The next morning.
Fenric opened his eyes. Sunlight slipped through the curtains—it was already past nine.
Stepping out of his room, he saw Father Eric packing his belongings.
Fenric paused. "Dad, are you going on a long trip?"
Father Eric smiled. "AH City has been unblocked. I plan to return today."
Fenric frowned. Unblocked already? Just two or three days?
Could the Blacklight Virus really be contained so easily?
Then again, in this world filled with powerful Samsaras, even virus hosts stood little chance of causing chaos. It was nothing like the Prototype world, where a protagonist with overwhelming abilities and a corrupt government behind him had plunged Manhattan into an uncontrollable disaster.
"Maybe… wait a couple more days to see how the situation develops?" Fenric suggested.
Father Eric shook his head. "I'm not used to staying here. There are things at home I need to handle. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Fenric didn't press further.
After sending his father off at the station, he did not return home. Instead, he pulled out the Samsara Wanted Order.
He was deeply curious about this thing.
A quick search online revealed nothing. Clearly, it was a rare item even within Samsara Space.
Without hesitation, Fenric broke the seal and unrolled it.
No visions. No dramatic light.
Just an unremarkable sheet of paper, A4-sized, with a sketch of a fierce-looking man and details listed beneath.
Name: Choi Hojae
Origin: Soule, Willowland
Strength Evaluation: Class B
Wanted Reason: Violation of Samsara Contract – Murder of Contract Partner
Note: The Eye of Pursuit has been temporarily activated. If within one kilometer of the target, their position will automatically be locked.
Reminder: After activation, you have three days to assassinate the target. After three days, the warrant will expire.
Failure: No punishment.
Fenric's brows furrowed.
A bastard who not only violated the Samsara contract but even murdered his partner? Ruthless.
But stranger still—if Samsara Space wanted him gone, why not erase him directly? Why delegate?
Does this mean that Samsara Space can't touch someone once they hide in the real world? That its influence is limited outside?
Then what about mandatory large-scale events like the annual "Battle Royale"? If enforcement was possible there, why not here?
Fenric exhaled slowly. No point overthinking. I'll ask him myself once I reach him.
The man was only B-class. Fenric wasn't concerned.
Later that day, he visited Computer City to buy a new high-end machine and arrange broadband services. With money, everything moved smoothly. By afternoon, everything was set up—he could finally enjoy proper internet at home.
When evening came, Fenric headed to a deserted construction site. Unfinished concrete frames loomed in silence, no pedestrians, no surveillance cameras.
Perfect.
From his storage, he summoned the Mark VII Armor.
"Clank! Click!"
The mechanical voice echoed as the armor pieces locked into place, wrapping around his body.
In mere breaths, Fenric had transformed into a steel titan—an iron giant in the night.
"Tsunade, destination: Soule, Willowland."
"Received, Master."
"And activate the shielding system. I don't want radar picking us up."
"Understood."
7:30 PM.
Soule was at its liveliest. The capital glowed—traffic jams, neon lights, crowded streets. Stylish young women filled the avenues, some arm-in-arm with friends, others out fishing for "catches."
Choi Hojae, 32, was in his prime.
Years of grinding through Samsara Space had given him power. Using it, he climbed into the ranks of Soule's underworld, eventually becoming head of a powerful syndicate. Only the consortium behind the organization stood above him.
Though barred from entering Samsara Space due to past actions, he didn't mind. Why risk his life in dungeons when he could live like a king here?
He slept until noon, feasted daily, and enjoyed endless wealth. As for women—any he desired, he took. And when they resisted… he forced them. More than a dozen had already died under his abuse.
To him, it was a life worthy of an emperor.
That night, he stepped out of a luxury hotel, grinning as he slid into his car. In the top suite of another hotel nearby, a young starlet waited for him fresh from the shower.
"What a wonderful evening," Choi laughed. Another night of indulgence awaited him.
But what he didn't know was that far above, eyes were watching.
Fenric had just arrived in Soule. Luck was on his side—he had locked onto the target almost immediately.
The Eye of Pursuit worked flawlessly. Within a kilometer of the target, Fenric could sense him instantly, his figure glowing red in his vision.
For now, Fenric made no move.
He knew Soule was home to several A-class Samsaras. Making a scene in public could draw them out.
He wasn't afraid… but unnecessary attention was wasteful.
Patience.
The hunt had only just begun.