Far from schoolyards and industrial ruins, a sprawling estate sat behind massive black gates carved with dragon motifs.
Stone pillars towered at the entrance, each wrapped in sculpted serpents. The driveway curved through manicured gardens, past fountains shaped like coiled wyrms spewing arcs of water into ornamental ponds.
The main building resembled a fusion of modern luxury and ancient fortress. It was made of glass, steel, and carved charcoal stone blending into a structure that radiated authority.
This was the headquarters of the Dragon Fang Gang.
And today—
The front courtyard was packed.
A long line of young awakeners stretched down the driveway with some in school uniforms, others in casual clothes. All of them looked nervous and hopeful.
Whispers filled the air.
"I heard they only take fifteen awakened this cycle and only one gets to be her apprentice..."
"Did you see the evaluation arena? It's insane."
"If Miss Zu Li notices you, you're basically set for life."
