Liam''s Perspective


    "Dudley Lowell?" I couldn''t hide the disgust in my voice. "Of all people, you''re helping that arrogant bastard?"


    Evelyn Norton raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my reaction. "Jealousy doesn''t suit you, Liam."


    "I''m not jealous," I lied. "But Brightheart Ind? You know how crucial those Demonic Beast Cores could be for my cultivation."


    The sun glinted off the ocean beyond the restaurant window. My time was running out. Every day without progress pushed me closer to disaster.


    Evelyn sipped her tea delicately. "If it makes you feel better, Dudley approached me about the ind, not the other way around. He''s likely after the same cores you are."


    "That doesn''t make me feel better at all," I muttered.


    She reached into her sleeve and pulled out an ornate fan. "Here, a peace offering."


    I epted it cautiously. The fan was lightweight but radiated spiritual energy. "What is this?"


    "A Terpsichore Fan. It maniptes wind element and can create a small concealment formation. Mighte in handy for someone who attracts as much trouble as you do."


    I tested its weight in my palm. "Thanks. But it doesn''t rece an invitation to Brightheart Ind."


    "No, it doesn''t," she agreed, standing to leave. "Good luck finding one. The cruise departs in three days."


    After Evelyn left, I remained at the table, mind racing. Three days. Brightheart Ind opened only once every three years. Missing this opportunity wasn''t an option.


    I had to get on that cruise, invitation or not.


    ---


    Night fell over Oceana City as I prowled near the luxury vis where most of the cruise attendees were staying. The streets were quiet except for the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.


    Breaking into someone''s vi and stealing their invitation was risky. But desperate times called for desperate measures. I''d scoped out three potential targets—wealthy merchants who wouldn''t immediately be missed if they suddenly "decided" not to attend the cruise.


    I was about to make my move when a familiar voice called out.


    "Young man, is that you lurking in the shadows?"


    I spun around, heart pounding, to see Michael Ashworth—Isabelle''s grandfather—standing just a few yards away. His white hair gleamed in the moonlight, and despite his age, his posture remained impable.


    "Elder Ashworth," I said, quicklyposing myself. "I didn''t expect to see you here."


    He approached with the aid of his cane, eyes sharp despite his years. "Nor I you. What brings you to this neighborhood at such ate hour?"


    I couldn''t exactly tell him I was nning a theft. "Just... taking a walk."


    "Near the homes of those attending the Brightheart Ind cruise?" His knowing smile told me he wasn''t fooled. "You seek an invitation, don''t you?"


    There was no point in denying it. "Yes. It''s important."


    Michael nodded thoughtfully. "The Demonic Beast Cores. Your cultivation requires them."


    "How did you—"


    "I may be old, but I''m not ignorant." He tapped his cane on the ground. "I have an invitation myself. My doctor suggested the sea air might improve my health."


    I stared at him, hardly daring to hope. "Elder Ashworth..."


    "You may have it," he said simply. "My health isn''t as robust as I''d hoped. The journey would likely do me more harm than good."


    He reached into his robe and pulled out a golden card identical to the ones Evelyn had shown me. "Take it. Consider it payment for all you''ve done for Isabelle."


    My fingers closed around the invitation, relief washing over me. "Thank you. This means more than you know."


    "I believe I do know," he replied. "The path you walk is not an easy one."


    Before I could respond, angry shouts erupted from down the street. Five men approached, led by a stocky figure I recognized immediately—Joseph Nelson, one of Oceana City''s local tyrants.


    "Michael Ashworth!" Joseph bellowed. "Finally found you, old man!"


    Michael''s expression hardened. "Joseph Nelson. I declined your business proposal three times. The answer remains no."


    Joseph sneered, his face flushed with alcohol. "Nobody rejects me. Nobody!" He gestured to his four bodyguards. "Teach this old fossil a lesson." <i ss="phantom-imprint">Rea*d! ahe#a^d$ and get u*pd*a@t*e^s by v.i+s^i@t&in*g$ *.%</i>


    The men started forward. Michael stood his ground, but I could sense his fear. At his age, he stood no chance against these thugs.


    I stepped between them. "Back off."


    Joseph squinted at me. "Who the fuck are you?"


    "Someone you don''t want to mess with."


    Heughed, motioning to his men. "Deal with this idiot first, then the old man."


    The first bodyguard charged, drawing a knife. Time seemed to slow. My old self would have shown restraint, perhaps disarmed him and delivered a warning.


    But I was no longer that man.


    I sidestepped the knife and drove my palm into his chest. My spiritual energy surged through my arm, rupturing his heart instantly. He copsed without a sound.


    The second man hesitated, eyes wide with shock. That hesitation cost him his life. I moved faster than human eyes could track, appearing behind him. My fingers found the pressure points at the base of his skull, and I twisted sharply. His neck snapped with a sickening crunch.


    "What the—" The third bodyguard didn''t finish his sentence. I drove my knee into his stomach with enough force to shatter his spine, then mmed his head into the pavement.


    The fourth man turned to run. I caught him by the cor, yanked him backward, and plunged my hand into his back, ripping out a chunk of his spine.


    All this happened in less than ten seconds.


    Joseph Nelson stood frozen, his face a mask of terror. "Wait—please—I didn''t—"


    I grabbed his throat, lifting him off the ground. "You threatened an elder I respect." My voice was eerily calm, even to my own ears. "That was yourst mistake."


    With a single squeeze, I crushed his windpipe. His legs kicked uselessly as the life drained from his eyes. When he went limp, I dropped his body alongside his men.


    Michael Ashworth stared at me, his face pale with shock. "Liam... what have you done?"


    I turned to him, blood dripping from my hands. "Solved a problem."


    "These men... you killed them without hesitation."


    "They would have killed you." I began gathering spiritual fire in my palm. "Stand back, Elder Ashworth. I need to dispose of the evidence."


    The blue mes engulfed the bodies, reducing them to ash in moments. The scent of burning flesh filled the air briefly before the ocean breeze carried it away.


    Michael''s eyes never left my face. "You''ve changed, Liam. You''ve be more ruthless than before."


    I met his gaze steadily. "The world gave me no choice."


    He nodded slowly, then reached into his robe again. To my surprise, he pulled out a second golden invitation. "I was going to give this to my attendant, but perhaps it would be better served in your hands. You may need apanion for what lies ahead."


    I epted the second invitation, tucking both cards securely inside my robe. "Thank you, Elder Ashworth."


    "Don''t thank me," he said quietly. "Just promise me one thing."


    "What''s that?"


    "Remember who you are, Liam Knight. Don''t let the darkness consume you entirely."


    I didn''t answer. I wasn''t sure I could make such a promise anymore.


    As we parted ways, I nced at the pile of ashes that had once been five men. I felt nothing—no remorse, no guilt. Just calm determination.


    Brightheart Ind awaited. And I would do whatever it took to im its power.


    Whatever it took.