Within minutes, only ash remained. Another flick of his wrist sent wind scattering the evidence across the corridor floor, indistinguishable from dust.

Ethan continued deeper into the pavilion, moving with the silent grace of a predator. Three elemental talents now complemented his physical enhancements, fire for offence, whilst water and wind were versatile.

The corridor opened into a central courtyard, impeccably maintained despite the city’s crisis. Cherry trees lined a stone path leading to the main building—an elegant structure with upturned eaves and paper lanterns swaying in the breeze.

Ethan’s senses detected movement up ahead.

Ethan noticed two guards patrolling the eastern perimeter, and another pair by the main entrance.

As he walked through the servant’s corridors casually, a middle-aged man in servant’s attire rounded the corner, carrying folded linens.

The servant stopped, his eyebrows rising slightly at the sight of Ethan.

“Excuse me, sir,” he said politely, no suspicion in his voice. “This is the workers’ area.”

The absolute security of General Han’s compound had made him complacent. The idea of an intruder penetrating this deep was so inconceivable that the servant assumed Ethan belonged here.

Ethan adjusted his posture and expression to one of arrogance, adopting the entitled stance of Han family associates. “I went to the bathroom and lost my way.”

“Ah, I see.” The servant nodded, accepting the explanation without question.

Ethan saw an opportunity. “Take me to Han Wei. I still have important matters to discuss with him.”

“Of course, sir.” The servant adjusted the linens in his arms. “Do you know where the meeting was being held? The waiting room, living room, or conference room?”

“His headquarters,” Ethan replied smoothly.

The servant’s eyebrow twitched in momentary confusion.

But questioning a superior’s word wasn’t his place.

“Alright, sir,” he said with a slight bow. “Could you please follow me?”

“Go ahead.” Ethan gestured, keeping a casual distance behind the servant.

They moved through the compound, passing displays of wealth that contrasted sharply with the orphanage’s conditions. In fact, with anyone’s condition in the third district.

Jade sculptures and much more.

“Young Master Han typically conducts business in his private study this time of day,” the servant explained, stopping before an ornate door guarded by two men. “Shall I announce you?”

Ethan smiled. “No need.”

“Who’s this?” the taller one asked the servant.

“A guest for Young Master Han,” the servant replied. “He was separated from his group.”

The guards exchanged glances, suspicion dawning in their eyes. “We weren’t informed of any visitors today.”

Ethan sighed theatrically. “Must we do this every time? Han Wei specifically requested my presence after the incident in District Three.”

The guards hesitated, unsure whether to risk offending a potential associate of their master.

“Your name, sir?” the shorter guard asked.

“Ethan Brandon,” he replied with a cold smile. “The one you are looking for,”

Recognition flashed across their faces, followed immediately by alarm. Their hands immediately darted to their weapon on their side.

“Seize him!” the taller guard shouted.

It was too late.

Ethan’s enhanced speed activated. The world slowed to a crawl as he closed the distance before they could draw their blades.

His hands crushed their throats simultaneously, cutting off both sound and breath. They collapsed, hands clawing uselessly at crushed windpipes.

The servant stood frozen in horror, linens forgotten at his feet.

“Sorry about that,” Ethan said casually. “Wrong place, wrong time.”

A quick strike rendered the man unconscious rather than dead; he wasn’t part of this conflict, just an unfortunate bystander.

<+2 Strength>

<+3 Agility>

Before Ethan could reach for the handle, the door flew open.

“WHY IS THERE SO MUCH NOISE!” Han Wei shouted, stepping through the doorway.

The arrogant young master froze mid-step, his face transforming from irritation to disbelief as he recognised the figure standing before him.

<Human: Han Wei>

<Rank: Mid-Bronze>

<Mental Enhancement Talent: E- >

<Skills: Basic Footwork (Novice – 2%), Basic Breathing Technique (Novice – 5%), Basic Swordsman Stance (Novice – 2%)>

“Hello.” Ethan smiled, the expression never reaching his eyes as he stepped forward.

Han Wei stumbled backward, colliding with a side table.

A priceless vase crashed to the floor, the sound echoing in the sudden silence.

“Guards!” he shouted, voice cracking. “GUARDS!”

Ethan’s smile widened. “I’m afraid they’re indisposed at the moment.”

Han Wei’s eyes darted frantically past Ethan, spotting the two motionless bodies of his guards. His hand flew to the sword at his waist, a beautiful, useless thing that had never tasted real combat.

“Oh? You want to gift me another sword? I will be really thankful, the last one was great.”

“Stay back!” he warned, drawing the blade with trembling hands. “Do you know who I am? Do you know what my father will do to you?”

Ethan tilted his head, studying the young master like a curious predator. “I know exactly who you are, Han Wei. Son of General Han. Heir to the Han family fortune.” His voice hardened. “Murderer of twenty-six orphaned children.”

Han Wei’s face paled, but his chin jutted defiantly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. And even if I did, you can’t prove anything.”

“I’m not here to prove anything,” Ethan replied, taking another step forward. “Proving is for the weak here.”

With blinding speed, he closed the distance between them. Han Wei slashed wildly with his sword.

It was a clumsy, panicked strike that Ethan easily caught between his iron-enhanced fingers.

“Is this the mighty Han Wei?” Ethan asked, snapping the blade with a casual twist of his wrist. “The terror of District Three? The man who bullies orphans and burns buildings full of sleeping children?”

Han Wei’s face contorted with rage and fear. “You’re nothing! A District Three scout! My father will have your entire family flayed alive!”

Ethan laughed, the sound devoid of humor. “I have no family, Han Wei. You made sure of that when you burned the orphanage.”

A hesitant sneer formed on his lips, bravado replacing fear. “Those street rats? Is that why you’ve been causing me so much trouble? I will give you as many star coins as you want.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep