Albert stood respectfully in front of Danial and Dorothy. Breaking the silence, Danial questioned, "Do you have one of your lapdogs, Jeff, stationed at Sterling Technological Company in the role of a supervisor?" Albert's lips quivered as he replied, "Yes, his name is Jeff. I stationed him at Sterling for information gathering purposes." Danial, indifferent yet assertive, stated, "He did something he shouldn't have, and I need you to fix it." Albert bowed and promised, "Please order, and I will fix it immediately." Glancing at Dorothy, Danial informed, "Your lapdog, Jeff, framed her father, who was in charge of a project at Sterling Technology. Now her father is facing the company's wrath because of your lapdog's fault. Tell me, how do you want to fix it?" Albert, sweating, responded, "I will immediately send that man to the police, and he will face his charges. I will personally remove the frame from her father." "Good. Do it now," Danial commanded. Albert wasted no time, immed
I sat comfortably in Albert's Ferrari 488 GTB as he skillfully maneuvered through the town's streets. After a few minutes, I calmly instructed him to pull over at a secluded area near an abandoned factory. Following my command, Albert parked the car near an abandoned factory that had been left desolate for eight years. I turned to Albert, ready to delve into a more personal conversation. "So, Albert, how long have you held the title of the underground king in the Southerland district?" I inquired. Albert, with humility, shared his life's journey. "I've been in the Southerland district my whole life. Academic pursuits weren't my forte, so after finishing high school, I joined my father's steel business. Over time, I recognized the potential in the underground market, dealing in steel initially and eventually expanding into protection fees and control over mid-level companies. That's how I carved my place as the king of the underground world." Reflecting on Albert's extensive experie
Becoming the Master of the Bright Light Academy seemed like a daunting task, and I couldn't fathom why the system had chosen such a quest for me. Seeking clarity, I turned to Albert for insight. "Albert, who currently serves as the master of the Bright Light Academy?" I inquired. Albert's response was sobering. "Master Bowan holds that title. He's at the Early Master stage of Cultivation, but his methods are notorious for their cruelty. He's known to resort to torture if his students fail to meet his demands." Appalled by this revelation, I pressed further. "Why haven't the students lodged complaints against such barbarity? Surely the government would intervene." With a somber expression, Albert explained, "Unfortunately, the government turns a blind eye to such matters. Their priority lies in maintaining the academy's profitability and influence. Those who dared to speak out were swiftly silenced or removed from the equation." Concerned about the danger, I hesitated. Just as doub
The next morning, accompanied by Albert, I made my way to the imposing gates of the Bright Light Academy. The cool breeze of dawn whispered promises of new beginnings as we ventured into the heart of the academy. Before departing, I diligently completed my daily tasks, a routine ingrained in me by the ever-demanding System. As a reward, I acquired a newfound technique: the Water Flowing technique. This advanced mortal-level movement technique promised to enhance my agility with its focus on one-step leaping. Arriving at the academy bright and early, anticipation coursed through my veins. Albert and I stepped inside, greeted by the serene atmosphere of the academy grounds. We were met by a disciple, their demeanor formal yet welcoming. "Hello, gentlemen. What brings you to our humble abode?" the disciple inquired, extending a courteous handshake. Albert, always adept at navigating social interactions, took the lead. "We're here to enroll him as a student," he responded, gesturing to
Entering the expansive training hall with Albert by my side, I took in the sights of various training equipment and students engaged in different exercises. Wooden dummies lined one corner, intended for hand-to-hand combat training, while on the opposite side, there were bands and assorted equipment designed to strengthen different parts of the body. Observing the diverse group of individuals, some clad in traditional karate attire and others in casual wear, I noted at least 15 prospective students seeking admission. Positioning myself behind the crowd, I signaled for Albert to stay back, considering he wasn't a student of the academy. After a brief wait, a trainer strolled into the training hall, projecting an air of laziness. "Welcome to the Bright Light Academy," he declared indifferently. "On your right, you'll find wooden dummies for combat practice, and on your left, training machines to suit your needs. If you believe you're strong enough for the next level, step into this roo
The trainer's gloomy expression shifted to a begrudging acknowledgment. "Yes, you have passed the test. You may enter the next floor," he reluctantly declared. I acknowledged his response with a simple "Thank you" and proceeded to the second floor. As I ascended, the surroundings underwent a noticeable upgrade. The second floor appeared more refined and well-maintained compared to the relatively basic setting of the first floor. Upon reaching the second floor, a student named Brad welcomed me. He cupped his hands and greeted, "Welcome to the second floor. May I know your name?" I responded with a straightforward introduction, "Danial Crawford." Brad, showing polite curiosity, continued, "Since you are here, you must have passed the test on the first floor?" "Yes, that is correct," I affirmed. "Okay, please follow me," Brad said, gesturing for me to accompany him. Together, we entered the hall on the second floor, revealing the diverse training areas that were categorized into thr
