Tokyo – 8:45 PM
Ashen narrowed his eyes as he walked through the dimly lit streets.
Ashen (thinking): Someone's following me… An old man?
He suddenly turned around.
Ashen: "Hey, old man! I know you're following me. Show yourself."
The old man stepped forward slowly, his gaze sharp despite the wrinkles on his face.
Old Man: "I finally found you… kid."
Ashen: "Who are you? And why are you following me?"
Old Man: "Let's go to your home first. There's something I need to tell you—something about the organization you've been chasing."
Ashen's eyes narrowed even more.
Ashen: "How do you know about that?"
Old Man: "I'll explain everything at your place. We have a lot to discuss."
Ashen (thinking): This old man knows something. His eyes… they tell me he's not bluffing.
Ashen: "Fine. Let's go."
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Ashen's Apartment – 8:50 PM
They sat across from each other at the table. Ashen handed the old man a cup of tea.
Ashen: "Let's get to the point. What do you know about that organization? And why were you looking for me?"
The old man gently set the cup down before speaking.
Old Man: "I suppose introductions come first. My name is Elder Suryong. I used to be one of the Elders in that very organization you're after. But now… I'm a traitor."
Ashen's eyes sharpened.
Ashen: "So, why did you betray them? What made you turn?"
Elder Suryong: "Because of the new leader. Because of the way things changed after he rose to power."
Ashen: "Who is this new leader?"
Elder Suryong: "I'll answer that later. But understand this—I won't reveal everything. I won't expose the identities of the current members. And there's a reason for that. I'll explain at the end of this conversation."
Ashen: "...Fine. Then at least tell me what you can. And why were you looking for me?"
Elder Suryong: "Because you're the key, Ashen. You're capable. You're high-profile. You might not admit it, but I've seen enough to know."
Ashen: "I'm not high-profile. You've got the wrong idea."
Elder Suryong: "Don't play humble. Look at this badge on my robe. It glows only when I meet someone truly capable."
Ashen fell silent.
Elder Suryong: "Let me tell you a bit about the organization. Everything within it revolves around one principle: Mysteries and Knowledge. It isn't brute force that drives them—it's intellect, strategy, understanding."
Ashen: "So you're telling me, even if I locate a member, I can't just fight and kill them?"
Elder Suryong: "Exactly. That won't work. To even challenge them, you must prove your worth through their game—a deadly game known as Death Toll."
Ashen: "A game?"
Elder Suryong: "Yes. The organization doesn't believe in shedding blood needlessly. Every leader, even the current one, believes that battle should be replaced by intellect. If someone finds them, they must play Death Toll. If they lose… they are executed. If they win… well, not many have."
Ashen: "So, they don't fight—they test your mind?"
Elder Suryong: "Exactly. There are two ranks in the organization: the Ten Elders—though only six remain—and the Seven Heavenly Supremes. Above them all is the leader… the King of Mysteries and Knowledge, also known as the Superior Supreme."
Ashen: "Only six Elders left? Why?"
Elder Suryong: "A century ago, someone infiltrated the organization. He challenged every member to the Death Toll. One by one, he defeated the Seven Heavenly Supremes. He didn't kill them—but then he challenged the former Superior Supreme… and defeated him. That man is the current leader."
Ashen: "Let me guess—he had a different mindset?"
Elder Suryong: "He accepted the challenge willingly. But his goal wasn't balance or peace. His ambition was domination."
Ashen: "So what happened to the Elders?"
Elder Suryong: "Three of us—myself included—refused to accept him. The other three were executed. I managed to escape."
Ashen: "And now?"
Elder Suryong: "Now, I'm hunted. And I know I'm running out of time. That's why I came to you."
Ashen: "You came to tell me all this… why?"
Elder Suryong: "Not just to warn you. I came to give you something more important: A Way."
Ashen's eyes lit up.
Ashen: "A way?"
Elder Suryong: "Yes. A path—one that may lead you to the truth… and to the very heart of the organization."
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