The high of our first day at Phoenix Capital Group was a powerful, intoxicating drug, but the reality of our war waited for no one. After a day spent in the clouds, I returned to Northwood High, the familiar, gritty battleground where our real work still needed to be done. I called a meeting, and soon, the core of my guild was assembled in our dusty, abandoned classroom.
Anna spoke first, her voice a quiet but efficient report. "Leader, I received a message from Isabel. She said she's increasing the pace of the bootcamp and will head to the Phoenix Capital Group office afterward to start on her COO duties. Miss Stacy also messaged; she's already started working on finding more employees for us."
"Okay. That's good," I said, a sense of pride swelling in my chest. My court was already moving, the gears of our new empire beginning to turn. "I guess it's time for our own discussion." I looked at Jack, who was leaning against the wall, a new, hard-won confidence in his posture. "Jack, how is your training going? I can see the visible effects."
He grinned, rolling his shoulders. "It's going fine, bro. I'm learning some new Kendo skills. It's tough, but I'm getting there."
"Okay, and what about Padro, Ken, and Kenji?" I asked.
Tiffany, who had been observing everyone with her usual cool, analytical gaze, spoke up. "They are showing amazing results," she said, a rare note of genuine surprise in her voice. "I'm amazed at how fast they're improving. Especially Kenji."
"That's really good," I said, a slow smile spreading across my face. My investment was paying off. "Now, Maya and Chloe, tell me about your work progress."
Maya stepped forward, a confident, playful smirk on her face. "We both planted the Trojan Horse," she said. "It's already started acting, targeting their devices one by one."
Anna nodded in confirmation. "They are doing amazing work. We have already captured the data of at least half of the Ruthless Animals' core members."
Chloe leaned against the table, a wicked glint in her crimson eyes. "We also acquired some interesting news," she purred. "They're trying to launch an attack on us next week. An ambush. They want to destroy the morale of the Hunter's Guild by attacking from behind our backs."
Maya added, "They're saying they'll have at least a hundred men, with or without weapons. The attack will be led by Charles Patrick, a senior named Peter Evans, and a girl named Nanami Honoka. From what we've heard, Nanami is very ruthless and dangerous. She's a master with a hammer, and her fighting style is tactical and terrifying."
I listened to them, my own strategic mind already processing the new information. "Very good," I said. I walked over to the two of them, who were standing side-by-side, a perfect picture of deadly beauty. I put my arms around their waists, pulling them close. "So, guys, what do you think about our twin vipers and their work?"
Tiffany gave a single, appreciative nod. "They are doing absolutely perfect work. They are doing exactly what they need to do. I'm impressed."
"Maya is our social infiltrator, and Chloe is our psychological extractor," Anna added, a proud, happy smile on her face. "We are so proud of them."
Jack was in awe, just shaking his head in disbelief. Maya was so happy she looked like she was on cloud nine, and Chloe's eyes were a little teary.
"Thank you for believing in us," Maya said, her voice a little choked with emotion.
"We are really happy to help all of you," Chloe added.
Then, they both leaned in, their voices a low, intimate whisper in my ears. "Leader," Maya began, "can we ask for a favor?"
"Can you spend some time with us?" Chloe finished.
I got the idea of what they were really asking. I just smiled at them. "Send me the location and time."
They were so happy they couldn't find the words to express it, their eyes shining with a new, devoted light.
"Let's continue," I said, gently releasing them. "Anna, get every detail which our two beautiful and excellent spies have gathered. Now, Jack, I want to give you a job."
"What is it, Adam?" he asked, his expression turning serious.
"Jack, as you all know, we've started our own investment firm. We need employees. I want you and Ken to go around the whole of Northwood, and some of the other schools, colleges, and academies in the neighboring districts. Advertise. Find anyone who is willing to work. But the most important thing is, we need freshers."
Jack looked confused. "Freshers? Why not experienced people?"
It was Tiffany who explained Lily's strategy, her voice a cool, logical breakdown of why loyalty was more valuable than experience. Jack listened, his expression shifting from confusion to a dawning understanding. "Okay," he said, a new determination in his eyes. "I'll work on this."
