Inside Martha’s Apartment — Minutes LaterMartha approached Jaden, her eyes shadowed with worry, her voice low and trembling. “Jaden… I’m worried about you,” she confessed. “That bastard… He’s not the type to take humiliation lightly. He’ll retaliate.”Jaden’s expression darkened, but a grin curled at the corner of his mouth. His knuckles cracked as he flexed his fists.“Aunty, don’t stress yourself,” Jaden replied coolly. “Even if that scum doesn’t come looking for me…” His eyes glinted with quiet menace, “…I’ll hunt him down myself.”He tilted his head, smirking. “How can I let that trash rest easy knowing there’s still trash walking around this city?”Meanwhile… Downstairs by the Trash BinsMatthew groaned, dragging himself out of the dented garbage container, cradling his dislocated left arm. His designer shirt was stained, his ego bruised beyond repair.“Argh… Damn that Jaden… treating me like garbage,” Matthew spat, wincing as he adjusted his injured arm. “He has no respect for

At The White Prestigious Hotel — Grand Banquet HallThe crystal chandeliers sparkled like diamonds above the marble floors. Waiters in black-and-white uniforms weaved through the sea of wealthy elites, their silver trays stacked with the finest wines and delicacies money could buy.The atmosphere hummed with the low murmur of conversations, laughter, and the soft clink of glassware.Tonight wasn’t an ordinary banquet.It was a gathering of power. Influence. Secrets. And at the center of it all—Shadow.The most dangerous swordsman in Ravenmoor, cloaked in tailored black, a glass of red wine swirling lazily in his hand.“Such a grand turnout… all for me,” Shadow smirked, standing atop the marble platform, his sharp features glowing under the golden lights. His voice sliced through the chatter like a blade. “Truly… I’m flattered.”The crowd rippled with polite laughter, though beneath the surface, many watched him with veiled suspicion… or fear.An elderly man with slicked-back silver h

The hall remained eerily silent as Brown Thornfell took center stage, his sharp eyes scanning the wreckage left behind by Shadow—bodies strewn across the floor, guards crushed like paper, Fate trembling beside her wounded father.A smirk curled across Brown's face.“Haha… the Thornfells,” Shadow—Master Kendal—chuckled with rare humility. His manic demeanor subdued, replaced by careful respect. “I wouldn’t dare compare myself to your father, Lucian Thornfell… I’m ashamed to even stand here beside his bloodline.”Brown waved dismissively, his presence radiating quiet arrogance as he paced toward Fate. His eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto her, lingering longer than they should.“I arrived fashionably late, seems like I’ve missed the warm-up,” Brown said casually, his voice carrying both charm and danger. “But… who’s this lovely girl?”Fate stiffened under his stare, disgust and fear flashing across her face.Shadow’s lips twisted into a grin. “Brother, you came bearing gifts… yet

The air outside the shattered Thornfell building still crackled with tension. Glass crunched underfoot as Drax stepped toward Shadow, cracking his knuckles with slow, deliberate menace. His eyes burned with quiet contempt.“Heh…” Drax let out a dark chuckle, his voice low and mocking. “Don’t get it twisted. You’re still breathing because my boss—” he jerked his chin toward Jaden, “—wants answers. Otherwise, I’d have snapped your spine already.”Shadow wiped blood from his mouth, still struggling to steady himself after Drax’s earlier strike. His pride screamed, but his mind calculated. His eyes narrowed, lips curling into a sly grin.“A man of your caliber… a master of core strength…” Shadow's voice slithered with persuasion, “—wasting your loyalty on Jaden Rift? What can he possibly offer you? Stick with me—” his voice dipped into temptation, “—you and I could split Ravenmoor down the middle. No one would dare challenge us.”Drax stared at him, unimpressed. Then—Ptu!—he spat at Shado

The rumble of the demolition excavators echoed through the open space, engines growling like beasts unleashed from their cages. Their headlights beamed ominously, cutting through the settling dust. The hydraulic claws flexed, ready to rip steel and concrete apart.Brown’s eyes widened in terror. His legs buckled, his mind short-circuiting as realization crashed into him like a freight train.“N-No… it… it can’t be…” His voice faltered, barely a whisper. His pupils dilated, drenched with fear. His body trembled as he stumbled backward, gaze locked on the machines rolling into position.The helpless facade of arrogance cracked completely as Brown’s polished demeanor shattered.He spun toward Jaden, panic flooding his voice.“How—how dare you!” Brown roared, but his voice wavered like a cornered animal. “Do you even understand what consequences this will bring?!”But Jaden’s expression remained perfectly calm—cold, even amused. His arms folded casually across his chest, his golden aura s