MasukKRAK!A sharp cracking sound shattered the air.Arka's right hand moved slightly later, yet arrived first. In one brief movement, almost too fast for the eye to catch, his palm had already clamped around Iron Scorpion's knife-wielding wrist.His five fingers closed tightly with a single squeeze."Ughhh—!"Iron Scorpion let out a muffled scream. An explosion of pain erupted from his wrist. The bones there felt as though they had been crushed instantly, and the dagger he had thrust forward with all his strength couldn't advance even half a centimeter.The man's eyes widened in disbelief and horror.His attack had been a full-speed burst, launched at close range at a moment of his own choosing. Yet the man before him had caught it as casually as plucking a fly out of the air.Before he could process what had happened, Arka was already standing. Still gripping his wrist, he swung his arm.Iron Scorpion's body was lifted effortlessly like an empty sack and hurled diagonally across the room
Meanwhile, Nihil had already disappeared from sight. A few seconds later, his figure reappeared near the side door. A family loyalist who had been trying to escape slowly collapsed behind him, his throat cleanly slit.The entire process had taken less than twenty seconds.By the time Arka finally stepped into the hall, the gunfire had already stopped. All that remained was gunpowder smoke, the smell of blood, and the groans of people who would soon die.The hall that had still been used that morning for drinking wine and discussing victory had now turned into a blood-soaked ruin. Bullet holes riddled the walls, expensive picture frames lay shattered across the floor, and imported carpets absorbed blood like dark red sponges.Corpses lay everywhere in strange positions, making the room look more like a slaughterhouse than the council hall of a great family.Amid all of this, two people were still alive.The first was Bima Sangar. His face was bruised, his lips split, and one eye was al
The family's guards, who were usually only accustomed to intimidating street thugs, didn't have time to assess the situation. Some had barely raised their weapons before they were already down. Those who tried to take cover behind flowerpots and vehicles were forced to keep their heads down by relentless gunfire.Taring Baja advanced while carrying a heavy automatic weapon. His massive body moved steadily amid the rain of bullets.BANG! BANG! BANG!The walls cracked, the pillars chipped, and stones flew everywhere."Two on the left!"Nihil's voice sounded calm.Two short gunshots followed.Bang! Bang!Two guards who had just peeked out from the corridor immediately collapsed.Garuda Hitam and Taring Samudra moved swiftly in pairs, covering each other's angles and pushing toward the main building without giving their opponents a chance to catch their breath.The entire assault unfolded with brutal precision.The family fortress they had always been so proud of crumbled in just a matter
The old Adhistya Family residence, which had once symbolized the highest authority in Mahatara City, looked gloomy that morning.The guards outside the gates were moving around more frequently than usual. Their eyes swept across the road, and their patrol movements were no longer steady. Their instincts told them that danger was approaching.Yet deep inside the main council hall, the atmosphere was the complete opposite.Bima raised his wine glass, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Ravian, that was a decent move." He let out a short laugh. "It's only been a day, and the effects are already showing. Now, who's still brave enough to give Arka information?"Ravian slowly sipped his wine. He tried to maintain a calm expression, although the satisfaction in his eyes was unmistakable. "That's only the opening move," he said with feigned modesty. "I merely gave him something to keep him busy."Even so, his tone couldn't hide how pleased he was with the apparent success of his plan.On the
Arka turned his gaze toward the entire room again. The hardened faces before him were now filled with the same burning fury. "Listen carefully, all of you."His voice wasn't loud. That was precisely what made everyone focus completely."They targeted civilians. They killed innocent people to put pressure on us." He clenched his fist, his gaze turning ferocious. "In that case, today we'll teach them the price of that decision. A blood debt..." He paused briefly. "Must be paid in blood."Not a single person moved.Everyone waited."Anyone who dares lay a hand on my people. Anyone who dares turn ordinary residents into targets. I'll make sure they're wiped out down to the roots."The room erupted."YES, SIR!"The collective roar shook the walls.Taring Baja slammed his fist onto the table.Taring Samudra grinned fiercely.Bayangan Azura was already checking his weapon's magazine.Nihil calmly closed his folder, then stood up.Arka walked toward the door. "Five minutes."He stopped at the
Without saying anything, Arka stepped closer, bent down, and lifted Mireya along with the blanket still wrapped around her body. His movements were firm yet careful, as though he were carrying something fragile, even though he knew the woman in his arms was anything but fragile."Hm... Arka?"Mireya finally woke up completely. Her heavy eyes opened halfway, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around the man's neck. Confused and still not fully awake, she rested her face against Arka's chest.Arka lowered his head and briefly kissed her forehead. His tone remained cold, and the remnants of his anger were still clearly noticeable, but there was a layer of tenderness he couldn't hide. "Go into the bedroom and get some more sleep."He glanced at the hallway. "It's cold here."Without waiting for a response, Arka carried Mireya into the empty bedroom next door. He pushed the door open with his shoulder, stepped inside, then gently lowered her onto the soft bed. He adjusted the blanket,







