Chapter 469 468: A Private Matter?

Midnight.

Countless Samsaras appeared one after another in the Samsara space.

Many of them had been browsing the internet before entering. Thanks to the viral video of the Battle of the Century, they already knew about tonight's events. So as soon as they arrived, most rushed straight to the Global Master List near the Samsara Tower.

"Brother, why are you running so fast?"

"Go, hurry! We need to see if Adam is still on the list!"

"Adam? Why him?"

"You don't know? Didn't you see tonight's video?"

"What video?"

"The battle between Shura, Adam, and Uvall! I'll explain later, just come!"

A crowd quickly gathered beneath the glowing leaderboard.

When they looked up at the rankings, the top spots hadn't changed at all.

Adam's name still stood proudly. His position? Second place.

"What the hell? Shura smashed Adam into pieces, yet he's still alive?"

"Unbelievable! His resilience is way too hard! Like a cockroach!!"

"Strange. In the video, Adam was completely obliterated. How is he still breathing?"

"He must have some hidden ability."

"Of course. All these S-rank bosses are terrifying—they've all got trump cards."

"Yeah, especially Shura. He's the scariest of them all."

"Wait, did you just say Shura defeated Adam?"

"Brother, go watch the video yourself. I suggest you hurry—it might get taken down. Missing it would be a crime."

"Look! The name One Leaf Knows Autumn—rank 87—it's gone. Replaced by the 88th master. Finally, some justice."

"That traitor deserved it. Bah! Not worthy of being from Jadeveil!"

The chatter buzzed on beneath the glowing rankings.

Outside the crowd, Fenric stood calm, his gaze falling on Adam's still-glimmering name.

He wasn't surprised. He had expected this result before coming. After one last glance, he turned away, planning to head for the teahouse, rent a private box, rest for a while, and then begin tonight's exploration of the 17th floor dungeon.

Just then—

A system prompt flashed before his eyes:

[You have a new message. Aurora Morwyn invites you to a video call. Please respond promptly.]

Fenric raised a brow.

Aurora? At this hour? Shouldn't she be resting?

He accepted.

The call opened, revealing Aurora's tired face.

"Shura, I knew you'd be here. You never stop. Are you planning to tackle a dungeon tonight?"

Fenric nodded. "I am."

Aurora exhaled, half amused, half weary. "No wonder you succeed where others fail. That relentless drive of yours isn't something ordinary people have."

Fenric smiled faintly. "Aurora, you must have a reason for calling me, right?"

"There is."

"Then wait a moment. I'll get a private box at the teahouse. We can talk over tea."

"Alright."

The call ended.

Fenric reserved a box at the teahouse, ordered two cups of Tranquility Tea, and sent her the box number.

A short while later, Aurora arrived.

"Fenric."

"Sit. I've already ordered you tea."

When she sat, Fenric studied her expression. "You looked exhausted earlier. I thought you'd be resting by now."

"I wanted to," she admitted with a bitter smile. "But my duties don't allow me to. Toil seems to be my fate."

The tea arrived. The two took a sip, and instantly a soothing clarity washed over them, their weariness easing.

"Fenric, I came because of orders from above."

"Oh?" Fenric chuckled. "Don't tell me they want to recruit me again. You know how I feel about that. If so, I'll only disappoint them."

Aurora Morwyn gave a wry smile. "At least hear me out first."

Fenric gestured politely for her to continue.

"Tonight, One Leaf Knows Autumn's betrayal infuriated the higher-ups," she explained. "The top leader immediately ordered the arrest of all members of the Armand Family. Unfortunately, he had prepared in advance—his entire family escaped to the Cindralock Dominion."

She paused, then added, "Fortunately, you defeated Adam. That display of strength made the World's Governments rethink everything. Negotiations with the Cindralock Dominion were launched at once, demanding they extradite the Armand Family. They agreed. The family is under arrest and already being delivered here."

Aurora's eyes fixed on him. "Fenric, the authorities want to know your thoughts on how to deal with the Armand Family. They're prepared to respect your wishes."

Fenric blinked, caught off guard.

That was no small gesture. It meant the right to decide the fate of the Armand Family was being handed directly to him.

He understood the message well: this was the government's way of currying favor.

In truth, his first instinct was simple—kill them all.

But saying that outright seemed too cruel, especially in front of Aurora. With Yuhan still in play and Aurora's personal ties to her, appearing bloodthirsty might cast him in a dangerous light. It could even make him seem… unhinged.

Sensing his hesitation, Aurora leaned forward. "If you feel it's difficult to decide, the higher-ups can handle it."

Fenric asked calmly, "And how would they handle it?"

"By the law of treason," she answered coldly. "Execution for all."

Her words were laced with the steel of a soldier, without hesitation or mercy.

Fenric was momentarily stunned. Then realization dawned—this, too, was another calculated move from Jadeveil's leaders, meant to reassure him of their loyalty.

They were sparing no effort to win him over.

Aurora continued, "There's one more thing. The attack on Adam wasn't a free operation. Everyone involved will be rewarded. Since you aren't part of any government unit, it's harder to give you an official reward. So, the higher-ups asked me to come and ask you directly—what do you want?"

