Storm Group HeadquartersChairman Zeraya Storm's OfficeTime: 3:26 p.m.Zeraya was seated on her special executive chair, crafted from spirit Brahm leather and ghost deer skin. Her office, despite belonging to a woman, was decorated in muted cream tones, giving the expansive space a quiet elegance that contrasted sharply with the authority it radiated. Behind her, rows of awards and certifications hung neatly on the wall, each one a testament to years of sacrifice, relentless effort, and the battles she had fought to establish herself within Vaelon's business scene.Near the adjacent door, close to the sliding entrance disguised as part of the wall, stood a massive storage cabinet made from indestructible titan glass.Different weapons, ancient paintings, and battle artifacts were displayed within it, securely locked away yet still left in full view, almost as though the collection itself was a silent reminder that the Storm Group was not merely a business empire.The office was expa

Ragnar's eyes never left the workstation as his fingers flew across the keypads.There was a manic, wicked glint in his eyes as he guided the attacks on the six families, almost like that of a psychotic killer savoring the thrill of his hundredth kill.It had already been two hours, and his team at D-Tech was still working at full capacity.Hackers, traders, the administrative team and logistics. Every department was moving according to his instructions.He was cutting off the families' sources of funds. It didn't matter whether Ragnar's establishment needed those contracts, raw materials, or trade routes. What mattered was snatching it and making them pay.The hackers were also maliciously buying their shares while simultaneously attacking the companies from the other side, causing their prices to plummet with dizzying force. Whenever Ragnar's Golden Eyes Technique was used like this, it almost felt less like a cultivation ability and more like a villainous weapon designed specifica

SKY HOSTEL [Aria's Room]The room appeared substantially different from what it had been the last time.The ancient porcelain jar and carved graffiti previously displayed on the cabinet in Aria's corner had disappeared, sold for cash in her desperate bid to help Kelvin pay off the debt he owed to Sean Wilcox because of the blood snail saga.Currently, she sat on her bed like a shadow of her former self, her expression murderous. Her normally manicured nails had gone back to their natural colour, and there was even a small pimple at the edge of her jaw.She held a tablet in her hand, staring vacantly at the screen without actually seeing anything on it.The semester would end next month after the remaining portion of the tournament was completed. After that, she would need to pay her tuition, hostel accommodation, and obtain the numerous tickets required to enter the Inner Court.Her performance had dropped drastically.Previously, entering the Inner Court had been almost guaranteed. B

“I can’t.” Aria finally forced the words out, her voice unnaturally hoarse and exhausted.“What do you mean… you can’t?” Her mother, Amelia Kensington, screeched from the other end before scoffing. “Don’t tell me you’re still saving yourself for that Kelvin boy.”She sighed and made a series of impatient tsk-tsk-tsk sounds with her tongue.“My foolish, foolish daughter.” Her voice was thick with exasperation. “I’ve told you this numerous times. You can love and adore Kelvin, but you absolutely must not allow Ragnar to slip away. I did my research. Everything the Craig family has came from Ragnar’s mother. Do you understand the implications?”Aria could hear her pacing on the other end.“I told you before, even if you don’t like Ragnar, endure it and have patience. Once you get him to transfer all his assets to you, you can quickly eliminate him and be with the person your heart truly wants. That way, everyone is happy.”She hissed, venom creeping back into her voice. “If only you had

Thane finally noticed the vacant look in Ragnar's eyes.He dropped the plate onto the foldable table Vonn had just finished setting up and walked over to him.He patted Ragnar's shoulder. “What's wrong?”Ragnar looked up at Thane, his lips trembling slightly.What was he supposed to say?Em, my friend, I nearly got you killed twice in our past life, leaving you with a disability?Or perhaps…Yo, bro. Someone's going to kill you because of me.His eyes stung. Before he could stop himself, he pulled Thane into his arms.Thane's eyes widened in shock. He froze like a statue.He looked down at Ragnar, whose arm had encircled his waist, his head resting against Thane's abs.His brows furrowed.Ragnar wasn't the type to randomly hug people or suddenly become emotional.Could something have happened?Worse, he could feel how unusually fast Ragnar's heartbeat was pounding against him.Vonn stared at them wide-eyed, probably wondering what the fuck was happening.“Man, what's up with you?” Tha