Kill to evolve: A system that demands blood

Chapter 16

The boss didn't bother pretending anymore—his usual smugness had drained from his face. What was left was a man who understood, without a doubt, that he was standing in front of a predator.

But Ronan wasn't interested in his fear.

"You said you aren't at the top," Ronan said, voice dangerously low. "That my son was never here." He took a slow step forward, looming over the man. "So tell me—why the hell did you set this up?"

The boss hesitated. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face.

Then, finally, he exhaled. "Because we needed to see for ourselves."

"See what?"

"If you were worth the trouble."

Ronan's fingers twitched, but he forced himself to stay still. "Elaborate. Now."

The boss swallowed. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tightening against the armrests. "System users don't just appear at random, Vale. The government, the syndicates, even underground organizations—everyone has been watching, waiting. Because we know one thing for certain." His lips curled into something almost bitter. "The system never gives power freely."

Ronan didn't speak, but his mind was already running through possibilities.