The bluish glow of the hologram flickered across the chrome walls of the control room, casting metallic reflections on Prince Varen's impassive face. Seated in a sleek, minimalist chair, he stared at the translucent screen scrolling with a cascade of numbers, photos, and reports. On the other end of the connection, Stavos's fingers danced across his holopad with surgical precision, pulling up interactive maps of Joranis's cities. Red dots blinked, then vanished one by one.
"All mafia strongholds have been neutralized, Your Highness," Stavos announced, his voice slightly distorted by the transmission. "The Cix, Sern, Amon, Fenbel, and Draklor families… scattered, arrested, or eliminated. Our forces executed as planned. In twenty-four hours, the operation is a success."
"Your Highness." Stavos gave a slight bow, right hand over his heart. "Operation Zero is complete."
Varen didn't respond immediately. He sat motionless, his gaze fixed on Stavos without truly seeing him.
