Nestled against the steep slopes of towering mountains, a young man, appearing to be 25, stood encircled by several figures in the central courtyard of a large building.

His gaze was piercing as he eyed the eight individuals surrounding him, some of whom bore cuts on their arms and legs from the dagger clutched in the youth's hand.

"Hatt...!" a shout erupted from the assailant to his right, who lunged to attack the young man's waist.

Clack..

The youth's elbow clashed with the shin of the advancing attacker, resulting in a sharp noise from the forceful impact.

Both retreated to their original positions, the dagger nearly slipping from the young man's grasp. Yet, through sheer tenacity, he managed to fend off the recent assault.

"Alda, your defense just now was quite sound! You've improved significantly since the previous days," said the attacker, grinning broadly.

Though his words seemed complimentary, the sneer on his face revealed a cruel pleasure in the bloody spectacle.

Despite the wound on his shoulder, he paid it no heed.

"What's the point of my rigorous training if I can't withstand an attack that I've seen time and again?" retorted the youth called by the name Alda.

He was Alda Button, the prodigious offspring of the Button family from the capital city! Exiled here, his identity concealed from the outside world.

Alda had spent a decade at this remote academy, honing his martial arts skills so that he might survive in the secular world with the strength he possessed.

"Enough, all of you rest!" declared an elderly voice, emanating from the doorway of the large building.

"Understood, master...!" they all responded, including Alda.

They were all disciples of this secluded academy, and although Alda was the youngest, his strength surpassed that of the other seven.

Thus, Alda alone faced the eight seniors, but he was still able to match their combined force.

If only one of them were to descend to the secular world, they could easily confront ten special forces soldiers or fight against 15 to 20 street gangsters.

Nevertheless, it was remarkable that Alda could hold his own against all eight simultaneously, using a great deal of energy.

The nine immediately ascended to the large structure where the still vigorous old man had emerged.

Each took their place around the old man quickly and respectfully seated themselves.

"You have all resided here for 10 years, some even for 15. It is time for you to return to your respective families," the old man stated unexpectedly.

"Master, I will not descend the mountain; I wish to continue learning the martial arts with you!" one of them declared.

"I too have no desire to leave now; I want to keep learning!" another exclaimed.

In the end, five chose to stay and continue their learning, while Alda and three others decided to descend the mountain, longing to return to their families.

The five staying had their own reasons, some with no family to return to, and they owed their lives to their master, wishing to remain with him.

Among them, identities were unknown; with no surnames recognized, only given names were familiar.

Even Alda Button's past was a mystery to his seniors, who knew him only by his nickname.

But their connections ran deep, akin to a family, having known each other for over a decade.

Their days spent sleeping, training, hunting, and eating together had forged a close-knit bond between the nine secluded pupils.

"Are you certain you wish to stay here?" the old man asked, suggesting he was about to retreat into solitude once more.

"Yes, master, we will remain for some time longer!" affirmed those who had chosen to stay.

"And what of the rest of you?" he inquired of the four, including Alda.

"We will go home, master. Thank you for guiding us," Alda responded first.

"Yes, we yearn for the life outside!" Riko said eagerly.

Riko, barely three years Alda's senior, hailed from a distant village where he endured a harsh upbringing.

It was Riko who had nearly caused Alda to drop his dagger during their combat, his demeanor as stern and formidable as special forces of a great nation, his stature tall and commanding.

The remaining two shared Riko's sentiments, eager to return to their secular origins.

"Well then, those of you descending the mountain, pack your belongings and depart tomorrow morning," the elder directed.

He closed his eyes, reflecting deeply before imparting one more piece of wisdom.

"Given your substantial strength, use it righteously!" he advised.

He then rose, turned, and re-entered the grand edifice from which he had first emerged.

The nine exchanged glances, smiles blossomed, and warm hugs were exchanged.

Those leaving shared the names of their hometowns, revealing their origins to the others.

Knowledge of these places remained quiet until now, indicating their readiness to leave. Eventually, the remaining five would also depart.

The four bound for the descent began to pack with what little they had, while the others sought to clean themselves and tend to minor wounds.

Silence reclaimed the courtyard of the secluded academy, the whispering wind resuming its dance along the mountain slopes.

Alda, having retired to his room, opened his wardrobe and pulled out a drawer.

Inside, he found an antiquated phone, which he promptly activated. The old device, despite its age, exuded elegance.

He dialed the one unique number stored in it with practiced ease.

Shortly thereafter, Alda typed a brief message: 'I will emerge from hiding tomorrow.' That was all he wrote.

In the City of Katao.

On the outskirts of Katao, the densely populated capital of the state of Trukotan dominated by skyscrapers, there lies a grand residence belonging to the Button family. They chose the city's periphery for its fresh atmosphere, far removed from the urban congestion of the downtown core.