"Tiffany, Anna, let's go," I said, my own mind already moving to the next phase of our plan. "Do you remember the task I gave you yesterday?"
"Yes, Leader," Tiffany replied.
"I have completed my reports," Anna added.
"Guys, meeting adjourned," I announced. "Everyone, go and do your work."
Afterward, the three of us left, our destination the one place where the next piece of our puzzle lay: the office of the Student Council President, Nari Han.
We were standing in front of her office. I looked at Tiffany. "We've already discussed the plan. We really need Nari Han's help for this to work."
Tiffany nodded, her gaze firm. "I know how to persuade her. Our plan is perfect. She will not be able to reject it."
"Anna, be prepared," I said.
Anna, her own face a mask of determination, just said, "Yes, Leader."
We entered. The room was a masterpiece of minimalist elegance, and in the center of it all sat two beautiful, and powerful, women.
Nari Han sat with a posture that was both a marvel of elegance and a subtle assertion of power. Her slim, graceful form was clad in a pleated blue skirt, an ivory shirt, and a navy-blue blazer that accentuated her doll-like, feminine silhouette. Her short, teal bob, styled in soft, voluminous waves, framed a face of smooth, porcelain-like skin. Her striking grey eyes held a gentle, dreamy gaze, but they missed nothing, scanning us with a quiet, analytical intensity. A sweet, charming expression played on her glossy crimson lips, but it was a smile that didn't offer warmth; instead, it suggested the deep, unshakable confidence of a player who knows she has already won the game.
Standing beside her was a vibrant splash of warmth and color. Hailey Banner, the council's Vice-President. Her hair was a work of art, a short, voluminous bob with delicate streaks of pastel rainbow. Her face was open and expressive, with kind, purple eyes and soft pink lips that were naturally curved into a welcoming smile. She had the usual aura of a next-door girl, the approachable heart to Nari's calculating mind.
I took a moment, my [Advanced Appraisal] skill activating, to get a read on them.
Status:
Name: Nari Han
Strength: 210
Agility: 198
Endurance: 232
Mentality: 410
Intelligence: 358
Mana: 0
Potential: UR
Skills: [Psychological Warfare], [Master Orator], [Flawless Etiquette], [Precision Marksmanship (Sniping)], [Predatory Negotiation], [Cultural Foresight], [Social Architecture]
Passive Skills: [Puppet Master], [Benevolent Facade], [Unflappable], [Cleopatra], [Perfectionist], [Empress Wu Zetian], [Circe]
Superpower: [None]
Soul Ledger: [Intrigued by the Anomaly] & [A Potential King or a Fool]
Status:
Name: Hailey Banner
Strength: 60
Agility: 45
Endurance: 30
Mentality: 75
Intelligence: 66
Mana: 0
Potential: B
Skills: [Anchor of Light], [Soothing Presence]
Passive Skills: [Benevolent Aura], [Tragic Optimism], [Martyr's Devotion]
Superpower: [None]
Soul Ledger: [None]
I had so many doubts, especially about Nari's insane list of passive skills, but I didn't have time to research them now.
Nari spoke first, her voice a smooth, enchanting melody. "Good morning, Mr. Wilson, Miss Watson, and Miss Brown. I was expecting your visit. But not this early. First of all, everyone should sit down."
We all sat on the plush sofas in her office.
"I am very delighted to meet you, Miss President," I said.
"Thank you so much," she replied, her smile never faltering.
"We would like to discuss something with just you," I said, my own tone polite but firm.
She understood my signal instantly. "Hailey," she said, turning to her vice-president. "You said you had an emergency, that you wanted to go and meet someone. You may go now. I will take care of my guests."
Hailey's face lit up with a grateful smile. "Thank you, President," she said, before practically bolting out of the room.
When she had left, Nari let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh. "Such a foolish girl," she murmured. "A maiden in love. Huh."
"You are right," Tiffany commented dryly. "In a very toxic love."
