Suddenly, a question came to my mind and I asked Albert,"I know you're the king of the Underworld, but is there someone you wouldn't fight against? Or someone you'd think twice before making a move on?"
Albert froze for a moment. His expression turned heavy, and it looked like he didn't want to answer.
Seeing his reaction, I quickly added,"If you don't want to answer, I won't force you."
Albert shook his head slowly."It's not like that… it's just complicated."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Albert took a deep breath and began explaining.
"First things first," he said seriously. "We never provoke a Master-level cultivator or anyone above that. Those people are terrifying. If a Master comes out of seclusion, entire countries would fight just to gain their favor."
I listened carefully as he continued.
"Above Master-level cultivators are Martial Arts Masters. They're among the strongest beings in the world. Their speed defies physics, and they can manipulate the laws of nature itself. That's what makes them truly frightening."
I frowned slightly, fully focused on his words.
"Now," Albert continued, "the only beings capable of defeating Martial Arts Masters are Grandmaster-level cultivators. Grandmasters sit at the very top of power in Somerland."
He paused briefly before adding,"To give you an idea of the difference—one hundred Martial Arts Masters wouldn't be enough to defeat a single Grandmaster. That's how terrifying they are."
I was stunned.
"Every country's strength is measured by how many Grandmasters it possesses," Albert said. "They're valued not just for their raw power, but for their ability to bend the laws of nature and physics."
I was completely flabbergasted.If they can bend the laws of nature… wouldn't they be like living gods?
Albert went on,"Despite their power, the identities of Grandmasters are kept strictly confidential. No one knows why. They also never accept disciples."
"Confidentiality…" I murmured.
Albert nodded."There are also rumors spreading among the world's big shots. They say the Stargate will soon open."
I frowned."The Stargate?"
Albert shook his head."To be honest, I don't know what it really is. All I know is that it's some kind of door… a door to something huge."
Before he could say anything else, the door opened.
A table filled with delicious-looking food was wheeled in.
The moment I saw it, my mouth almost started drooling—but I quickly composed myself before anyone noticed.
Manager Pearl personally escorted the dishes inside. She handed me her business card and said politely,"Please feel free to call me anytime, whenever you wish."
She bowed deeply, making sure to show off her assets as she did. When she noticed my eyes linger for just a moment, she giggled softly and left the room.
I shook my head helplessly and began eating.
The food was incredible—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. It was my first time eating something so expensive and refined, so I made sure to enjoy every bite.
We ate slowly, talking about random topics as time passed.
After finishing our meal, we left the hotel.
Just as we stepped outside, I heard someone calling out to me.
"Danial!"
I turned around and saw Dorothy waving excitedly.
I smiled and walked over.
She said cheerfully,"I didn't expect you to dine at a place like this. Looks like your job at Sterling Technology is treating you well."
I smiled bitterly."It's not like that… it's something else."
She tilted her head."What is it?"
I leaned closer and whispered into her ear,"It's a secret."
Dorothy blushed intensely and quickly pulled her head away. We were close, but sharing secrets like this wasn't something we did often.
I looked at her and blurted out,"Cute."
Her face turned even redder.
She smacked the back of my head and shouted,"Shut up, you monkey!"
I laughed and teased her,"You're really cute."
Her angry expression only made her cuter, and she started hitting my shoulder right outside the hotel.
After a while, she stopped.
I grabbed my shoulder dramatically."Owww…"
She looked at me proudly."Hmph… I always win."
I grinned, my eyes gleaming mischievously."Oh? Did you really win?"
Before she could react, I stretched out my hands and started tickling her.
She laughed helplessly until she finally gave up and admitted defeat.