The Hague, Netherlands—the capital of South Holland, home to the famed International Court of Justice and numerous global institutions.
It's hard to imagine that among these shadows lived the Bakshi family, descendants of the Third Reich's legacy and key players behind the scenes.
Though many understand the saying "darkness under the lights," few truly grasp how such power operates in practice.
The International Court of Justice in The Hague, while respected, had no direct role in trying World War II war criminals. Instead, those trials took place in Nuremberg at the European International Criminal Court.
The Bakshis had settled in The Hague long before then. During the war's chaos, they quietly aided the Allied landings. Their large, low-profile family avoided suspicion; careful to mask any hints of their origins, and swiftly erasing doubts when they arose.
After the war, they played vital roles in the Dutch rebuilding, gaining positions in the post-war government. Though The Hague isn't the Netherlands' capital, it hosts the government, the king's residence, embassies, and international organizations—making it the country's true power center.
Even the Zionist organizations hunting Third Reich survivors never targeted The Hague, allowing the Bakshis to flourish in quiet influence.
On the northwest coast, a modest yet powerful family manor served as a meeting place. Several key Bakshi leaders waited outside a study, anticipating their patriarch.
Finally, the family head emerged. Surrounding him, the group left discreetly.
Inside the study, Daniel sat alone, facing three items: a jade pendant, an envelope, and a long sword.
The jade pendant was the key to the Swiss bank's vault.
Inside the envelope lay a letter from Earl Ferdinand—the last legendary knight of the empire—who once enabled the supreme leader to control and balance the world's scattered superpowers, competing against the Allied Forces' might.
As Berlin fell, Ferdinand entrusted Daniel with this seal and task: to retrieve the bank's treasures after the war. Ferdinand himself died in that final battle.
Though the empire was crushed, it quickly reemerged, becoming Europe's critical frontline against Russia.
Germany's resurgence placed it among Europe's leaders—some say even above Britain and France. If not for American troops stationed there, the country might wield more power and influence than anyone dared imagine.
Rumors sometimes spoke of the US withdrawing troops—an outcome eagerly awaited by many Germans. Imagine having vast funds to fund your own military ambitions.
Few knew this legacy came from Earl Ferdinand's sacrifice—and the secret behind his power.
Daniel revealed a fragment today.
That powerful earl was a member of an ancient covert group: the Zodiac.
More precisely, he was Leo, the Leo in the Zodiac signs.
Count Ferdinand's letter detailed the Zodiac's history: founded centuries ago by Leonardo da Vinci himself, who convened the world's secret leaders to form the organization beneath the depths of Rome.
Many members had deep ties to Hydra, S.H.I.E.L.D., and even the predecessors of Leviathan
Da Vinci—known officially as the Renaissance's greatest polymath—was not just a genius in art, science, and invention but a master of secret knowledge.
Though mainstream history says he moved to Rome in 1513 and dabbled in tricks that made Romans suspect sorcery, no official record links him to these secret forces.
Yet from a more extraordinary perspective, he was likely a guiding force behind these powerful organizations.
Even his many inventions—which seemed centuries ahead of their time—indicate a mind far beyond normal bounds. Early automata, flying machines, multi-barreled gun designs, and diving suits—his genius spanned every field.
If someone claimed today to be da Vinci, it wouldn't be more surprising than any of this.
Official history records his birth as April 15, 1452, and death on May 2, 1519—over 70 years of life, long for that time. But for a super-powered figure, living hundreds of years isn't impossible.
Despite the secrecy, the Zodiac was born from a world-altering event—though the letter never spelled out what.
In Daniel's mind, it was probably an alien invasion or a dimensional demon attack. The timing matched when Kama Taj established its worldwide magic network.
In the envelope, Earl Ferdinand's letter described not only the Zodiac but contained powerful knowledge: methods for breaking through legendary realms, advanced cultivation techniques, and formidable swordsmanship.
Daniel thought of Baron Sterak, one of the greatest swordsmen of his era—still alive today but absent from the grand stage.
The old generation passed; only a few still practiced swordsmanship, and it was no longer practical—leaving it more a liability than a strength.
Daniel himself trained in the orthodox Teutonic Knights' ways as a youth before shifting focus to magic and technology.
While his sword skill remained modest, rarely more than brute strength, prospects existed to learn from Karma Taj mages someday.
And since he was already playing the role of Werner von Reinhardt—the sword-wielding mage—his path seemed set. The future would likely bring meetings with other Hydra leaders, where sword skills might cover his true identity.
The letter urged Daniel to care for the imperial family.
The Empire's fate was bleak; World War II spelled great loss. The Hohenzollern family, once rulers of a unified Germany, lost power within 60 years.
After the war, though banned from ruling, they retained noble titles and ties to royal families abroad.
They kept Hohenzollern Castle—the grandest fortress in Germany—under Prince Georg Friedrich Ferdinand's ownership.
In status and marriage, the family remained strong. They married into other noble houses, keeping their legacy alive quietly.
Unlike many Hydra factions, the royal family survived openly—protected and respected.
Their biggest trouble now was their Zodiac identity.