(A/N: Indeed I survived the storm. Moving back to daily chapters!)
"What happened to him?" An old man stood in a small room, staring at a fossilized body.
Behind him were two figures—one kneeling and the other standing—both trembling in fear.
"Sir, from what we've learned, it seems he was killed during the Young Master's party. We don't know what could have caused such a tragic outcome." the kneeling figure spoke.
The old man slightly turned his head and locked eyes with the standing man.
"G-Grandpa! It was Akashic who did something to Z3! He wasn't even invited to the party!" Keven stammered as he began explaining the details, not leaving anything out.
The old man stroked his beard, deep in thought.
"Such advanced energy… His physique seems incredibly strong. To do this with just a touch—it's almost unbelievable." His words sent Keven into a panic.
"Wait! A touch?! H-he tapped my shoulder before he left! Am I going to die?! Help me, please!" Tears streamed from his eyes as he glanced at Z3's body, terrified of sharing the same fate.
The old man shook his head. "Relax. You'd be dead already if that were the case."
"But this kid isn't simple. Z1, investigate his background for me. I want to know everything within the hour. Also, tell Z2 to stay on high alert. No harm shall come to my granddaughter." With that final command, the old man exited the room, leaving the two drenched in sweat.
"Young Master, I'll take my leave now." Z1 bowed before leaving to carry out his tasks.
Keven was left alone, fear gnawing at him as he walked to his room with shaky steps.
Elsewhere, a tall shadow loomed, watching over a room.
{"Master Wyte was clear, Z2. Do not let the Young Miss out of your sight."}
The shadow pressed an earpiece, responding. "There's nothing to worry about. Miss spends all her time in the library, focused on her schoolwork. She's not involved in the Young Master's affairs." The shadow's voice, faintly feminine but distorted, echoed softly.
{"You never know. I'm currently looking into this kid. You'll be updated with any findings. For now, if you see him, do not engage."} The call ended, and Z2 refocused on her task.
Her gaze shifted to the woman in the corner. She had black hair, wore glasses, and possessed a quiet, simple beauty. Deeply engrossed in the book in her hands, she exuded an air of concentration. A freshman at MoonCity University, she had already claimed the top spot in her class and was determined to keep it for her sophomore year.
Her thoughts briefly faltered as a figure flashed through her mind—the only thing that could break her concentration. With that image lingering, her determination surged, driving her to study even harder.
-Wyte Family Manor-
Master Wyte sat in a chair, staring wide-eyed at Z1.
"What did you say?" he shouted.
Z1 recounted his findings. "While investigating the kid, I hit a roadblock."
"First, I couldn't find any detailed background information. I only know he wasn't born in MoonCity. His family records have been scrubbed from all public archives. He seems to have a powerful backer." Z1 said, pausing before continuing.
"That's when I learned of his connection to Ms. Sierra Vero. It appears the Vero family is backing the kid."
Master Wyte clenched his fist, thoughts turning to the terrifying figure of Lord Vero.
"I see… I'll reach out to Lord Vero myself. Our families aren't on bad terms. We should be able to strike a deal." Dismissing Z1, Master Wyte picked up his phone and dialed a number.
It rang a few times before a servant answered.
{"You've reached the residence of Lord Vero. Whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"}
Annoyed but not wanting to make a scene, Master Wyte quickly introduced himself and explained his intentions. Within a minute, he was connected.
{"Old Freud! How nice of you to check up on me after all this time!"} The cheerful voice on the other end surprised Freud, though he wasn't confused. He had heard that Silas had recently recovered.
"Hello, my friend. I won't take much of your time. I've encountered some trouble with a kid named Akashic. While looking into his background, I noticed a block put up by your family. I'm not asking you to get involved, but for the sake of our friendship, could you remove it?" Freud waited anxiously for a response.
To his shock, Silas's answer was not what he expected.
"We aren't the ones who put up that block." Silas said, taking a deep breath. "Listen, I value the kid's physique, but the real reason I took an interest in him is because of his mysterious background. Almost every vulnerable detail of his life has been meticulously hidden."
"Even with my connections in the capital, I've only managed to learn a little about him. Since I don't see him as a threat to my granddaughter, I've had no issues with him."
"I don't know how deep their influence stretches or their identity. So, as a friend, I'll give you a warning: be careful." With those words, Silas hung up.
Freud stared blankly into the air, the silence deepening his worry.
"*Sigh* Whatever. This isn't irreparable. Things haven't reached the point of no return. I'll stay passive for now. If it comes to it, I'll deal with him myself."