"Blackwood Academy—a prestigious institution with a reputation so renown that students travel from every corner of the world just to enroll."
A tall man stood in front of a white whiteboard in a dimly lit, shadowy room, his voice echoing off the walls. "It is famous for shaping exceptional scholars, elite athletes, and men of great influence. Even I once walked those halls as a graduate."
He turned to face the small group of students seated before him. They listened in quiet, disciplined silence, nodding in unison.
"Summer break is around it's end, and the final term will follow shortly after," the instructor continued. "For now, direct every ounce of your focus toward the upcoming entrance exams. You will secure your entry there."
The students bowed respectfully before filing out of the room one by one. Soon, only a single figure remained standing in the shadows near the back.
"Not bad at all," the leader of Loop remarked, stepping into the dim light. "I only hope these kids put that speech to good use and give it their absolute all."
The instructor nodded slowly. "We gave them a second chance—rebuilt their lives from bottom to something useful. They owe us everything." He paused, looking over at his superior. "Still... why Blackwood Academy of all places?"
"Simple," the leader of Loop replied, a faint, cold smile touching his lips. "There are some remarkably fine specimens waiting to be harvested there."
The instructor absorbed the answer, then lowered his voice. "And what about Murphy? What is our next move regarding him?"
"Murphy..." The leader's eyes narrowed slightly. "I need to complete a few final preparations. Once everything is in order, I will wage a full-scale war against him."
"What if he sends that man again?" the instructor asked, a hint of genuine caution slipping into his tone. "That white-haired teenager... though, if he's still alive, he must be a fully grown man by now."
The leader of Loop chuckled softly, shaking his head with supreme confidence. "He won't. And that is precisely why I am moving forward without hesitation."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I would recognize that man even if that man was reduced to ashes. But according to my surveillance, he is nowhere to be found."
"Even so... will our forces be enough to take Murphy down?" the instructor pressed. "He, himself was great fighter, back in the day."
"That was a different," the leader dismissed calmly. "This time, I am gathering allies from every corner of the underworld. We will crush him."
Elsewhere, deep within the executive floor of a high-rise tower, Steve knocked twice on the heavy double doors.
"Enter," Murphy's voice called out from inside.
Steve pushed the door open, carrying a sealed black envelope in his hand. "Chairman, a letter just arrived for you."
At Murphy's slight gesture, Steve placed the envelope neatly on the polished mahogany desk and bowed. "I'll take my leave."
As Steve stepped out, Murphy stared down at the unopened letter, his expression unreadable—as if he already knew every word written inside. Turning his head, he gazed out the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the bustling city below.
Outside in the quiet corridor, Allen passed by the Chairman's office. His sharp eyes flicked toward the heavy wooden door for a fraction of a second before he maintained his pace down the hallway.
Noah's words from earlier echoed continuously in his mind:
"The person who raised you had another disciple."
Allen's brow furrowed slightly as he walked toward the elevators.
He shook away the thought.
Stepping out of the main lobby into the crisp outdoor air, Allen slid into car and turned the ignition, directing the vehicle toward Madison's residence.
Meanwhile, Ethan was walking alone down a quieter commercial district, his thoughts racing.
How am I going to get my hands on Loop's second branch? he pondered, keeping his hands in his pockets.
Suddenly, a pedestrian coming around the corner collided right into his shoulder.
"Are you alright?" Ethan asked instinctively, steadying himself.
The man stumbled back slightly, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses before offering a polite smile. "Ah, yes. I'm fine. Thank you."
Ethan gave a subtle nod and continued walking ahead.
The man stood on the sidewalk, watching Ethan's retreating back with a sharp, lingering grin. Raising a small ear-piece to his mouth, he spoke softly, "He's here. And he's completely alone."
"Understood, Boss. We're moving in on him now," a voice crackled in response.
Ethan had only taken another twenty paces when four black SUVs suddenly pulled up from every direction, blocking off the street and throwing their doors open.
A dozen armed operatives poured out, instantly surrounding Ethan in a tight perimeter.
Ethan stopped in his tracks, his posture remaining completely composed. "Who are you people?"
Heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed from behind.
Ethan turned his head slightly to see the very same glass-wearing man he had bumped into moments prior, walking casually through the ring of armed men.
The man smiled warmly, holding out a hand. "Ethan, son of Damian... it's an honor to finally meet you in person."
Ethan didn't move a muscle, his cold eyes calculating the surrounding threat level. "It really is true what they say... never judge a book by its cover."
The man feigned offense, pressing a hand to his chest. "What do you mean by that? I'm simply a massive admirer of your father! I never had the chance to get his autograph, but... would you be so kind as to give me yours?"
Ethan's voice remained flat and unbothered. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled, adjusting his glasses once more. "Ah, forgive my lack of manners. Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am the head of Loop... my name is John Levi."
The head of Loop? Ethan's gaze sharpened, his internal senses instantly heightening to full battle-readiness.
"No need to get so tense, kiddo," John said smoothly, waving a dismissive hand. "I just came to have a little chat."
"Then talk," Ethan replied calmly.
"Not here," John countered, his smile vanishing slightly. "I want your entire crew present for this discussion."
"I have no crew," Ethan said without a beat. "It's just me."
John leaned in slightly, a cold, mocking glint flashing behind his lenses. "Kiddo... I know everything about you and your operations. Don't try to play dumb with me."
Ethan remained completely silent, staring back without a flinch.
Seeing that he wouldn't budge, John sighed softly and checked his watch. "Fine. Meet me at the Lake View Restaurant this evening—and bring those thugs you hired to tear down my branches."
"They aren't available," Ethan answered coolly. "They're busy."
John stared at Ethan for a long second, processing the response, before offering a slow nod. "Then it seems you and I will speak one-on-one. Make sure you aren't late this evening."
Without waiting for a reply, John Levi turned on his heel. The armed men seamlessly backed away, piling into the SUVs before the fleet sped off down the avenue, leaving Ethan standing alone in the quiet street.