Fenric's first instinct was to wave it off, to refuse.

"Never mind the reward! I didn't fight for recognition. Adam is my enemy, my threat." Fenric waved dismissively.

He knew well the saying: short hands, soft mouth. If he accepted the government's reward, the higher-ups might use it as leverage against him. Then, endless troubles would follow.

"Fenric, don't be so quick to refuse." Aurora smiled faintly. "This operation was a massive success. Everyone is receiving awards, and you were the greatest contributor. If you reject it outright, it'll make things awkward—for others as well as for yourself. Just accept it as a formality."

Fenric frowned.

She was right. He might not care for rewards, but others certainly did. If the man who contributed most turned down recognition, then what face would the rest have to claim theirs?

Aurora continued, her tone soothing. "Fenric, I know what you're worried about. The higher-ups know too. No one will force you into anything you dislike. If you don't want official positions or titles, just accept material rewards—resources, money, equipment. That way, you get something, and the others can claim their share without guilt."

Fenric exhaled slowly, then gave a slight nod. "Fine. Just give me money. Transfer it to my account. As for the award ceremony—I won't attend."

Aurora's smile held a trace of resignation, but she nodded. "Alright, I'll report it as you wish."

Deep down, she was patriotic—she truly wished Fenric would at least take a nominal role in the government. With someone of his caliber, Jadeveil Nation's strength and international standing would soar overnight. At the very least, his existence would serve as a powerful deterrent. No one would dare provoke them recklessly, not after seeing what Shura had done to Thousand Lanterns Island Nation.

But Fenric was as immovable as stone—unyielding, impervious to persuasion. She could do nothing.

"Well, that concludes the official matter." Aurora leaned back, her expression softening. "Let's talk about something… private."

"Private?" Fenric raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

Aurora chuckled. "My sister-in-law's family has heard about you and Yuhan. They'd like to invite you to a family dinner. When do you plan to go?"

Fenric froze, caught off guard. His expression turned awkward, and for once, he didn't know what to say.

—---

Cindralock Dominion

Because of the time difference, it was still broad daylight here.

Inside a lavish private villa, Adam sat resting.

Though the Samsara space had opened, he had no intention of entering. After today's battle, he had suffered too great a loss. Not only had his grand plan collapsed, but he had also sacrificed two puppet substitutes. Even worse, his vitality had been heavily overdrawn.

The vitality of Samsaras was formidable. Especially for top-tier ones like Adam—whose constitution and life force far surpassed ordinary humans. Their lifespans stretched well over two centuries. Fenric and Vivienne were the same.

But Adam's condition was dire. His youthful appearance had dimmed, replaced by the faint withering of age. It wasn't just a decade of vitality consumed—it was decades.

A devastating loss.

In such a state, it was impossible for him to attempt dungeon raids, let alone meddle in Samsara space.

At that moment, his villa's butler entered respectfully. "Mr. Will, a group has arrived outside. They claim to have an agreement with you."

Adam's brows furrowed. Trouble had come knocking.

In order to secure allies for his scheme earlier, he had made many promises, offering generous benefits. Now those Samsaras had come to collect.

But after such crippling losses, could he afford to part with more? To hand over rare items for nothing?

His heart screamed in protest.

Yet he had no choice.

For his grand ambitions, he still needed to maintain a pristine persona—at least for now.

Bleeding inside, Adam sighed. "Let them in."

The butler bowed and left.

Soon, several Samsaras entered one after another, greeting him with thinly veiled flattery.

"Mr. Adam, we meet again."

"Truly fortunate to see you in person."

"As expected of Mr. Adam—you've faced Shura time and time again, yet he still hasn't finished you."

Their words dripped with respect. Despite his failure, Adam was still an S-rank giant. They could not afford disrespect.

"Gentlemen, to what do I owe this visit?" Adam asked coolly.

The Samsaras exchanged glances. Finally, a tall black man stepped forward. "Mr. Adam, before today's operation, we had an agreement. Now, we'd like you to honor it."

Adam rose slowly, voice calm but heavy. "Today's plan failed. I myself suffered grievous losses. Frankly, I was… disappointed in your performance."

"..."

The Samsaras stiffened. Some frowned, others scowled.

One of them snapped, "Mr. Adam, the failure wasn't due to us! It was your faulty intelligence. The enemy was far stronger than you described. We still fulfilled our part—blocking the other Samsaras as you asked."

Another added, pulling at a torn sleeve, "Look at my shoulder! This wound was from a Jadeveil Samsara. We paid the price, Mr. Adam."

A third chimed in, voice cajoling. "Mr. Adam, countless young Samsaras see you as their beacon. Surely you wouldn't tarnish your reputation by breaking your word?"

Their words grew louder, more insistent.

Adam's expression darkened, his patience thinning. "Hmph. Don't mistake me—I keep my promises. But when a plan fails, responsibility is shared. Do you expect me to bleed alone?"

The Samsaras quieted, realizing what he was implying.

"Then, Mr. Adam," one finally asked cautiously, "what exactly are you suggesting?"

Adam's lips curled into a cold smile. "The special items you want—I'll sell them to you. At a discounted price."