Big City, villa district—
The lights blazed throughout this extravagantly luxurious villa district. Brother Storm, battered by the ordeal aboard the cargo ship, dragged his exhausted body slowly into this opulent place.
This was a hidden retreat for the Black Ship's core members. Detached villas stood in orderly clusters, surrounded by lush greenery like a natural barrier. Yet beneath the quiet atmosphere lingered a faint scent of decay.
Because the League had launched an exceptionally severe crackdown, the Black Ship had recently been forced to suspend all operations and hide in various places.
The Black Ship Captain was overwhelmed dealing with this crisis and truly had no time to receive Brother Storm himself, so he could only reluctantly entrust someone else with the task.
Brother Storm entered the villa, a trace of determination in his eyes as he walked firmly and directly toward the study. He knew that the ending he had long expected was quietly waiting for him ahead.
Inside the study, dim yellow light spilled freely over the room, staining the entire space in oppressive shadows. The Black Ship Captain sat behind a broad desk, his genuine leather chair gleaming with a cold, dark sheen beneath the yellow light.
Several underlings stood respectfully beside the desk. The trainer who had once served as second mate on the Black Ship was among them, as was Storm, the Third Mate, along with the newly recruited Third Mate. All of them held their breath and silently awaited Brother Storm's arrival.
"I remember making myself very clear before." The Black Ship Captain was a middle-aged man, with time having carved deep lines into his face. His eyes were like frigid pools, cold to the bone, as he stared at the travel-worn and exhausted Brother Storm.
Brother Storm wore a dark shirt with