* 2nd * Chapter 422 :

When Alexander entered the grand hall, the low murmur of voices died down almost immediately. Over twenty people were already seated around the long mahogany table, the air carrying the scent of wood polish and freshly brewed coffee. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation—an undercurrent of excitement laced with tension.

Alexander strode to the head of the table, his posture sharp, his expression coolly composed. In his hands was a large, meticulously folded map. He spread it out across the table, its creases catching the light of the chandelier overhead.

“Here,” he said, his deep voice carrying through the room. “This section marks our main route. These two points”—he tapped the paper with a gloved finger—“hold our reserve supplies and medical kits. They’re hidden outposts. If anyone gets hurt, those are your safe zones.”

Everyone leaned in, studying the topography. The crackle of paper and the scrape of chairs were the only sounds that followed his words.

In the front row sat Chiar