After training for 1 month.

The Black Crow headquarters, known as “The Perch,” stood majestically in one of the premium skyscrapers in Tokyo business district, like Minato or Shibuya.

From the outside,the building appeared to be the main office of “Aethelgard Holdings,” a renowned international venture capital and management consulting firm.

But behind the glitz and glamour of the busy business and finance world,this headquarters hid a massive secret the operational hub for elite assassins, concealed within the city’s hustle and bustle.

Every floor was equipped with advanced technology,ranging from strategic planning rooms and curse development laboratories to specialized training rooms and high-tech recovery chambers, all supporting the comfort and security of the Black Crow members.

***

In one of those recovery chambers, I lay weak after my last training session.

The sound of footsteps broke the silence as Felix entered with a serious yet caring expression.

“Kai,”he said, “you can’t keep pushing yourself here. Your body and mind need a quiet place to recover and learn to control your power.”

I looked at him, slightly confused. “But this headquarters... isn’t it a safe place?”

Felix nodded. “Yes, but the atmosphere here is too crowded and high-pressure. I’ve arranged a temporary apartment for you outside. It’s far enough from the bustle of the headquarters but still close enough for me to continue guiding and watching over you.”

***

A few days later, I arrived at the simple yet tidy apartment Felix had provided. It was quiet, far from the city chaos, giving me the space I desperately needed to focus on training and recovery.

Every day, I learned to control my curse under Felix regular guidance.

In that apartment,I slowly realized that it wasn't just physical strength but mental calm and focus that were the true keys to surviving and growing stronger.

Yet, in the stillness of the night, I would often wake up gasping for air with my heart pounding. Nightmares about Ben death continued to haunt my thoughts, reminding me that this struggle wasn't just about power it was about revenge for Ben death.

TO BE CONTINUED