The press conference was held in the association's courtyard, which had been hastily converted into a media center. Reporters packed the area, cameras flashing as they jostled for the best positions. The murmur of voices filled the air - speculation, rumors, questions waiting to be unleashed.

Cipher sat at the center of the panel table, flanked by Victoria on his left and Selene on his right. He kept his expression neutral, though internally he was already bracing himself for what was coming.

The questions began almost immediately.

"Is it true that the association suffered heavy casualties during the recent attack?"

Victoria leaned forward, her voice smooth and steady, betraying none of her internal thoughts. "The association successfully repelled a coordinated assault by hostile forces. While we did sustain some losses, our defenses held strong, and we've already implemented enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents."

Another reporter stood. "What about the rumors of internal betrayal? Sources say there was a traitor within your ranks."

Selene took this one. "We're conducting a thorough internal review as a precautionary measure. The association takes security seriously, and any threats - internal or external - will be dealt with swiftly and decisively."

"Mr. Cipher!" A voice called out. "Can you comment on the current state of the association's relationship with independent guilds?"

Cipher glanced at the reporter. "The association maintains open communication with all registered guilds just like we always have. We're committed to cooperation and mutual benefit and won't let a few bad apples compromise this relationship."

The questions continued, and for a while, they managed to maintain control of the narrative.

Victoria and Selene deflected the difficult ones with their polished PR speak while Cipher offered reassurances and handled the straightforward questions that couldn't get him caught up in a lie.

Then came the question they'd all been dreading.

"What about Chairman Marcus?" a reporter asked, standing up with a recorder held high. "There are rumors that he's dead. Can you confirm or deny this?"

The room went silent, every camera focused on the panel.

Selene spoke up without hesitation. "Chairman Marcus is currently pursuing the leader of the Church of Eternal Brilliance, who managed to escape during our recent operation. He's accompanied by Vex, and we expect good news from them soon. The chairman personally wanted to ensure this threat was eliminated completely."

Murmurs spread through the crowd, but before anyone could follow up, another reporter stood - a sharp-eyed woman with a shrewd smile.

"I have a question for Mr. Cipher specifically," she said. "Up until recently, you were virtually unknown. No public records, no documented achievements. And now suddenly, you're the acting chairman of the association - arguably the most powerful organization in the world. How do you expect people to react to this?"

Cipher paused, caught off guard.

The reporter's smile widened, sensing his hesitation.

Even Victoria shifted slightly, unable to formulate an immediate response.

"I'll take this," Selene whispered, leaning toward her microphone.

She cleared her throat. "We apologize for not disclosing this earlier, but the truth is that Cipher has been Chairman Marcus's disciple for a while now. He was being trained as the heir to the association, which is why we kept his identity concealed. It was a security measure to protect him during his development."

She paused, letting that sink in before continuing. "That being said, Cipher isn't just an heir in name. He has his own accomplishments - the most significant of which remain classified for security reasons. However, some of his contributions include the development of the new gate ranking system that will be rolled out to all registered guilds soon. Now that the situation demands it, he's stepped into his intended role."

The reporters erupted into a frenzy of follow-up questions, but before anyone could speak…

A shockwave rippled through the courtyard as someone landed just a few meters from the panel, knocking several reporters backward. Cameras shook, people stumbled, and dust kicked up from the impact.

When the dust cleared, a massive figure stood there - a man built like a mountain, arms crossed and grinning arrogantly.

"That's Garrick Stone!" someone shouted. "B-rank and leader of the Iron Fist Guild!"

Following him, five more figures descended - landing far more gracefully a few meters behind him. Two women and three men, all radiating power and confidence.

The reporters scrambled to identify them. "Those are all guild leaders! That's Mira from the Silver Fangs! And Darius from the Black Talons!"

One of the women - Mira - stepped forward with a pleasant smile. "We're just here to see the new chairman in person. Please don't mind us"

As if, Cipher thought. They'd come here to test him. He glanced at the brute standing at the front. Was that who they were using to gauge him? This guy had really drawn the shorter end of the stick…

Cipher glanced at Selene, and she understood immediately, rising to her feet.

"Mr. Stone," Selene said, her tone cold and authoritative. "I suggest you stay back and observe like everyone else. We'll overlook your transgression in injuring members of the press this once."

The reporters nearby muttered amongst themselves. "The association's gone soft," one whispered. "They're afraid to antagonize the guilds."

Garrick smiled wider, seeing as she was willing to negotiate with him despite him being so brazen, then the association really was afraid of antagonizing them. "You're giving me orders?"

Selene's expression didn't change. "If you continue this, I won't guarantee you get to keep your life."

Garrick's grin turned into a sneer. "What did you just say?"

He extended his massive arm toward her, reaching to grab her by the collar.

But just before his hand could reach her…

His head exploded.

Blood splattered across Selene's face and clothes. The headless body stood for a moment, arm still outstretched, before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.

"You were warned," Selene said calmly, retrieving a wipe from her pocket and wiping the blood on her cheek with a blank expression.

Everyone froze.

For a moment, no one moved. No one spoke. Even the guild leaders standing behind Garrick's corpse trembled slightly, their confident expressions faltering.

"Did you get that on camera?!"

"Holy shit, someone actually got footage, right?!"

The guild leaders turned toward the panel, their eyes locking onto Cipher, who sat nonchalantly spinning a dagger on his finger. He glanced up at them and smiled - just for a second - but it was enough to make their hearts almost freeze in their chests.

He then waved at them casually.

They waved back nervously, forced smiles plastered on their faces.

Cipher slipped the dagger back into his inventory and stood up. This had gone better than expected. This should show everyone that the association was still strong - and that he was not to be messed with.

He hoped the reporters had clipped that.

Selene walked back to the podium, ignoring the blood on her clothes. She leaned into the microphone.

"I apologize for the graphic scene you've all witnessed," she said evenly. "We'll be canceling the remainder of this press conference while we investigate our security measures. It's unacceptable that such trash individuals were allowed in without proper screening."

The guild leaders visibly shivered at the word trash.

"Thank you for your time," Selene concluded, and the association staff began ushering reporters out.

Cipher caught the eyes of the remaining guild leaders one more time before turning to leave.

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