The Black Shadow had existed long before Aurethia’s underworld learned how to hold a blade. Whispers said its founders trafficked not only in assassination, but in forbidden disciplines—ritual poisons, breath-sealing techniques, body arts that blurred the line between science and sorcery. Its headquarters rose like a jagged crown in Alderton Hills, hidden behind forests and cliffs that swallowed sound. Tonight, however, silence had been broken. Beyond the outer perimeter, thousands of soldiers stood in perfect formation. Black combat suits. Tactical visors. On their chests—an emblem of crossed blades over a shield. The Knights. Veterans of campaigns the world never officially acknowledged. Christopher stood at the front, coat swaying in the mountain wind. His gaze rested on the fortress carved into stone. Beside him, Leon bowed slightly. “My lord, all units are in position.” Christopher didn’t look away from the structure. “Intelligence?” Leon replied crisply, “The B

The elderly man in gray nodded respectfully. “Yes, boss.”Darius Kane slowly closed his eyes, deep in thought.He had long desired to move into Aurethia City. With Victor dead, the underworld there had fallen into chaos — a perfect opportunity.But Gravemont City itself was far from peaceful.Decades ago, during a brutal internal power struggle, a rebellious faction of their gang had been exiled overseas. Everyone believed they had been crushed.Yet recently, reports of their resurgence had begun surfacing.They were recruiting.Expanding.Quietly rebuilding influence.It was a thorn in Darius’s side.Until that hidden threat was eliminated, he could not afford to divert too much energy elsewhere.If he miscalculated even once, Gravemont itself could fall into turmoil.And Darius Kane had not ruled for thirty years by being reckless.---Meanwhile, in Lisle City—Anna looked at Christopher seriously.“Honey, the company has decided on a new strategy — we’re entering Gravemont City.”C

Christopher looked at Leon calmly. “Give me a full picture of Gravemonth’s underworld.” Leon straightened. “The Iron Serpent Syndicate is the dominant force here. Over ten thousand core members. Their influence stretches from ports to casinos, construction to private security. No one operates in Gravemonth without brushing against them. Darius Kane is the godfather of the Iron Serpent. Extremely low profile. He’s ruled for twenty years, yet very few people have actually seen him in public.” Christopher listened without interrupting. Leon continued, “There’s also the Obsidian Tide Society. A century-old organization. They once controlled this city completely. Internal betrayal forced many of their key figures overseas decades ago. Recently, intelligence shows they’re returning—quietly rebuilding.” “And?” Christopher asked. “There’s a third faction—the Silver Vulture Alliance. Smaller in size but deeply embedded. They maintain ties with both the Iron Serpent and the Obsidian

After driving Ronan away, Christopher turned to Selena with a faint smile. “Alright,” he said calmly, dusting off his sleeve. “The trouble is over.” Selena’s eyes were still red from fear. She looked at him as if he had just pulled her out of hell. “Thank you… thank you so much,” she said sincerely. Anna stepped forward and gently held Selena’s hand. “Selena, no need to thank us. We’re friends.” Selena nodded vigorously. Just an hour ago, she had thought her life was finished. Now everything had turned around so suddenly that it felt unreal. Marcus Vale, the boss of Crown Entertainment, suddenly let out a long sigh. “Selena… I’ve decided to shut down Crown Entertainment.” The words hit like a bomb. Selena froze. “What? Boss, why? The company is doing so well.” Marcus shook his head, looking ten years older than before. “Doing well? What’s the use? Even if Ronan was driven away today, he won’t let this go. He’ll come back. And next time… I may not be so lucky.”

Needle felt a trace of dissatisfaction. Ronan hadn’t even asked whether he was willing to help. Was he being treated like just another thug of the Iron Serpent? But reality left him little choice. If he wanted vengeance for Victor, he had to rely on the Iron Serpent’s power. Suppressing his pride, Needle lowered his head. “I will follow Young Master Ronan’s orders.” “Hah.” Ronan chuckled, slinging an arm lazily over Needle’s shoulder. “Needle, as long as you help me deal with this matter, I’ll definitely speak well of you in front of my father. Victor’s revenge? I’ll make sure it happens.” Gratitude flickered across Needle’s face. “Thank you, Young Master Ronan.” At this point, he could only place his hopes on Ronan. Years ago, Ronan had once intervened during a street ambush and inadvertently saved his life. That debt still weighed heavily on him. “Come!” Ronan lifted his glass. “Drink!” The three men clinked glasses. Laughter filled the private room, but beneat