Blue River City may have seemed like it was overrun by gangs, but the local government kept a close watch on them. As far as Evan knew, these gang members acted tough, but they were still careful not to overstep. Before Dean graduated and took control of the underground circles, they had mostly followed the rules.
But after listening to Ice Rain, Evan sensed something was amiss.
"Dean is also part of this organization, isn't he?" Evan asked, studying Ice Rain closely.
"Yes. They value Beastmasters like him with high Beastmaster Talent. I heard that one of the leaders even gave him a rare Breath Technique as a personal favor," Ice Rain said, now ready to spill everything. "His position is quite high. That's why he called me in to help his cousin; I wouldn't have done it otherwise…"
"Got it," Evan cut him off, his frown deepening.
So, Dean had been a part of this organization for years. That explained why he didn't go to college and chose to stay in Blue River City instead.
If Dean was important to them, then they had likely handed him control over Blue River City's underground network, trusting him with the city.
That meant this organization was more than just a local group. If they were entrusting Blue River City to Dean, then this underground network likely extended beyond just one city.
"Why haven't I heard of a force focused on taking over underground groups?" Evan searched his memory but couldn't recall any organization fitting this description.
After a few seconds of thought, he asked, "Did the people above ever mention what their plans were after gathering all of you?"
"No, they just told us to keep doing what we were supposed to, like collecting protection fees and overseeing certain places." Ice Rain paused, then added, "But once, I overheard something… they mentioned something about a 'restoration' or 'revival'."
**Restoration?**
At that word, Evan's gaze turned icy, and the air around him seemed to chill.
"M-Maybe I misheard?" Ice Rain stammered, seeing Evan's cold expression.
"No, you heard it right." Evan nodded, his voice sharp and icy. "In fact, you heard it all too well."
The only organization that would speak of "restoration" was the Empire Restoration Organization. Dedicated to restoring the ancient empire, this group had, in Evan's previous life, launched numerous beast tides and unleashed dangerous beasts by breaking into secret realms hidden within cities.
Blue River City had faced such an attack. When the beast tide hit, the city was nearly destroyed, and Evan's parents had died in that onslaught.
Evan's hatred for the Empire Restoration Organization was deeply rooted. He had spent over a decade trying to track them down in his previous life, but they were elusive, constantly shifting whenever he got close to uncovering them. Despite his efforts, he had never managed to settle the score.
"So, they've infiltrated this deeply." Looking at Ice Rain, Evan felt a flash of clarity.
No wonder he could never find their base. The Empire Restoration Organization had been embedding itself into the city's underground forces years in advance.
In his last life, as a King-level Beastmaster, Evan had always disregarded these low-level gangs. But who could have guessed that the very people he ignored had served as the Empire Restoration Organization's foundation?
"This time, I can't give them any chances." Determined, Evan resolved to take action. The Empire Restoration Organization had spread disaster and taken countless lives in his previous life. Now that he had uncovered this thread, he would strike before they grew too powerful, avenging his parents and preventing future catastrophes.
"Ice Rain, I'm giving you a choice." With a plan forming in his mind, Evan looked at Ice Rain and spoke.
"W-What choice?" Ice Rain stammered, unable to meet Evan's gaze.
"Serve me," Evan said flatly, ignoring Ice Rain's hesitation.
Ice Rain froze, glancing at Evan before stammering, "And… the second option?"
"There is no second option." Evan's gaze was steady as he continued, "You've shared a secret with me, so you must know what that means. If you refuse, I won't let you live to report back to your superiors."
Realizing the implications, Ice Rain's body tensed. "Are you going to kill me?"
"Not kill you, but I have ways to ensure you won't survive long enough to reach them." Evan's tone was calm. "You have one minute to decide."
"I…" Ice Rain hesitated, clearly seeing that Evan wasn't bluffing.
The minute passed quickly. As Evan counted down to fifty seconds, Ice Rain finally spoke. "I'll choose the first option."
"Not having second thoughts?" Evan's smile was sharp, his gaze piercing.
"No. I can tell, you're the smart choice." Ice Rain shook his head.
"Good." Evan nodded, his expression unchanged. "I won't shortchange you, either. I'll teach you a technique, something extremely rare."
"Really?" Ice Rain's face lit up, and he looked at Evan, his mind racing with new thoughts.
This boy's just a kid—too trusting! He's already offering to teach me a technique just because I swore loyalty.
Does he think a promise means I'll follow him? He has the upper hand now, but when I get back, I'll inform the higher-ups. What could a newly awakened Beastmaster like him do against those people?
Besides, this kid seems to have plenty of valuable things. If I report this, I could even earn some serious favor.
"Follow my words and begin." Evan paid no attention to Ice Rain's inner thoughts and started chanting, "Focus, circulate your energy…"
Still lost in thoughts of glory, Ice Rain followed Evan's instructions without hesitation.
Soon, after one complete circulation, Ice Rain felt a strange sensation as a dark mist rose from his body and drifted toward Evan. He suddenly felt noticeably lighter.
"This technique… it's incredible!" Ice Rain looked at Evan in amazement.
"It's the Soulbinding Technique," Evan explained, his hand closing as the dark mist from Ice Rain's body vanished. "You're practicing a subset technique. Once cultivated, every thought and action you take will be under the control of your master. With any sign of disloyalty, a single thought can end your life instantly."
Ice Rain froze, stunned. He stammered, "You're… you're joking, right?"
"I don't joke," Evan replied, staring at Ice Rain. "Planning to go back and tell those bigwigs about me? You're not as simple as you look, Ice Rain."
"I…" Ice Rain was dumbstruck. His mind had been completely laid bare, and he was too shocked to move.
Evan gave him a dismissive glance, shaking his head with a faint smile. "There's no point in scheming. No one, not even your 'bigwigs,' can undo it. If you speak a word, you'll die immediately."
Thud!
At those words, Ice Rain fell to his knees before Evan, trembling. "Sir, I'm sorry! I was wrong—truly wrong!"
"Now that you've chosen to serve me, don't let yourself have a divided heart." Evan's voice was steady, almost cold. "Stick with me, and you'll gain far more than what those people could ever give you."
"Yes, sir! From now on, my life belongs to you!" Ice Rain said fervently, not daring to entertain any other thoughts.
"Your life is already mine." Evan turned away. "Now get up, go back, and keep doing what you're supposed to."
"When I need you, I'll let you know."
Click, click.
Evan's footsteps faded into the distance. Ice Rain remained kneeling for a long time before finally lifting his head. As he watched Evan's retreating figure, his entire body shivered.
"A demon… he's a demon!"