Aurora Sinclair stiffened slightly, then stood up and replied, "My master says the goal of a fight is to defeat the enemy with the fewest moves, as quickly as possible."

Hector Lennox nodded in approval. "Your master has certainly matured over the years."

Back in the day, Master Aerion was Sunstone’s resident problem child. Teasing cats, siccing dogs on chickens—he was an expert at causing trouble, just not at training diligently...

Who would have thought that such a headache of a teenager would grow up to become a Sect Leader and a Guardian of Veridia?

"Dawn Miles, do you want to join the Alliance?"

Hector Lennox suddenly pulled a special invitation from his pocket and handed it to Aurora Sinclair.

The invitation was a black card embossed with a unique pattern. On it was a line of gold-stamped, archaic script: The International Martial Alliance.

As the Young Heir of the Lockwood Family, Arthur Lockwood naturally knew who Mr. Lennox was. The moment he saw the card, his eyes lit up, and he looked at Aurora Sinclair with excitement.

Hector Lennox was a senior consultant for the International Martial Alliance, his status second only to the three presidents.

In the free-for-all tournament held every four years, he was also one of the five main judges, carrying immense influence.

’If Aurora represented Veridia in the Martial King Level competition, having a connection to the International Martial Alliance would practically guarantee her success.’

’In the arena, the higher the Combat Power Level of a match, the more attention it received. Besides honor and a hefty prize, the victor would also earn the animosity of hostile forces.’

’In the past, many masters had met with "accidents" before or after the competition.’

’That was why the international free-for-all tournament, held every four years, was also known in the Martial World as the "Death Match."’

***

Aurora Sinclair took the Black Card and pointed at Arthur Lockwood, confused. "I’ve already joined the Alliance."

Arthur Lockwood quickly explained, "Aurora, the Alliance has different tiers. The highest tier of the Martial Alliance is the International Martial Alliance. Usually, only the top ancient... uh... martial arts elites from each country are invited."

He almost let it slip, and he laughed awkwardly a few times.

Aurora Sinclair nodded. In stark contrast to her composure, the people around her were losing theirs.

This was especially true for the DAF Team members. They no longer looked at Aurora Sinclair like she was a big shot; they were now looking at her like she was a god.

"The Martial Alliance?"

"Master Rory, you’re a member of the Martial Alliance?"

"Oh my god! No wonder your skills are so insane!"

"God, can I get your autograph? I want to go home and brag about this! I never thought being good at a game could get you into the Martial Alliance..."

Arthur Lockwood could have cried at his team’s stupidity. He grabbed the two rowdiest guys and dragged them away.

Aurora Sinclair thought for a moment, then asked Hector Lennox, "Does joining the Alliance pay?"

"Pfft..."

Arthur Lockwood nearly fell to his knees.

’How on earth did Morgan raise this kid?’

Hector Lennox, sitting opposite her, hadn’t expected such a question. He was stunned for several seconds before replying, half amused and half exasperated, "Only official members receive a salary, and becoming one requires passing an assessment. I can give you an invitation to join, but whether or not you become an official member is up to you."

Aurora Sinclair nodded and pressed on, "How much?"

It was the first time Hector Lennox had ever been asked this. He found it both irritating and funny. "The greater your contribution to the Alliance, the higher your income."

"What kind of contribution is required?"

"..."

Their conversation sounded exactly like a job interview, and Arthur Lockwood was struggling to hold back his laughter.

In the end, Aurora Sinclair replied calmly, "I’ll think about it."

Those words successfully wiped the smile right off Arthur Lockwood’s face.

Usually, "I’ll think about it" was just a polite way of saying no.

But the International Martial Alliance wasn’t something just anyone could join. Besides needing an invitation from an insider, one had to pass multiple rounds of grueling tests to become an official member.

Those tests were said to be ridiculously difficult, weeding out 90% of the invitees each time.

He hurried forward, looking so agitated he seemed one step away from grabbing Aurora Sinclair’s shoulders and shaking her.

