Pete was dozing heavily in his chair in the security booth. He was over sixty-five years old but had refused to go into retirement. To be fair, nobody else wanted his job.StoneGate cemetery was a low-key tract of land where the plebes of Springfield buried their dead. Thorny bushes, weeds, and cracked gravestones were the best scenic view.The grave keeper’s salary was a few hundred dollars a month, but Pete was content. Ever since his son died in the Pacific World War and was buried at this location, he decided to watch over the graves till his last breath.People gossiped that Stonegate Cemetery was haunted, but Pete saw nothing go bump in the night over the last thirty years. That was going to change very soon.Thud! Crack! Crunch! The sound of boots and metals against soil and gravel woke Pete up. He fluttered open his eyelids and peered into the night. The old man could see movement, and he froze.Pete’s eyes focused on three shadows looming over a distant grave. Ghosts?! Was it

Springfield's beautiful town square was packed with elite and ordinary citizens. It was decorated with a patriotic tone, and the mood was generally not high.Among the elites, top billionaires, merchants, bureaucrats, artists, and civil society were present. The military was also in attendance. Everyone's eyes were on the ten-foot-tall monument at the town center, shrouded by a curtain.General Lance Baker approached the podium and addressed the crowd and the media cameras."A good morning to all citizens of Springfield. I am General Baker, appointed by the federal government for this transition period of the city."There was light applause from the audience. Even though Lance was a familiar face by now, the presence of the military made people anxious."I welcome you to a new day in Springfield's history. I will concede, of course, that the past year has been horrendous in terms of human lives lost and displaced. Several terrorist attacks almost shook the city's foundation and brought

Victor was in the Mayor's office going over the fortification plans of Springfield. [Victor Cromwell, Lieutenant Mayor] was embossed on his glass door.The civilian town was set on the path of transformation into a military-industrial city. In the near future, it would produce its own arms and armaments and train its own soldiers.However, the first step was to build defenses around and within its borders. It was Victor's priority right now."Border patrol won't be enough to stop sudden military incursions," he said, tapping on a detailed map of Springfield. "We need more drastic measures in place.""What do you suggest?" General Lance Baker asked, seated opposite the newly appointed Interim Mayor. "We have to build over a hundred secret bunkers at strategic places," Victor replied, sliding the edited map across the table. Lance pored over the markings and whistled. Numerous locations were cross-marked around and within the city. "You appear to be an expert at military strategy for a

Victor raised an eyebrow but retained his composure. "Is that so? I was not aware women could lie like that, and people would still believe them.""It seems you have finally come to your senses!" Chloe said, banging on the desk. "With a single accusation, we can ruin your career! You will be fired from the Mayor's position, and the Cromwell family's reputation will be in the dust!"Victor nodded again. "It makes sense. What do you seek to achieve from such a fraud?"Daphne grinned from ear to ear. "If you don't want us to accuse you… Quickly type out our letters of joining as secretaries with double salaries. Moreover, we want a check for fifty thousand dollars each right now!""Oh, this sounds like blackmail," Victor said slowly. "And extortion. Which are both crimes."Chloe waved a dismissive hand. "Do you have any other option? Consider the money and job as compensation for us preserving your reputation and career. Fulfilling our demands would be better than going to prison, wouldn

Victor paused for an extended moment before giving in. “You know… One day, my enemies are going to abduct you and use you as a radar to find me.”Eva wiped her tears on his coat and giggled like a child. “If your enemies exploit me to find you, they will be very successful!”She punched him repeatedly in the chest. “Do you know what I went through after hearing about your death? The world means nothing to me without you!”Victor chuckled and pried the girl off himself. “Alright. Alright. Now that I am back… Tell me… How did you realize I am Victor Damone and not Victor Cromwell? I need to know to prevent others from figuring out my identity.”Eva bit her lip and rolled her eyes, pretending to go into reflection.“Hmph. Are we going to completely ignore the fact that you possess the supernatural ability to change your appearance? It’s definitely not plastic surgery or any medical technology or theatrics. It’s something out of an urban fantasy novel! First, tell me how you are alive. I