A Practice fight was about to begin in the combat training hall.The fight was between two brothers named Pavan and Adren. Both are really good at combat and are considered the strongest in the combat training hall.But due to some conflict, they decided that only one can gain the title of the strongest in the training hall.Since the only way to settle the conflict was a fight, the trainer decided It would be best if the fight was observed by all of them.I noticed that Pavan's face was slightly pale and his breathing was uneven while Adren was smiling creepily.I immediately thought of something and went to Pavan.It's not that I fancied Pavan nor I wanted to gain any favour. It's just that I couldn't bear to see someone lose because of a trick and betrayal. I guess maybe my sense of justice was too strong. I went up to Pavan and greeted him "Hey Pavan "Pavan turned around looked at me and said "Hello, do I know you?"I said, "Actually I just entered the academy.""Oh ok what do y
The trainer noticed the heavy atmosphere and immediately said "Stop fighting over unnecessary things and help me get him to the inflammatory"Adren immediately shut his mouth and I helped Pavan to the inflammatory.In the inflammatory, Pavan was treated and the doctor said that it was an infection in his stomach caused by some unknown elements which made Pavan even more suspicious of Adren.Pavan came out looking a little pale but not as pale as in the beginning. He came to me and said "Thank you Danial if you had not warned me I would have been alive right now"I said " You don't have to be so kind Pavan I did What I had to do regardless"As we were exchanging pleasantries Adren came over and said arrogantly " Brother Pavan you are still unwell, tsk look at you.On one side there's you, pity and succumbed weakness and on one side there's me Strong and confident and also I have the title of the strongest martial artist in the combat hall"I said coldly " You really think that punny ti
Santigo leaned back in his chair, the flickering light casting long shadows across the room. His smile stretched wider, full of mockery and malice, as his gaze shifted lazily between Danial, Pavan, and Crystal. "Took you long enough," he drawled, tapping his fingers on the armrest. "I was almost about to start another session with Kuro, but you arrived on time. Tsk tsk, what a pity."Danial’s eyes darted to Kuro, his chest tightening at the sight of his friend slumped over, bruised and barely conscious. Rage bubbled beneath his calm exterior, his fists clenching so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He knew what "session" meant—and judging by Kuro’s state, it was far worse than he’d imagined.Gritting his teeth, Danial stepped forward, his fists clenching at his sides. “What do you want from us, Santigo?” His voice was low but edged with anger. “We’ve never crossed paths. We have nothing to do with you. So why drag Kuro into this?”Santigo waved his hand dismissively as if bru
The trio made their way through the desolate industrial district, their steps echoing faintly against the cracked asphalt and rusted pipes that sprawled across the ground. The Lapanzo Foundry loomed in the distance—a massive husk of steel and concrete, its faded name barely visible on the old factory’s rust-eaten board. Broken windows and gaping holes in the walls stared back at them like the hollow eyes of a corpse, and the air was heavy with a metallic tang mixed with an unexplainable decay that clung to their senses.There were no birds, no stray dogs, not even insects. The silence was unnatural, almost suffocating. Each breath they took felt too loud as if the factory itself might hear them.Pavan looked around, his face pale and his voice just above a whisper. "Yeah, this is the place where I’m going to die."Danial shot him a sideways glare. "No one is going to die." His voice was steady, but his jaw was clenched.Ahead, the board with “Lapanzo” scrawled in faded letters jutted
Danial sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers interlocked and his face stoic, though his mind churned with conflicting thoughts. Pavan, pacing back and forth like a caged animal, threw his arms up in frustration. "Danial!" Pavan snapped, his voice rising. "Are you even listening to me? How can you sit there so calmly when Kuro’s life is on the line? And Crystal—she’s a target too!" Danial finally looked up, his eyes sharp and cold. "Calm? Do I look calm to you, Pavan? I’m just not panicking like you are. If we lose focus now, Kuro’s as good as dead. And if Crystal gets caught in this... it’ll be worse." Pavan stopped pacing, running a hand through his hair. "Then tell me, what’s the plan? What are we doing? Because I can’t just stand here waiting for them to kill Kuro." Danial leaned back, exhaling deeply. "We can’t afford to act recklessly. Whoever this is, they’re not some common thug. They know Kuro’s strength, and they still managed to take him down. That tells me this is pers