Nari's gaze then returned to us, her expression turning sharp and analytical. "So, how may I help you, Leader of the Hunter's Guild? Or should I say, co-chairperson of Phoenix Capital Group?"
I had already activated all of my necessary skills, my own aura a palpable force in the room. I just gave her a dangerous grin. "It looks like rumors are like a forest fire. By the way, you can just call me Adam. And we don't need to introduce ourselves, because you already know about us."
"Not rumors, Adam," she replied, her own smile matching mine. "Sources."
"We need your help," Tiffany said, cutting straight to the point.
"How may I help you?" Nari asked.
"As you know, we are working on removing the Ruthless Animals guild," I said.
"Yes," she replied. "I am very grateful for that, though."
"Okay, listen," I said, leaning forward. "Hailey has a crush on Kevin, and we are planning to use Hailey to crush Kevin."
"That's a very unique idea," she said, her interest piqued. "Most people know Hailey is a simp for Kevin. Right now, she went to meet him. Do you really think she will help you?"
"She will not help us directly," I explained, "but indirectly. We have our ways to destroy the Ruthless Animals, bit by bit. And you will help us by introducing me to Hailey. We'll go on some meetings, spend time together. You'll forcefully bring Hailey along."
Nari's eyes lit up with understanding. "And in doing that, you will cause damage to the Ruthless Animals. It will be orchestrated, and the people of the Ruthless Animals will think she is helping you."
"Exactly," Tiffany said. "And then Kevin will start to doubt Hailey."
Anna spoke up then, her voice quiet but firm. "This is a Trojan Horse," she said, placing the small thumb drive on the table. "We will put it on your phone. Through you, it will pass to Hailey. And through her, it will pass to Kevin. We can then control the whole Ruthless Guild."
Nari was interested now, truly interested.
"When Kevin starts blaming her," I continued, my voice a low, predatory hum, "the innocent woman who didn't do anything, I will be on the sidelines, consoling her. And when Kevin throws her out, she will have so many of his secrets. And I will slowly and caringly extract that information, while giving her the affection she desires to get from Kevin."
Nari listened, her expression a mixture of awe and a deep, chilling respect. "You are ruthless," she said. "That's an interesting and perfect plan. I really like this plan. But why should I betray my friend's trust? And why should I help you?"
It was Anna who answered, her voice cold and hard. "Miss Han, daughter of the Han group. You desire to become the chairperson. But your father, Kim Han, a well-known army commander, believes in patriarchy. He doesn't see the capabilities of his own daughter."
Nari's smile vanished, her eyes turning to ice. "I know what you want to say," she interrupted, her voice furious.
"I will help you acquire the Han group," I said, my own voice a calm, powerful counterpoint to her anger. "What do you think?"
I saw a shine in her eyes. "Tell me the plan first."
And then, I unleashed my secret weapon. Anna Brown.
"Nari," I began, my voice calm and even. "I told you I had a plan to help you achieve your goal. But it's not my plan." I gestured to Anna, who was standing nervously, clutching a tablet to her chest like a shield. "Anna is the architect."
Nari's striking grey eyes drifted from me to Anna, and I saw a flicker of dismissive amusement in them. She took a slow, deliberate sip of her tea. "Her?" she said, her voice a soft, musical sound that was sharper than any knife. "She's the mastermind who's going to help me dismantle one of the largest entertainment conglomerates in the country? Forgive me, Adam, but she looks like she might cry if I raise my voice."
Anna flinched, her shoulders hunching slightly, and she took a small step back. I saw Tiffany's jaw tighten, a flash of annoyance in her eyes at Nari's open condescension.
I gave Anna a small, almost imperceptible nod. A silent command. Show her.
Anna took a deep, shaky breath. She looked down at her tablet for a second, gathering her thoughts, and when she looked up again, something had changed. The timid, frightened girl was gone, her fear locked away behind a mask of cold, terrifying focus. Her amber eyes, which were usually so full of a nervous, fluttering energy, were now still and sharp, like a predator that had just locked onto its prey.
