The Shadow Mercenary Guild was one of the most powerful and feared secret organizations in the world. Everyone in the underground knew that their limit was the walls of the Shadow Mercenary Guild. They specialized in training assassins, battle warriors, IT maniacs or hackers, and even weaponeers.
Their base was located in a secluded area in the Amazon forest where normal people couldn't reach.
"What am I doing here?" Bradley asked the general or whatever with a frown on his face.
"Follow me to my office." After saying that, the man turned and walked away.
Bradley, who had no option, followed the man.
One of the things Bradley didn't like was what was happening. Thus, being in the center of attention.
The ladies couldn't get enough of Bradley's handsomeness and refined physique. As for the guys, they couldn't hide their envious eyes because of how the ladies were reacting to Bradley.
On their way to the general's office, Bradley couldn't help but praise those who built this organization. The buildings and technology over here were more advanced than those out there.
"Sit down!" The man said after they reached his office. Bradley sat down and took time to observe his surroundings. He was startled when his gaze came to a stop on a picture.
"You're surprised why I'm having your father's pictures in his young age here, right?
Bradley nodded to the man
"Jacob was once a student here. He was a prodigy who had no one in our generation to be his rival. If it wasn't for his love for money, he would have been the one sitting on this chair as the patron of this guild." He explained.
"Wow. It seems there are a lot of things hidden from me. By the way, what is this institution for?" Bradley asked.
The patron smiled and nodded.
"Indeed, there are a lot of things hidden from you. Do you even know the five Grand Martial Families in this world?"
"The five Grand Martial Families?" Bradley asked back.
"The five Grand Martial families are the major rulers of the underground world.
With the underground world being a place for cultivators, agents that can regulate it and maintain order are needed so that mortals wouldn't be affected and they wouldn't know that cultivation is real. And that's where we come in. The five families came together to establish this guild to train not only our members but also people with good aptitude and talent to maintain order in this world and also to protect it."
After listening to the patron's speech, it was then that he realized that he was a frog in a well. He thought being the richest youngster in the world was something he could always be proud of. But being so ignored about what was going on in this world was something he never wished for.
"Who are the five Grand Martial Families?"
"The strongest and the most powerful among the five families is the Lane Family, which rules the United States."
"Wait. What do you mean by saying my family is ruling America? Do you know you can be prosecuted for that?" He asked out of confusion.
"Hahaha!! Although the president is seen to be the ruler but behind the scenes, the real ruler is your family. The president will bow and pay respect to your father when he meets him in private. If your families want America to go to war, they will just need a word to do that."
The patron said to Bradley.
[It's true, Bradley. Your family is really powerful, not only in this realm but also in the realms above.] Leonora, who hadn't spoken for a long time, said.
"It seems I have a lot of homework to do." Said Bradley.
"Okay, what about the other four families?" Since his interest in the five families had grown, he couldn't help but ask.
"The second is the Windsor Family in the United Kingdom. They are the royal family of the kingdom and also its sole ruler.
The next is the Romanov family."
"Isn't the rule of the Romanov family..."
"Yes, I know what you want to say, but there a lot of this hidden from the world you don't know." Bradley nodded to the patron.
"Now the fourth on the list is the House of Saud. The royal family of Saudi Arabia. Last but not least is the Zhong family in China. Each family holds the power to turn the universe upside down with their hidden powers.
People might think that these families are just rich and popular, but they are more than they can ever think of." The patron looked at the shocked gentleman in front of him and said.
Bradley didn't like the feeling of ignorance, so he marked it in his mind that he would learn more about this world.
"By the way, let's get back to the reason for you being here today. Your grandfather, who was once a patron of this guild, tasked me to ensure that you go through all the programs we run here and shouldn't allow you to step out of here until you become at least a Peak Stage Level 3 Body Refiner and pass all tasks assigned to you.
He also told me not to allow you to enjoy any privilege because of being a Lane. You are to be treated like how other recruits and newbies are treated. I hope you will be able to cope with your grandfather's arrangement me?"
Bradley, who couldn't force himself to smile, nodded.
"One more thing, your identity as the heir of the Lane Empire shouldn't be known by others. Hide your identity, for there are other members of the five Grand Martial Families here who think with their identities, they can they can always win and have the right to be arrogant. That mentality is harming them because they can't focus much on training but on fame and popularity. Now take this key. It is the key to your closet and the place where you will sleep."
Bradley took it and left.
"The five Grand Martial Families? It seems this place is going to be interesting.