In a dimly lit chamber illuminated only by a few flickering candles, seven figures sat around a large round table.
Most of their faces were hidden in shadows, giving them an aura of mystery and menace—an atmosphere befitting those who held the greatest power in the Empire’s underworld.
They were the rulers of illegal businesses that had long dominated the black market, controlling the Empire’s shadow economy with iron hands. Each of them held absolute authority in a specific domain, and everyone in the room understood that their cooperation was the only reason their power remained intact.
But tonight, a single matter had drawn their attention.
Rumors had spread about a child from the Gelar Clan who had defeated Thorne and Lyra—two infamous bandit leaders once believed to be unbeatable.
That rumor had reached every person seated at the table.
And it made them realize that a new threat might be emerging.
At the far end of the table sat a large man with a scarred face and cruel eyes.
He was known as Brennick the Conqueror, the ruler of the Empire’s slave trade.
Brennick controlled the kidnapping, imprisonment, and sale of human beings—including women and children—who were sold to landowners and wealthy nobles in need of forced labor.
“A child from the Gelar Clan…” Brennick muttered, his voice heavy and cold.
“If the rumor is true, we may be facing a new threat far more dangerous than we expected.”
“A child capable of defeating Thorne and Lyra? Quite interesting, don’t you think? The Gelar Clan certainly knows how to produce surprises.”
Beside Brennick sat a thin man with pale skin and sharp eyes that resembled those of a serpent.
He was Vander the Venom, the ruler of the Empire’s illegal narcotics and poison market.
Vander controlled the trade of deadly substances capable of killing, addicting, or slowly destroying a person’s sanity.
With a sly smile, he chuckled quietly.
“If the Gelar Clan already possesses a weapon like that at such a young age, we must be cautious. That child could become a serious threat to our operations if he grows into a fearless and uncontrollable assassin.”
Next to Vander sat a middle-aged man dressed in elegant clothing, radiating authority.
He was known as Lord Edmond, master of the black-market weapons trade.
Edmond specialized in supplying illegal weaponry, often providing arms that rivaled the quality of the Empire’s own military.
“If the boy is truly strong,” Edmond said coldly, “he could threaten the stability we’ve built. The Gelar Clan may become a significant problem if that child is allowed to grow too powerful.”
Beside Edmond sat a fat man covered in glittering gold jewelry.
This was Simeon the Market Manipulator, who controlled the underground trade of essential goods such as food and medicine.
He specialized in creating artificial shortages, raising prices, and selling necessities to desperate buyers.
“A child from the Gelar Clan…” Simeon sneered.
“If the rumors are true, perhaps it’s time we consider new measures to keep our markets stable.”
Next to him sat a handsome but cold man with a piercing gaze.
He was Lucius the Forger, master of forged documents and counterfeit currency.
Lucius was famous for his ability to replicate anything—from official imperial documents to perfectly crafted fake coins.
“A child capable of killing Thorne and Lyra…” Lucius said cautiously.
“The Gelar Clan may be strengthening its power. That would not be good for our business.”
Beside Lucius sat a woman with silver hair and a cold expression.
She was Selene, the Mistress of Information, a mysterious figure whose network of spies spread throughout the entire Empire.
Her informants lived everywhere—inside the imperial palace, noble estates, and even the poorest slums of the capital.
Many of them were servants or guards who secretly listened to important conversations.
By threatening to expose the secrets of powerful individuals, Selene could pressure nobles and imperial officers alike into providing information—or covering up the organization’s illegal operations.
Selene spoke calmly, her voice quiet but clear.
“I’ve heard quite a bit about this child,” she said with a faint smile.
“The rumors are true. A child of the Gelar Clan defeated Thorne and Lyra.”
“If he continues to grow stronger, he could threaten our network.”
She paused.
“But if we can control him… he could also become an opportunity.”
Beside Selene sat an old man whose face was covered in scars.
A dark robe wrapped around his thin body.
He was known as Ezekiel the Shadow Magician, master of dark rituals and forbidden magic within the Empire.
Ezekiel was often hired by nobles or soldiers seeking spiritual protection—or to place curses upon their enemies.
In a deep, echoing voice he said,
“A child with such power may possess unusual protection… or something even more dangerous. We must proceed carefully.”
The discussion continued.
Each ruler of the underworld voiced their opinions, though beneath their cold expressions lay hidden unease.
