’...What is he plotting?’

Soren’s thoughts raced behind his calm eyes.

He learned a bit about this man in the past two days, mostly from the briefings Miss Seria had shared before the trial.

Ziso Vale was not just a powerful corporate figure; he was a renowned 5th-circle hunter who had carved out his empire with both blood and intellect.

He was a man obsessed with his own standing and the unblemished reputation of the Vale family name. More importantly, he was ruthless, analytical, and entirely willing to sever any limb, including his own flesh and blood, if it meant preserving the core of his power.

Facing someone who operated strictly on cold logic and calculated returns, Soren decided to gather a different kind of data.

With his hand still resting casually in his coat pocket, Soren silently activated his skill.

’Investor’s Insight.’

A faint, invisible ripple passed through his vision as the familiar interface manifested before his eyes, overlaying the pristine figure of the patriarch with glowing strings of data.

════════════════════════════════════

Name: Ziso Vale

Status: Healthy

Age: 47

Rank: 5th Circle (Peak Stage)

Current Mana Level: 447,500

Ability: Mana Compression

Mental State: Calculating / Suppressed Irritation / Hyper-Focused

Investment Value: HIGH RISK / LOW RETURN

Potential: 6th Circle (Stagnant due to age and core damage)

════════════════════════════════════

’Hmm...’ Soren’s eyes swept across the blue window. Even with the raw data laid bare, it was still hard to tell what he was truly thinking.

Ziso broke the silence first.

"You know, Mr. Soren, watching the trial today reminded me of a basic truth," Ziso began, a cold, philosophical undertone coloring his words. "In our world, the one who holds the pieces controls the board. My son never understood that logic. He let his emotions cloud his judgment, and foolishness is a luxury no one can afford. He brought this outcome upon himself."

The older man adjusted his cuffs, his expression softening subtly as he took a step closer.

"Still, as his father, I should apologize to you," Ziso continued. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

His tone shifted subtly, taking on a rare warmth that felt terrifyingly natural. He looked entirely sincere, his expression softening just enough to mimic a parent genuinely deeply remorseful for the chaos his child had unleashed.

"Garin caused you an immense amount of trouble, Mr. Soren. No one should have to experience what you went through inside that gate. Now that he has received his judgment from the law, I truly hope you can find it in your heart to forgive the Vale family."

Soren remained silent. His face remained a flat mask of calm indifference, simply watching to see where this sudden display of humility was leading.

Seeing no reaction, Ziso didn’t seem bothered. He merely carried on smoothly, taking the silence as his cue to transition back into business.

"Since words alone cannot undo the damage, I believe a more tangible gesture is in order," Ziso said, tilting his head slightly. "If you have any requests from me, you can ask. Consider it an apology gift to completely settle any lingering grievances between us. In fact..."

Ziso paused, a sharp, assessing glint flashing through his eyes.

"Why don’t you come work under me? A talent of your caliber shouldn’t be wasted. I can offer you an elite contract with Vale Global: a guaranteed high-ranking position within our primary Gate raid team, full access to our premium training facilities, and an annual signing bonus that eclipses anything a mid-tier guild could ever dream of."

It was a staggering offer. To an ordinary Awakened of Soren’s current standing, it was the equivalent of being handed a golden ticket straight to the top of the food chain, erasing years of dangerous grunt work in a single breath.

However, Soren merely shook his head politely.

"I really appreciate the generous offer, Mr. Vale," Soren replied, his voice calm and entirely unhurried. "However, I am already contracted with the Bureau, and I prefer to maintain my freedom. And you don’t have to worry, I won’t hold my past grievances against the Vale family. I only hope the same from you. And..."

Soren paused, his eyes meeting the older man’s gaze.

"I apologize for what happened to your son, too."

Ziso blinked once, the unexpected politeness catching him slightly off guard. He evaluated Soren’s calm expression for a brief moment, looking for any trace of sarcasm or hidden mockery, but found nothing. Soren was simply being thoroughly civil.

A short, quiet chuckle escaped the patriarch’s lips, his expression relaxing back into its smooth, unreadable state.

"No, no, Mr. Soren. There is no need for you to apologize. As I said before, the boy brought this entirely upon himself."

Just then, the soft purr of an approaching vehicle drew Soren’s attention. A taxi pulled up near the curb at the bottom of the courthouse steps, its hazard lights blinking quietly.

Soren glanced down at his phone, confirming the license plate matched the details on his ride-hailing app.

Ziso caught the brief movement and followed Soren’s gaze to the waiting car. He then smoothly withdrew a sleek, heavy black business card with embossed silver lettering from his inner coat pocket and extended it toward Soren.

"It seems your ride has arrived. I apologize for taking up your time. And if you ever find yourself in need of resources, information, or perhaps a change of scenery in the future, do not hesitate to contact me directly."

Soren took the card, slipping it casually into his pocket alongside his phone. "Thank you, Mr. Vale."

"Take care of yourself, Mr. Soren," Ziso murmured, his eyes locking onto Soren’s one last time with that unreadable, chilling intensity. "Stay healthy and well. I am sure we will see each other again."

"Have a safe trip back," Soren replied, keeping his tone thoroughly polite.

Ziso offered a final, polite nod before turning around. He walked with measured strides toward his waiting car, where his driver was already holding the door open.

Soren didn’t linger either.

He turned and walked the remaining distance, opening the door of the waiting taxi.

Slipping inside, he gave the driver a quiet nod of confirmation as the vehicle merged into the city traffic.

’...I still couldn’t read him completely.’ He thought, watching the courthouse fade in the rearview mirror. ’But one thing is certain: a man who can smile while discarding his own son is a monster I need to watch out for.’