On the second floor of the bar, Linton was surrounded by a cluster of people, boasting loudly about the future plans and operations of Stanton Academy's student council.The others weren't buying it, but they all put on serious listening faces. Rubyanne sat beside him, tossing occasional compliments his way, making him feel even more inflated, almost drinking his glass dry in the process."Linton!" The aloof girl beside him suddenly spoke."Didn't you say Mr. Morgan-Royce would come tonight? It's past nine. Where is he?"Hearing the name "Mr. Morgan-Royce", Linton immediately sobered up, straightening his posture. "Celia, don't worry. He just messaged me. He's on the way."He said this while subtly admiring her graceful curves, inwardly sighing at his missed chance.Her name was Celia Rhodes, the campus belle of Stanton Academy. To someone like Linton, who worshiped beauty, she had been a long-coveted prize, but he dared not make a move, because she was the woman Dylan Morgan-Royce cared about."Is that so?"Celia crossed her arms, looking down on everyone.Even Linton, who dominated the room, could not make her glance up.At that moment, footsteps came up the second floor. Everyone turned to see a young man in a luxurious outfit standing at the stairhead.With his handsome face and expensive attire, an overwhelming aura enveloped the room the moment he stood there, even overshadowing Linton.Seeing him, Linton leapt to his feet. "Mr. Morgan-Royce! Finally! Please, please!" He gave up the main seat and gestured with exaggerated hospitality.The young man's expression was cold. He waved his hand and sat directly beside Celia, pulling her into his arms.Celia, known to be the cold and distant goddess of Stanton, did not resist. She leaned into him, soft and delicate like a small bird in his embrace."Everyone, let me introduce you." Linton gestured toward him respectfully. "This is the Mr. Morgan-Royce I mentioned-Dylan Morgan-Royce of the Morgan-Royce family from Seagate."It is Dylan Morgan-Royce!The crowd froze, then all rose to raise their glasses, calling out, "Mr. Morgan- Royce!" in unison.Dylan remained seated, calm and unbothered, barely sipping the toasts offered. He clearly considered himself above them all.Though his attitude was arrogant, no one dared to show defiance.Everyone forced smiles.The Morgan-Royce family of Seagate was akin to a boulder weighing on them. Facing Dylan was akin to standing before third-generation elites like Daphne Florian or Ethan Ashcroft. No one dared show disrespect."A Morgan-Royce!" Even Rubyanne, seasoned in high society, felt a jolt. Though she lived in Highcliffe, she'd heard the family name thunder across elite circles.She stood and bowed slightly. "Hello, Mr. Morgan-Royce. I'm Rubyanne Monroe, one of the bar's shareholders. It's an honor to have you here. I'll drink first to show my respect."Dylan's eyes flickered with amusement and desire at the sultry beauty. This time, he drained his glass with real intent.Linton, having completed introductions, gave a flattering smile and asked cautiously, "Mr. Morgan-Royce, about Mr. Wave, I'm not sure if you..."Dylan, still enjoying the warmth of Celia in his arms, interrupted coldly, "If I promise something, I never break it."I've already notified Rodrick. For the Stanton student council's event, the Wave Alliance will fully sponsor it, covering all expenses."The crowd brightened immediately. The council's pitch competition required sponsors, and in Highcliffe, the Wave Alliance was unmatched. With their backing, the event's success and Linton's reputation would soar. Even the school administration would have to take notice."Thank you, Mr. Morgan-Royce! Bottoms up!" Linton drained his glass. Dylan only nodded casually.The group resumed chatting until someone asked, "Mr. Dunphy, you once mentioned seeing immortals fighting at Celestial Pavilion. What happened?"After that, you never brought it up again. Now that we've finally got everyone together, why don't you tell us the whole story?Linton's expression grew serious."I'm not joking. I had some drinks and passed the Celestial Pavilion that night. I swear I saw two figures fighting in the sky."The scene was wilder than any martial arts drama. The pavilion shook. Their bulletproof glass shattered everywhere."I couldn't see their faces—only two streaks, one green, one white, darting across the sky..."A little drunk, Linton told the story with exaggerated excitement. What he described was the battle a month ago between Leander Ashcroft and Galen Pierce.The crowd listened, entertained.Rubyanne and Celia kept straight faces, silently sneering.In the modern world, superheroes did not exist.Only Dylan sipped hard, his eyes darkening.Rubyanne stayed for ten more minutes, then excused herself. She mixed a specialcocktail at the bar and went upstairs."Mr. Preston, my apologies." Shesmiled sweetly and bowed slightly toLeander and his friends. "You had same friction with Mr. Dunphy, earlier but bats are for relaxation. hope you won't take it to heart. This is my special Herbal Romance, it's on the house. Enjoy your night." She placed the drink on the table with a graceful smile. Liam was flattered beyond words."Rubyanne, you're too kind."Her long hair fell over her shoulders as she offered a shy, gentle smile. Her gaze flicked to Leander, who remained unmoved like a stone statue.A sly glint appeared in her eyes. She feigned a stumble, falling toward him.Leander raised his hand and caught her at the waist. Her eyes shimmered helplessly, looping her arms around his neck.The intimate pose was observed by a Stanton student heading to the restroom. He hurried downstairs to whisper to Linton, whose temper flared He shot up. You're saying Liam's friend is holding Rubyanne?" His voice dropped low, fury barely restrained, drawing attention to him. The crowd smelled drama.They often hung out with Linton and knew he had feelings for Rubyanne, but he'd never been able to make a move. And now, some outsider's friend had beaten himto it.How can Linton possibly stomach that?"Mr. Morgan-Royce, please stay seated. I have to handle something upstairsquickly. I'll be back soon!"He apologized to Dylan and stepped away.Dylan, already a bit buzzed, wanted to show off in front of Celia. He stood as well. "If something's going on, let's go see."Linton beamed. The others followed, eager for a spectacle.Upstairs, Linton saw Rubyanne rise from Leander's arms and sit close to him likeshe was his girlfriend.Rage surged within him. Even he'd never received such treatment from her. He stepped forward, but a hand shot out, gripping him tight."Mr. Morgan-Royce?" Confused, he looked at Dylan, wondering why he wasstopped."If you don't want to die, don't go there."Dylan's face was grim, teeth clenched as he hissed the warning.Linton was baffled, having no idea what Dylan was really aiming at.He was about to press for an answer when Rubyanne leaned in to whisper to Leander, but he pushed her away.She suddenly leaned in, her lips drawing close to his ear-only for him to push her away in one swift motion."I'm not interested. Don't waste my time."Before her last word landed, a sharp whistle cut through the air, followed by the sound of glass shattering.Clang!noveldramaA shockwave burst through the window.Of everyone present, only Leander saw it clearly. A sniper round wrapped in a fierce spiraling gale was riding a roaring vertex of wing blasting straight for his left eye as if slicing through paper.