The Button household is arguably the foremost family in Katao, though there are three other families of comparable stature. These families represent the high society's elite.

These four families collectively wield control over the city's economic reins, but it is the Button lineage that holds sway over three critical aspects of the capital's power dynamic.

This influential family dominates the corporate industry, governmental affairs, and a slice of the underground strength.

At the expansive Button family estate.

In a rear house, there is a large office where the patriarch works. Seated is a middle-aged man dressed impeccably, a trusted confidante of the esteemed Mr. Button.

He is absorbed in his duties which are relentless and substantial each day.

This is Haris, a loyal servant of Mr. Button for over three decades, dedicated to the Button lineage.

As he busies himself, his phone vibrates in his pocket with a distinct ringtone! It's a sound he has anticipated for years, and upon hearing it, he jolts in surprise.

Swiftly securing his phone, he then reads a terse message.

'I will come out of hiding tomorrow.' The words shaken him to the core, as their import leaves him trembling.

He hastens to a special room nearby, the secretive sanctuary of Mr. Button's retreat.

Upon reaching the imposing entrance, Haris hesitates, but the gravity of the message empowers him to knock gently.

"Sir, it's Haris—I have something of grave importance to convey!" he announces nervously.

No response; he repeats the plea, imploring entry due to the pressing nature of the news.

"Enter...!" At last, a deep, permitting voice sounds from within.

Mr. Button is pensive, eyes closed, reclining in a rocking chair. Upon Haris entering, the calming scent of aromatherapy floods his senses.

Yet, his purpose here is not for tranquility, he bows immediately.

"Forgive the intrusion, sir!" Haris stammers.

"Deliver the news you bear..." Mr. Button commands once more.

"Sir, I received a message from the young master that he will emerge from his seclusion tomorrow!" asserts Haris swiftly.

Thump...!

Mr. Button's shock is palpable.

His eyes, previously closed, now snap open revealing a sharp, decisive glint.

This moment, long-awaited after over a decade without a trace of Alda.

With ardent relief, he learns of the coming news amidst the current chaos engulfing the Button household.

"Are you certain, Haris?" Mr. Button inquires for reassurance, maintaining composure despite his emotional turmoil.

"Absolutely, sir. The message was explicitly conveyed by the young master," assures Haris promptly.

"What exactly did he say?" inquires Mr. Button, eager to grasp the precise words his grandson conveyed to his trusted aide.

"He stated simply that he would leave his seclusion tomorrow; no more was said!" replies Haris.

"Well then, let him return to the Button residence as he pleases! Should he choose not to now, it's no concern. He surely still possesses the credit card I furnished him with, so merely ensure you stay alert for further updates." Mr. Button advises.

Despite the Button family's current troubles, Mr. Button maintains control. Yet, without an official heir, complexities abound—due to rival branches aggressively expanding their power in business and the underground.

Therefore, Mr. Button keeps a vigilant watch over these branch families.

"As you wish, sir!" Haris responds, then takes his leave.

Mr. Button speaks thus, knowing his grandson has no desire for a welcoming party upon his return to the Button estate. That much is clear from Alda's brief message to his confidant.

Alda merely intimates his impending descent from the mountain, signaling his availability should urgent assistance be required.

A smile graces the corner of Mr. Button's mouth.

*

The night passes in silence over the southern mountain slopes of Trukotan—a region renowned for lofty peaks and extreme seasonal weather changes, an ideal secret martial arts monastery location.

Come morning, Alda, who usually trains martial arts with his senior fellow disciples, breaks routine.

He's packing, set to descend the mountain with three senior companions: Riko Setiadi, Dion Narendra, and Tama Aditya.

Each hails from different families within the nation, yet remain unaware of one another's lineage.

Emerging from their rooms, they converge in the central courtyard facing their mentor's abode.

A venerable man in a white robe stands unaffected by the biting cold morning air.

His four apprentices draw his focused scrutiny.

"Commence real life now! Existence in such seclusion holds little merit for youths like yourselves!" the elder man advises.

His life, replete with bitter and sweet, informs his counsel.

"I impart no provisions nor further guidance. That is all I can offer," he adds, then turns to leave before any response comes.

The four exchange glances, silent agreement conveyed, heads nod in unison.

Together, they charge towards the main gate, hefty rucksacks on their backs, and swiftly descend the mountain's path beyond the grand portal.

Watching from the gate's top are five other youths.

"We'll feel their absence keenly!" one laments.

"Don't be foolish; reunions lie ahead! We need only venture down the mountain," retorts another.

"You're right; time will bring us all together again," the eldest among them concurs, his smile wide and knowing.

A day passed swiftly, and after a day and night journeying down the mountain and traversing dense forests, Alda and the others had now entered a small rural area on the extreme southern border of the nation of Trukotan.

