Chris, Leo, and Ray continued walking through the busy streets of the city. After some time, their eyes landed on a magnificent bar standing proudly along the roadside. The exterior was built from dark expensive wood and polished stone, while large glass windows offered a clear view of the luxurious interior. The bar's name was written in golden letters above the entrance, and decorative lanterns on both sides of the door cast a soft glow despite the daylight.
Inside, expensive furniture, sparkling crystal glasses, and shelves lined with aged wine bottles filled the space. Long wooden racks displayed countless varieties of alcohol. Some customers sat quietly enjoying their drinks, while others—clearly merchants—were deep in business discussions. Just by looking at it, anyone could tell this was not a place for ordinary people.
Chris pointed toward the building. "You should go there. It's the second-largest bar in Berkyo. Expensive, but the food is worth it. And it's open even during the day."
He took out five gold coins and handed them to Ray. "Here. Get something to eat and rest a bit. We've got some work to handle."
Ray accepted the coins, nodded slightly, and walked toward the bar without a word. Within moments, he disappeared into the crowd.
Chris and Leo continued on their way and soon stopped in front of a massive building. It was several times larger than anything around it, built from red bricks and white stone. The name of a newspaper company was written above the main entrance in bold letters. Dozens of windows covered its surface, some glowing faintly from inside.
What stood out most was the constant sound coming from within. The rhythmic pounding of printing presses, the clanking of metal, and the rotating machinery echoed through the street. Workers hurried in and out carrying bundles of newspapers, keeping the entire place in constant motion.
Chris and Leo exchanged a glance before heading inside.
On the other side, Ray slowly pushed open the bar's door and stepped in.
A woman immediately approached him. She looked around twenty-five to thirty years old, wearing a polite, welcoming smile. "Welcome to—"
Her words stopped the moment she saw that the newcomer was just a child. Her expression changed instantly.
"Kid, what are you doing here? This isn't a playground. This place is for adults."
Ray looked at her calmly. "Then maybe you shouldn't be working here either. This is a place for adults, and you don't look that old yourself."
The woman froze, unsure whether she had been complimented or insulted. After a brief pause, she pointed toward an empty table, telling him to sit.
Ray walked over and sat down. Beside him was a leather bag stuffed with newspapers and documents, and on the table sat a wooden ashtray filled with cigarette butts.
A few moments later, the woman returned. "What would you like?"
"Fruit juice."
She gave him a strange look but still went to bring it.
At that moment, Ray sensed someone approaching from behind. The atmosphere in the bar subtly shifted as several people turned their attention in that direction.
"Kids these days are already drinking, huh?"
A woman's voice came from behind him.
Ray didn't turn. Instead, a tall middle-aged woman with curly hair sat across from him. She was strikingly beautiful. She took out a cigarette, lit it with a steel lighter, and placed the leather bag on the table after moving it off the chair.
After taking a slow drag, she looked at Ray. "Didn't you hear me? What is a kid doing in a bar?"
Before Ray could respond, the waitress returned with his fruit juice and placed it in front of him. Ray glanced at the glass and said calmly, "I think you already got your answer."
A faint smile appeared on the woman's lips.
The waitress spoke again. "Miss Helen, would you like anything else?"
"Bring me a beer."
Ray silently repeated the name in his mind.
Helen.
She took another drag from her cigarette. "What's your name, kid?"
"Ray Moir."
The moment she heard the surname, her eyes widened slightly. "Moir? As in the Moir family of Norvia? One of the richest families? And your father is that famous businessman?"
Ray simply nodded. "Yeah."
"Then what are you doing here?"
"Just wandering around."
The beer arrived, and Helen lifted the glass, staring at the golden liquid. "I've heard a lot about your father."
Ray quietly sipped his juice.
"They say he's involved in illegal businesses. Dirty work."
Still, Ray showed no reaction.
Then Helen leaned in slightly. "And your mother…"
The moment that word left her mouth, everything changed.
A terrifying pressure exploded from Ray's body. The atmosphere in the bar instantly turned heavy, almost suffocating. Helen's face went pale as she felt it—this wasn't a child sitting in front of her, but something far more dangerous, like a predator that could tear anything apart without hesitation.
Everyone in the bar felt it.
Killing intent.
Helen was about to apologize when a bald man with a piercing in his ear stepped forward and placed a hand on Ray's shoulder. "Don't you feel ashamed? Threatening such a beautiful lady?"
Helen tried to speak, but he cut her off. "Don't worry, miss. I'll teach this brat a lesson."
He looked at Ray and sneered. "I heard you're from a rich family. Maybe I'll squeeze some money out of your father… and I'd love to see your mother crying."
Mother.
That was enough.
Ray moved.
In an instant, his fist crashed into the man's face with terrifying force, sending him flying into a shelf. Glass bottles shattered everywhere as the impact echoed through the bar.
The man staggered up, clutching his broken nose as blood streamed down his face. "G-Grab him! Kill that brat!"
Several hunters sitting in the corner of bar immediately stood up, drawing swords and daggers.
But before they could even move, Ray was already in front of them.
He struck like lightning—kneeing a thin man in the face, knocking the dagger from his hand. In the same motion, he grabbed the weapon mid-air, smashed it into another man's jaw, and followed it with a brutal kick to the stomach.
The man collapsed instantly.
Ray suddenly sensed movement behind him. Without turning, he reversed his grip and threw the dagger backward. The blade pierced the attacker cleanly.
Silence fell over the bar.
No one dared move.
The waitress whispered, "That… isn't a child."
Helen stood frozen, still watching Ray.
The bald man, now trembling near the broken shelf, stammered, "P-Please… forgive me. It was my mistake."
Ray calmly took out a gold coin from his pocket and placed it beside his juice. Then he looked at him and said, "If I ever see you again, you won't even recognize your own face."
His voice was calm.
But that calmness was far more terrifying than rage.
Ray turned and walked toward the exit.
Just as he reached the door, Helen's voice came from behind him. "I'm sorry… this all started because of me."
Ray stopped for a moment.
But he didn't turn around.
And without saying a single word, he left the bar.