Hugo was half asleep when Thora's report came in, and he jumped right out of bed in excitement. After hanging up, he grabbed his uniform and ran two laps around the training field before he finally calmed down. This was the Wolffang Unit's first real battle. It was their very first mission from the Empire, and it had been rated at 4S level difficulty. Such a high-level task, and the Wolffang Unit had completed it perfectly. This was not just the flawless answer sheet Thora had given him, but also the confidence he could now offer the Empire. It felt like watching a child he had raised finally stand on their own, and the pride was impossible to put into words. He stood there with his hands on his hips, breathing hard. He was already planning how to report this glory at tomorrow's Astralis Empire Congress meeting. Of course, Thora had no idea how excited Hugo was. As soon as she hung up, she led the Wolffang Unit straight to their next training site. Aside from missions, their special training never stopped. She did not have much time left and had to return to the Astralis Empire before she turned 18. She already knew all the entrance requirements of the Blue Star Military Academy. Getting in herself would be easy, but the other nine still needed more training. On top of that, problems back home had to be dealt with soon. Laurel's injury had exposed her, and the forces behind it would surely make a move by the time Thora went back to the country. Meanwhile, at the main house belonging to the Ciphers of Ironblade Pack, Novaland.Dorian stared at the man in front of him, who wore half of a silver mask. The man was dressed in a formal suit, but the wild charm in his bones could not be hidden. "How is it you?" Dorian frowned. Jason tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Is it really that surprising?" Dorian looked at the agreement between them. "You never get involved in arms deals." "That's why I'm here on behalf of the Astralis Empire to discuss a partnership." Jason smiled faintly. "Since when?" Dorian was not questioning his status; he just thought it was overkill for Astralis to send him. "Just now." Dorian was silent for a moment, and then he picked up the agreement to read it carefully. The terms were clear, with no loopholes at all. After signing, he looked up and asked, "What is your relationship with Commander Green?" "I'm afraid that has nothing to do with you, Mr. Cipher." Jason glanced to the side as he spoke. He picked up the agreement, and when he saw Thora's signature, he curled his lips. "Huh. Her handwriting is awful." "I can't believe Astralis dared to send her on this mission. I almost thought she would grab me by the collar and force me to sign." Dorian's voice stayed cold, but there was a hint of teasing at the end. "She's still young and doesn't know better. I hope you'll be patient with her." Jason didn't bother to hide the way he sided with her—there was even a hint of fondness. Dorian lifted his brow slightly. "She injured three of my men, but she is also the only woman I admire." Jason's smile froze at once. But Dorian continued, "She has every perfect quality. She's very strong, with a unique charm that pulls people in like a magnet. I'm curious how you managed to find someone like that." "What you said is true, Mr. Cipher, but I advise you not to think too much about her." Jason's voice turned cold, and a dangerous curve appeared at his lips. "What if I say I will?" "Do you know what happens when you try to poach from Astralis?" Jason's tone dropped to icy cold. Dorian answered calmly, "If you don't try, how would you know if it can't be done?" Alpha pressure instantly surged from Jason, and when he raised his eyes, they were cold as ice. "Mr. Cipher, do you really want to try?" Dorian met his gaze without hurry, adjusted his tie, and softly said, "Maybe." Their eyes locked, and two invisible forces crashed together in the air, leaving the subordinates around them pale and holding their breath. Sensing the pressure growing heavier, Dorian eased off first. "I was just joking. Today, we're only talking about this partnership." Jason withdrew his aura as well, and the smile returned to his lips. "You're right, Mr. Cipher." The subordinates all let out their breath at once, a thin layer of sweat breaking out on their backs. Dorian looked at the man in front of him and suddenly felt that he strangely matched Thora. One believed in pure force and was brilliant in military talent and wild in action. The other was smooth and sharp, his true strength unknown, and able to move easily among every power group. Dorian was truly curious about what kind of relationship these two really had.