Santigo paced around Kuro, his leather boots thudding against the cold, damp concrete floor. The dim overhead light flickered sporadically, casting ominous shadows across the room. The sharp edges of Santigo's features seemed exaggerated in the erratic glow, giving him an almost predatory appearance."Ah, cousin," Santigo drawled, his tone mockingly sweet as he circled Kuro. You look so pitifully tied up like this. I must say, it suits you—a star brought down to earth, groveling in the dirt."Kuro's wrists were bound tightly behind his back, and his legs were shackled to the chair he was forced to sit on. His clothes were torn, and his breath was ragged, but his eyes burned with a fiery defiance that refused to be extinguished.Santigo crouched down to meet Kuro’s glare, his grotesque grin widening. "Tell me, cousin," he whispered, his voice laced with venom, "how does it feel to have the tables turned for once? To be... insignificant?"Kuro’s chest heaved, his breath shallow but stead
Pavan’s hands shook uncontrollably as he processed the words he had just heard. His friend’s life was hanging by a thread, and the weight of the situation bore down heavily on him. His normally composed demeanor was in tatters, replaced by fear and anxiety.Danial, though visibly calmer, felt a storm brewing within. His sharp mind worked through the possibilities, piecing together how this could have happened. Kuro is strong, far stronger than most people realize. For someone to have captured him, this isn’t just about strength—it’s planning, manipulation… or something far worse.Pavan’s voice broke through Danial’s thoughts. “D-Danial, we can’t handle this on our own. We need to go to the authorities, to someone who can—”Danial interrupted, his tone firm but low. “We can’t.” His eyes locked onto Pavan’s. “You heard him. If we go to the authorities, Kuro’s life is the first thing he’ll take.”Pavan clenched his fists, frustration, and helplessness written all over his face. “But… wha
The emissaries from Emsgate couldn’t hide their broad smiles as Tanya descended the arena steps. Their demeanor was almost triumphant, as though Tanya’s victory over Viktor was a personal affront to Somerland. Tanya, however, walked with a quiet pride, ignoring the subtle gloating. Behind her, the terrain of the arena shifted and morphed back to its original flat state, the transformation accompanied by a low rumble.Viktor, meanwhile, trudged down the steps on the opposite side, his head hung low. The sting of defeat gnawed at him, and the weight of representing Somerland felt heavier with each step. In his heart, he felt as though he had disgraced his homeland.Waiting for him near the entrance was his master, a tall man with graying hair. The master’s sharp eyes softened as Viktor approached, clearly burdened. Placing a hand on Viktor’s shoulder, he spoke firmly yet kindly:“Viktor, just because you lost does not mean you failed to prove your worth. Your worth is measured by how ha
Elyisa put her hand into the ballot and took out two folded paper slips. She unfolded the slips with an air of authority. “Tanya from Emsgate and Viktor from Somerland,” she announced, her voice echoing throughout the stadium. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the audience as she reached into the twist and terrain ballot. Unfurling the next slip, she declared, “They will be fighting in a mountainous area. They will have to complete the fight in under four minutes, or both participants will be disqualified.”The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and startled whispers.“Four minutes? Is that even enough time for a proper fight in such rugged terrain?” one spectator exclaimed.“And they’ll both be disqualified if no winner emerges? That’s brutal,” another muttered, shaking their head.The tension was palpable as Tanya, seated among the participants, felt a pang of nervousness grip her chest. Her hands balled into fists on her lap as she stared at the giant screen displaying her name
As the first rays of sunlight graced the sprawling Capital, a vibrant energy filled the air. The second day of the Tournament of Sovereign Might had arrived, and the anticipation was palpable. Crowds thronged the streets, surging toward the massive stadium like waves, eager to secure their seats. Yesterday's attendance had been monumental, but today, it seemed to have doubled. Vendors called out, selling snacks and memorabilia, while children tugged at their parents, buzzing with excitement. The tournament fever had gripped the Capital, and all eyes were on the arena.Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Spectators filled the stands, the din of their chatter building into a crescendo. The VIP sections gleamed with luxury, reserved for the most influential figures in society: the Greatest Families. Clad in their signature styles, representatives from these families arrived in a display of opulence and prestige, each taking their place in the exclusive area.In the Kirk fami
Maria’s fingers gripped the arms of the chair tightly as she stared at her grandfather. Her usual composure wavered, replaced by a mix of shock and unease. It was rare for her to confront Quintan like this, but the stakes had grown too high. She needed clarity, not half-truths or vague reassurances.Quintan tapped his fingers rhythmically against the polished wood of the desk, his expression unreadable as he studied her. Finally, he leaned forward, his gray eyes sharp and piercing.“What questions do you want to ask, Maria?” he asked, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of weariness.Maria didn’t hesitate. She had been holding this in since the mission’s disastrous conclusion. “Grandfather, I want to know what’s going on with the Demonic Cult. Why are we conducting reconnaissance missions on them instead of mobilizing the Gods of War? They would annihilate the cult without a second thought. Why hold back? What is the status of Rowan and Lysandra? And what about Nina?" Her fis