The crowd erupted into applause, their clapping like a rolling wave across the stadium, a tribute to what they had just witnessed. Conversations buzzed among the spectators. Phrases like “the birth of a legend” and “Sun’s comeback” reached my ears, affirming that my plan was progressing as intended. Beneath their enthusiasm, I reflected on the truth of my strategy: the best way to destroy Sun is to change it from within. For too long, I had painted all of Sun with the same brush, assuming its members were irredeemably corrupt. My time here had taught me otherwise. Not everyone in Sun is evil—I had been a fool to believe so. Emma isn’t so bad, and Caleb has proven himself more complex than I’d given him credit for. A few dozen individuals stationed in Sun can’t represent the entire clan. Even amidst the shadows, there is light.

I clenched my fists, hope hardening within me. To exploit that light, I need to fully leverage my new position as a Flame. Fame, wealth, loyalty—I’ll gather them all. Then, when the time is right, I’ll declare war. Even if my efforts end in failure and Sun is weakened instead of reformed, I will have accomplished my ultimate goal. Caleb’s voice boomed across the field, snapping me out of my thoughts. “This marks the end of the Burnout Tournament! Thanks for attending! Be on the lookout for news about the new Flame, Vellin!” The crowd erupted into cheers again. Before I could move, a Sun member jogged onto the field. “The Demon Buddha wishes for us to escort you to the beach, sir. There, you will discuss many things. Your girlfriend is with him as we speak and will meet you there.” Adjusting my posture, I replied, “Show me the way.”

Twenty minutes later..

The walk to the beach was uneventful, the tranquil streets giving me a brief moment to collect my thoughts. Word of my new position hadn’t spread yet—a blessing. The scenery shifted near the shoreline. The beach stretched out before us, bathed in golden sunlight with the high noon sun blazing in a cloudless sky. The sand was pristine, carefully maintained to a level of perfection that reflected Sun's obsessive control. A cool breeze carried the salty scent of the sea, contrasting with the warmth radiating from the ground beneath my feet.

Ahead, Caleb lounged on a sleek metal lawn chair, an oversized umbrella providing him with ample shade. His demeanor screamed authority, but there was a casual air to the way he rested, almost as if he were a king surveying his domain. Beside him, Jane sat on the far left in a stunning blue bikini. Both wore shades, their expressions obscured, making it hard to gauge their moods. Emma, someone I recognized instantly, stood near Caleb, dutifully fanning him with a large woven fan. The scene was surreal—a bizarre mix of leisure and tension. Three seats were arranged under foldable umbrellas, each painted a different color. The one meant for me was green, its fabric vibrant against the sand.

The Sun member leading me stopped, gesturing toward the setup. “Here it is, sir.” he said, formal. I couldn’t ignore the beads of sweat forming on my brow, the heat getting to me. Caleb removed his shades, his gaze locking onto me. “Emma, show him the showers and the clothing I have for him,” he commanded, his voice carrying the same authority as when he addressed a crowd. “He’s burning and bleeding out here.” Emma nodded and stepped toward me, dropping the fan. I caught a second glance at Jane. She had remained silent throughout the exchange, her focus seemingly elsewhere. My lips curved into a small smile as I blurted, “You look sexy, Jane.” She glanced at me, her shades lowering slightly to reveal a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. A light chuckle escaped her lips. “Zero didn’t teach you how to flirt.” she replied, her tone teasing but devoid of malice. The comment hit harder than I expected, not because it stung, but because it was true. Socializing was a skill I still needed to master.

Ten minutes later..

I walked across the sand, hands shoved into my pockets as I tried to steady myself. My cheeks burned with a faint blush, the shyness clawing at me. Every step felt heavy from the lingering embarrassment of Jane’s teasing. Caleb’s sharp eyes followed me, his gaze intense. “Very good, Vellin,” he said, his tone flat but carrying an undercurrent of approval. “Zero’s training in flirtation was awful, but his body training wasn’t.” I shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny, unsure whether to take the remark as a compliment. Jane’s gaze followed soon after, but the way her eyes lingered felt entirely different. She leaned back, a playful smirk tugging at her lips, and let out a loud wolf whistle. “You look sexy as well.” she quipped, the teasing edge in her voice impossible to miss.

I rubbed the back of my head, trying to shake off the sudden attention. “Ryan cut my hair pretty good.” I murmured. The memory of him sent a pang of regret through me. “I just wish he didn’t die. I couldn’t have knocked him out.” Caleb waved his hand dismissively, brushing off my guilt with practiced ease. “Forget that. You’ve already made your case to the crowd; you don’t need to make it again. Let’s focus on the matter at hand.”

