After the incident at the academy, I was walking home when it suddenly clicked.
The assassin.
I completely forgot about her—the one who followed me that day.
My expression darkened immediately. Without wasting a second, I took out my phone and called Don Albert, telling him to pick me up right now.
Less than ten minutes later, a Ferrari 488 GTB roared to a stop beside me.
Heads turned. Conversations stopped. Almost everyone on the street stared.
I sighed deeply, got into the car quickly, and Albert sped away as if he owned the road—which, honestly, he kind of did.
While we were driving, I glanced at him and said,"Albert, can you be a little low-key next time and not bring this car?"
Albert frowned slightly."But Master, I think this car suits you."
I rubbed my temples."Tell me something, Albert. How long have you owned this car?"
He thought for a moment."About three years. I bought it at an international convention."
I nodded."And you use it daily, don't you?"
Albert nodded again.
I continued calmly,"The Ferrari 488 GTB is rare. If you drive it every day, people immediately know it's your car. Now tell me—what would my friends think if they saw me climbing into Don Albert's car?"
Albert froze for a second.
Then realization hit him.
"You're right, Master. I apologize."
I waved my hand dismissively."No need to apologize. Just don't repeat it."
Albert nodded seriously."Understood. Master… where are we going?"
I leaned back in my seat."To where you hid the assassin."
Albert's expression hardened. He nodded once and slammed the pedal.
Albert's den was lively as ever.
People were sitting around, drinking, laughing, enjoying food—an underworld paradise hidden beneath layers of danger.
The moment Albert entered, everyone stood up in respect.
When I entered—
Everyone casually sat back down and continued what they were doing.
I wasn't surprised. This was my first time here, after all.
Albert noticed and was about to say something, but I waved him off."No need."
Albert nodded and personally gestured for me to walk ahead.
That alone shocked everyone.
Don Albert—the King of the Underworld, a respected martial artist—was showing someone the way.
Eyes widened. Whispers started.
I noticed their expressions and simply smiled.
We walked deeper into the den until we reached a heavily guarded section. Five armed men stood outside a narrow hallway. The moment they saw Albert, they stepped aside instantly.
We entered the hallway and stopped before a reinforced door.
Albert opened it.
Inside, the assassin was tied up, struggling violently.
I stepped in."Leave us. Stand by outside."
Albert nodded and closed the door.
Now it was just the two of us.
I dragged a chair and sat directly in front of her.
Slowly, I removed the tape from her mouth.
She glared at me."What do you want from me?"
I replied calmly,"What do I want? I should be asking you that. You followed me, made noises on purpose, and got caught."I paused."And… sorry about your collarbone. I might've hit too hard."
She stared at me—then laughed.
"In all my years… this is the first time someone apologized to me."
I ignored her laugh."I said what needed to be said. Now it's my turn."
I leaned forward slightly."Who sent you after me? And why did you deliberately let me know you were following me?"
She shrugged. Silent.
I repeated the question.
Still nothing.
My patience thinned."One last chance. Tell me your purpose."
She turned her face away.
That was it.
I released my Peak Mortal-level cultivation aura.
The air exploded.
The assassin turned her head in horror as my energy surged uncontrollably. The room began shaking violently. Cracks formed on the walls.
She was thrown into the corner like a broken doll.
The pressure leaked outside, sending tremors through the entire den. It felt like an earthquake hit the underground.
I quickly restrained my aura and stabilized myself.
The assassin stared at me, trembling violently.
"Y-y-you're at Peak Mortal Realm already?!"
I smiled and slowly walked toward her.
She started hyperventilating, fear completely overtaking her.
I crouched in front of her."Now that you know my secret, you have two choices."
I raised two fingers.
"First—you tell me everything and swear loyalty to me for life.""Second—you stay here and become one of Albert's toys."
Her face went pale.
She hurriedly bowed her head to the floor."I swear loyalty! Please—let me keep my pride and honor!"
I smiled."Good choice."
My eyes turned cold."Now talk. Who are you, and why the hell were you following me?"
She gulped.
"My name is Natasha. I work for an organization called Last Wish. We handle assassinations, protection, and dirty work. Our leader… is a friend of Don Albert."
I stopped her instantly.
"The leader knows Albert?"
She nodded.
I smiled wider."Oh, this is going to be fun."
I leaned closer."This might shock you… so brace yourself, sweetheart."
"Don't call me sweethe—"
I shouted,"ALBERT! GET YOUR ASS IN HERE!"
The battered door flew open.
Albert entered immediately."Yes, Master Danial?"
"Do you know an organization called Last Wish?"
Albert nodded vigorously."Yes, Master. James Carter—their leader—is a very good friend of mine."
Natasha burst out laughing."Stop acting! You think I wouldn't recognize Don Albert—the King of the Underworld?"
I wanted to laugh—but kept a straight face.
Albert immediately made a call.
The line connected.
"Heyyy Albert! Where have you been, my friend? Come over, let's party!"
Natasha's face drained of color.
Albert snorted.
"James," Albert said coldly, "one of your assassins tried to kill my Master."
Silence.
Then James replied carefully,"Is… is this the boss you mentioned yesterday?"
Albert stayed silent.
James's voice trembled."I-is the boss with you right now?"
I leaned toward the phone."He is, Mr. James. And he's running out of patience."
Crashing sounds echoed from the other side.
"I'LL BE THERE IN FIVE MINUTES!"
The call ended.
I looked at Albert.
He grinned."He'll be here in five minutes. And trust me—he's terrified."
I leaned back and laughed softly.
"Good. Let's wait."