Even the Ten Dons, who hired killers to deal with the Phantom Troupe, relied heavily on the Zoldyck family. The other scattered assassins were little more than a backdrop to highlight the Zoldycks' dominance.
If even the underworld's highest powers—the Emperor and the Ten Dons—thought this way, it was no wonder that the Matar family would take similar measures. No one wanted to be overshadowed to the point of irrelevance.
Ronnel reviewed the information in the briefcase with a knowing smile, then continued scanning the documents in his hand.
At the same time, as Ronnel and his sightseeing car approached the Matar family's territory…
In the lush forests stood a European-style villa with classical symmetry.
"The security arrangements for this trip must have been quite taxing for you, Dr. Kimila," said a man in his thirties, wearing black-framed glasses and an expensive suit. His slicked-back hair gleamed under the light, and he looked thoroughly satisfied as he glanced at the materials in his black briefcase.
"This... This is my duty," Dr. Kimila replied, his voice trembling slightly.
Dr. Kimila was the old man Ronnel had seen on the airship earlier. His face still bore faint red marks from being kicked away, and his demeanor was subservient. A flicker of hesitation crossed his expression, but it quickly disappeared, replaced by a servile smile.
"But, Steward Kabaito... About those matters of mine…" Kimila said nervously, rubbing his hands together like a man pleading for his life.
"Rest assured," Kabaito replied, his voice polite yet icy. "From today onward, no one will know about your sordid dealings with your students—male or female—aside from you and me."
Dr. Kimila's face lit up with relief. "Really? That's... that's wonderful! Thank you, Steward Kabaito!" he exclaimed, bowing deeply.
Kabaito maintained a composed smile and motioned for the suited men standing nearby to escort Kimila out of the room. As soon as the door closed, Kabaito's expression shifted abruptly to one of cold indifference.
"The audacity of these upstarts to vie for the boss's position before the alliance is even finalized," he muttered, rapping his knuckles against the closed briefcase. A sharp glint of malice flashed in his eyes. "Do they think they can challenge the Matar family's strength? We may not rival the Zoldycks, but we won't be bullied by third-rate scum."
He snorted disdainfully, picked up the phone, and dialed.
"Hello, Kabaito? What's the situation?" The voice on the other end was ambiguous, neither distinctly male nor female.
"Patriarch, the item has been secured," Kabaito reported, his tone deferential.
"Oh? Quicker than expected. Any complications? Didn't you deploy several escorts?"
"There were minor setbacks, but nothing that impacted the outcome," Kabaito replied. Sweat beaded on his brow as he bowed instinctively. "Of the eight groups I dispatched, only the main route returned safely."
"Eight groups... and only one succeeded?" The voice remained neutral, yet Kabaito felt an invisible pressure bearing down on him.
"Yes, Patriarch. Most of the other routes had significant resistance, likely premeditated attacks by rival families or organizations."
The person on the other end let out a thoughtful hum. "It seems the sewer rats have conspired earlier than anticipated. Before Zoldyck's second son or other skilled hackers could intercept the information, they must have made their move."
Kabaito remained silent, awaiting further instructions.
"Very well. Let the rats come. Eliminate a few to instill some fear. This alliance operation is critical; I've even invited a prominent client to participate. Let's remind them that you can't become a bat simply by attaching wings to your back."
The line went dead, and Kabaito immediately set to work.
"The Matar family has rallied most of the killer organizations and families. They're planning an alliance," Ronnel thought, recalling the old man's intel.
"If they're targeting the Zoldyck family, this could get interesting. But seeing Zeno and Silva participate in the Chimera Ant Extermination with no apparent concern suggests two possibilities: either the alliance crumbled, or it amounted to nothing substantial."
He chuckled, his thoughts turning to Maha Zoldyck, the family's living legend.
"As long as Maha remains active, any dissenters will have to kneel and crawl."
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