Straightening in his chair, Caleb began to speak with a measured tone, drawing my full attention. “Technically, you still need to go through a rite of passage in Grand Sasebella, our main base of operations, to be officially recognized as a Flame. Right now, you have the respect and glory of one, but only after completing the rite will you receive your full privileges—a small army under your command and formal missions to carry out.” He leaned forward slightly, folding his hands as he continued. “I got lucky. My mission was hosting the Burnout Tournament, which is more fun than most Flames get for their assignments. In a week, we’ll head to Grand Sasebella. Until then, I need to finalize our profit model here. You following me so far?” My focus stayed unbroken. “Yes. What’s this about profit models?” Caleb stretched and yawned. “Our duties are plentiful,” he explained. “as Flames, we have five key responsibilities. First, protecting Sun members—our people come first. Second, establishing profit models to ensure the clan has a steady flow of funds. Third, carrying out missions assigned directly by Leo. Fourth, overseeing our subordinates and ensuring they handle contracts, whether for assassinations, protection, or other services. And finally, the most important: destroying anyone who steps out of line.”

Stolen novel; please report.

Jane tilted her head slightly, her voice curious yet firm. “Where do I fit in this?” Caleb raised a brow, taking a moment to consider before replying. “You’re an honorary member.” he began. “In terms of protection, a minimum of four Officers selected by Vellin will guard you. If you’re killed—which, let’s be clear, is unlikely—Sun will avenge you with absolute force. I’ve been a real member of Sun for ten years, and I married my beautiful wife five years ago. She’s never been harmed, so what I’m telling you is more of a formality than anything else. When you marry Vellin, you’ll receive ten percent of his annual pay. If he wants to give you more, that’s his responsibility.” Jane crossed her arms as Caleb continued. “For now, until Vellin is officially recognized, my Officers will handle your protection. That’s just the basics, though. When we return to base, you and Vellin will be required to study Sun’s laws and rules until you can recite them all. It’s mandatory, and trust me, it’s no small task.” He smirked, his tone lightening. “Have fun with that.”

I clicked my tongue in mild irritation. “Damn it,” I muttered under my breath, though I quickly relaxed, forcing a shrug. “A break seems to be in order after all this chaos, don’t you think? Studying isn’t that bad.” I cracked my knuckles, letting my gaze rest on Caleb. “Why didn’t you let me fight you during the tournament?” I asked, the question tinged with genuine curiosity. Caleb’s expression shifted. “If we fought, it’d end like you and Ryan.” he admitted. “I wouldn't be able beat you without going all out, and that would likely kill you. Not to insult your skills. Sure, I’d sustain some injuries, but ultimately, I’d win. And I’d rather not leave you broken .” Jane stepped closer, her hand brushing against my abs. Her fingers traced lightly over the ridges, her touch soft and almost reverent. “They’re… solid.” she commented. Caleb burst into laughter, shaking his head. “Your girlfriend is so into you, man.” I flushed, though I tried to hide it, shifting awkwardly on my feet. Shyness was the least of my worries now.

Meanwhile..

"Shut the hell up, Jura," I snapped, my body tensing up. My fists curled at my sides, every muscle coiled with restrained anger. "I'd kill you if she wasn't here." Jura’s grin widened into a devilish smirk, his confidence oozing from every pore. "She wouldn’t let that happen. I wouldn't let that happen." he countered smoothly. "She loves me more than you." His words dripped with smugness as he stepped closer, shoulder-checking me. I stood firm, refusing to flinch. Ben wedged himself between us, his arms stretched out to keep us apart. "Stop it, you two," he said, pleading. "We can all share her love."

Lilith, seated regally as always, reached back to pet Ben’s head with a languid grace. "You’re right, darling." she purred, laced with affection. Ben practically melted under her touch, squirming with barely contained delight. Jura, however, wasn’t satisfied. "Really, madam?" he protested, throwing his hands up in exaggerated exasperation. "You need to show me love like that more often!" The sound of the door creaking open drew all our attention. A man in glasses strode into the room, his every movement deliberate and composed. He exuded a quiet authority. My instincts flared, and I began to move toward him, my hands itching to strike.

But then, Lilith snapped her fingers.

The sound was crisp. It was her signal—absolute. No matter what, stop in your tracks. My eyes remained locked on the stranger. The man sat down on the couch, placing a leather briefcase on the table. He opened it, revealing rows of neatly stacked gold coins,. "We’ve discussed this already." he began, his voice calm and businesslike. "The coins are prepared. Here’s two thousand gold now. You’ll receive an additional three thousand once the job is done." He adjusted his glasses with a finger, his gaze steady. "To remind you, kill the Demon Buddha and the Piercing Serpent. Price has raised accordingly with him being added. I don’t care what happens to their dozen or so lackeys—do with them as you please." He rose, snapping the briefcase shut and leaving it on the table. Pausing in the doorway, he glanced back over his shoulder, his expression hardening. "Do not screw this up." Lilith’s smile returned, a sight so radiant it could have melted ice. "You won’t screw it up, right, boys?" she said sweetly. Failure wasn’t an option. Jura immediately bowed, his tone reverent. "No, madam." Lilith’s smile deepened, and her next words turned the air electric. "Whoever lands the finishing blow," she said, her voice honeyed, "will get a kiss." The room erupted with energy. The prospect of such a reward.. her first kiss!

I couldn’t hold back my lust. "I’ll kill him! I’ll make you proud, Lilith!"