A child capable of defeating Thorne and Lyra was not ordinary.
To them, Leon was no longer merely a child of the Gelar Clan.
He was an unpredictable variable.
A threat that could disrupt the balance of their power.
Brennick tapped his fingers against the table.
“What we are facing is a potential danger unlike anything we’ve encountered before.”
“The Gelar Clan may have plans far greater than simple assassination missions.”
Lucius smiled slightly.
“Perhaps we can lure the boy to our side. Children are easily influenced—especially if we offer promises he would never receive within the Gelar Clan.”
Vander snorted.
“You’re too optimistic. A child raised by the Gelar Clan will not be easily deceived.”
“They are trained to kill without heart or mercy.”
“We need more than sweet words.”
Selene leaned forward slightly.
“That child—Leon—was not originally part of the Gelar Clan.”
Murmurs spread around the table.
Entering the Gelar Clan was notoriously difficult.
It accepted only children from loyal families who were trained from birth in the art of killing.
If Leon had not come from there…
how could someone so young survive against killers and bandits?
Selene smiled faintly, enjoying their confusion.
“Leon is actually the son of Baron Albrecht von Dreiss.”
“Baron Albrecht once defied the Emperor. He refused to surrender his people to the Emperor’s new taxation policies.”
“As punishment, the Emperor sent Rigo—his greatest assassin—to execute the entire Dreiss family.”
One of the men raised an eyebrow.
“So… the boy survived Rigo’s execution?”
Selene nodded.
“Not only survived.”
“Leon managed to endure a confrontation with Rigo despite his young age.”
“That caught the Emperor’s attention.”
“A child who could survive against the Empire’s deadliest weapon?”
“The Emperor saw potential in him.”
Lucius chuckled mockingly.
“So the Emperor decided to turn the boy into one of his hunting dogs. How noble.”
Selene ignored the comment.
“The Emperor made a deal with Leon. The boy agreed to join the Gelar Clan—on the condition that his family would be spared.”
“The Emperor accepted.”
“Since then, Leon has lived in the palace, training within the Gelar Clan.”
“But he is different from the others.”
“He was raised with the principles of a noble family.”
Edmond sighed.
“Then the boy might still have a heart.”
“That could be a serious weakness.”
Selene nodded.
“Exactly.”
“That is what makes him unique.”
“To those who hate the Empire, Leon represents hope—a sign that even within the Gelar Clan, humanity may still exist.”
“But he is also dangerous.”
“If the Emperor ever loses control over him…”
“Leon could become the weapon that destroys the Empire from within.”
Vander narrowed his eyes.
“And you’re certain this information is correct?”
Selene smiled sharply.
“I am never wrong.”
“My spies are everywhere.”
“In the Dreiss household. In noble estates. In the Gelar Clan. Even within the Emperor’s palace.”
“If something happens, I will know first.”
The crime lords exchanged glances.
Selene controlled no tangible business empire like the others.
But her information network made her the most feared among them.
After a moment of silence, Edmond spoke again.
“So what do you propose, Selene?”
Selene smiled slightly.
“I suggest we do nothing… for now.”
“Leon is still young.”
“He can still be shaped.”
“We will watch him.”
“If he becomes a threat, we will eliminate him.”
“But if he proves useful…”
“Imagine the value of a boy close to the Emperor.”
“A member of the Gelar Clan.”
“And yet still carrying the heart of a noble.”
Vander nodded slowly.
“If we influence him, we could spy on the Emperor from within.”
Selene looked around the table with satisfaction.
“Exactly.”
“There is no need to rush.”
“All we need… is patience.”
“Let the boy grow under our watch.”
“My informants will report every move he makes.”
Silence filled the room once more.
Each of them understood the opportunity before them.
Leon might still be a child.
But he had the potential to become either a dangerous enemy—or a priceless ally.
One by one, the figures rose from their seats and left the room, deep in thought.
Selene watched them leave, her faint smile still present.
She knew true power was not weapons or money.
It was information.
And with the information she possessed, she would ensure that she—and her organization—always stayed one step ahead of everyone.
Even the Emperor himself.
When the room finally emptied, Selene let out a quiet breath and allowed her smile to widen.
The game had only just begun.
And Leon—the noble child who survived execution—
would become a crucial piece on the Empire’s chessboard.
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