Nailah walked briskly through the streets, Edward keeping pace beside her.

  "I can't believe they've contacted us so soon," she muttered, frustration evident in her tone.

  Edward nodded. "I thought they’d wait to see if we were a fit for them."

  Nailah's fists clenched. "And they sent the message home instead of to the hideout. The audacity!"

  "Calm down, mistress. They’re trying to intimidate you. Don’t give in."

  She exhaled sharply. "I know, but it pisses me off."

  Her expression hardened. "They want to strike a deal before we get too strong. That means they need us more than we need them."

  Edward smirked. "A promising sign."

  The meeting room was filled with the core members of Black Noblesse. As Nailah entered, she surveyed the group with approval.

  "Everyone’s on time. Good."

  Kenny, as relaxed as ever, leaned back in his chair. "You said it was urgent."

  Nailah nodded. "The Honchos contacted me. I’m meeting them in two days."

  The room fell silent in shock.

  She continued, "Does anyone have family that needs to be moved out of Scrapville?"

  Huka raised a hand. "My wife."

  "Edward, take Tom and Olivia too. Escort them to your friend Oxmoor."

  Edward gave a respectful nod. "Yes, mistress. Andy will be happy to help us."

  Turning to Alex, she asked, "Did you reach the people of Scrapville?"

  "We did, but some merchants are resisting."

  Nailah's gaze landed on Kenny. "You and Yasuke handle them. Alex, you go with Edward. Julian, you’re with me. We’ll deal with the crest."

  "Got it," Kenny said lazily.

  "Yes, boss," Alex confirmed.

  "We’ve got two days to get this done. Any questions?"

  Silence.

  A satisfied smile spread across her face. "Good. Let’s get to work."

  As the group dispersed, Nailah walked beside Julian. "So, who’s this crest smith?"

  "His name’s Mark Brant. He calls his crests his ‘babies.’ Says we have to raise them well."

  They entered a small shop named *Brant New*. An old man greeted them with a warm smile.

  "Welcome! I’m Mark Brant. How can I help you?"

  Julian grinned. "Yo, old Mark! How you've been?"

  Mark chuckled. "Great. Always good to see a friendly face. What brings you here?"

  Julian gestured to Nailah. "This is my boss, Naine."

  Nailah nodded. "Nice to meet you."

  "The pleasure’s mine. So, what can I do for you?"

  "We need a crest."

  Mark leaned back. "That’ll be 200 Radiexes. Half now, half upon completion. And I’ll need some details to do the job right."

  Nailah handed him a gold bill. "Here."

  Mark’s smile widened. "Perfect. Let’s talk in my office."

  Once they were seated, he offered them a drink. Nailah and Julian both politely declined.

  With formalities out of the way, Mark steepled his fingers, his tone shifting.

  "Tell me about your organization, your values."

  Nailah didn’t hesitate. "We believe even lowlanders can rise to the top. Nobility isn’t about birth—it’s about ambition, tenacity, honor, and elegance."

  Mark murmured to himself. "Black Noblesse... Black, the absence of origin. Noblesse, presence and honor..."

  Julian smirked. "Impressive, huh?"

  Nailah nodded. "Yes."

  She never took her eyes off Mark. Her expression remained unreadable, but inwardly, she was impressed. Thoroughly impressed. In just a few words, he had captured the essence of everything they stood for. She was watching a master at work—and she knew it.Mark straightened. "Alright, I’ve got it. It’ll be ready by tomorrow."

  Meanwhile, Kenny, Yasuke, and Huka met with a skeptical merchant.

  "I’m not paying for protection racketeering," the merchant scoffed.

  Kenny sighed. "This isn’t racketeering. If it was, we’d be bullying you."

  "Then it’s a scam."

  The merchant scoffed. “Because my fruits are better. Obviously.”

  "Mmhm," Kenny said, plucking a bigger orange from the pile and tossing it lightly in one hand.

  "Let me give you a freebie. Not fruit—insight. Your real edge isn’t the fruit. It’s that you let customers choose. That freedom makes them feel smart, like they’ve out-bargained you. They walk away smiling, even if they paid the same as anywhere else. Your neighbors just toss whatever’s on top. You, though? You make people feel clever. That’s good business. You didn't even realize that, did you?"

  The merchant’s scowl twitched.

  "And what makes you think I need your help?" he asked. "The guards already keep thieves away."

  Kenny smirked.

  "Guards stop thieves, when they feel like it. We’ll stop them every time and help you grow your business."

