On the other hand, Chauncey had called together the members of the Portfall Chamber of Commerce in his role as their leader. Chauncey wore a full face mask this time. He stood up and looked around at everyone. "I brought you all together because there's something I need to tell you." The people below glanced at each other. "Mr. Benton, you can just tell us anything." "That's right. You're the president of the Chamber." Others chimed in with their agreement. "Good. Then I'll be straightforward with you." Chauncey's eyes narrowed. "You're all my people, and you've made plenty of money by following me over the years. But this time, there's a big score coming. Are you in or not?" "A big score? How much are we talking?" "That's perfect timing. I've been tight on cash lately. Surely nobody's going to turn down more money!" "Mr. Benton, quit beating around the bush. Just tell us already." Everyone's eyes gleamed with greed. Chauncey's lips curved into a smile. "You've all
Chauncey's words made everyone's eyes fill with doubt. "You're kidding, right? It's not that easy to crash Portfall's stock market." "Are you actually going to waste more time on stocks? When Athara and Krowo tried to crush Farshya's gold market, don't you remember how much money they lost? Farshyans are lunatics! They'll buy up everything!" "Shut up!" Chauncey massaged his temples. "That was Athara and Krowo's operation. They didn't think it through, so of course they'd fail. But I've already finished planning everything!" The people on the call all started talking. "Really?" "Why didn't we know about this?" "You mean you've already got Portfall's stock market in your pocket?" "Just wait till the market opens next week." Chauncey sounded relaxed. "The stocks for MIRXES and Sunhall have only been going up, but I'm actually the one manipulating them. "Everyone's thrown their money into these two stocks. When the market opens next week and these stocks tank, they'll be wi
Firth couldn't take it anymore. He coughed up blood and collapsed flat on the ground. "I'm sorry for offending you!" Aria waved her hand. "Sam, that's enough." Sam pulled all the energy back inside himself. Now, he looked just like a sweet kid again. After the pressure disappeared, Firth stared at Sam in terror. "Why do you have—" "Shut up." Aria cut him off. "Do you want to feel that pressure again?" Firth shook his head. "I couldn't handle it even if I wanted to. My Decator Essence is already shattered." "Now it's time for questions and answers." Aria's voice was light. "What do you know about the foreign organizations?" Firth paused to think. "The foreign organization came to me. They wanted me to help find the sacred relic. But my people have been searching for a while now and still don't have any leads." "That's it?" Aria blinked slowly. "I'll kill you if you leave out any single detail." A chill ran through Firth. "Actually, I didn't agree to help them at first.
Sam had Firth's legs in his grip and swung him hard to the right. Firth tumbled through the air several times before finally stopping. "Great job, Sam." Aria looked over at him. "Alright, you've had enough fun. Leave him breathing and bring him here." Sam nodded. "Got it, boss. You can count on me!" Seeing this, Firth shouted desperately, "When has our sect ever offended you? Why are you using such evil methods against us?" Aria looked up with renewed interest. "Weren't you acting tough just a minute ago? You heard your two disciples tell their side of the story and immediately decided we came here to pick a fight, didn't you?" "So what actually happened?" Firth's brow furrowed. "I watched Frederick and Tristan grow up, so I know they wouldn't do anything inappropriate." "Are you sure you know nothing about this?" Aria's voice was cold, her eyes full of suspicion. "From what I've learned, your two disciples aren't particularly talented. Yet they have the power to imprison s
Firth's eyes darkened. He said to Tristan. "Things like that don't exist. Shut up." Sam stood there waiting. "Are you making a move or not, you old fart? If you don't hurry up, I'm going to attack first!" Aria suddenly spoke up. "Sam, just stay right there. If you start fighting, you might not hold back and accidentally kill him. Then all this would be for nothing." Sam turned around. "Okay! Got it, boss." "You're really pushing it!" After hearing Aria's words, Firth's eyes were full of rage. "Do you really think we're so easy to push around? Frederick, go activate the great manifestation! We'll trap them here forever!" Frederick froze. "Mr. Caldera, the great manifestation is meant for invaders. Are you sure you want to use it on just three people?" "Hold on." Firth thought for a moment. "Go get ready. Only activate it when I tell you to." Frederick nodded and headed toward the back with Tristan. "Stop talking big and show me what you've got!" Sam put his hands on his
Aria's lips curled into a smirk. "We'll just go easy on them if they can't take a punch. If they can, we'll hit harder." Right then, a red barrier shot up all around the sect grounds, trapping everything inside. Frederick cackled. "Our sect leader's here!" And so, he and Tristan immediately dropped to their knees. Aria didn't even look up. She grabbed a slice of watermelon and started eating. "Do you guys want some? It's super sweet." She held out the watermelon without waiting for them to answer. "Who dares attack our sect?" A voice boomed from everywhere at once, so there was no sign of whoever was speaking. "You're practically asking for death here!" Aria spat out some seeds. "Sam, don't kill him when you're done. We still need answers." "Got it!" Sam nodded eagerly. "I'll be careful, boss!" Aria grabbed a napkin and cleaned off Sam's hands and face. Then he got up. "Whoever you are, just come out here and fight!" An old man appeared out of nowhere right in front