All the members stepped outside into the cool evening air. The rain had finally stopped, and the streets of Ashfang Alley glistened under the pale moonlight. Lanterns swayed gently in the wind while smoke curled from the old chimneys.
The Devil Horns turned toward the old man standing in the doorway.
"We'll come back," Junyu said.
The old man crossed his arms and snorted.
"I don't care either way."
But his voice cracked slightly, and everyone noticed.
Just before leaving, Junyu saw Tara standing near the gate, holding her father's old scarf tightly.
He walked toward her.
"Tara…"
She looked up silently.
"I know I've said harsh things before, but listen to me carefully." Junyu knelt in front of her. "When I return, this alley will become a place where children can laugh, go to school, make friends, and live without fear."
His voice softened.
"And I promise you something else."
He placed a hand on her head.
"I will avenge your father."
Tara's eyes filled with tears.
"Junyu… please teach them. Don't let them become people who hurt others."
Junyu nodded.
"I promise."
She suddenly hugged him tightly and began crying against his chest.
For a moment, the captain of the Devil Horns stopped being a king, a warrior, or a legend.
He was simply a young man trying to keep a promise.
A single tear slipped down Junyu's cheek.
He gently wiped Tara's tears.
"Bye, Tara. When I come back, I want to see you smiling."
Then he looked toward the old man.
"And Gramps, be ready with the food."
The old man looked away quickly.
"Just don't die before paying your repair bill."
Laughter spread through the crew.
Junyu stood, took one last look at Ashfang Alley, and raised his hand.
"Devil Horns… move out!"
Rudy floated above the street, smiling.
"Alright, everyone. Board the ship. It's time."
The crew climbed aboard a dark steel vessel waiting at the harbor. As the ropes were released, the ship drifted away from the dock.
The old man remained standing in the doorway.
Tara waved with both hands.
The Devil Horns waved back.
Ashfang Alley grew smaller and smaller until it became only a cluster of lights beside the sea.
But all of them knew one thing:
They would return.
ON THE SHIP
Moonlight stretched across the black ocean as the ship cut through the waves.
Ton leaned against the railing and looked at Rudy.
"Hey, dog."
Rudy blinked.
"Excuse me?"
Ton looked around dramatically.
"Well, I don't see any dogs here except you."
Rudy stared at him.
"Haha. Incredible joke, Ton."
"Thank you."
"That was sarcasm."
Ton's smile disappeared.
"Oh."
The others burst into laughter.
Mil nearly fell off his chair.
After the laughter faded, Ton asked,
"So… where are we going?"
Rudy straightened.
"Good question. Everyone listen carefully. The island we're heading to is called Noctharis Isle."
Junyu's eyes widened.
"Noctharis Isle… I've heard that name before."
Ikiro nodded.
"That's the island that appears only once a year, right?"
"Correct," Rudy replied.
"Why only once a year?" Ton asked.
Rudy pointed toward the dark sea.
"Because Noctharis is a magical island. It sinks beneath the ocean and rises to the surface only once every year for forty-eight hours."
Ton gasped dramatically.
"Wow. That is actually cool."
Rudy sighed.
"I'm shocked you understood any of it."
A cold mist began to spread across the water.
Far ahead, a black silhouette slowly emerged from the darkness.
Massive walls.
Towering spires.
Chains hanging from cliffs.
Blue flames burning along the battlements.
The entire island looked less like a fortress and more like a kingdom dragged up from the abyss.
Rudy floated beside the ship and opened a glowing map in the air.
"The Black Meeting is divided into four zones."
Four circles appeared above his hand.
"Zone One — emperors, ancient clans, world rulers, and monsters whose names are feared across nations."
The first circle burned gold.
"Zone Two — military factions, wealthy syndicates, and elite organizations."
The second circle glowed silver.
"Zone Three — recognized combat crews and rising powers."
The third circle turned blue.
"Zone Four — first-time crews and low-influence organizations."
The final circle darkened.
Junyu folded his arms.
"And where are we?"
Rudy smiled apologetically.
"Zone Four."
Mil stood up instantly.
"WHAT?!"
Ton pointed at himself.
"I have scales, claws, and emotional damage. That should be at least Zone Two."
Rudy ignored him.
Junyu remained calm.
"Who else is in Zone Four?"
Rudy checked the list.
"The Black Fang Order."
Silence swept across the deck.
Junyu narrowed his eyes.
"Black Fang is in the same category as us?"
"Within the Black Meeting," Rudy said, "they are considered a low-tier faction."
The crew exchanged stunned glances.
For the first time, they truly understood how vast the Black Meeting was.
The enemies who had once threatened their lives were merely beginners here.
Junyu stepped to the front of the ship and looked at the colossal fortress rising from the mist.
Its black walls reflected in his crimson eyes.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Good."
Rudy blinked.
"Good?"
Junyu's aura flickered in the sea wind.
"That means we start from the bottom."
He gripped the railing.
"And climb to the top while crushing everyone in our way."