The next morning, bright sunlight streamed through the window.Vega had just gotten out of bed when two maids, identical twins with long black hair reaching their waists, curvy figures, and around twenty years old, gently pushed open the door and entered.
They looked sweet in their classic black-and-white maid uniforms, their black stockings emphasizing their snow-white skin, making them appear even more radiant.
The two maids stepped lightly across the floor covered with precious carpets and softly called out, "Master, we've come to serve you."
Without hesitation, they moved forward, ready to help him change clothes with their own hands.
Vega froze for a moment before waving his hand to stop them. Frowning, he asked, "Who are you? How did you get here?"
He didn't suspect anything was wrong with the twins themselves but wanted to know who had arranged this.
The twins responded softly and respectfully, "Master, it was Lord Ke Luoke who sent us to serve you."
"Lord Ke Luoke said that you cannot be without servants. Your status is noble—how could you live without help? So for now, we were arranged to assist with your daily life."
Vega nodded thoughtfully. If anyone could make such an arrangement, it would be this cautious and thoughtful man, Ke Luoke. Although Vega didn't like others making decisions for him, seeing the twins, he didn't bother to call or question further.
"Well, I'm not really comfortable being served like this," Vega said as the twins finished answering and prepared to help him dress.
He stopped them again and said casually, "Alright, you two go prepare breakfast for me."
He wasn't used to such close contact with strangers.
The twins' big bright eyes looked a little hesitant. One said, "But... we're here to serve you, Master!"
Vega waved his hand again, expression serious. "I have my own rules. If you're going to serve me, you have to follow them."
He glanced at them firmly. "I don't want to stay with people who don't obey."
"Yes, Master," the twins bowed their heads respectfully and agreed before going out to prepare breakfast.
After watching them leave, Vega recalled the system and wondered how many experience points he had earned the previous night.
But to his surprise, aside from the points gained during the conference, the actions of Ke Luoke sending the Black Shadow Warrior to wipe out the small gang alliance didn't increase his experience points at all.
Vega frowned, puzzled.
Could it be that Ke Luoke had ordered the Shadow Warrior not to act? That seemed impossible—no one would disobey his orders.
Yet the system's experience points hadn't increased even a little.
He began to suspect there were special conditions for gaining experience points.
Previously, when the Shadow Warrior killed enemies, he earned points. But now, the only difference was that he hadn't been nearby when the kills happened.
Maybe the system required the user to be within a certain distance to gain experience.
If so, in future battles, he'd have to be up front and charging ahead.
Originally, Vega had planned to send the Shadow Warriors after dangerous criminals, letting them do the fighting while he stayed safe and collected experience points.
He'd even considered giving others the right to use some powerful artifacts, letting the Shadow Warriors team up with those people to hunt tough targets.
But with this distance limit, his plan was ruined.
"It looks like I'll have to come up with a new plan."
After breakfast, Vega learned that Korok had gone out with all his men the previous night and managed to take down most of the major factions in the small gang alliance.
Due to the alliance's size and disorderly structure, it wasn't until morning that Ke Luoke completed the mission.
Though tired, Ke Luoke hurried over as soon as he heard Vega had questions.
"Young Lord, nearly all of the small gang alliance has been wiped out. Only some low-level members remain, but those can be cleaned up later." Ke Luoke spoke quietly.
After a moment's thought, Vega shook his head. "Don't waste time on those small fry. Focus on eliminating the cadres and high-ranking members."
"Our Pengellet family doesn't have many people now. We should selectively recruit some of the outstanding ones."
He added cautiously, "It's better to have fewer good people than to bring in the wrong ones. Look closely at their character before accepting anyone."
Ke Luoke nodded in understanding.
Then he reported the operation's gains: several casinos, over a dozen bars, and some clubs had been absorbed into the Pengellet family, along with more than a billion rings in cash.
Vega sipped his coffee as he listened until Ke Luoke finished.
Tapping the table, Vega waited for Ke Luoke's attention and said, "Don't mention these minor matters again in the future."
"Yesterday, I asked you to track down Jack's old associates. Any important news?"
Ke Luoke's face grew a bit embarrassed. "Young Lord, although I sent some people to follow them, all we know is that Jack and his group went to a remote club. But the club is heavily guarded—my men couldn't get in."
"All we saw was that they stayed inside for over two hours, then came out smiling and drunk, like they were celebrating something."
A sneer crossed Vega's face. "Seems like Jack and his people are already making moves behind the scenes. They must have received some good news."
Ke Luoke looked surprised. "You mean... they're preparing to oppose the Pengellets?"
"Of course."
"Yesterday, I forced them down—turned those high-ranking city councillors into subordinates who must obey me."
Vega continued, "Normally, people would be resentful after being subdued. But now, they're strangely happy after just a couple of hours."
"The only explanation is that Jack and the councillors have joined forces."
Vega rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "A few of them together can't take on the Pengellet family. They must have allied with a powerful force."
"And any force willing to team up with them must have grievances against us. No one fights us without reason."
"I also mentioned yesterday that I want to wipe out the drug trade in Nacro City, which belongs to the Ten Old Men."
"So tell me, which city councillors are likely connected to them?" Vega took a sip of coffee.
Ke Luoke blurted out, "The Ten Old Men."
"Exactly." Vega chuckled. "So prepare yourselves. The Ten Old Men will be sending people soon."
"You need to investigate which of the Ten Old Men we offended with our business. Focus on gathering intelligence on them."
"Also, keep a close eye on Jack's councillors, and see if any of our own people are fit to become city councillors."
"Yes, Young Lord." Ke Luoke immediately understood the implications.