Plan

The Baek merchant family had long been known for their business acumen.

From a young age, each member was expected to develop a trade, honing their skills as they grew older. But beyond their business expertise, they had a unique trait: each family member specialized in a different sector of commerce.

For Baines, it was plants.

He had an innate understanding of their uses and value, turning them into a profitable venture. And the girl in front of him, Cecilia, his older sister, was a master of entertainment. From plays to pleasure businesses, she knew them all.

Now, in the absence of nearly half their family, she had assumed leadership of the merchant house.

"You went there..." Cecilia's voice was calm yet laced with certainty. "I already know what you're planning." She raised a hand to silence him before he could speak.

"Revenge, right? I've always seen it in you. And I know that no matter what I say, it won't change your mind. I want to tell you not to go down this path, but that would make me a hypocrite." She took a deep breath. "So instead, I'll say this: do what you must, but don't give them an easy death."

Baines's breath hitched. The tears he had held back for so many years came rushing down in full force. Ironically, it was at the moment he resolved to be strong that he broke down.

He had intended to slip away unnoticed, but his sister had read him like an open book.

"I will bring us back," he vowed, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "I promise."

A soft smile appeared on Cecilia's lips. That was all she needed to hear.

After sharing a brief but firm embrace, Baines left the basement and returned to his room. Before lying down, he paused before a mirror, studying his reflection.

He was still just a boy, twelve years old.

His dark hair fell messily over his forehead, partially covering his brown eyes, which carried a faint crimson hue. Whether it was a natural feature, a result of the bloodshed, or simply the burning drive for revenge, he couldn't tell, and he didn't care.

Staring at himself, he reaffirmed his goal and reiterated his first plan.

After a quick shower, he dressed in all black. His first plan didn't require extravagance, just practicality.

SWING…

Opening a hidden door in his room, he stepped into what appeared to be an indoor garden. Neatly arranged rows of plants and flowers lined the space, filling the air with a soothing aroma. The ambiance was one of tranquility and relief, an almost surreal contrast to the world outside.

This room had been his anchor, the one thing that kept him from spiraling into despair. There were times he had contemplated ending his life, but this sanctuary reminded him of what he still had to fight for.

On the road to becoming the strongest, he would never forget his roots, which were what he was currently looking at.

Gathering the plants, he placed them carefully into his dimensional pouch before leaving the manor.

As he stepped outside, he glanced up at a familiar window. His sister was watching him from their mother's room.

'I'll be back. Mom, Sister…'

Leaving no room for hesitation, he turned and walked away.

...

The streets of the merchant district were alive with activity.

"Fresh clothes for sale!"

"Only the finest materials!"

"Weapons commissions available!"

As expected from a merchant family's domain, trade never ceased. People bustled about, haggling over goods, but there was one thing they all had in common: they all carried weapons. Some were visible; others concealed.

After all, in this world, being unarmed was a death sentence.

Baines navigated the streets with ease, eventually stopping in front of a building with a faded signboard:

Baek Transport Agency

The family's transportation business, however, was now abandoned. His sister had dissolved the agency, but not out of spite. Instead, she ensured that every worker was reassigned to other establishments.

Even now, she protected the family's honor.

KNOCK… KNOCK…

The door creaked open, revealing an elderly man. His eyes widened in shock.

"Y-Young Master! What, come in, quickly!"

Baines stepped inside. "Uncle Kwon, have you been well?"

"Haa… As well as one can be. I've been keeping the place warm, waiting for the family's return," Kwon said, setting down a tray of tea.

The old man had been one of the agency's longest-serving employees, yet he had refused reassignment. He had chosen to remain, believing that one day, the Baek family would be whole again.

"So," Kwon began, his gaze steady. "What brings you here, young master?"

Baines didn't hesitate. "I need a favor."

Kwon straightened up, "Young master, don't scare me, I will assist to the best of my ability." Kwon bowed a little to show his sincerity. You need only ask."

"Good." Baines met his gaze. "Listen carefully."

For his revenge, he needed power, true power. Not just strength but the ability to kill without hesitation. The world needed to know terror.

But such things weren't taught in noble academies or righteous sects. If he walked up to those factions and requested to be trained, he would die before he even set foot inside.

That left him with only one option.

"I need you to sell me to the savage tribes."