Departing From Whale Island, While Debt Collection Is In Progress
"Eh?" Nanako blinked, confused. "But what about Teacher Tianwei's safety…?"
Roy chuckled lightly. "With your agency's capabilities, I don't think hiring a few bodyguards will be too difficult. This is Davia, after all."
He paused with a teasing smirk. "And just a friendly reminder—the world's number one assassin family happens to be here too."
Nanako's eyes lit up. Of course! Why didn't I think of that?
"You mean…" she gasped, "our agency could hire the Zoldyck family as your personal bodyguards?"
"Bingo~ Miss Nanako is just too sharp," Roy praised with a lazy smile. "As it happens, I happen to have their contact information right here."
He slipped her a card like a magician revealing his final trick.
"Just give them a call after your agency finalizes the decision."
As expected of Tao-sensei…! Nanako stared at him, eyes filled with admiration. His connections are frighteningly deep!
"Thank you, Teacher Tianwei. You've been a great help to our company!"
Roy waved his hand nonchalantly. "It's nothing, really."
Hiring me to protect myself… he muttered inwardly. Your company is really something else. I could cry from how tragic this is…
Behind him, Zi Ponian watched the conversation unfold, her expression unreadable. She stared at Nanako with a faint trace of sympathy.
Poor silly girl. You don't even realize you've been scammed for free.
She resisted the urge to laugh. I'd love to see her expression when she finds out the "bodyguard" is none other than the young master himself…
Unfortunately, she wouldn't get to see that. As Roy's secret "spy," she had long been written off from receiving any future credits.
Still, the matter was settled.
"Alright, then. I look forward to hearing from your agency soon," Roy said with a polite nod, finalizing the matter of bodyguard contracts and the next "book signing event."
After exchanging pleasantries, he turned away, eager to head to the bank.
The next moment…
He stepped in nervously, but by the time he stepped out, Roy was nearly laughing out loud.
In addition to the 100,000 yuan that Zi Ponian had transferred to him directly, the bank card that Maha gave him contained—
One. Hundred. Billion. Yuan.
His blindness nearly healed on the spot.
"I'm… I'm RICH!!!"
Roy stood frozen for a few seconds, overwhelmed.
Then—a dangerous idea formed.
What if I… robbed that old man Maha directly?
But the thought lasted all of two seconds before Roy shook his head violently, forcing the thought away.
That little old man was definitely not ordinary. In Zeno's words: Unless you reach Netero-level strength, you're just delivering food to his mouth.
"…Still too early for that."
"I have to get stronger. Much stronger."
"Reading ten thousand books, walking ten thousand miles—that's only the beginning."
The excitement ebbed, and he forced himself to calm down. The fire in his heart still smoldered.
After exiting the bank, Roy turned to Zi Ponian.
"You can go back. No need to follow me anymore."
A simple statement—but it carried the weight of dismissal.
Zi Ponian had expected this, yet her heart still sank a little. She bowed her head respectfully. "Understood."
Roy nodded once, expression cold and unreadable.
Giving her 100,000 yuan as a farewell gift was the greatest kindness he was willing to show. She was no longer useful.
That's that.
Without another word, Roy turned around, leaning on his blade-cane, and walked away. His figure slowly faded into the city's hustle and glow.
With his back to her, he called out calmly, "Don't forget what I told you."
And then—he vanished into the night.
Zi Ponian stood silently, watching his back disappear, and sighed softly.
Turning on her heel, she headed back toward Kukuru Mountain to report to Silva.
That night, the Zoldyck estate glowed under the moonlight.
Within the towering castle, tension ran deep. The corridors were eerily quiet. Servants moved on tiptoe, barely daring to breathe.
It was said that the master of the house—and the two young masters—were in a bad mood.
No one knew why.
Only that unease hung heavy over the estate like a storm cloud waiting to burst.
"Knock knock~" Zi Ponian stood before Silva Zoldyck's private training chamber and tapped lightly on the massive door.
"…Come in."
"Understood."
Creeeeaak—
The heavy door opened slowly, revealing the scene within.
Silva stood like a statue of power incarnate. His snow-white hair flowed like a waterfall. Chains made from specially forged materials—each weighing over ten tons—coiled around his limbs as he performed a deep horse stance on two stone pillars.
His muscles rippled like steel cables. Not an Enhancer type, yet his physique was more monstrous than any Enhancer's. Even Uvogin would pale in comparison.
This was a man who once beat a Phantom Troupe member ranked No. 8.
A man who could shatter a Chimera Ant leader's body with a single sky-breaking punch.
"Patriarch," Zi Ponian said quietly, kneeling. "Master Roy left a message."
She paused… and then repeated his words exactly.
"I want money.
And I want dragons too.
When I come home, I'll take them from you myself."
Silva's eyes narrowed.
A small smile curled at the corners of his lips.
It wasn't large, but to Zi Ponian, it felt like a blade to the spine. Her hair stood on end. Every instinct screamed danger.
"…Did he tell you when he'll return?"
"No, sir."
"Where did he go?"
"He… didn't say," she answered carefully. "Shall I try calling the young master?"
Silva scoffed. "You think he'll answer your call?"
She stayed silent.
"There's no need. I know where he went."
"Where…?"
The silver-haired patriarch's voice was low but firm.
"Whale Island."