In the aftermath of the scandal that rocked the Veridian Family, their desperation became palpable. Determined to salvage their tarnished reputation, they wielded their considerable influence to suppress the media and erase any trace of the viral video footage that had exposed their deceit. The once prominent clip, once shared far and wide, mysteriously vanished from public view, leaving the populace in confusion and uncertainty.
As the Veridian Family flexed their power to suppress the truth, a sense of fear and intimidation permeated the city. Journalists who had initially championed the exposé found themselves silenced or disappearing altogether. Alex Hawthorn, the intrepid journalist who had been instrumental in uncovering the scandal, suddenly vanished from the public eye.
The disappearance of Alex served as a chilling warning to those who dared to challenge the Veridian Family's authority. It was clear that they would stop at nothing to protect their interests and maintain their stranglehold on power. Whispers of their corruption and the lengths they would go to maintain their façade circulated in hushed tones among the city's residents.
Meanwhile, as Kai prepared to return to Nova Academy to continue his studies, a sinister plan was set in motion. Unbeknownst to him, the Veridian Family viewed him as a threat—a symbol of their past deceit and a reminder of their dwindling influence. They saw him as a loose end that needed to be tied up, permanently.
On the day of his departure for the academy, as Kai made his way through the bustling streets, a group of shadowy figures lurked in the shadows, silently observing his every move. They moved with precision and stealth, their intentions veiled in darkness.
Suddenly, as Kai turned a corner, he felt a sharp blow to the back of his head. Dazed and disoriented, he fought to maintain consciousness as his vision blurred and his surroundings faded into darkness. When he awoke, he found himself bound and captive in an unknown location.
Struggling against his restraints, Kai surveyed his surroundings, searching for any means of escape. He soon discovered that he was being held in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city—a remote and desolate place, far from prying eyes.
In the dimly lit confines of the abandoned warehouse, Kai found himself bound and captive, at the mercy of the Veridian Family. A sense of foreboding settled over him as he recognized the presence of Ayesha and Ken, the two individuals who had betrayed him and orchestrated his capture.
With a sadistic smirk on his face, Ken approached Kai, his eyes filled with contempt. "How did you manage to escape from those monsters, Kai? You were left for dead, yet here you are, still breathing," he sneered.
Kai remained silent, his gaze locked with Ken's, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response. He knew that any words he uttered would only be twisted and used against him.
Unleashing a flurry of blows, Ken's fists rained down upon Kai, each strike landing with bone-jarring force. The pain seared through Kai's body, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to yield. He had endured worse during his time in the dungeons, and he would not break now.
Minutes turned into what felt like an eternity as the relentless assault continued. Finally, after enduring the brutal beating, Kai's voice broke the silence. "I survived because I was awakened."
Ayesha's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with malice. "Awakened? Don't think you can deceive us with your cryptic words, Kai. We know the truth. You've become a threat, a danger to the Veridian Family."
Kai's gaze hardened as he stared back at Ayesha. "The truth is, you and Ken used me as a scapegoat. You framed me for the loss of the twin daggers, and now you seek to eliminate me to cover your tracks."
Ayesha's mask of composure faltered for a moment, revealing a flicker of uncertainty. "You've always been so naive, Kai. It was for the greater good, to protect the family's interests. Sacrifices had to be made."
Anger ignited within Kai, fueling his defiance. "Sacrifices? Is that what you call it? Manipulating events, spreading lies, and betraying a friend? That's not sacrifice, Ayesha. It's cowardice and treachery."