As the CEO of Skybound Group, Darius had noticed this counterfeit ring long ago. They weren't just making fake money—they were also tied to large-scale theft. Multiple empires across Chaules had issued warrants for them, yet they remained at large thanks to their cunning and formidable armed strength. What he hadn't expected was for them to target his territory. "How's the counterfeit flow in other regions?" "Mainly the east and Astralis. The rest seem tightly controlled, with very little fake currency in circulation," Carl replied. After following Darius for years, he was used to digging deep into every detail. That was his role as Darius's personal Beta. Darius tapped his thigh rhythmically. "What's the Hawthornes' recent move?" "They've been causing trouble nonstop, intentionally suppressing our eastern branches. With the counterfeit issue creating small asset swings, they're using the chaos to push harder," Carl said, irritation slipping into his voice. In his view, the Blackwoods' wealth was beyond imagination. What outsiders saw was just the surface. Even with minor losses, they were still among the richest families on the continent. The Hawthornes trying to take them down was basically suicide. Darius's eyes turned cold. "Keep a close watch on Elliott. Prioritize checking whether he's linked to the counterfeit ring." Carl snapped to attention. "Yes, sir!" Though Yereah hadn't paid much attention to those affairs, he immediately understood Darius suspected the Hawthornes were either working with the counterfeiters or directly involved. Darius fell into thought. It wouldn't be long before Blue Star Military Academy started assigning missions. "Carl, draft formal letters under my name to the Lycan Kings of all major empires in Chaules.""Yes, Mr. Blackwood," Carl replied with a respectful nod. As Carl finished his report, Yereah also removed the monitoring equipment from Darius's head. "All set. You're stable," Yereah said while packing up. "Same as before. Unless your will wavers, or you actively tap into his power, he'll stay asleep." "How long will that hold?" Darius asked. "One year," Yereah replied after a pause, his tone more serious. "That's my limit. If something triggers him or his urge to break free spikes, I can't guarantee anything. Like last time, he broke free, knocked me out, and insisted on going to Blue Star Military Academy to find Thora." Darius nodded. "Understood." Yereah sighed quietly, packed up his things, and left. Carl followed right after, seeing Yereah out and handling the letters Darius had ordered. The office was left with Darius alone.He raised his right hand, and black energy instantly wrapped around his wrist. When he lifted his left, white energy—its complete opposite—spiraled around it. Suddenly, the black energy surged violently. Darius's eyes sharpened as he forcefully suppressed it, drawing the power back in as the pressure in the room dropped. After a brief pause, he steadied himself, activated the communicator, and contacted the army. "This is Darius. I want an update on Felix." A minute later, his lips curved slightly, his tone firm. "Good. Start special training for Felix. This year's Blue Star Military Academy recruitment is approaching." After Thora left Astralis, Felix followed and enlisted in the army. Coming from a military family, he should have entered as an officer. But for unknown reasons, his promotion reviews kept running into problems, and he ended up enlisting as a regular soldier. Six months ago, relying purely on skill, Felix was selected into a newly formed subordinate unit of the Wolffang Unit and barely reached the rank of sergeant. That made him the lowest-ranked second-generation military heir among elite families. Felix often suspected someone was holding him back behind the scenes. His main suspect? His so-called "brother-in-law," Darius. But even if he guessed the truth, there was nothing he could do. So he threw himself into training and combat for one goal—earning a place in this year's Blue Star Military Academy intake. As long as he got in, he'd be able to see his sister again. At that thought, Felix felt his entire body surge with motivation.