Sunday morning felt normal. Too normal. Caden sat at the kitchen table eating cereal when the television volume suddenly rose.
"Breaking news," the reporter's voice cut sharply through the room.
Caden froze.
On screen, blurry footage played from a police security camera. A dark figure in a cape and helmet dropped an unconscious gang member at headquarters before vanishing into the night.
"A masked vigilante has been spotted on police headquarters cameras dropping off a high-ranking gang member. Based on analysis, the individual stands approximately five-foot-ten. Public perception remains mixed, but gangs have already issued bounties, dead or alive."
Caden's spoon stopped halfway to his mouth.
Dead or alive.
The reporter continued.
"The police commander has come forward stating he does not officially support vigilantism but is open to assistance in reclaiming Graven Hollow."
The segment rolled on, replaying the footage from different angles.
Caden slowly leaned back into his chair.
His phone buzzed.
Caden: You see this?
Eli: Already watching.
Caden opened social media.
Search: Masked Man Graven Hollow.
His screen flooded instantly.
Clips. Theories. Edits.
Some called him a hero.
Others called him reckless.
One viral post compared him to the Sixth Great. Another claimed he was a secret STF agent operating undercover.
Caden swallowed.
He texted Eli again.
Come over.
Later that afternoon, Eli sat on the edge of Caden's bed while Caden paced the room.
"I'm famous," Caden muttered. "The whole city recognizes me."
Eli didn't look impressed.
"Yeah. That's not good."
Caden stopped.
"What do you mean? I just took down a gang leader."
"If they find out who you are," Eli said calmly, "everyone you know is at risk."
That hit harder.
Caden's jaw tightened.
"You think the Galactic Empire's gonna find out?"
Eli hesitated.
"…Yeah."
Caden frowned.
"Come on, bro. You're being paranoid."
Eli leaned forward.
"No, I'm being realistic. If gangs can track footage, imagine what Imperial systems can do."
He lowered his voice slightly.
"We should only talk about this in the bunker from now on."
Caden rolled his eyes.
"You think they're listening right now?"
Eli didn't answer.
That evening, they were back in the bunker.
Multiple screens displayed gang activity, patrol routes, and online chatter.
Eli pointed at one feed.
"Your night patrols just got ten times harder."
Caden crossed his arms.
"Why?"
Eli zoomed in on a street camera image.
Posters.
Printed still-frames of Caden in his suit.
"Gangs have pictures of you posted all over Graven Hollow."
Caden exhaled slowly.
"That it?"
Eli shook his head.
"No. They've set up rotating patrols specifically looking for you."
Caden let out a small, incredulous laugh.
"Wow. That's… excessive."
Eli didn't smile.
"There's a bounty. Dead or alive. That changes the game."
Silence settled over the bunker.
The glow of monitors reflected off Caden's helmet sitting on the table.
Eli looked at him seriously.
"We need a plan."
Caden stared at the screen showing patrol movements tightening like a net around the city.
"…Yeah."
Because for the first time,
The myth wasn't a myth anymore.
And someone out there wanted him dead.