seal activate.

As I shopped for materials, I began to formulate a plan. "Reve, I think it's best if we seal him for just two seconds, attack, strike, and then make a quick escape," I suggested.

Reve contemplated the idea. "There's a seal for that, but you'd need to ensure you can take him down within those two seconds."

"I can snipe him without a problem. Let's start by making the sword. How much does the seal cost?" I asked.

"40 million. I'll provide it in the form of your logo. Place it on the sword when you spot him, activate the seal, and block his Qi," she instructed.

Noah created the sword, not putting in too much effort but still ensuring it was ten times better than anything one could find. He placed the seal on it and then crafted an exquisite scabbard and handle.

Afterward, he gently set the sword inside a fancy box. "Monica, I want you to create a sword of the same quality. This will be your test," I ordered.

Monica nodded. "I won't disappoint you, Master."

I returned home, spending time with my family, dueling with Sofia and Samantha, and teaching them Wing Chun. We had fun together before I eventually went to sleep.

The next morning, I headed to the company and presented the sword to Evan. "What do you think, Miss Evan?" I asked.

"It's a beautiful piece. I wish I could ask for one myself, but I can't afford it," she said.

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so. It's only 75 million. I can't believe a king can't afford that."

Evan sighed. "No, I've invested in an expensive technique. I can't afford to purchase anything else."

"Well, that's a shame," I said, feigning disappointment.

We continued to talk a bit more before Evan took her leave. I left soon after, taking a plane to Windhaven City to retrieve my sniper, then hopped into a car headed for Nexon City.

Upon my arrival, Nexon City appeared to be a typical American city, except for a prominent white castle. I booked a hotel three kilometers away from it and settled in for the night.

-----

"What a beautiful sword. He's truly a genius. We should recruit him. He's still just a kid at Rank 4, so we can dazzle him with techniques, and he'll surely agree," James suggested.

"He's also quite handsome. Maybe we can marry him off to one of your daughters. By the way, he's the one who defeated Lily in a tournament. I didn't recognize him at first, but upon re-watching the video on the plane, I was shocked."

"Oh, that Noah. He's indeed a special kid. Alright, once I deal with that woman Merline, we can approach him," James declared.

---

"Neemr family, a prestigious family within the Maghrebian Empire, specializing in medicine. They have no single leader or headquarters, but most of their known members hold titles of kings or higher." What a formidable family. Could that kid be one of them?

Karin diligently conducted her research on the Neemr family. "But he's still young, let's see," she continued, searching for information on Noah Neemr and finding videos.

"He's at Rank 4, but he's quite strong for a Rank 4. No wonder he defeated Mike."

She delved deeper into her research. "He might genuinely be of help to me, but do I want to work for someone weaker than me?"

After some contemplation, she made her decision. "No, I'm a doctor, and he hails from the best medical family there is. If I can work for him, I'll have the chance to learn more. It's a win-win."

Karin resolved to make a call the next day and explore the opportunities that working with Noah Neemr might bring her.

When I woke up the next day, I began to monitor James from my sniper. Being too close could trigger his senses, so I stayed in my room.

Ring, ring, ring.

Scarface's phone lit up, and a smile crept across my face when I saw Karin's name on the screen.

"Hello, Miss Karin," I greeted.

"Hello, Mr. Neemr. I'd like to discuss the offer you extended to me," she said.

"Of course, please go ahead," I replied while keeping an eye on James, who was engrossed in reading a document.

"I'm willing to work for you, but I need to know the specifics of what I'll be working on," she inquired.

"There's nothing beyond your capabilities. I'll provide you with the recipe for a pill I've created. Your task will be to manufacture and sell these pills. Once you've mastered this, I'll provide you with another project," I explained.

She had a follow-up question, "How will you know if I cheat or not?"

"You're a smart woman, Karin. You're aware of my background, and you can gauge my potential. If you ever make the foolish decision to cheat me, you'll deeply regret it," I warned.

"But you didn't answer how you'd know," she pressed.

"Reve, can you tell me what she's wearing right now?" I inquired.

"She's wearing a pink pajama with her hair tied in a bun," Reve replied.

"You're currently in pink pajamas with a bun for a hairdo," I revealed.

Silence followed. "How... how did you know?"

"I can't share all my secrets, now can I?" I replied with a hint of mockery.

She pressed on, "How will you make me regret it if I cheat?"

"Give me a moment, Karin. My target is on the move," I requested.

As James moved from his office to the garden, where he started showing a sword to Lily and another girl, I issued the command, "Seal Activate."

James cried out, "What's happening to my Qi?"

With a sudden thud, he fell to the ground, lifeless.

"Father, Father!" Lily and the other girl rushed to him.

-----

I grabbed my sniper and hurriedly left the hotel. I knew they would lock down the entire state if given the chance. So, I jumped on a motorcycle I had already rented and sped out of the state as fast as I could.

"What's going on, Noah?" Karin asked.

"I just killed the president of New Albion. I need to run. I'll talk to you later," I informed her.

----

"He did what?" Karin was utterly shocked. "He killed an Emperor while talking to me on the phone?"

"How is that even possible?" She immediately contacted a friend she knew in the field and awaited the latest information.

One hour later, her contact confirmed the news, and she turned pale.

"This man is beyond dangerous—far too dangerous. I can't afford to play games with him," she muttered, her demeanor growing cold as she began to tremble.