Chapter 238
Path formation (2)
Thor could be seen sitting on a crate that had been dragged over next to IAM, who was also seated, the both of them quietly watching as officers moved in and out of the now-exposed warehouse. The earlier tension had settled, replaced by a strange calm—like the eye of a storm had passed and left a vacuum in its place.
IAM looked a lot better now. His face had been cleaned up, most of the dried blood wiped away by the medic earlier. He wore a plain grey tracksuit that hung a little loose on him—it was far more comfortable than his torn hoodie, which had been scuffed and dirtied during the earlier scuffle.
They sat in silence for a few more seconds, the sound of the soft murmur of police officers and the occasional radio crackle filling the space. Then, without looking over, IAM suddenly said:
"Alright, can you tell me what is going on now?"
Thor glanced sideways at him, his expression was unreadable. Then he nodded, stretching out his legs a little before answering.
"Well… this whole incident is a result of two gangs fighting," he said, running a hand through his hair. "The ones in the white car are called La Blanca, and the ones in the green cars are known as The Chloros."
IAM blinked. "Wait, I thought gangs in the higher sector don't engage with each other in such a way. They're usually more civil, and if they wish to fight, they're more discreet—to avoid getting hooked."
Thor let out a humourless chuckle and gave a small shrug. "That's how it normally works," he said. "But this time, the Chloros ambushed a group from La Blanca. That ambush led to a series of events which spiraled… resulting in that car chase between them. Then the police got involved. And once the police got involved—" he gave IAM a look "—we got involved too."
He ended it with a heavy sigh, leaning forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees.
"But why?" IAM asked, also leaning slightly forward.
Thor tutted softly and gave a dry shake of his head. "You see, The Chloros are usually not that active in the higher sector. Their main base of operations is in the middle sector. But this incident—it shows they're trying to expand their influence upwards, into territory that's normally off-limits to them. And if they're moving like this, that means they're not just looking to establish roots… they're also willing to clash directly with anyone who threatens their interests—or simply anyone who stands in their way."
IAM narrowed his eyes. "But… wouldn't it take a lot of resources? Time? Connections? You can't just step into the higher sector and start swinging. To properly challenge La Blanca—they'd need backing."
Thor nodded. "Yes," he said, his voice low. "And that's where things start to get complicated."
He stroked his chin absently, his fingers brushing over smooth skin.
"In what way?" IAM asked.
Thor's expression darkened.
"I believe you already know that… ever since the incident at the Hold, the country's been quietly teetering on the edge. There's chaos beneath the surface, even if no one's saying it out loud. And in times like this, the chances for traitors—or worse, members of the Circle of the Accursed—in positions of power is extremely high."
He paused, letting the weight of his words hang between them.
"And not just in the military," he added slowly. "I'm talking on a political level, too. Many are starting to see this situation as an opportunity—to expand their own power, increase influence, eliminate rivals. And the easiest way to do that?"
"Accusations," IAM said quietly. "Label your enemy a traitors or even spies."
Thor nodded. "Exactly. And that includes the sector mayors."
He turned slightly, looking IAM directly in the eye.
"How much do you know about the sector mayors?" Thor asked.
IAM recalled some things he had read in the library and began to speak. "The way it works is that there's a mayor assigned to each sector—the higher, middle, and lower sectors respectively. Every five years, there's a reshuffling. Mayors from one sector can be promoted to a higher sector, or demoted to a lower one, depending on their contributions and performance."
He continued, "They're elected by a combination of public votes from their respective sector and by approval from the overseeing government. Once both are factored in, the final result is decided."
"Then," IAM added, "every fifteen years, regardless of past performance or which sector someone governed, there's a major reshuffle. During this one, other politicians or eligible figures can compete for the position of mayor in any sector they choose. That process is decided solely by the democratic vote of the people."
He paused before finishing, "Hope's End also has a mayor, but it's more like a manager position. No one really wants it. It's widely seen as a punishment for any mayor who's fallen out of favor."
"Very good," Thor replied with a slight nod. "It's also important to note: the President of Hope—the one who oversees everything—is based in the highest sector. They aren't elected by the public or the government. Their appointment comes from an entirely separate internal system."
IAM frowned. "I've read a bit, but I've heard almost nothing about the highest sector. It's so mysterious… practically inaccessible to more than ninety-nine percent of the population. I have no idea what actually happens up there."
Thor smiled faintly. "I know a few things, but it's all highly classified. I'll tell you this, though—it's a place I've only had the privilege of entering a handful of times. Let me be clear: it's not a place where just anyone could live. But you can be assured, they do act with the country's best interests in mind."
"Hmm… I don't like it," IAM said, his frown deepening slightly.
"You don't have to like it," Thor replied calmly. "Trust me—if you ever go to the highest sector, you'll understand."