Moments after Zane lost consciousness and sank into deep slumber, a massive figure appeared beside his fallen body.
It was Pudge Mordingan.
All this time, he had been following Zane—so quietly that not even the System within Zane had detected his presence.
It wasn't an error.
Pudge posed no hostility.
Because of his unique connection to the System itself, he was categorized not as a threat—but as an ally. That was why the System never warned Zane of his existence.
Pudge crouched beside the unconscious youth and studied his pale face.
"This kid…" he murmured, voice low and heavy. "He just killed a veteran Five-Star assassin while still being a One-Star."
He let out a slow breath.
"This isn't merely about raw power. Even I would struggle to kill someone like that cleanly."
His eyes narrowed with rare admiration.
"It's his combat instinct. His fighting sense. Skills far beyond his age… far beyond his experience."
Pudge straightened and gazed down at Zane for a long moment.
