The hidden chamber vibrated with suppressed chaos. Stone walls dripped with stale incense, and torches flickered. Leather-bound maps of Midgard, Lotus Guild territories, and the looming tower lay spread on the blackwood table.
Across from each other sat the two guild masters. The atmosphere was thick with ambition—and fear.
Hydra Guild Master (Kwan Jin) cleared his throat, rubbing his temples. "This tower break plan, it's… sudden. Why wait until now?"
The Black Snake Guild Master—lean and pale, eyes glinting—smirked as he toyed with a small, dark orb. "Why am you asking? You've been quiet about your 'arrangements' with Lotus. Don't want that to leak, hmm?"
Kwan's jaw snapped shut. "Don't drag me into your mess."
The Snake's smirk widened. "No need—I've already prepared for that fallout. Your reputation remains… intact."
Kwan exhaled sharply. "So what is this orb for?"
With dramatic flourish, the Black Snake master held it up. Lightning-like lines pulsed beneath corrupted glass.
"This, dear brother," he said mockingly, "is set to trigger a tower break. In the next few hours, after I plant it in the nearby tower. The White Tiger Guild and Lotus will be too busy cleaning up that mess to interfere—not even your precious sisters."
He paused, brushing dust off his coat. "Oh, and did I mention I've been promoted?"
He leaned forward. "SSS rank. They finally realized I earned it. Hehehe."
Kwan stiffened, then answered in a low voice. "Alright. Who should I handle?"
The Snake master grinned. "Handle the boy. The one with the silver hair. Alone. Let me handle his… protectors. You cause enough trouble to keep the Murim twins busy."
Kwan nodded, expression unreadable.
At the Bar — Closing Time
Laughter and clinking dishes echoed as Brehn's bar prepared to close. Brehn and his wife exchanged exhausted smiles. Mira bundled a sleepy Nico. The Blade Sisters and their Murim master lounged outside, enjoying the night air.
Alaric leaned on the bar's counter, polishing a glass. The air felt off—a familiar dissonance humming faintly through his senses.
He froze.
Then the aroma hit him.
Rotting mana. Acidic cold. Raw demonic stench.
Alaric narrowed his eyes.
"Rae. Rin. Family. Now."
He didn't shout. He didn't move fast. His quiet command carried weight enough.
Rae and Rin sprang forward, ushering Mira, Nico, Brehn, and his wife through the back storage door. The Murim master looked confused—until he, too, felt the oppressive aura.
The Attack Arrives
Footsteps thudded on the wooden floor. Smoke drifted in.
Several cloaked assassins burst through—edge-hunters and poison blades glinting.
Alaric stepped forward. The blade heathed at his waist — the White King's Spear — glowed silver.
First assassin charged. Alaric tilted his head, detached.
CRACK.
The assassin collapsed. Neck snapped. Body hit the counter, denting wood.
The rest froze.
Moonlight glinted off a figure at the doorframe: the Black Snake Guild Master, now smirking wider.
"No more games," he hissed. "This ends tonight."
From the alley, another man walked forward — Hydra Guild Master Kwan Jin, stopping before Alaric.
"You're making a mess in my city," Kwan said, cold but contained.
"Mess?" Alaric sniffed the air again, visibly shaking his head.
"What is that smell?! Demonic ewww—WHAT THE FUCK?!"
Hydra's jaw dropped. "Sir—"
Alaric pointed at the Snake master. "You. Stupid, filthy, hell-breathing cow corpse. I knew sewer rats smelled better than you."
The Snake master raised a hand, conspiratorial. "You want a fair fight?"
Alaric inhaled, muscles tensing. Hydra whined behind him, stepping forward nervously.
Then, Alaric flicked a finger.
A wave of pure Qi shot outward.
It slammed into the Black Snake master's face, tearing through his skull with horrific suddenness. It felt like a balloon popped inside his head, spraying crimson across tiles.
The man flew backward, lifeless.
Alaric didn't flinch. He dusted his hand.
Hydra yelped. "Sire—should I call a healer? I can fetch my massage gear instead—oh, your feet hurt? Maybe your shoulders, sir?"
The Murim master gaped. "Your—did you do that with a finger?"
Alaric shrugged. "Easiest kill of the year."
He turned to Hydra. "Touch my shoulders ."
Hydra dropped to his knees, rubbing Alaric's elbows furiously. "Okay! Okay! Wait—does anyone want tea? Coffee? I can get massages on speed dial."
Behind him, Zane—an assassin who'd been hiding—stepped forward, bowing solemnly.
"Master," he said, wide-eyed. "You are merciful. I pledge service."
Alaric looked at him. Then sighed. "Sure. Chun pepper green tea. No sugar."
Zane saluted and ran off as though fear was made of honey.
System Message
✜ Quest Complete: Kill the Serpent (Black Snake Guild Master)
✜ Reward: Flashback Memory – Daughter
A memory unlocked: revisit the promise. But be cautious—emotions can fracture.
Alaric closed his eyes. The flash of memory pulsed in his chest. He blinked, fists clenching.
Aftermath & Tower Alarm
Suddenly, distant alarms blared—a mechanical wail followed by tremors.
Emergency Broadcast:
TOWER BREAK IN PROGRESS. CITY DEFENDERS DISTRACTED. REPORT TO WORK WITHIN FIVE MINUTES.
Hydra, still massaging frantically, looked terrified. "He planted the orb in the tower!"
Alaric glared north. "That was the point."
Blade Sisters' Orders
Rae and Rin returned to Alaric's side, shielding the family behind them. The Murim master followed, eyes wide.
Alaric's voice cut through the chaos.
"Blade Sisters—protect the family. Don't leave their sight. I'll deal with this mess."
They stepped forward, blades at the ready. Their eyes fierce with loyalty.
Closing Moment
The flickering lantern light caught Alaric's face—calm, dangerous, tired.
Behind them, Hydra knelt.
Zane sprinted away with tea.
The family huddled, trembling but safe—for now.
And somewhere, in the battered tower, corrupted mana surged like a living thing.