After my speech, the reporters didn't let up—they wanted every detail, every hint of what was coming next.

Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood to be talkative anymore. I deliberately kept my answers vague, to get more people guessing.

Roughly twenty minutes later, my phone buzzed.

Master Tang.

I stepped away from the noise, and went to my office.

(I saw the news just now ,) he said. No greeting. Straight to the point. (Impressive. Your training methods… they exceed all my expectations.)

"I'm just holding up my end of the bargain. And their training isn't finished yet." I paused, choosing my words.

(It's not finish yet?)

"No. Even if they've already scraped into S-Rank, they're still far from reaching their full potential."

(You're still as careful as ever.)

"I'm just being realistic and efficient."

The old man let out a low chuckle, though his tone stayed sharp. (I can't really blame you, kid. Results are coming in fast, so who am I to complain?)

"And they'll keep coming if you just let me do my thing."

This time, the pause stretched on—long, and uncomfortable.

He was probably weighing the pros and cons of pushing harder, of demanding they be returned to the order.

Not that it would've mattered.

By now, I had a far stronger grip on the girls' loyalty—to the guild, and to me.

The only reason I wasn't forcing them to outright quit the Order was because it was still useful to me.

Through that organization, I could get my hands on things that were normally hard to come by. Resources. Access. Opportunities.

For now, keeping that door open was worth far more than slamming it shut.

Besides, I kind of liked dealing with Master Tang. Sure, he was an opportunist—but who was I to judge him for that?

At the end of the day, I was operating in a world full of evils. In a place like that, you might as well choose the side that was more comfortable to stand with.

(Very well,) Tang said at last.

(I was planning to borrow them temporarily, but you're right. Their growth is far more important Focusing on the short term is never a good thing.)

"Wise decision, Master Tang. I'll make sure you never regret trusting me. Now, if you'll excuse me—I still have other matters to deal with."

A brief pause. Then his voice softened.

(Alright, kid. Call me if you need anything.)

The moment I ended the call, my phone lit up again. Another one.

I sighed, staring at the screen.

Association Director: Hayes.

Being popular was a pain in the ass sometimes—too many people suddenly wanting a piece of my time.

"Yeah… Mr. Hayes. I know, I know. The announcement was a bit much." I leaned back in my chair, eyes drifting to the skyline beyond the glass.

My voice came out apologetic—but I was grinning from ear to ear. Couldn't help it.

That little display? It dragged my guild straight into the spotlight. Surface level. Front and center.

My staff didn't even wait an hour before reporting in. Calls were already pouring in—major companies, serious money, all of them suddenly very interested in sponsorships.

They wanted in before my S-Rank members' prices climbed any higher. This was just the beginning.

(A bit much? I already knew you were going to pull a big one after three of your members got promoted. Still… announcing it like some kind of wrestling show? How much attention are you trying to grab, exactly?)

I let out a chuckle before replying.

"But you've gotta admit," I said, spreading my hands a little, enjoying the moment, "it sent the message."

Silence answered me. The kind that meant he was gripping the phone a little too tight.

(Mr. Mercer, do you have any idea how big an effect your little act is going to have?)

I smiled faintly, watching traffic crawl like glowing veins far below. "I'm guessing this is where you tell me."

(The Phoenix Guild Leader called me personally,) he snapped. (Personally. Because I didn't inform them about Mr. Chase. Do you know how that makes the Association look?)

"Come on, Mr. Hayes. I didn't know that guy would show up either. My intention was pure—introduce my newly promoted S-Ranks. That's it."

A sharp exhale crackled through the line. (You know that isn't how it came across.)

I straightened slightly. "How did it come across?"

(Your last sentence sounded like a direct challenge to the top-tier guilds.)

"Well, it was a challenge. No other way to interpret it."

I tapped a finger against the glass, the soft click cutting through the air.

"And if they don't like it, then they should step up their game. Besides, I'm doing this for the sake of the Seekers"

(That's your justification?) Hayes probably rolled his eyes, the look on his face saying unbelievable without him needing to say another word.

"That's the only justification I needed."

Seeing this wasn't getting me anywhere, I switched the topic before it dragged on.

"By the way, Mr. Hayes," I paused , "is there anything else you want to say to me?"

(Glad you asked. It's about Mr. Chase Nate. Is it possible you convinced him not to join your guild?)

I leaned back slightly, smirking.

"And why would I do that? He's an S-Rank who's willing to trust my vision. Besides, I would be a fool to turn away a huge asset. "

(I know that, Mr. Mercer,) his tone tightened slightly. (But he is a special case. Taking him in… you'd be inviting trouble. )

"I can handle it. My guild isn't what it was just a few weeks ago."

(You might have S-Ranks now, but your guild's foundation is still fragile—weak compared to the real top-tier guilds. Believe me, you won't be able to handle someone of his caliber.)

Wow. He was really adamant about me not taking Chase.

To him, I was incapable—too inexperienced to protect, let alone control, someone that powerful.

It was funny.

Because that so-called Strategic Rank he tiptoed around?

Nothing more than my clone.

"Mr. Hayes, please respect my boundaries as well."

I kept my tone even, polite—but firm. "I appreciate how you've treated me so far. Truly. But who I choose as my members is my decision. And the same goes for Mr. Chase."

(I'm just looking out for you,) Hayes sighed. (But you're right—I overstepped my authority.)

(Alright. I'll let this matter go. Just don't say I didn't warn you when this comes back around.)

"Thank you. I appreciate your understanding."

We talked for a couple more minutes, keeping things light, measured. I made sure the conversation ended on a good note.

I still needed his influence—his connections—to secure the rights to the tower. So for now, staying on his good side wasn't optional. It was necessary.

"Ah, I need some fresh air," I muttered, stretching my legs, and rolling my shoulders.

I took the elevator up, rode it in silence, then stepped out and walked toward the rooftop. The place was off-limits to everyone else, which meant I had it all to myself.

The rooftop opened up before me, wide and quiet. The city stretched out below, filled with lights and tall buildings.

Some windows glowed steadily, others flickered, making the city look more dynamic. Far beneath me, cars moved like thin lines of red and white, their noise barely reaching this height.

A cool breeze swept in as I stepped forward. It brushed against my face and pulled lightly at my coat, running through my hair.

Up here, the city's usual noise faded into a soft hum, replaced by the sound of the wind moving around the building

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the breeze calm me.

Until—

Clank!

I opened my eyes and smiled. A dagger hovered inches from my throat, its tip trapped between my two fingers.

"Well, well," I chuckled lightly. "I was starting to wonder when you would make a move. Guess you got careless when you saw me alone up here."

The assassin's eyes went wide. "How did you see my attack—?"

thud!

My fist slammed into his gut before he could finish, and in the next instant, he was airborne, hurled across the rooftop like a rag doll.

"This is what happens when you trust your ability too much," I sneered, watching him gasp for air.

I didn't even hit him seriously. So much for being a representative of DARKNESS.

"You… how—" he spat, struggling to rise.

I didn't give him a chance. I stepped closer, the wind catching my coat as I stepped forward.

"You thought you could sneak up on me. Alone. On my own building. Your first mistake? Believing a loser like you could actually kill me. Dumbass."

He scrambled to his feet, fists clenched, eyes darting for any advantage.

But I could see it—hesitation, doubt, that second-guessing that comes from facing an opponent clearly superior in every way.

"Where's that arrogance from before? Thought you were a big-shot representative of Darkness. Go ahead. Use their name."

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