The VIP suite was nothing like Ethan had expected.

He had imagined something flashy: bright lights, gold trim, the kind of over-the-top luxury people associated with money.

Instead, it was dark, refined, and dangerous.

The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted entirely.

Their attention was first drawn to the arena, but now they took in their surroundings.

The lighting was low, a deep amber glow cast from recessed strips along the walls and ceiling, giving the entire space the feel of an upscale lounge rather than a viewing box. Plush black leather sofas were arranged in a semi-circle facing the massive reinforced glass panel that overlooked the arena below.

To the right was a fully stocked bar.

Crystal bottles lined illuminated shelves, filled with expensive liquor from all over the world. The faint scent of alcohol already lingered in the air, blending with something sharper, like smoke.

Ethan glanced at Kaela.

The Riot Valkyrie walked in like she owned the place - which, judging by how the guards treated her, she basically did.

"Make yourselves comfortable," she said casually, tossing her jacket onto one of the sofas before heading straight for the bar.

Mark and Elara hesitated, but Ethan definitely didn’t.

He dropped onto one of the couches, leaning forward slightly as his eyes were drawn to the arena below.

A fight was already underway.

Two figures moved across the circular battlefield, their movements sharp and wielding abilities far beyond anything normal humans could manage.

Above the arena, a large screen displayed their details:

Brass Boxer (D Rank) - 12 Wins / 5 Losses

Stretchy Steve (D Rank) - 9 Wins / 8 Losses

"Guess these are the warm-ups," Ethan muttered.

The fighters clashed again, one stretching their leg for a wide kick, the other countering with a reinforced punch that cracked against the ground when it missed.

’It’s quite close, but the Brass Boxer guy has the upper hand.’

The crowd roared as Ethan watched silently while leaning back.

"Yeah. This place is insane."

Behind him, things were... awkward.

No one really knew how to start, so he did.

"Right," he said, gesturing lazily. "Kaela, this is my brother, Mark. And that’s Elara."

Kaela turned, eyeing them both.

Her gaze lingered on Mark for half a second.

"That’s your brother?"

There was a clear note of confusion, which was understandable since one was black and the other white.

Ethan shrugged.

"Something like that."

Mark rolled his eyes, but Kaela didn’t seem particularly interested in that explanation anyway.

The Riot Valkyries’ attention was entirely on Elara. Her purple eyes narrowed slightly, studying her in a way that made the blonde instinctively step closer to Ethan.

"So this is her," Kaela murmured.

Elara stiffened, and Ethan noticed immediately, stepping between them, surprising himself with how defensive he became.

Kaela smirked.

"Relax. I’m just curious."

She leaned slightly forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she looked at Elara more closely.

"I didn’t get to see you properly last time," she added. "You were out cold."

Elara instinctively moved behind Ethan, gripping the back of his hoodie slightly.

Her red eyes peeked out cautiously.

Kaela’s smirk widened.

"Shy, huh?"

Elara remained silent and probably would have even if she wasn’t a mute.

"Ah, whatever," Kaela said eventually, standing up. "I’ll be back in a second."

Without another word, she walked out of the suite.

Mark exhaled slowly.

"She’s intense."

"That’s putting it lightly," Ethan replied.

A few minutes later, she returned.

And just like that, the entire tone of the room changed.

Kaela walked in carrying more bottles and glasses, setting them down on the bar before immediately pouring drinks.

"Alright," she said, tossing one toward Ethan. "Don’t just sit there looking pretty."

Ethan caught it easily.

She grinned.

"Drink."

He stared at the glass for a second.

’I haven’t had a drink since receiving my Title...’

Before that, it had been a problem, and the only way he slept was to drink until he blacked out. That was his life for two months after coming out of prison, which now felt cute in comparison to the Tower.

He exhaled.

’Fuck it.’

"What’s the worst that can happen?"

He took a sip.

Then another.

"Yeah, that’s strong."

Kaela laughed, already halfway through her own drink.

"That’s the point."

Ethan loosened up slightly, then he reached into his pocket.

"Mind if I smoke?"

Kaela looked at him like he’d just asked something stupid.

"Yeah, obviously."

Ethan pulled out his usual cheap cigarettes and immediately paused when she put out her hand to stop him.

"But not that shit," she said, grabbing his wrist lightly before handing him a sleek black box.

"Try this."

Ethan opened it.

There were cigars, which were definitely expensive.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Damn."

"Don’t waste it," she said.

A moment later, they were both smoking.

Ethan leaned back into the sofa, exhaling slowly as the rich smoke filled his lungs.

"Okay," he muttered. "I feel like a mafia boss."

Kaela barked out a laugh.

"Right?"

Meanwhile, Mark stood awkwardly near the bar, almost out of habit.

"You," she pointed. "You know how to make drinks?"

Ethan smirked.

"He’s a bartender."

That was all she needed.

"Perfect. Get to work."

Mark blinked.

"Seriously?"

Kaela just stared at him.

He sighed, realising how much of a mistake it was.

"Yeah, alright."

He stepped behind the bar, quickly getting to work with practised ease. But when Kaela handed him a drink, inviting him to join them, he shook his head.

"I don’t drink."

She stared at him.

"A bartender who doesn’t drink? What the hell is wrong with you?"

Ethan snorted.

"Can’t get high on your own supply."

He raised his glass.

"Me, though? I definitely can."

Kaela laughed again, clearly entertained.

The drinks flowed, the smoke thickened, and the fights continued.

Ethan found himself relaxing more than he expected.

But when it came to the alcohol, he noticed something. He had drunk enough to leave your average person slurring his words, yet he couldn’t even feel anything.

"This barely hits."

Kaela glanced at him.

"Yeah. Welcome to being Titled."

Ethan hummed.

"Figures."

They watched as another fight ended brutally, one of the D Ranks collapsing unconscious while medics dragged him away.

Then, without ceremony or concern, the next in the series of brutal fights began.

It only made Ethan more curious about this place.

And who better to get the answers to his questions than the Riot Valkyrie, who seemed to be a regular at this place...