The reporters were already buzzing around the entrance to the banquet hall like hungry wolves, but Andrew wasn’t about to give them a moment’s notice. He grabbed Cai by the shoulder and hustled him toward his private car, dodging any flashing cameras. He knew the Arrows well, the family would shell out a fortune tonight to ensure the “ incident” stayed under wraps. Money was really the only thing that spoke in this city.When they reached Andrew’s penthouse, which felt like a glass castle overlooking the skyline, Cai stepped inside and froze, taking in the sleek, expensive decor.“This place is stunning,” Cai mumbled. “Is it a house or a museum?”Andrew burst into laughter, tossing his keys onto a tiled countertop. “Welcome to my home, buddy. Make yourself comfortable. You’ve earned it after that display.”Pouring two drinks, Andrew couldn’t help but chuckle again. “Seriously, what you pulled out there? Genius. You should have seen Amelia’s face, she looked like she’d just sucked on

Cai and Andrew were about to step out of the uncomfortable silence of the suite when Cai suddenly froze at the door. A jarring wave of energy that felt heavy and coldseemed to seep from the bed, almost like stepping into a damp cellar. Turning back to Silas, Cai noted the old man’s formidable presence, yet he was shrouded in a faint, grayish haze that hinted at a lifetime of burdens. "You should make some merit at the temple, Grandfather," Cai suggested, his voice cutting through the thick tension. "Or help those in need. Generously." He recalled the "Mirror City" of Lume, a spiritual reflection of the physical world. Silas wasn’t a good person; the dark energy surrounding him was overwhelming. With a Soul Reaver on his trail, it was clear Silas had tread on some very dangerous souls to gain his power. "Giving to others brings blessings," Cai continued, echoing one of his master’s most repeated lessons. "It lightens your burden." The room fell silent. Silas just stared at him

As Cai and Andrew stepped out of the store, their arms were laden with high-end bags. The outside air was crisp, a refreshing change from the artificial luxury scent inside the mall. While they made their way to the parking complex, Andrew dug into his pocket and handed Cai a card. It was a black card with just the gold Arrow crest shining on it. "Take this," Andrew said, his tone unusually grounded. "It’s for anything you need. I might not always be around to be your personal banker." Cai turned the card over in his fingers. "A black card?" He remembered the guy named Clem from back on the mountain. Clem used to boast about how he had a wallet full of these cards, claiming he had limitless credit and was like a king. Cai had always brushed him off, but now, holding the card, he felt different. He actually had access to unlimited resources. "Everyone in the Arrows family has one or two or even five," Andrew shrugged with a small grin. "It wouldn’t make sense for you to be the

The uncompleted skyscraper was filled with the scent of damp concrete mixed with incense. It felt like a skeletal palace with gold leaf flaking off the pillars, and crystal chandeliers dangling from exposed rebar. I the middle of the dusty floor, Cai was strapped to a high-backed chair. His head pounded from the residual effects of the sedative, but his pulse was steady. Instead of moving, he just sat there, eyes half-closed, listening to the voices reverberating through the empty space of the building.Not far off, a man stood, fixing his intense gaze on Cai as if it were a weight pressing down on him. He was bald with a jagged scar running from his brow to his cheekbone, dressed in heavy, ancient-looking shamanic robes that made him appear more imposing. In his hand was a staff carved from dark, fossilized bone. This was Deurido."Why does the Minister want this here?" His voice grumbled like stones grinding against each other, never bothering to look away from Cai.One of the gu

The black Truck screeched to a halt as Gojak’s daggers shattered the windshield. It careened dangerously close to the bridge’s concrete barrier before finally coming to a stop. Smoke poured from the engine as the driver’s side door swung open.Out stumbled Dr. Thane, Amelia’s brother, usually a figure of authority in his white lab coat, but now he was gasping for breath, his face a mask of fear.He barely found his footing when a shadow loomed over him. Cai stood there, looking down with an intensity that felt heavier than the night itself."Look who we have here," Cai said, his voice chillingly calm. "The esteemed in-law of the Arrows family. A scientist reduced to a mere pawn for a monster."Thane’s eyes widened in panic. His hands trembled as he pointed at Cai. "You... you... how? You were with the Minister! How did you end up here?""I’m full of surprises," Cai replied nonchalantly.Suddenly, the back doors of the SUV burst open, and a swarm of the Minister’s men poured out, arme