The Pengellet family's convoy quietly entered the gated villa district. As the group dispersed, only two cars continued on, driving into the spacious manor surrounding the Pengellet estate—a place of wealth and old blood, cloaked in serene beauty.
Vega and Kevin made their way to the second-floor reception room.
Once inside, Kevin silently closed the door behind them. Vega walked a few steps toward a large wine cabinet, scanning the rows of fine liquor before selecting a bottle of brandy. He looked over his shoulder and smiled faintly.
"How about a drink? It's been a while since we shared one."
Kevin nodded immediately, quickly stepping forward to fetch two glasses. With practiced care, he poured the brandy and offered the first glass to Vega with both hands, his movements reverent as always.
Watching him, Vega shook his head with quiet exasperation.
"Kevin... You've been with the Pengellet family for over twenty years. You were my father's most trusted aide, and I've known you since I was a child. Back then, whenever something needed fixing, they always sent you."
He sat down and motioned for Kevin to do the same. "So don't be so formal. We're family. And we still have to forge a future for the Pengellet name—together."
Kevin's face turned serious. "I wouldn't dare. You're not only the savior of the Pengellet family, you're also the man I swore loyalty to."
"I haven't forgotten that vow."
Vega smiled, but didn't push the matter further. "Let's just relax tonight. Sit. Drink. Talk."
"Yes, sir." Kevin sat down carefully, posture straight as always.
Vega began to inquire about the state of the family. After all, since Vega had assassinated Murphy—Mornoe's fourth son—tensions were running high. Even if most of the heat landed on Vega personally, the Ten Elders might still retaliate against the Pengellet family in Nacro City.
Kevin, who had just lifted his glass for a sip, lowered it and immediately responded. "There's been some unrest in the family, but nothing unmanageable. As soon as I understood your intentions, I mobilized our network to monitor any unfamiliar figures snooping around the city."
"At the same time, I instructed our men to remain on high alert for any sneak attacks. After the incident with Murphy, a number of unidentified individuals began probing for information about the Pengellet family. I dispatched teams to eliminate suspected spies, and we successfully neutralized several."
"But one night, a team of Nen users forced their way into our headquarters. Though our men resisted fiercely, they couldn't hold the line. I had to use the Flame Gauntlets myself, and with support from our sharpshooters, we finally wiped them out. Still—" Kevin's face hardened, "we lost over a hundred men."
Vega's expression darkened. He slammed his glass onto the table, shattering it. Brandy spilled over his hand and dripped down the polished surface as he stood up, voice cold.
"Do we know who they were? Who had the gall to hit us like that?"
"And what about the families of the fallen? Were they taken care of?"
Kevin answered without missing a beat. "Yes, master. We arranged full compensation to the families immediately. Wounded personnel were treated and rewarded. As for the attackers..."
He shook his head. "We found nothing. No IDs. No affiliations. It's like they came from thin air. Even with every resource we have, I couldn't trace their origin. It's as if they didn't exist."
Vega's fingers tapped slowly on the table. One name surfaced in his mind—Meteor Street.
People from there had no identification, no official existence.
But Vega dismissed the idea. Unlikely. If this were the Phantom Troupe, two or three of them would've sufficed to destroy the Pengellet base. They wouldn't send another group just for cleanup.
No... the real problem is our own weakness. Our intelligence network isn't strong enough to trace them.
Vega let out a long breath and patted Kevin on the shoulder. "You've done well. And now that I'm here, no one lays a hand on our family without consequence."
But he also knew that surviving the wrath of the Ten Elders would take more than vengeance. The Pengellet family had to grow—fast. It was time to use the system to forge weapons and empower his most trusted allies. Only then could they challenge the old order and tear Hegel from his throne.
Vega stood and refilled his glass. "Kevin, last time I asked you to find people worth trusting. What's the result?"
Kevin replied instantly. "I screened over twenty candidates, but only ten made the final cut."
"They're fiercely loyal to the Pengellet name. If you give the word, they'll fight to the last breath."
"As for those I excluded—it wasn't due to lack of talent. Many of them are lone wolves. I didn't feel comfortable including them in the core."
Vega chuckled softly. "Very cautious of you. Let's meet them, then."
"If they pass... the Pengellet family may soon have ten new blades to carry its will."
Kevin looked stunned. "Master, you mean to grant them power?"
Vega simply nodded, smiling.
Shortly after, Kevin made the arrangements.
Ten chosen members of the Pengellet family entered the villa, standing tall in front of Vega—ready to swear loyalty, and ready to receive power.