"The plan has three phases," Anna began, her voice quiet but so full of a chilling confidence that it commanded the attention of everyone in the room. She swiped a finger across her tablet, and the large smart wall behind Nari, which had been disguised as a piece of art, flickered to life, displaying a complex, color-coded flowchart.
"Phase One," she said, her voice echoing slightly in the silent room, "is called 'Forge the Weapon.' A direct, head-on assault against the entire Han Group is inefficient and foolish. They are too big, too diversified. Instead, we create a direct, hyper-exclusive competitor that attacks their most profitable and publicly visible division: their luxury fashion and talent management."
Nari's perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose, her amusement replaced by a dawning intrigue. "Go on."
"Our weapon," Anna continued, "is Christine Holmes. She is a legendary supermodel with an impeccable reputation and global recognition. We will establish a new brand, an agency, with her as the face and Creative Director. With her name attached, and with the capital from Phoenix Capital Group, we will have instant credibility. We will then use that credibility to start poaching the Han Group's top models, designers, and celebrity clients."
Tiffany let out a low whistle of appreciation. "A decapitation strike," she said, her voice a murmur of pure, clinical respect. "You're not attacking the body; you're stealing the head."
Nari was silent, her grey eyes fixed on Anna, her earlier condescension completely gone.
"Phase Two," Anna said, her voice dropping even lower, becoming more intense, "is called 'Weaken the Foundation.' While the new brand is generating buzz and drawing their attention, we attack on three covert fronts."
She swiped on the tablet again, and the wall displayed three new sections.
"First, Cyber Warfare," she said, a flicker of a dangerous light in her eyes. "That's my role. I will use a proprietary program to infiltrate the Han Group's servers. I'm not looking for simple blackmail. I'm looking for the skeletons in their closet—financial irregularities, hidden debts, illegal offshore accounts, and any and all personal scandals involving your father and your brother."
"Second, Economic Warfare," she continued, nodding towards Tiffany. "Once I have the intel, I will feed it to Miss Watson and Miss Brooklyn. They will use it to launch a coordinated attack on the Han Group's stock. They will short-sell, they will leak anonymous tips to financial regulators, and they will create a wave of panic among the investors."
"And third," she said, her gaze landing squarely on Nari, "Internal Sabotage."
Nari's lips curled into a slow, chilling smile. "And what kind of information would you have me leak, Miss Brown?" she asked, her voice a purr of anticipation.
"Financial inconsistencies to start," Anna replied without missing a beat. "Then, carefully crafted rumors about your brother's incompetence, backed by data I will provide you. And finally, when their stock is at its most vulnerable, you will leak a personal scandal involving your father—something I am confident I can find—timed to coincide with the market crash for maximum, catastrophic effect."
The room was filled with a profound, terrifying silence. Nari was staring at Anna, not as a student, but as an equal. A fellow predator.
"And Phase Three?" Nari finally whispered.
"Phase Three," Anna said, her voice as cold as the grave, "is 'The Brutal Acquisition.' Once the Han Group is financially crippled, its stock has plummeted, and its brand is in tatters, Phoenix Capital Group will swoop in. We will initiate a hostile takeover. You don't just win the chairmanship, Miss Han. You will own the entire company, free of your father and your brother's influence. You will have everything."
Anna finished her presentation and looked up, her timid posture returning as if the cold, brilliant strategist had just retreated back into its shell.
Nari let out a long, slow breath. She turned to me, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and a deep, profound respect.
"You didn't just find a hacker, Adam," she said, her voice a low, almost reverent murmur. "You found a monster."
"I find diamonds in the rough," I replied, a confident smile on my face. "So, Nari Han. Are you in?"
She looked from Anna's nervous face to Tiffany's cold, appreciative smile, and then back to me. A true, genuine, and absolutely chilling grin spread across her own doll-like features.
She stood up and extended a delicate hand towards me. "Congratulations, Mr. Wilson. Let's work together to destroy the Han group."
I took her hand, my own grip firm. "Happy cooperation," I said, a dangerous smile on my own face.
"Let's burn them to the ground," she said.