Empire of Shadows

Chapter 26: Another Incident

“Who’s that?”

In another corner, seven or eight teenagers surrounded a young man in his early twenties, wearing a baseball cap. It was clear that he was the center of this small group.

A younger boy whispered, “I heard his name is Lance, an illegal immigrant from Balman State.”

“He claimed he just finished a job that paid him 200 bucks. That’s why Rob got into a fight with him earlier—so annoying.”

Balman State wasn’t exactly a prosperous region in the Empire. Its economy was primarily agricultural, and although there were developed cities, they couldn’t compare to the bustling imperial capital.

Here in the Empire, most permanent residents who had obtained citizenship came from affluent areas like the capital. Only these individuals could smoothly secure permanent residency and citizenship.

So when Lance’s hometown was mentioned, the youngest boy didn’t seem very impressed.

“Doesn’t matter where he’s from. As long as he’s at odds with Rob, we can be friends.”