Felix locked eyes with the man across the street. After a few silent seconds, the stranger turned around and began walking away, his steps slow and deliberate.

Felix then followed the man without a word—there was no need for conversation. Both men knew exactly what this encounter was about.

They passed through two intersections before the man turned into a narrow alleyway. By the time Felix stepped in, the stranger was already waiting for him.

"Do we know each other?" Felix asked.

The man cracked his neck, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ashton Willis. I came here specifically to find you because... well, there's some information I can't seem to uncover. I need your help."

Ashton Willis? The name did not ring a bell for Felix. He asked, "What makes you think I'd help you?"

Ashton's grin widened. "Simple. Because you're not my equal, and you're not untouchable just because you've reached Grandmaster. There are forces in this world