The Cunningham family in Chetvine was one of the ten great aristocratic houses in the city. The line between a powerhouse and a wealthy family was simple: if the family had a martial emperor-level figure at the top, then it was considered a powerhouse.

Meanwhile, the Cunningham family was rumored to have two martial emperors, giving them influence across Holtrien and even the world.

“Special Ops’ director, Barnaby Hale, here to pay respects to the Cunningham family!”

A convoy pulled up, and the notorious director of Special Ops, often called the mad dog, stepped out with a smile.

The Cunninghams remained calm and polite. “Mr. Hale! Please, come inside.”

Barnaby held real power and influence in Chetvine. However, when he came to the Cunningham residence, he was just another visitor.

This was because the Cunninghams not only had people with higher positions than him, but also those who could outfight him.

Soon, Barnaby was escorted to the Cunningham residence’s reception hall.

The Cunningham family’s head butler, Mateo Parrish, arrived fashionably late and clasped his hands apologetically. “Sorry about that, Mr. Hale. I was just handling some business and got delayed.”

Barnaby quickly stood up. “No problem at all, Mr. Parrish. You’re a busy man with countless matters to handle, and I understand that completely.”

Mateo looked like nothing more than an ordinary old man. However, Barnaby dared not show even a trace of disrespect.

One, because anyone serving at the gates of such a clan already held serious weight, and two, because this unassuming man was known as the Reaper, the Cunningham family’s number one executioner.

Very few knew of his true reputation, and Barnaby was unlucky enough to be among them. He knew one thing for sure: this man was not someone you could afford to offend.

“Mr. Hale, you’re an equally busy man. For you to come here personally, there must be something important,” Mateo said as his cold eyes swept toward Barnaby.

Barnaby felt a chill running down his spine, as if the other party could see right through him. He quickly averted his gaze before speaking. “Yes, I came today to inform the Cunningham family of some news.”

Mateo lifted a hand. “Go ahead, Mr. Hale.”

After a pause, Barnaby took a deep breath and said, “The Dragon Prince of the Lloyd family is about to return to Chetvine.”

The teacup in Mateo’s hand shattered instantly.

Barnaby nearly jumped out of his seat, stammering, “M–Mr. Parrish, did I… did I say something wrong?”

Mateo let the shards fall from his fingers, powdered into dust.

Barnaby’s eyelids twitched as he realized even a solid porcelain cup had crumbled like sand in the man’s grip. Mateo’s strength was terrifying, far beyond measure.

“My apologies. I lost control for a moment,” Mateo said with a smile. “Mr. Hale, please explain this clearly. That way, the Cunningham family can make proper arrangements.”

Barnaby nodded quickly. “I have someone planted in Blumedale, over in Gabo Creek. Originally, they were meant to monitor Derek, but later, this pawn became far more useful.”

Mateo waved his hand to cut him off. “Skip the useless details, Mr. Hale. What I need is his exact whereabouts, his current strength, and when he plans to arrive in Chetvine.”

Straight to the point, no wasted words.

Barnaby answered carefully. “Mr. Parrish, from what I’ve gathered, he already possesses the combat power of at least a martial saint.”

Mateo scoffed. “Weak. Pathetically weak. Too frail to even look at.”

Barnaby rushed to clarify. “That was only my contact’s initial estimate. In truth, he has already taken over both the underworld and the upper circles in Gabo Creek. And just recently, even the province’s strongest clan, the Fischer family, bowed their heads to him.”