  Huka snorted.

  "Come on. You know the guards care more about booze than your stall. We actually give a damn."

  Kenny jerked a thumb toward Yasuke and Huka. "Think any thief would dare steal from someone backed by Yasuke ‘Mad Dawg’ and the Crimson Sunflare?"

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  The merchant opened his mouth, then closed it again with a sigh. He simply couldn’t find a good reason to say no.

  "...Fine. You better deliver."

  Kenny shook his hand, smirking.

  "You’re one hell of a merchant—got me giving freebies."

  The merchant cracked a reluctant grin.

  "And you’re a smooth-talker."

  As they walked off, Yasuke grumbled,

  "Guy was a pain."

  Kenny stretched, hands behind his head.

  "Yeah, he was. I deserve a nap and a comic for that performance."

  Elsewhere, Edward and Alex ensured Huka’s wife reached safety. Andy, their contact, shook Edward’s hand. "Happy to help."

  Edward smiled. "I heard you’re dating Nadia?"

  Andy grinned. "Yeah, she’s moving in soon."

  Edward nodded. "That’s great news."

  As they departed, Andy waved. "Nice meeting you, Alex!"

  "Same to you!"

  The next day, Nailah returned to Brant New.

  "It’s done," Mark said proudly, holding up an emblem—a black pegasus.

  Nailah studied the emblem, a faint smile forming. "Elegant. I like it."

  Mark flipped open a glass-lidded device—a compact fusion of typewriter keys, clockwork cogs, and pulsing arc-tubes. He pointed to a narrow needle protruding from a pressure valve.

  "Just a drop of blood. Press your thumb here. The ink-gear will handle the rest."

  Without flinching, Nailah pricked her thumb on the needle. The machine hissed softly. Inside, crimson droplets were absorbed into a tiny reservoir, setting a series of cogs in motion. With a click, the emblem shimmered, then released a wisp of steam as it seared itself gently onto the side of her neck, imprinting its sigil just below the skin.

  Mark watched with folded arms.

  "Your crest’s power depends on three things: wealth, reputation, and patrimony. But above all—reputation. Every action you take will shape it. The more your public image aligns with the values you shared with me, the stronger the crest becomes. The most powerful ones can unlock abilities you’d never believe—just like the knights and their awakened emblems."

  Nailah’s eyes gleamed. "Good thing I made one, then."

  Mark chuckled. "You’ve adopted my baby. Raise him well."

  She smirked. "Don’t worry. This crest? It’ll make history."

  The next day, the sky stretched clear and blue over the city. A Horsomobile rumbled to a stop, its door swinging open. A polished leather boot landed on the ground, followed by a towering, broad-shouldered man with a round belly draped in a flamboyant jacket. His thick blue beard matched the extravagant hat perched on his head. Behind him stood a muscular man, his flashy clothes barely containing his bulk.

  "Let’s see what this Blood Baroness is made of!" Bluebeard declared with a grin.

  "No fooling around, boss," Porthos reminded him.

  They strode forward with purpose, but Bluebeard suddenly halted. His eyes widened as he spotted a stunning woman from the slums walking past.

  "What is this?!" he murmured in awe.

  "Huh?" Porthos followed his gaze.

  Bluebeard wasted no time, stepping forward and taking the woman’s hand. "Hello, darling! Your beauty gave me tunnel vision, and you’re the light at the end of that tunnel!"

  The woman giggled, flustered. "Oh sir, stop! You’ll make me blush!"

  Porthos rolled his eyes. "There he goes again."

  Despite Porthos’s protests, Bluebeard blew kisses as he was dragged away. "I’ll come back for you, mi amor!"

  They continued toward their destination, a hideout where a composed man stood at the entrance, facing two others. Bluebeard smirked. "So, you’re already here…"

  His eyes locked onto a slim and serious-looking man in a striped suit with a small mustache and balding head. Behind him stood a rugged figure with a cowboy hat.

  "Refu!" Bluebeard called out.

  Refu and his companion, Billy, acknowledged him with a nod.

  Edward, standing at the door in his crisp butler-like posture, smiled. "Welcome, gentlemen. Now that everyone is here, I will escort you to the meeting room."

  As they walked inside, another figure entered the hallway—Yasuke. His presence did not go unnoticed.

  Refu frowned. Bluebeard’s expression darkened. Billy’s eyes widened in recognition. "She really has the Mad Dawg on her side!"

