Chapter 05

Chapter 05

The First Contract

Three weeks passed.

Judah endured bruises, spirit-lashings, sleepless nights, and whispers behind his back.

But he also grew.

His stance sharpened. His reflexes quickened. He learned how to breathe with the Dralio instead of fighting it. His body began to hum with the steady fire of discipline.

Finally, the day came.

Captain Nuru summoned him to the Sun Chamber—the room where active assignments were handed out.

Judah entered to find three elders seated in a half-circle. Their masks—Hawk, Horned Lion, and Phoenix—glowed faintly.

The Phoenix Elder spoke first.

“Judah Jacob Mensah, the Dralio recognizes your potential. We will test your readiness with a simple contract.”

Judah’s heart tightened.

“Bodyguard detail,” the Hawk Elder said. “You will protect Kofi Ansah, the son of Minister Ansah. He is entitled, reckless, and prone to placing himself in danger. Perfect practice for recruits.”

Judah nodded. “I will not fail.”

The Horned Lion Elder leaned forward.
“You had better not. The Minister pays us handsomely.”

Captain Nuru tossed Judah a small earpiece and a holster baton.

“Uniforms and firearms come later. For now, your mask and your instincts will protect him.”

Judah formed a fist against his chest—the Red Sun salute.

“When do I begin?”

The Phoenix Elder gestured to the window overlooking the courtyard.

A gleaming armored SUV rolled in, escorted by two Red Sun senior members.

“Now.”

Meet Kofi Ansah:

Kofi met Judah with a smirk.

He was about 20, slim, wearing designer streetwear and expensive sunglasses despite the night sky overhead. He slapped Judah on the back.

“So you’re my new babysitter? You look serious, bro. Relax. You’ll get used to my vibe.”

Judah forced a polite nod. “My job is to keep you safe.”

“Well, good luck. My plans tonight? Not exactly… peaceful.”

The SUV took off toward the city center.

Nightlife lights flickered across glass towers. Holographic billboards shimmered above busy roads. Elite clubs pulsed with music beyond tinted windows.

Kofi wasn’t exaggerating.
He dove into every danger—high-stakes gambling rooms, shady backdoor meetings, rooftop parties with illegal fireworks.

Judah stayed alert, mask on, spirit quiet but vigilant.

Then came the moment.

2:13 a.m.
Back alley behind a private lounge.

Judah sensed something—pressure in the air, like someone pulling breath before a strike.

Ambush, the Dralio whispered.

Judah shoved Kofi aside just as—

CRACK!

A bullet slammed into the wall near them.

A shadow leaped from above.

Judah reacted instinctively—rolling forward, grabbing Kofi by the collar, and dragging him behind a dumpster.

Three masked figures emerged from the rooftops.
Their masks were bone-white, shaped like snakes.

“Midnight Crowns,” Judah hissed.

Rival gang. Silent. Efficient. Deadly.

Kofi trembled. “Can you… can you handle this?”

Judah felt the Dralio rise inside him.

Let me breathe, it growled.

“No,” Judah whispered. “Not fully.”

He stood, eyes burning behind his mask.

“Stay behind me,” he commanded Kofi.

The first assassin lunged. Judah blocked with forearms that felt like iron. The second circled. The third raised a silenced pistol.

Judah moved faster than he ever had—faster than he believed possible.

He disarmed, struck, flipped, and slammed them down with precision drilled for weeks and powered by something ancient.

When the last snake-mask hit the ground unconscious, Judah heaved for breath. His muscles trembled; smoke rose from his fingers.

He bowed slightly to Kofi.

“Contract fulfilled.”

Kofi stared in awe.

“Bro… you’re not human.”

Judah shook his head. “I am.”

But maybe not for long, the Dralio whispered.