On the outskirts of Emerald City, four individuals emerged from the secluded forest path—Alda, Riko, Dion, and Tama.

"Welcome to my hometown, friends!" Riko exclaimed out of the blue.

He sported a bright smile, nostalgic for his long-abandoned home village, Emerald City.

Emerald City lies at the utmost southern point, beyond which there is only dense forest and mountain ranges followed by precipitous cliffs that seem endless! And then there's the border of Trukotan with the great desert country of Drakoni, constantly embroiled in extended warfare.

Yet, due to the daunting cliffs and craggy hills, Trukotan remains untouched by the perpetual conflict.

"Senior, you're from this city? May we all visit your family's home?" Alda responded.

"That's exactly what I mean. I informed you this is my hometown so you'd visit the Setiadi family!" Riko replied without hesitation.

"Alright, we agree..." Tama responded.

"Yes," Dion spoke shortly, his reply brief.

Despite Tama being older than Dion, Dion's reserved nature often made him appear the eldest, a trait inherited from his family's notoriety in the mafia underworld.

Dion grew up terse in speech and fluent in physical confrontations, believing actions spoke louder and less complicatedly than words.

"Where to next after this?" Alda inquired of Riko.

"Eastward, to the Setiadi family residence, situated near the eastern hills of Emerald City!"

Riko then stepped to the forefront, leading the group towards the city center before taking a bus eastward.

Considering Emerald City's vastness, a day and night's walk was required, similar to their descent from the mountain, making public transport the prudent choice.

"Shall we head straight east, or should we find a hotel for a temporary stay?" Tama asked Riko.

"Are you already tired, Tama?" Riko taunted jokingly, belittling Tama's stamina.

"Damn, are you mocking me? My question was so we could all feel refreshed upon arrival, as we could shower and change at the hotel!" Tama attempted to clarify.

Truthfully, he wasn't fatigued, as their robust physical conditioning from the remote martial arts school meant a day and night of walking without rest hadn't taxed them.

"Tama is right; we should freshen up before visiting Riko's family," Alda endorsed Tama's suggestion.

"Fine, we'll look for a city center hotel, then head to my place tomorrow!" Riko finally agreed.

As per usual, Dion remained indifferent and simply followed whatever was proposed.

Chatting, the group continued their journey into the heart of Emerald City.

Downtown Emerald City.

The bustle was evident, with numerous cars zipping along the road, shops and towering buildings lining the streets.

However, the hubbub paled in comparison to the capital, rendering Alda and Diao unfazed as usual.

In contrast, both Tama and Riko were astonished.

"Damn, this place has changed drastically from 12 years ago..!" Riko grumbled.

"I never envisioned Emerald City growing so magnificent!" Tama marveled.

Though hailing from wealth, his hometown paled in comparison. He was also surprised, having visited this city several times prior.

"Of course, even five years can bring significant development to any city, let alone this magnitude!" Alda chimed in.

They eventually arrived at the five-star Mercure Hotel, grand and imposing with its 70 stories.

Riko entered first, the rest trailing behind.

Despite their neat appearance, their attire seemed outdated.

Their branded clothes had worn thin and held a bygone style, drawing public attention upon entry.

Disturbed by the gawking passersby, Riko approached the hotel's reception, only to be interrupted by derisive gazes from a handsome young man and his beautiful companion.

"What are you staring at? Do we amuse you as some sort of jesters?" Riko snapped loudly, freezing the onlookers in their tracks, especially the couple who'd viewed them with disdain.

Their returned scornful looks were clear; they were not intimidated, being of prominent status in Emerald City.

"Hey, why are you raising your voice? Are you hard of hearing?" the young man asked, looking down on him.

Alda only smiled covertly, mentally noting, 'This kid's in trouble.'

He knew Riko's hot temper and poor skills in dealing with strangers.

A confrontation seemed inevitable, hence Alda's conclusion that the young man was heading for trouble.

"To hell with you!" Riko retorted sharply.

"Hey, haven't you heard of mirrors? Your old-fashioned attire is laughable—are you fresh from some ancient relic?" the girl scoffed with a condescending grin.

"Darling, you're too clever! I was just about to say the same thing." the handsome youth supported her, their romantic unity evident, basking in their prior evening's affections, still high on love, encountering people they deemed clowns, fueling their habitual disdain for the less fortunate.

Slap!

The sound of a swift strike reverberated. Riko advanced on the young man and delivered a casual yet forceful blow, knocking him down and sliding two meters across the floor.

"You dare attack my boyfriend?" the woman shrieked.

"Security, help! Where's security?" she screamed again.

Meanwhile, her boyfriend lay crumpled on the floor, whimpering in pain, his vision blurred from the impact.

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