MasukAt the Carver residence, the warmth in the courtyard hadn't faded yet. The leaves on the locust tree rustled overhead like a slow song. Sunlight was scattered across the stone table in soft patches, and the smell of the coffee was still drifting through the air. Aria was still taking in the love and understanding from Titus and Warren. She could also still feel the heat from Landon's palm against her skin, and the worry that had been sitting behind her eyes had eased off a little. She was sinking into the quiet of it. Even her breathing had slowed. But right in the middle of all that, her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was faint, but clear enough to cut straight through the silence of the courtyard. The soft buzz was hitting her with so much unease. Aria instantly tensed up. The hand around her cup went still, and her fingers, which had only just loosened up, pulled tight again. That heavy feeling she'd managed to shake a few minutes ago came creeping back with more caution. Wi
Landon reached over to check the coffee on the table, then pressed a warm mug into Aria's hands. He said softly, "Drink something warm first." Sam trailed after him and flopped down on the chair beside Aria, curling his small frame into the cushions. He stayed quiet and behaved himself, only sneaking glances up at the elders and then over at Aria every so often. The courtyard went quiet for a beat. All they could hear was the wind moving through the locust tree, with steam rising off the coffee. Warren and Titus shared a look, and each one caught the same thought in the other's eyes. After all, both men had seen enough of life that they didn't need words. They sighed at the same time, heavy with that particular ache grandfathers carry for their grandchildren. Underneath it sat something softer and hopeful. Warren lowered himself back into his chair and picked up his cup, thumbing the rim while he figured out where to start. When he finally spoke, he looked at Aria and Landon wi
Sylas had two options. He would have to take Aria out before she could track him down and end the problem for good. It was either that or he sped up the soul transfer and used the Reincarnation Mirror to rebuild his body as fast as possible. Then, he'd be able to put himself somewhere even heaven's laws couldn't reach him. Stepping outside the three realms and slipping past the Five Elements was an impossibly tough task. People had been trying to achieve that for as long as anyone could remember, and not one of them had ever managed it. Breaking free of heaven's control was that hard. But Sylas had been working toward this for a long time, and his ambition alone said everything about the kind of man who'd actually try. Jorell's rushed footsteps grew fainter and fainter, until they finally disappeared into the dead quiet of the estate. The courtyard went silent again. It was so quiet that even the wind brushing through the dried vines sounded loud. Inside the chamber, the gree
Sylas had specially designed the Soul Lock Grove's layout for Nunzio. The day Nunzio met Sylas' expectations would also be the day he died.At that moment, Nunzio was completely absorbed in Sylas' treatment and utterly devoted to him. He had no idea that the man he served with absolute loyalty harbored such ruthless intentions. He took everything as a sign of favor.The pain in Nunzio's body gradually faded, replaced by a warm current flowing through him. Almost immediately, he began looking at Sylas with even deeper reverence. The dark glow at Sylas' fingertips slowly withdrew as he closed his eyes to rest. The chilling energy around him receded slightly, though it still deterred anyone from approaching. The chamber fell into a dead silence. Only the faint crackling of the eternal lamp and Nunzio's heavy breathing could be heard. The atmosphere itself was suffocating.Suddenly, hurried footsteps shattered the silence in the courtyard. They were chaotic and urgent, nothing like
Sam widened his eyes, his voice tinged with fear as he clenched his fists unconsciously. "How long? Boss, you and God of Wealth had been unconscious for three nights! "I was pacing the whole time, worried sick, but I didn't dare move either of you. I haven't left this room once in the past three days. I stayed right here watching over you, just in case anything happened."Aria blinked in shock. Time had passed slowly in the Netherrealm, yet three days had gone by in the mortal realm.She noticed Sam's bloodshot eyes and the exhaustion he couldn't hide. Even his usually bright face looked worn. It was clear that over the past three days, he hadn't relaxed for a single moment while guarding both her and Landon.Sam seemed to have read her thoughts. He waved his hand dismissively, a smile returning to his face as his tone lightened. "Boss, don't worry. I'm fine. Just a little sleepy. Once you've recovered, I'll get some rest."For the past three days, the Special Missions Unit has b
Inside the Reincarnation Hall, the unholy energy seeped into Aria's dim spirit form and threaded its way toward her soul. Moments ago, she had finally felt the warmth of finding her six fellow apprentices. Yet, her hope was crushed by the fact that Thayne had not entered reincarnation. She leaned against Landon, her spirit trembling faintly. The faint glow flickered around her like a dying candle in the wind, ready to be swallowed at any moment by the dense gloom of the underworld.A thread of golden light slipped from Landon's palm and gently wrapped around her spirit, shielding it from the biting cold. The concern in his dark eyes was almost overflowing, but he said nothing. He simply stayed by her side, careful not to interrupt her thoughts.There were things he knew, things he understood, but he could not speak of them. Everything had to be uncovered by Aria herself, step by step. Meanwhile, Vexon stood nearby with his head lowered. When he saw Aria's dispirited form, he fu
Wesson asked in a deep voice, "What are you trying to do?"Aria answered casually, "Isn't it obvious? I have control of your terminal. I reverse-hacked into NIO's non-core display systems through your internal network."It's not just the screen you're looking at. Several dozen shared screens acros
The medicine pouch floating in the bathtub was packed full with rare and invaluable herbs. They promoted blood circulation, reduced stasis, and calmed the mind.After preparing the bath, Aria stepped out of the bathroom and sat next to Landon."You and Sam should get some rest. It's going to take
The young woman had clung to hope, believing she could leave this hellhole if she simply obeyed every order. Only now did she see the truth. Once brought here, she would forever be these people's plaything until the day she died—stripped of all freedom, all dignity.The man was right. Every woman
The man in the suit stiffened almost imperceptibly. He understood the subtext in Aria's words.He fell silent for a moment, sizing up Aria and Landon as if trying to figure out who they were and why they were there. "I can't call this one," he said at last, his tone softening. "I'll ask the manag







