The Emotionless Wolf's Journey

Arthur sat quietly in his modest apartment, the morning sunlight slanting through half-drawn blinds as he occupied a small couch, eating a simple breakfast: buttered toast and a steaming mug of black coffee, each motion methodical and unhurried.

The television mounted on the wall flickered as the morning news played. Arthur's golden eyes were focused on the screen, though his face betrayed no hint of emotion.

The news anchor, a polished Atlantean with shimmering blue skin and a perfectly composed smile, transitioned smoothly into the main story.

"We bring you live coverage from the Redux City Police Department," the anchor announced,"Police Commissioner Elektra is holding a press conference regarding the successful rescue of politician Sasha Williams and the takedown of the Black Talon Syndicate's most notorious operatives."

The scene of the news suddenly shifted to the bustling steps outside the Police Headquarters of Redux City. Reporters hurriedly jostled for any space possible, their hands clutching microphones and notepads, while flashes of a camera punctuated the air.

At the center of it all stood Police Commissioner Elektra, a striking figure, even for a Vampire, with deep crimson eyes and flowing silver hair that made her an icon of authority in Redux City.

Dressed in her immaculate police uniform adorned with gleaming badges signifying her achievements, she exuded both elegance and power. She stepped forward to address the crowd, her voice amplified by a cluster of microphones.

"Good morning, citizens of Redux City," Elektra began, her voice smooth as if she had done this a million times before, "I am pleased to report that after an intensive investigation and a high-stakes operation last night, we successfully apprehended Viktor Sokolov, known on the streets as 'Ironclaw,' and his associates. Their criminal activities, including the distribution of the dangerous new drug Soulshade, have been brought to a halt."

The reporters erupted into questions, but Elektra raised a pale hand, demanding silence, which they all gave to her.

Although Elektra wasn't a registered Superhero, based on her feats, she was at least at the Tier 1 level, a true Titan in terms of power, and it made others respect her greatly.

"Soulshade," she continued, "has been a growing threat to our city, causing immense suffering and chaos. I assure you that our forces will do everything in our power to investigate its origins and eradicate it from our streets. Viktor Sokolov and his men will face justice and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

She paused for dramatic effect, letting the gravity of her words sink in. "I must also commend the brave officers involved in last night's operation. Their swift and decisive action ensured the safe rescue of Sasha Williams, who is now recovering under medical supervision."

Arthur took another bite of his toast as he listened, expecting just as much. Credit was never his goal, nor did he crave recognition. In fact, he craved the exact opposite, asking Nathan to promise not to leak his details to the Police or any other forces.

In this new world he inhabited after reincarnation, anonymity was a shield. As he chewed away, the news continued with Elektra beginning to answer a barrage of questions about Soulshade and the state of law enforcement.

As Arthur rested his plate down, taking another sip of his coffee, his phone buzzed beside him. He raised an eyebrown and picked it up, noting a message from Nathan Williams. It was brief and full of gratitude, a simple, "Thank you, Sasha is stable, payment has been made through secure channels."

Arthur's thumb hovered over the keyboard. In the end, he sent no reply and set the phone back down. Even if he wanted to reply, he didn't exactly know what would be appropriate.

After living this second life for decades years at this point, he still wasn't exactly the best at interacting with others. His lack of emotions, a trait that followed him from his past life to this one, left him unable to properly read social queues and societal norms.

Elektra's press conference wrapped up with a final statement, "Let this be a message to those who would bring harm to our city: Redux will not bow to the darkness. We will fight, and we will prevail."

Arthur leaned back, finishing his coffee and went to wash the dishes as he sunk into thought. The city was a maze of power plays and shadows, and Elektra's words were a scripted performance meant to placate the public.

The general public were incapable of knowing just how deep the waters of Redux City went, but it was impossible for Arthur not to know. Yet, he didn't care, as long as no-one bothered him of course.

Still, his thoughts roamed to Viktor, and his threat of working for a Demon Contractor. Demons were just Evil Spirits, and Demon Contractors were just those who contracted with those Evil Spirits for power.

Still, Arthur didn't care, being a Spirit himself.

Although most Spirits had left the Mortal World, leaving behind only descendants such as the Foxkin & Giants, whilst they headed to the Spirit World to live their lives.

