The atmosphere inside the meeting room was dense and eerie just as the two leaders of Trilled Phantom expected.

Esteemed members of the White Bird Organization littered around the room, doing nothing in particular.

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Thrill Seeker recognize none of them, but Daunting Phantom knew one. Besides being somewhat new in the Underworld—their group was founded just about a year ago, but they had already been roaming around before that—the Elders does not make an appearance in the public that often.

Not wanting to read too much into it but, it's quite flattering to see this number of Elders in one place just for this particular meeting with them—an insignificant, small group.

They heard that some of these Elders are stationed in different districts across the country. To be called just for this meeting must mean that White Bird wasn't half-assing with them.

Their admiration for White Bird grows.

When the door let out a resounding groan, heads automatically snapped in their direction. Their bone-chilling stares behind the holes of intimidating masks did nothing to calm the turmoils assaulting their nerves.

The two leaders had never been in a situation where they've simultaneously faced formidable Demons of this number before. If it was maybe around one or four of them, they wouldn't feel so...threatened.

Moreover, the Elders aren't like the ones they've faced before. Yeah, they've faced and fought some big-shots, but these people are the elite members of one of the Underworld Leaders.

They're f*cking veterans, for crying out loud!

And tossing White Bird with the pile? They stand no chance.

It's flattering, yeah, but also unnerving. Their HP is already reducing just by sheer aura.

The female leader of Thrilled Phantom, Thrill Seeker, find this adrenaline stimulating situation more exciting rather than frightening, to be completely honest.

Her blood was boiling in exhilaration. So many strong people in one place, Thrill Seeker felt the impulse to open her mouth and straight away incite a challenge with any one of them.

As if sensing what his volatile and reckless partner was about to do, Daunting Spirit promptly deterred an impending maelstrom—that could get themselves killed—by pinching her waist.

"Ow!" She hissed quietly and shot him a spiteful look.

"Don't even think about it." He whispered directly to her ear with a warning growl.

Behind her mask, Thrill Seeker's lips pursed and rosy cheeks inflating slightly into a petulant pout for being 'accused'.

"What? I wasn't doing anything."

"Please," He rolled his eyes, "is there a need to lie to me? Knowing you, you're probably about to start a war."

"A war? Now you're being ridiculous, I wouldn't dare ask for something that big. Why do you think so little of me?"

"You still ask?"

"Hmph! You're one to talk, you hypocrite. You're much of a troublemaker as I am."

"Between the two of us, you're by far the worst."

Their little banter hushed down when someone started walking towards them. Daunting Spirit immediately recognized the man.

It was the ninja-man who apprehended him last time and later discovered was also an Elder; Silent Death.

Daunting Spirit acknowledged the man with a nod, to which Silent Death returned.

"Make yourselves comfortable. Boss will arrive shortly." He briefed before going back to where he was standing earlier.

Well, that wasn't very helpful.

Where would they "make themselves comfortable" anyway? None of the Elders are sitting, it would be rude if they just picked a random chair and sat.

Also, the sense of the word 'comfortable' was already beaten just by being inside this room with all of you.

An Xiuling, alias Enyo, the self-designated deputy of the second in command, White Crow, when he's absent, sighed after witnessing Silent Death's curt interaction with their guests.

She should've expected that much from the reserved assassin.

"Hm? Where are you going?" Her boyfriend, Lan Wucheng, alias Red Raven, gently grasped her wrist to stop her from leaving him.

"Where do you think? I can't just leave our guests standing there like sore thumbs. I thought Silent Death would talk to them since I heard he'd interacted with one of them before."

"Really, love? What do you expect from our resident shy-boy? You know he doesn't like being around other people if he can help it."

"Shut up if you aren't helping." Enyo scowled and pulled her hand out of his grasp.

"Hey, hey, wait! Come on, love, I was just teasing." Red Raven whined and jogged after his grumpy girlfriend.

"Why don't you make yourself useful then?"

"What do you want me to do?"

"You do the talking."

"If that's how you want me to redeem myself, fine." Red Raven sighed defeated. "Anything for you. How about a kiss?"

"No." Enyo deadpanned.

"So cruel." He said, clutching his chest as if an arrow pierced it. "How about later?"

"I'll consider it if you did a good job."

"Hm, hold on to your promise, love. I'll do better than good." Red Raven grinned before sauntering towards the duo. "Hey, you two!"

Enyo sighed, reevaluating her decision too late.

Thankfully, the heavens must be on her side when the Red Raven's act of being anything but diplomatic was interrupted by the doors opening behind them.

Finally, the boss has arrived.

"Thrilled Phantom leaders," White Bird stared at the pair with scrutinizing, crimson eyes. "It's a relief to see you didn't run away."

Daunting Spirit turns a deaf ear to her taunting comment. Instead, he lowered his head in greeting. "Thank you for having us, White Bird."

She gave him a single nod before veering her attention on the woman clinging onto his arm.

"And you must be the infamous co-leader I've heard so much about."

"Thrill Seeker," She followed her partner's gesture and greeted White Bird with a polite bow. "All good things, I hope."

There was light sarcasm hanging in her tone. Thankfully, White Bird didn't seem to take offense as she let out a soft, amused scoff.

Although, her dear partner didn't think it was funny. She glared at him from the corner of her eyes and pinched back in retaliation.

"Welcome to our base." She walked past them and headed for the table before stopping and glancing at them over her shoulder. "Do take a seat, we don't bite..."

Unless you do something unpleasant, was left unsaid.

The inkling threat densely hung in the air.

"We'll be here for a while," Lillie gracefully sat down. Leaning back, she crossed her legs. She propped her elbows on the armrest and rested her intertwined hands on her thigh, "depending on your performance."

The Elders took this as their cue to take their place on the round table.

Enyo was kind enough to beckon the two leaders to their seats.

Once everyone has settled down, all eyes across their side of the table are fixated on them.

Their stares were akin to hungry wolves' glowing eyes behind the darkness, waiting for the right moment to pounce on their unsuspecting victims.

"Tell me something, Thrill Seeker," White Bird eyes bore an aloof demeanor as she directed them at the duo. "After committing a capital offense...why shouldn't I kill you from where you are right now?"