Chapter 125 - The Old Grudge and the False Champion

I sat across from Caesar Nolan in the restaurant's private room, watching him fidget with his cufflinks. The ornate space, with its dark wood panels and dim lighting, seemed designed for secretive meetings like this one. Caesar had been apologizing profusely since I arrived, though he'd been vague about exactly why.

"I truly am sorry for involving you in this, Mr. Knight," Caesar said, his usual confident demeanor cracking slightly. "But I needed someone I could trust."

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "You still haven't told me what exactly you're expecting to happen here."

After my transformation in the Water Dragon Cave, I felt unusually calm. The power flowing through my meridians gave me a sense of detachment, like watching events unfold from behind bulletproof glass.

"An old... business associate is in town," Caesar replied carefully. "He requested this meeting. I'm not sure what he wants."