Arthur, perhaps due to the influence of his past life, preferred living in the Mortal World, even though he was a Mythical Wolf Spirit, the most powerful race of Spirits in existence.

Still, he wondered why a Demon Contractor would appear in Redux City, pushing drugs of all things, but that was a problem for another day, and another person to solve.

For now, Arthur finished washing the dishes, and headed out, deciding to head to his headquarters and deal with some paperwork. As he entered the bustling streets of Redux City, the noise of the metropolis was a constant hum.

From the wails of sirens, the rumble of passing trams, and the scattered conversations of vendors and pedestrians, the City was very much alive. Arthur himself weaved through the crowd, his imposing figure and Werewolf Ears causing people to instinctively step aside.

At 6'10", Arthur was a tower of quiet strength, his expression as emotionless as ever. His long black trench coat swayed with his movements, and his golden eyes kept a dull expression.

Eventually, he reached the corner of Slate and Haven streets. Towering over the neighboring structures was the dark, gleaming monolith that housed his headquarters: 'Nightshade Contracts'.

The building had a minimalist yet sophisticated design, black-tinted windows running from the ground floor to the top. The front doors were thick glass etched with the company's logo: a crescent moon with a howling Wolf.

Arthur pushed open the doors and entered the lobby. The space was sleek, modern, and meticulously clean. Soft lighting bathed the waiting area in a calming glow, and at the front desk sat Ethan, Arthur's administrative assistant.

Ethan was a Werewolf himself, a descendant of the Wolf Spirits mating with a Mortal Race, having wild brown hair and sharp green eyes that hinted at the beast lurking beneath his carefully tailored suit.

Standing at 6'4", Ethan was formidable in his own right, though next to Arthur, he seemed more of a younger brother than a threat. His sharp features softened as he spotted Arthur approaching, a smile breaking across his face.

"Arthur," Ethan greeted, his voice warm but with a professional undertone. He adjusted the slim, rectangular glasses perched on his nose, "Good to see you back. I hope your morning was peaceful?"

Arthur's expression remained blank as he nodded, "As peaceful as it could be," he replied. His voice was calm and even, devoid of any discernible emotion.

Ethan stood, pulling out a tablet from beneath the front desk and handing it to Arthur. "First thing's first," he began, "Nathan Williams transferred the payment early this morning. Everything cleared, and the funds are sitting pretty in our accounts.

Arthur glanced at the screen, confirming the deposit. He expected no less from Nathan. As a politician's brother, and a businessman in his own right, Nathan had alot of influence, and keeping a transaction secret was easy for him.

"Anything else?" Arthur asked, handing the tablet back.

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly, "Yeah, we've got another request for your services. A very special person might I add."

Arthur's expression didn't budge one bit, yet he spoke, "Who is it?"

Ethan's expression grew more serious,"It's a private individual. Woman named Sylvia Carrington, owner of Vendoza Industries. She came to us because she's desperate. Apparently, she's asked every other contractor in the city, and they all turned her down."

Arthur searched his memory for any woman with that name and status, remembering a tall, busty woman, with beautiful long hair and pointy ears.

"An Elf huh, Pure-Blood one at that, and no-one wants to complete her goal? Why?" Arthur asked.

Ethan shrugged. "She didn't give details, but it's clear we're her last option. Everyone else declined, probably due to her case being too dangerous or not worth the risk."

Arthur silently contemplated what he should do for a short moment before finally saying, "Set up a meeting, I want to hear what she has to say."

Ethan nodded. "Already done. She'll be here in an hour."

Arthur sat back in his chair, folding his hands on the desk, "Good. Let's see what this is about."

The hour passed in relative silence, with Arthur reviewing the details of his last job and Ethan handling administrative tasks. True to her word, Sylvia Carrington arrived precisely on time. 

She was a tall woman, elegantly dressed in a tailored suit, with an air of quiet determination.

She had a pair of beautiful green eyes, which scanned the room before settling on Arthur, her golden colored hair reaching her shoulders.

Arthur could see her taking a couple deep breaths, potentially uncomfortable meeting with a Werewolf alone, yet she took a moment to herself, clearing away all of that potential fear and hesitation as she extended her left hand.

"Mr. Nightshade," she greeted, her voice steady. "Thank you for seeing me."

Arthur shook her hand, his grip firm but not overbearing. "Ms. Carrington. Please, take a seat. Let's discuss what brought you here."