Inside the store, Zéno had already taken care of securing their latest prisoner. The leader of the enemy squad was tightly bound to a chair, unconscious. Just like before, Zéno doused him with a bucket of cold water, snapping him awake with a violent shudder.


    "Where… where am I?" he muttered, his voice hoarse.


    "I’m the one asking the questions here."


    Raising his hand, a flash of dark energy materialized into a sleek black sword, the tip stopping just a few millimeters from the man’s throat.


    "I assume you understand what happens next if you refuse to cooperate."


    But unlike the last prisoner, this one didn’t seem fazed at all. He simply stared at Zéno, scanning him up and down before shifting his gaze to the weapon in front of him.


    "A black blade… a dove-shaped guard… and an eyepatch." He let out a slow exhale. "Never thought I’d meet the legendary Angel of Death in person."


    Angel of Death?


    He turned toward Zéno, who remained as composed as ever. Who exactly was their mentor?


    Before the prisoner could say anything else, Zéno’s sword whipped forward in a blur, slicing the man’s cheek just enough to draw blood.


    "From now on, you only speak when I tell you to," Zéno’s voice was a low, chilling whisper. "Are you the leader of this squad?"


    The man stayed silent.


    Without hesitation, Zéno delivered several shallow cuts all over his body. Thin lines of blood surfaced, but the man didn’t even flinch. Not a single sound escaped him.


    He was utterly unshaken.


    "Exactly what I expected. Torture isn’t going to work on you."


    "So… what now, Master Zéno?"


    "Simple. We use this instead."


    He pulled out a phone.


    The prisoner’s entire demeanor shifted instantly.


    "You bastard…!" he growled, eyes widening in panic. "Where did you get that?!"


    "Went through your motorcycle." He glanced up. "Judging by your reaction, I’m guessing this is important."


    "Boss."


    "What is it, Giornno?"


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Giornno’s not available. You’ll have to deal with me."


    "You must be either very brave or very stupid to pull this stunt. Either way… you’ll regret it."


    "Boss! Listen to me! Be careful! It’s him, it’s the Angel of Death!"


    "The Angel of Death… I’ve heard the stories. I thought you had disappeared for good."


    "That name means nothing to me anymore."


    "Then tell me… why are you here?"


    "I’m looking for the head of your mafia."


    "Quite the ambitious goal."


    Then, the tone dropped to something far more sinister.


    "We’ll meet again. And when that day comes… only one of us will walk away."


    Click.


    Without hesitation, Zéno crushed the phone in his grip, letting the broken pieces fall to the ground.


    "So… that didn’t really get us anywhere."


    "Oh, it did."


    Tapping his watch, a holographic map appeared.


    "I traced the call. The signal came from a location about an hour north of here."


    "The district is called ''The Jaws''."


    "What do you know about that place?"


    "Not exactly the nicest part of town… It’s a pleasure district. The biggest prostitution market in the region."


    "Perfect."


    "Dadinio, I’m leaving Kenny in your care. He should wake up in a few hours. Fill him in once he’s up."


    "And what about these two?"


    Zéno drew his sword again.


    "They’re useless now. I’ll get rid of them."


    Before he could strike, Yumé suddenly stepped between them.


    "What the hell are you doing, Yumé?" Zéno asked coldly.


    "Master Zéno, you don’t have to kill them!"


    "Move."


    "No!" Yumé shot back. "They’re tied up! They can’t do anything! Just leave them!"


    "You’re too naive." His gaze darkened. "The moment they get the chance, they’ll break free. And their first targets will be Dadinio and Kenny. Are you really willing to risk their lives for them?"


    "There has to be another way!"


    "Then give me a better solution."


    Yumé lowered his head, unable to answer.


    "Exactly."


    "Authorities!"


    Zéno halted mid-swing.


    "I called them earlier. They’ll be here any minute. No need to stain your hands tonight."


    "Fine."


    —and knocked him out cold with a quick chokehold.


    "Let’s move. We’re heading to the Jaws."


    "Thanks for everything, Mr. Dadinio!"


    "Next destination?" Ikku asked.


    "The Jaws," Zéno replied. "It’s an hour north, but if we run, we’ll be there in twenty minutes."


    "And the plan?"


    Zéno’s expression turned ice cold.


    "This time, we’re not being subtle."


    "Wait… are you saying—?"


    "We’re leveling that district."


    Without another word, he took off running, his students right behind him.


    Their next battle was about to begin.