The barrier shuddered, the vibrations growing more violent. Duncan sensed that the newcomer was exceptionally powerful and well-versed in both formations and barriers.Still, he smiled at Bunny White. Her beauty was so ethereal, like a celestial spirit, that her appearance in the outside world would surely cause a sensation throughout the entire city."Bunny White, will you come with me?" Duncan asked once more."If you don't come with me, you won't get another chance. Look at yourself; you're clearly here against your will. Once that person breaks through, I will remain unharmed, but you will be hidden away somewhere else—somewhere even I might not be able to find," Duncan said, laying out the stakes casually yet pointedly.Bunny White recoiled slightly in fear. She sensed a certain steadfastness in the man before her. He seemed trustworthy, but her entire family was in the hands of that person. If she left, what would happen to them?"What

Duncan was quite surprised that Gregory White knew this location. After a long mountain trek and switching between off-road vehicles twice, their group finally reached the deep heart of the peaks, high upon Cloud-Mist Mountain.The air was thick with a somber mist, and the surrounding flora was lush and vibrant. It was, by all accounts, a perfect sanctuary for a hermit—or rather, a place of pure indulgence."Let’s go," Duncan signaled for everyone to disembark.Carlo followed orders, assisting each person out of the vehicle and leading them inside. The area was heavily layered with barriers; anyone unfamiliar with the path would surely wander until they were hopelessly lost.Before them stood a villa nestled amidst the mountain forest, surrounded by the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves. Calling this a mere hermitage was an understatement; it was a paradise."Old Nathan, come out," Duncan called out softly.The figure of a

Nathan looked at Duncan and sighed again. Was this child simply too naive, or did he just look down on everyone else?"Duncan, do you really think you’re strong enough to face Harry Haller?" Nathan asked with a look of disdain, his lip curling."Don't you have any faith in your own disciple?" Duncan shot back, mirroring Nathan’s contemptuous expression.At this sight, Gregory’s eyes lit up. At the very least, the White family still had a chance."I, Gregory, and the entire White family will be indebted to you for life. We are willing to support you with everything we have." Gregory stood up as he spoke, bowing deeply toward Duncan.Gregory’s gesture startled Bunny.She studied the man before her closely and felt a strange sense of proximity. If she felt nothing but loathing for Harry Haller, she felt an inexplicable kinship with Duncan. Suddenly realizing how bold her thoughts were, Bunny lowered her head, her ears fl

Duncan let out a smirk when he heard Sage’s tone. Clearly, these people had no idea what they were up against."Oh? Well, I suppose we’ll have to see if you have the guts for that," Duncan said in a relaxed voice."Hmph, you just try coming here. I promise to 'treat you well.' Don't be so arrogant. Since I don't even know who you are yet, you'd better stay in hiding," Sage fired back confidently."It’s good that you're prepared. Catching everyone in one net saves me the trouble. I’ll see you... in a few minutes. Actually, make it five," Duncan mocked, completely dismissing the man's threats.He hung up without waiting for a response."Michael, I think it’s time we tried the underworld path.""General, do you really need to go that route?" Michael asked, assuming Duncan was just joking."I feel like this path is quite good. No one to answer to," Duncan said, looking off into the distance, lost in thought.<

Suddenly, the roar of engines rapidly approached. Judging by the sound alone, at least a dozen vehicles had just arrived.Sage heard the cars clearly, and a wave of relief washed over him. At the very least, Cody had kept his word, and Cody's influence was far from simple."Hmph. So what if you have guts and arrogance? Even if you have strength, if you submit to me, you might still earn a living under my wing. If you remain stubborn, death is all that awaits you," Sage said, knowing his reinforcements had arrived.With a massive crowd surely gathering outside, no matter who this kid called, their numbers wouldn't compare. How many people could a mere nobody summon? More than the military?In truth, with their battlefield experience, Duncan and Michael could hear the distinct sound of specialized military vehicles outside.Duncan knit his brows slightly. "It seems I need to look into this. To think there are those in the military supporting the unde