  Edward reached the meeting room and opened the door, revealing Nailah sitting calmly at the head of the table. Her presence commanded attention.

  "Welcome to the Black Noblesse hideout," she said. "Please, take a seat."

  Bluebeard and Refu sat down, their seconds standing behind them.

  "How about we get this meeting started?" Nailah proposed.

  Refu leaned forward. "Right. We arranged this meeting because I had a deal with Damon, and I wish to renew it with you."

  "So do I!" Bluebeard added.

  Nailah crossed her arms. "I have a general idea of what the deal entailed, but I’d like specifics."

  Refu nodded. "I paid Damon one hundred gold coins in exchange for the right to freely sell my product in his territory."

  "I paid one hundred seventy gold coins to furnish myself with resources in his territory," Bluebeard stated.

  Nailah’s eyes narrowed. "You seem to think that, like Damon, only money matters to me. But I’ll need more details."

  She turned to Refu. "What product did you sell?"

  "Grey Ash," he admitted.

  Nailah’s expression remained unreadable. "That super-addictive drug, huh?"

  "Yes."

  She shifted her gaze to Bluebeard. "And what did you furnish yourself with?"

  "Women for my brothel," he answered without hesitation.

  Nailah’s thoughts raced. I don’t want to associate with either of them, but I can’t afford to turn them both against me at once…

  She made her decision. "Alright, I’m willing to let Refu continue his trade, but I’ll need a better price. I don’t need your product as much as you need my clients."

  Refu’s expression remained neutral. "How much?"

  "Two hundred gold bills."

  Refu sighed. "That price is inconvenient for me, but I can offer one hundred thirty."

  "One hundred sixty. Final offer."

  A tense pause stretched between them before Refu conceded. "Very well, we have a deal."

  Bluebeard, observing the negotiation, frowned as he processed the numbers. She raised the price by over fifty percent! That’s going to be expensive…

  Forcing confidence into his voice, he announced, "I’m willing to pay two hundred thirty-five gold bills to renew my deal."

  Nailah’s expression remained cold. "Why are you negotiating?"

  She leaned forward, her gaze piercing. "I never said I was renewing anything with you."

  Bluebeard bristled. "What?! I’m offering more than him!"

  Nailah’s voice carried the finality of a judge’s verdict. "I make money by ensuring people’s safety. I can’t allow you to kidnap women and force them into prostitution. I know your methods."

  Bluebeard clenched his fists. "I understand it’s hard to sell fellow women, but think about this rationally. I can pay more if you want!"

  "Forget it!" Nailah shot back. "I’m not interested in your business. It goes against my interests."

  Bluebeard shot up from his chair, his anger palpable. Edward reached for his sword, but Nailah raised a hand, halting him with a composed gesture.

  Bluebeard’s lips twisted into a sadistic grin. "Your loss. Whether I pay you or not, I’ll take what I want. And there’s nothing you can do about it."

  Nailah smirked, unshaken. "I’d like to see you try."

  Bluebeard stormed out, Porthos trailing behind him. Nailah turned back to Refu, extending her hand.

  "Nice doing business with you," Refu said.

  "Likewise," Nailah replied, shaking his hand firmly.

  Refu and Billy departed in a calm, composed manner.

  Yasuke approached. "How’d it go, Boss?"

  Nailah leaned back, her expression darkening. "I’ve got good news for you."

  Her voice hardened. "We’re about to be at war."

  Yasuke grinned fiercely. "Fina-fucking-ly!"

  Meanwhile, across the Lowlands, a different scene unfolded in Sungrab City. A door slammed open, and a man was thrown inside. He landed hard on the floor, groaning in pain.

  At the center of the room, seated on an imposing throne, was a man radiating authority.

  Larsen’s voice was deep and unwavering. "I must say, you’ve got some nerve…"

  His gaze settled on the injured figure kneeling before him, shackles binding his wrists.

  "To steal in my territory."

  The man, bruised but defiant, lifted his head. It was Zeke.

  Further north, in Drangar City, the cold wind whispered through the streets. Harlow walked with purpose, a Machiavellian smile playing on her lips.

  My plan is working perfectly… Soon, Drangar will be mine!

  Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind her.

  "Hello, gorgeous! May I have a word with you?"

  Irritated, she turned. "Look, I’m not interested—

  Her words faltered, her eyes widening in shock.

  "Oh no!"

  Standing before her, dressed as a guard, was Bors. His expression was nothing short of furious, his grudge against her impossible to hide..

  "Oh, but I insist!"