point in delaying the funeral any longer. The longer Duncan's body remained, the heavier the air in the estate became. Everyone could feel it.

A small meeting was soon held inside the hall — a gathering of priests, senior guards, and city officials.

Their expressions were solemn as they discussed the path forward for Atlas City.

That was when one of the priests finally spoke up, breaking the silence that hung in the air like fog.

"We should elect a new mayor."

The others nodded, murmuring in agreement.

The priest continued, "Many in the city also believe that the one with the highest authority and experience should take the position. And by that measure…"

He paused, glancing around the room before his gaze finally landed on one man.

"…that duty falls to you, Commander Khan."

A hush fell over the room.

Every pair of eyes turned toward Axton.

There was no denying it — he was the most capable person in the city right now. Strong, decisive, respected by both the soldiers and the people.

In truth, he wasn't just the best option. He was the only option.

Still, Axton didn't respond immediately. His face remained unreadable, but inside, his thoughts rebelled.

He had already heard the whispers on the streets — the subtle rumors that painted him as the possible perpetrator of Mayor Duncan's death.

It stung.

He couldn't believe that the same people who had cheered for him, who had trusted him to protect the city, could think that he had anything to do with Duncan's demise.

Yet, as he pondered more, he realized where those suspicions came from.

Everything about Duncan's death had been shrouded in mystery, and Axton's quick rise in influence made it all seem too convenient.

However, there was no time to dwell on rumors.

Atlas City needed a leader.

After much discussion and persuasion, Axton finally rose from his seat. The room quieted instantly.

He bowed slightly toward the assembled priests and officers.

"I'm honored that you consider me worthy to take Mayor Duncan's place," he began, his voice calm but resolute. "Even with the controversies surrounding his death, I promise this… I'll uncover the truth behind it, no matter what. And I'll do my utmost to continue his legacy."

He raised his head, meeting their eyes with quiet determination.

"With a grateful heart, I accept the responsibility of this position… to serve Atlas City as its new mayor."

For a moment, silence lingered… and then applause filled the room.

Relief washed over the faces of those present.

The burden that had hung over them lightened as Axton's acceptance brought a sense of stability to the city's uncertain future.

Some even smiled with visible gratitude. In times like these, Axton was the leader they needed — strong, decisive, and capable of restoring order.

If anyone had tried to accuse him without evidence, it would've been chaos. And none of them wanted to face the wrath of a man like Axton — especially after witnessing his power firsthand.

Suddenly, a familiar chime rang in his ears.

*Ding*

A bright system window appeared before his eyes.

[Congratulations!]

[You have been granted the position of the new City Mayor of Atlas City]

[You are now the ruling figure in the city]

[Every NPC citizen of Atlas City is now under your command]

[Every player who seeks to enter, leave, or conduct trade within the city requires your authorization]

Axton blinked at the floating notifications.

"Wow…"

That was the only word that slipped out of his mouth.

This was bigger than anything he'd expected. As a commander, he already had authority over the military. But as mayor… he controlled everything in Atlas City.

Every guild, every merchant, every citizen… all now fell under his jurisdiction.

Even players needed his permission to enter, trade or even leave Atlas City.

He could practically feel the weight of the city pressing on his shoulders. But instead of fear, there was a spark of determination in his heart.

When the meeting ended, the priests and soldiers respectfully bowed before leaving the chamber.

Soon, Axton was alone.

He stared at the empty chair across from him — the same seat where Mayor Duncan used to sit — and his expression hardened.

The more he investigated, the clearer the pattern became.

Mayor Duncan's death wasn't random.

Something had followed him back from the Realm of Shadows.

Whether it was a cursed artifact, a parasitic entity, or something far more sinister, Axton couldn't yet tell.

But one thing was certain — everything that had happened, from the butler's strange death as well to the mayor's death, was connected to that mysterious realm.

And if the Realm of Shadows could reach into the living world… then Atlas City might be in far greater danger than anyone realized.

******

(Outside the Mayor's Estate)

The sound of bells rang across Atlas City as priests and soldiers stepped outside to address the crowd.

Citizens had gathered in large numbers, filling the square before the estate.

When the announcement was made, cheers erupted.

"Commander Khan has been chosen as our new mayor!"

Applause thundered through the streets.

People chanted his name, waving their arms and celebrating the new appointment.

To most of them, it felt like a new dawn — a sign that the city would soon recover from the tragedy that had struck it.

After all, who else could they trust if not the man who has proven that he was capable of defending the city?

Even though it was great news, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm.

Amid the joyous noise, there were murmurs — quiet, suspicious voices speaking ill through the crowd.

"It's strange, isn't it? Duncan dies, and suddenly Khan becomes mayor."

"Too fast, if you ask me."

"Yeah… almost too perfect."

The skeptical few exchanged glances, their whispers carrying the faint scent of conspiracy.

To them, Axton's rise felt too convenient — like a ladder placed exactly where it needed to be.

But in the end, that was all they could do. Talk.

They had no proof. No witnesses. No evidence. Only assumptions.

And against a man like Axton — now the most powerful figure in the city — mere gossip meant nothing.

In time, the rumors would fade, swallowed by the events of daily life.

For now, the people of Atlas could only look to their new leader with mixed hearts — some filled with admiration, others with suspicion.

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