The third-ranked family did not deal in money, technology, or war.
They ruled the unseen world—the underworld.
They stepped forward in dark robes, bowing deeply.
Their heir, a golden-eyed woman with a scar over her lips, held out a small black box.
When Anastasia opened it, the world stared in horror.
Inside was a single ring, adorned with a ruby so deep it looked like frozen blood.
💬 "That's not just a ring… that's the Mark of the Phantom Syndicate."
💬 "The underworld's true rulers just handed her dominion over crime itself."
💬 "She now holds the power to erase anyone… without leaving a trace."
Anastasia simply smiled.
"How fitting."
She slipped the ring onto her finger.
And the world shivered.