"Aurora, there are a ton of benefits if you join. First, our Alliance will definitely give you a raise. And once you’re an official member, you get visa-free travel to any country in the world. Round-trip airfare, local accommodations, and meals are all reimbursed by the Alliance. It’s basically a free trip around the globe..."

Arthur Lockwood sounded like a top-tier salesman relentlessly enticing a buyer, so much so that Joanna Monroe, who was watching from the side, couldn’t resist punching him.

"We’ll talk about this later. Back to training—"

The team members gathered around immediately returned to their stations, behaving perfectly.

Aurora Sinclair also obediently sat back down and put on her headphones.

Soon, the room was filled with the CLACK-CLACK-CLACK of keyboards.

Arthur Lockwood scratched his cheek, then shamelessly invited Hector Lennox out for tea.

Alvin Morgan shot him a glance and also walked out of the training room.

***

Arthur Lockwood led the group to an upscale, quiet teahouse.

The teahouse was divided into small private rooms, perfect for conversation.

A waiter led them to a private room on the second floor. Just as they were about to enter, the door to the adjacent room suddenly opened, and an acquaintance, Victor Trent, walked out.

He had been on his way to the restroom, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw Alvin Morgan and Arthur Lockwood.

"Young Lord Morgan?"

"Master Trent..." Alvin Morgan also stopped and replied.

Suddenly, a look of delight appeared on Victor Trent’s face. He strode over, heading straight for Hector Lennox. "Consultant Lennox, I didn’t expect to see you in Harbor City."

Hector Lennox frowned slightly, seemingly unable to recall who he was. "You are...?"

"It’s me, Victor Trent! From Seawell Pharma. I called you before about sponsoring this year’s free-for-all tournament."

"Oh, it’s you." Hector Lennox’s expression turned cooler.

"There’s no need for such formality. You can just call me by name."

Victor Trent was extremely respectful toward Hector Lennox and even invited their group into his private room for tea.

Arthur Lockwood’s expression shifted slightly, and he glanced at Alvin Morgan.

’The Trent Family has been trying to get back into Kingsford recently, but the Lockwood and Warner families have been secretly blocking them. If he manages to get in with Hector Lennox, there’s no telling what kind of trouble he’ll stir up.’

"Master Trent, you have guests. We won’t disturb you," Arthur Lockwood said with a smile, declining the offer. He then pushed open the door to their teahouse and gestured for Hector Lennox to enter.

Victor Trent immediately replied, "Consultant Lennox, the person inside is no stranger, either. It’s Mr. Borken, a sponsor from last year’s Glory International Tournament. We were just discussing this year’s investments."

Arthur Lockwood was about to say something else, but he shut his mouth after catching a look from Alvin Morgan.

***

The curling fragrance of the tea was refreshing and soothing.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone gathered around the bamboo table and sat down.

Seated at one side of the table was a beautiful woman in a cheongsam, dressed in a classic style.

With a smile on her face, she skillfully demonstrated the art of tea preparation for the group.

With a graceful motion, she placed the teacups on the table.

Everyone raised their cups and took a sip. The fresh aroma filled their senses, a sweet taste coated their throats, and a gentle warmth spread through their stomachs.

It was a top-grade Longjing tea.

Borken savored the lingering aftertaste, offering several words of praise.

He was a typical man from Crestland—tall with blond hair and blue eyes, bearing some resemblance to Alice.

He was the same man Alvin Morgan had seen entering Seawell Tower with Alice through his binoculars.

Due to Veridia’s regulations protecting the Morgans, Victor Trent did not specifically introduce Alvin Morgan and Dean Morgan after they entered, only saying they were friends of Arthur Lockwood.

After two cups of tea, the group began to chat idly.

Just then, Victor Trent smiled and waved over a young man standing by the wall. "Consultant Lennox, this is my eldest son, Drake Trent. He’ll be participating in the free-for-all tournament this year, and I was hoping you might offer him some guidance."

Before his words had even faded, an oppressive domain of "Power" suddenly filled the room.

Everyone’s expression changed in an instant...