They entered a place vast as an entire state—the territory of the Blood Clan.
Suddenly, a man approached Kamal.
"You must be Kamal," he said coldly. "I am James, the second heir of Leader Keller."
James shot an angry glance at Karry, then gestured for Kamal to follow. They moved deeper inside.
Karry broke the silence.
"Who is Sam in this clan?"
James stopped walking. His expression darkened.
"He is the first heir of the Blood Clan," James said sharply. "And the captain of the Runners."
"So," Karry asked calmly, "he's the strongest?"
James clenched his fists.
"Everyone talks about him. Why does nobody notice my work?" He scoffed. "I didn't come here for this useless brat. Don't ever speak about Brother Sam again—or I'll kill you."
Karry didn't flinch.
"Just answer. Yes or no."
James paused, surprised. Then he smirked.
"Yes. He is."
After a beat, he added, "But I'll defeat him one day. And don't talk like you're the strongest."
James led them to a heavily guarded hall.
At the center sat Maizy, surrounded by guards. Beside her was the groom, leaning too close, his hand reaching for her arm. She shifted uncomfortably.
"Come on, honey," the groom said, grinning. "Don't be shy."
Karry looked away, forcing himself to stay calm. He couldn't afford to lose control—not now. Arnold's training echoed in his mind. One mistake, and everything would collapse: the mission, the alliance, everything.
Suddenly, a crushing aura filled the room.
A figure stepped forward.
"James," the man said calmly, "I told you to take care of the guests. Are you disrespecting me?"
James froze, fear flooding his face. He couldn't even raise his head.
"S–s–sorry… Brother Sam."
Sam waved his hand dismissively.
"Take them to the road. They're not here to see me. They have work to do."
Then Sam leaned close to Maizy and whispered, his voice icy:
"Don't disobey orders. Be useful for once. Jack is going to die here."
Maizy nodded silently, her hands trembling.
James escorted them away.
They arrived at a massive underground road. No sunlight entered—only darkness. James clapped his hands, and red lights flared to life, bathing the tunnel in a blood-colored glow.
"This place isn't guarded," James said. "Intruders may break through here. Split up and protect each edge. Even if they enter—do not interfere unless ordered."
He left them there.
Hours passed.
"Do you think anyone will even attack?" Kamal muttered. "Is this a prank?"
"We do what we're told," Karry replied.
"O-okay…"
Suddenly—
BOOM!
An explosion rocked the outside. Sirens screamed. More blasts followed, shaking the ground. Yet the hall where Maizy sat remained untouched.
"They've come," the groom snarled. "The bastards trying to ruin my wedding."
Figures emerged from the smoke.
"Let's get started," one of them said. "Scatter."
"Yes!"
They split up instantly.
The leader raised his sword. It glowed red, heat distorting the air.
"Let's burn this place to the ground."
Sam stepped forward, staring at the man.
"So," Sam said quietly, "you came… Jack."
[End of Chapter]