"Okay, stop. Let's see if you've all been doing your homework," I stepped in.

"All of you, attack me. The rule is simple—no powers allowed. Just your techniques. And because I'm superior to you in terms of skill and body, I'll be lowering my strength to only 10%."

SWOOOSH!

Alexa didn't waste a second. She pivoted, aiming a high kick straight for my head.

I leaned back just enough to dodge it , letting her momentum carry her forward. +

Without missing a beat, she followed up with a rapid series of strikes—elbows, knees, and spinning kicks—a seamless flow of techniques that showed how much she improved.

The other girls weren't going to let her have all the spotlight.

Watching her, they quickly found their rhythm and joined in, attacking in groups of four.

Any more than that would have thrown off their coordination, so they limited themselves, weaving their attacks carefully around each other.

I shifted, parried, and dodged, barely letting them land hits. Even at a fraction of my strength, it was clear that they were severely outmatched.

By the end, they were all sitting on the floor, panting and drenched in sweat. I hadn't even touched them—just pushed them hard enough to exhaust them into collapse.

"That's good," I said, watching them struggle to catch their breath. "But you're all still far from S-Rank. Rest up, and then go train again. Harder this time."

Their groans filled the room, but beneath the exhaustion, I could see determination flickering in their eyes.

"Master Ace… why are you so strong?" Sora, the wind user asked between breaths. "It feels like you're the strongest S-Rank in the city already, just from your martial art ability alone."

"That's really not a good way to assess me. At the end of the day, martial arts is just a tool we use to reinforce our already existing abilities. And there are S-Ranks in the city hiding in plain sight with unique and potentially annoying powers."

I wanted to brag, to let them see just how far ahead I was—but as their master, I had to play the part. Wisdom, restraint, subtle guidance. Not loud boasts.

And it really pained me, because I'm the type of person who usually does the opposite.

After giving them a few pointers on what to improve, I told them I'd check on them again later.

Rhea caught my eye before I left. She smiled—small, knowing—and I returned it just as subtly. We decided to keep our relationship private for now.

It was better that way.

More exciting.

On my way back to my office, I was in an unusually good mood.

Unfortunately, it seemed that peace in the guild was about to end.

"What's happening here?" I mused aloud, watching from a safe distance.

The lobby was crowded with people.

"Sir Ace, we have a problem," one of the staff ran toward me, out of breath.

"What—"

Before I could even ask for details, a black haired woman appeared in a flash, stopping just a few inches from my face.

"Miss Hai-Yen?" I exclaimed, pretending to be surprise. "What's the Checkered Sword Maiden doing here at my guild? Are you planning to join us?"

"Where is my little sister?" she demanded, her aura practically radiating killing intent. I couldn't help but wonder how many monsters she had cut down to build that much presence.

I actually didn't feel this intimidated when I was in my werewolf form.

"Are you talking about our intern, Hai-Min?" I asked, keeping my tone professional. "She's busy at the moment, but I can pass along any message you have.

Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you making fun of me? Get her now here."

Such a strong personality. The two sisters were complete opposites, each radiating their own kind of intensity. No wonder my poor Hai-Min had chosen to leave on her own.

"Miss Hai-Yen, you might be an S-Rank and a popular figure, but that doesn't give you the right to just demand things from me. There's a proper way to handle this."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn't back down.

"Then tell me what I should do?"

"I just want to see her because our parents are worried. She quit school and now she's working for a newly built guild—even though she's not even 18 yet."

There was a mix of frustration and genuine concern in her eyes, but Hai-Min had already told me she didn't want to meet any of her family members—no matter what.

They must have treated her so poorly for her to reach that point.

"Give me your contact number," I ordered "I'll set up a meeting between you two—but not this time, and definitely not here. We're drawing too much attention just by talking."

She didn't hesitate. Swiftly, she pulled out her calling card and handed it to me.

"Here. Arrange it for me. I just want to talk to her safely, without putting her in a corner."

I took the card and slipped it into my wallet.

"Don't worry, Miss Hai-Yen. I'll make sure you get to meet her tomorrow."

She didn't seem interested in causing any more trouble as she turned and exited the building.

I could hear the sighs of relief from my staff, a sign of just how intimidating the presence of an S-Ranker could be.

Not wanting to dwell on it, I headed to my office and texted Hai-Min to meet me there.

She had been transferred here as an intern, and once she turned 18, she would become my personal assistant.

In the meantime, she had been undergoing training to prepare for the role.

"Brother…" she paused, then corrected herself. "I mean… Sir Ace, did you call for me?"

"Your sister was in the building just a while ago."

Her eyes widened, and she began scratching at her other arm nervously. She looked really afraid.

"What did she say?" she inquired.

I didn't beat around the bush and just answered, "She wants to meet you tomorrow, and I think this is the best time for you to set things straight with her—and with your family."

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