The dawn that followed the shipyard raid brought a golden, brilliant sky over the financial capital. By 9:00 AM, the national news anchors were completely breathless as they announced the total liquidation of the Ghost Syndicate. The city’s massive black-market trade networks were entirely wiped out, leaving The Sovereign Group as the undisputed, single titan controlling ninety percent of the state’s commercial, real estate, and shipping sectors.Inside the grand penthouse boardroom of the Obsidian Tower, the atmosphere was completely different from the chaos of the past week. A massive mahogany table sat under a crystal chandelier, surrounded by the new board directors—all young, brilliant financial experts hand-picked by Leon to replace the corrupt old billionaires he had crushed.Leon sat at the absolute center, wearing a custom-made, midnight-black double-breasted designer suit that fit him like armor. His posture was relaxed, a crystal glass of pure mountain water resting near his hand, his eyes tracking the massive holographic screens displaying the global markets.Buzz.The central system screen flashed a bright, golden notification directly in front of his eyes.[Sovereign Group Combined Asset Valuation: $520,000,000.00][System Update: The Eye of Truth has reached Level 2. Host can now see the political loyalty and hidden financial intentions of international buyers across continental borders.]A wave of supreme, unshakeable confidence settled deep within Leon’s chest. Half a billion dollars in valuation. In less than seven days, the ragged boy who had been left to bleed in the gutter had built a fortress of wealth that no old money clan could ever hope to touch.The heavy doors opened, and Cynthia Murong walked inside, dressed in a stunning white silk business suit. Her usual professional distance was entirely gone, replaced by a deep, intense pride as she set a final gold-embossed ledger in front of him."The national commerce registry has officially updated our status, Leon," Cynthia said, her voice smooth and echoing through the silent boardroom. "The Sovereign Group is now officially classified as a National Tier-1 Conglomerate. Every major shipping route from the northern border to the southern harbor is fully integrated into our digital grid. The banks have officially cleared all our transaction channels."The surrounding directors stood up simultaneously, bowing their heads in absolute, profound respect toward the young man sitting at the throne. "Congratulations, Chairman Leon!"Leon raised his hand slightly, a calm, freezing aura emanating from his figure that instantly silenced the entire room. He didn’t smile; he didn’t gloat. To him, this massive victory was simply the logical conclusion of his work."Thank you, gentlemen," Leon said, his voice deep, clear, and perfectly steady. "But remember this—half a billion dollars is just the beginning of the journey. The old money houses of the Capital fell because they became lazy, hiding behind their ancient names and corrupt fraud. The Sovereign Group will survive because we see what others miss. Keep your eyes sharp, or I will replace you before the next sunset. You may leave.""Yes, Chairman!" the directors responded in unison, their faces filled with a mix of intense loyalty and healthy terror before they quietly exited the boardroom to begin their daily operations.As the heavy doors closed, leaving only Leon and Cynthia in the room, she walked over to the glass window, looking out at the glittering skyline. "You know, Leon... Chloe and Young Master Young were spotted outside our lower gates this morning by the security teams."Leon pulled out a silver fountain pen, signing a multi-million dollar expansion deed without even looking up. "And what were they doing?""They were begging the front-desk managers just to let them submit a resume for a basic cleaning job," Cynthia said, a cold needle of a smile escaping her lips. "Young Master Young’s family assets have been completely seized by the banks, and Chloe’s family threw her out onto the streets after they lost their retail licenses. They are completely destitute. They don’t even have money for a proper meal."Leon capped his pen with a soft, sharp click. He stood up slowly, walking over to stand right next to Cynthia at the massive window. He looked down at the tiny, ant-like figures moving in the streets below. There was no anger left in his soul, no desire for cheap petty fights—only the absolute, crushing indifference of a king looking down at dust."Let them clean," Leon said flatly, his voice smooth and unbothered. "The mud suits them perfectly. Let them spend the rest of their lives looking up at the tower they could never climb. Give them the minimum wage cleaning slots if they beg enough. It will remind them of where they belong."Cynthia turned her head, her beautiful eyes locking onto Leon’s profile. She had spent her entire life surrounded by the most powerful heirs and brilliant tycoons of high society, but none of them possessed the terrifying, magnificent vision of the man standing beside her. He had redefined the meaning of power in this city."So, Chairman," Cynthia smiled, a soft, rare warmth entering her voice as she raised her glass toward him. "Where do those eyes of yours want to look next? The local market is completely under your thumb."Leon picked up his glass, his eyes flashing with a brilliant, dark intensity as he looked past the city borders, toward the massive international markets across the ocean."The country is already ours, Cynthia," Leon whispered, his voice sending a thrilling shiver straight through her soul. "Tomorrow, we go take the rest of the world. Call the international trade division. The game has just expanded."
Chapter 10: The Sovereign Ascendant
The God-Level Appraiser: I Can See The Price of Everything!