Mr. Razel scanned the names written in his old leather-bound notebook. Without wasting time, he dialed a number he hadn’t used in years.

“Scott,” he said as soon as the call connected, his voice low and urgent. “We need your help. Ronald Nish... he’s back. He’s trying to finish what he started with Robinson.”

There was silence on the line—then a sharp intake of breath.

“Ronald? Back?” Scott sounded shaken. “He’s going after the treasure, isn’t he?”

“Yes,” Razel replied grimly. “The jade ginseng. If he gets it, the consequences will be far worse than before.”

“I’m in,” Scott answered without hesitation. “We should’ve stopped him years ago. I’m not letting him win now.”

“Thank you. I knew I could count on you.”

Years ago, Razel, Scott, Ronald, and Robinson were members of a powerful, secretive organization dedicated to guarding mystical relics. But the group fractured when it started drifting into corruption. Most of them walked away.

Except Ronald.

Unbeknownst to them, Ronald had been harboring sinister plans all along—obsessed with the forbidden jade ginseng, a rare artifact known to enhance strength and speed, accelerate cultivation, and boost one’s fighting abilities. But it came with a dark cost. It was banned for a reason: overuse could corrupt the soul and twist even the purest intentions.

Now he was back—and more dangerous than ever.

Just a few hours later, one of Razel’s trusted informants arrived, breathless and grim.

“I’ve got a lead on Selena,” he said. “They’ve taken her to Block C... at Pier Late.”

Jack, who had been anxiously waiting nearby, immediately stepped forward. “Where exactly?” he demanded.

“That’s all I know. But if you hurry, you might still catch them.”

Without another word, Jack turned to leave—but just as he stepped away, Razel’s hand flicked. A tiny dart flew and struck the side of Jack’s neck.

His eyes widened in shock as his knees buckled. Darkness crept into his vision.

“Mr. Razel... why?”

The world faded.

Razel caught Jack before he hit the floor, his face unreadable.

“Forgive me, Jack,” he whispered. “But there are things you don’t understand. Yet.”