Chapter 18. The Big Three

A few days later, in a hidden building—Landon's old place. Dust motes danced in the weak sunlight filtering through grimy windows. The air smelled faintly of old books and aged wood.

Noah sat on the worn leather sofa across from the old man with the mustache, Landon. The old man adjusted his vest, watching Noah intently.

"You've been quite active lately," the old man said, stroking his mustache thoughtfully. "Killing four members of the Arcane Keepers? They're furious!"

"It's nothing," Noah replied, leaning back comfortably into the cushions.

"Nothing? Just look outside, and you might see some of their members trying to hunt you down," Landon pointed a gnarled finger toward the streaked windows. His tone held a distinct edge. "They're restless, these people."

"Well, if they don't, it's not worth doing it," Noah said calmly, his gaze steady.

"Really now?" Landon raised a bushy eyebrow, studying Noah's face. "So you were expecting this? I didn't expect you to join that Joker group. When you asked about them, I thought you'd destroy them!"

Noah smirked, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Who said I won't?"

"Fair," Landon twirled the end of his mustache, letting out a soft huff. "I'll never know what's in your mind. Can't comprehend your plans."

"Don't try. Why'd you call me?" Noah grinned, spreading his hands slightly. "Miss me?"

"Stop the nonsense," Landon frowned, his expression turning stern. "This is serious."

"Fine," Noah leaned back, the grin fading into something more neutral. "What is it?"

"You've been busy with Joker Roulette. Figured you're not up-to-date on outside events," Landon said, lowering his voice slightly as if sharing a secret.

"I see," Noah's smile widened, genuine interest showing. "Something fun happened?"

"A big name is moving. The Big Three," Landon warned, leaning forward in his chair. "These international criminal groups are causing ripples even ordinary people notice. Their influence will hit here soon."

"I see," Noah said, his expression thoughtful but calm. "They're getting bolder."

"Didn't one try recruiting you before?" Landon asked, tilting his head. "You rejected them, yet joined a small group like Joker Roulette. Weird."

"I'm not interested in bloated groups," Noah shrugged, crossing one leg over the other. "And the situation's different now."

"True," Landon sighed, settling back with a creak of the old chair. "You'll do whatever you want anyway. Remember—I'm here if you need help."

Noah smirked, giving Landon a knowing look. "You just care about my wallet."

Landon laughed, a deep, rumbling sound. "That's business! You're my biggest spender—of course you matter."

"Well, I'm happy for you," Noah said dryly.

Suddenly, Noah's phone buzzed sharply in his pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

He checked it and smiled, a spark of anticipation in his eyes.

"Anyway, I have things to do," he stood, brushing off his pants. "Thanks for the warning. I'll keep it in mind."

"You better," Landon called out as Noah moved towards the door, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet room. "And stay safe!"

Noah smirked, pausing at the threshold to look back. "What are you? My grandpa?"

He teleported away, leaving only a faint displacement of air where he'd stood.

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In a dark alley in Cardio City. Late afternoon sun barely reached the narrow passage, leaving deep shadows clinging to damp brick walls. The smell of garbage and damp concrete hung in the air.

Noah emerged from the shadows near a rusted dumpster, silent as air. The smile never left his face.

His eyes scanned the area, sharp and focused, landing on a group walking nearby on the slightly brighter street: one familiar girl and three guys he didn't recognize. They seemed unaware of his stare.

He walked toward them quietly, his footsteps making no sound on the cracked pavement as he got closer and closer.

"Even if we call it hunting, do we even know what Joker Roulette members look like?" one guy asked, scratching his head and looking confused. He looked young, maybe in his late teens.

"What?" the second guy scoffed, rolling his eyes. He seemed older and more impatient. "Didn't the leader give us sketches? Like Owen—the big brute?"

"Really? I didn't know!" the first guy muttered.

"Weren't they in the group chat? You didn't check?" the third guy said, sounding annoyed. He nudged the first guy's shoulder.

"For real? Let me check!" He fumbled in his pocket for his phone. After a moment, he pulled it out and unlocked it. "Oh! Notifications were buried. My bad," he said with an awkward laugh.

Listening to them, Fiona couldn't help but sigh and rub her temples. Paired with incompetence again—not even Gloria this time. The frustration was familiar, but she would never get used to it.

Probably the leader thinks I'm as useless as them, she thought bitterly, her shoulders slumping slightly. It made her feel worse, turning the warm sunlight cold.

But feeling bad for herself wouldn't help anyone. She decided the best she could do was take action, no matter how small. If she got good results despite the situation, maybe her leader, Jasper, would change his mind.

She checked her phone, pulling up the digital sketches. Her eyes scanned the images. No matches so far on the street. She kept walking, looking around, trying harder to spot familiar faces, leaving the trio several meters behind.

Suddenly, a firm hand grabbed her shoulder from behind.

Cold shock jolted through her system. She whirled around—her heart stopped, breath catching in her throat.

"Noah!" she gasped, eyes wide with pure terror. The three guys froze, mouths hanging open in confusion and sudden fear.

"Long time no see," Noah smirked, his grip tightening slightly.

Before the three guys could react, scream, or do anything else, Noah had already used his power and teleported away with Fiona in his arms. The only thing left was the empty space in front of them.

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