Jessica frowned. "So how do we stop them from crushing us before we even establish ourselves?"
Nile turned towards James and Veena. "By making strategic displays of overwhelming power."
James raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? And how do you plan to do that?"
Nile smirked. "We will carefully stage situations where Uncle James and Mama Veena will reveal their overwhelming strength. But their real identities must remain hidden. That way, the organization gains credibility and respect, while we remain unseen masterminds in the background."
The weight of his words sank into everyone.
Jennifer leaned back and let out a low whistle. "You've really thought this through."
Jessica, Arin, and Lyra exchanged glances before collectively exhaling, each showing different reactions—shock, concern, excitement, and curiosity.
Even James, who had experienced many things in his life, gave Nile a look of approval. "Clever."
Veena, however, remained quiet, her gaze sharp as she analyzed Nile's words.
After a moment, Nile turned toward her and asked, "Now, let me ask, Mama. Is it possible to modify the memories of these people? Or can the memory only be erased?"
Veena considered the question carefully before replying. "It depends on the complexity of the altered memory. First, tell me what kind of memory you want to implant, and I'll determine if it's possible."
Nile nodded. "The memory I want to create is simple but effective."
He took a deep breath before explaining. "We need to implant a scenario where we are nothing more than hired workers at the inn. Jennifer hired us temporarily in exchange for waiving our stay fees for a week. Once the week is over, we will leave and move to our shop."**
"This way, if the goons question us later, we can maintain consistency in our story."**
Veena nodded slightly, signaling that so far, it was possible.
"Then, we modify their memory to include a scene where they beat us up and throw us into a corner," Nile continued. "After that, when they turn their attention to Jennifer, demanding the 10,000 mana stones she had me bring from the Fortune Trading House, Jennifer calls for the protectors—dramatically."
Jennifer blinked. "Wait—dramatically?"
Nile smiled slightly. "Yes, to make it believable. She will declare that her inn is now under the protection of an association."
He paused. "Though I haven't decided on a name yet. Do you have any suggestions?"
Jennifer and James exchanged glances, thinking.
James finally spoke. "How about… the 'Shadow Fang Syndicate'?"
Jennifer frowned. "Sounds a bit too aggressive."
Jessica smirked. "What about the 'Obsidian Pact'?"
Nile nodded thoughtfully. "That has a good ring to it."
Veena chuckled. "Alright, continue."
Nile resumed. "Jennifer explains to the goons that the 'Obsidian Pact' has taken the inn under its protection and that they have already sent two enforcers to guard it. The goons don't believe her and attempt to attack her."
Everyone listened intently.
"That's when two mysterious figures in black hoods—completely covering their faces—step forward and take down the goons. These hooded figures will replicate the exact actions Uncle James performed earlier."
Jessica's eyes gleamed with understanding. "And that's where their memory ends?"
Nile nodded. "Yes. That way, no one suspects us, and the organization gains an immediate reputation."
Veena tapped her fingers against the table, analyzing everything carefully.
Then, after a moment, she smiled. "This is possible. Modifying memories like this is well within my capabilities."
Jessica exhaled. "That means we have our solution."
Arin grinned. "And the first step towards creating the Obsidian Pact."
Everyone exchanged glances, feeling the weight of the decision they had just made.
This was the beginning of something much larger than any of them had imagined.
With the discussion reaching its conclusion, Nile looked around the room, seeing the determination in everyone's eyes. He took a deep breath and firmly declared:
"Then, it's settled. From today onward, we will begin laying the foundation for the Obsidian Pact."
At his words, Arin, Lyra, and Jessica exchanged excited glances before breaking into cheers. "Obsidian Pact! Obsidian Pact!"
Their enthusiasm was infectious, and even Jennifer couldn't help but chuckle. Meanwhile, James crossed his arms, smirking, while Veena gave a soft, knowing smile.
James let out an amused chuckle. "So, we seven will be building a powerful underground force? This sounds more interesting by the moment."
Veena nodded in agreement. "It does seem amusing. But it's also dangerous."
James shrugged. "Well, dangerous things are usually the most fun."
Everyone laughed at that. The tension from the earlier serious discussion finally eased.
But then, Nile's expression shifted as if remembering something important. Without warning, he reached into his robes, pulled out a wooden token, and casually tossed it toward Jennifer.
"Here. The control token for the Level 3 cultivation rooms."
Jennifer instinctively caught it, but instead of excitement, she sighed.
"It's useless," she said, shaking her head. "This token is currently imprinted by Iron Fang Syndicate's leader. No one else can use it unless he permits it."
Jessica frowned. "So, just stealing it isn't enough?"
Jennifer nodded. "If that were the case, I would have focused on breaking through to Level 4 first and then beating those bastards up to take it back. But it's not that simple."
Her words didn't faze Nile in the slightest. Instead, he smirked.
"Why don't you check the token first before saying it's useless?"
Jennifer narrowed her eyes, sensing his confidence. A flicker of doubt crossed her face, but curiosity won in the end. She hesitantly sent her spiritual sense into the token to examine its imprint.
A heartbeat later—
Her eyes widened in sheer disbelief. She shot to her feet, her chair scraping loudly against the floor.
"Impossible!" she gasped. Her hands trembled as she stared at the token, then at Nile. "You—you—you… how is this possible?!"
Her reaction immediately alarmed everyone.
Jessica, unable to hold back her curiosity, rushed forward. "What happened? What's wrong with the token?"
Arin and Lyra also moved closer, their expressions filled with confusion and intrigue.
James and Veena, though outwardly calm, exchanged a sharp glance before focusing on the token themselves. They sent their spiritual senses into it—and their reactions, while not as dramatic as Jennifer's, were filled with deep surprise.
A heavy silence filled the room.
Then, Jessica finally voiced the question on everyone's mind.
"Nile… how did you do this?"
Nile tilted his head, pretending innocence. "Do what?"
Jessica huffed in frustration. "Don't play dumb! How did you remove the Iron Fang leader's imprint from the token?! Only the original owner should be able to do that!"
Everyone's eyes locked onto Nile, waiting for an answer.
But before he could respond, Jessica continued, her voice sharper now. "And another thing! Back when you fought Mason, I've been wondering—how did you make him collapse in pain without using any mana or spirit energy?!"
She narrowed her eyes. "If you had used a secret technique or some hidden ability, we would have sensed a mana or spirit energy fluctuation. But there was nothing. Absolutely nothing. And yet, Mason crumbled like his soul had been shattered."
The room grew eerily quiet.
Everyone was now looking at Nile with curiosity, shock, and even a hint of wariness.
James tapped his fingers on the table, watching Nile closely. "That's right, Nile. I was curious about that as well."
Jennifer, still holding the token tightly, whispered, "Just what… are you?"
Nile simply smiled, his expression unreadable.
"Well… I suppose it's time to explain a few things."