Avalon Group's First Shockwave
The atmosphere in the Runcandel mansion was… strange.
Not tense.
Not hostile.
Just the kind of strange you get when too many dangerous and beautiful people stand politely in your living room.
Alex stood at the front like a responsible heir.
"Mom, Dad, Grandpa—these are the executives of my company, Avalon Group."
Introductions began.
Formal Greetings (Mostly)
Ningguang stepped forward first, posture flawless.
"An honor to meet the Runcandel family."
Evelyn's eyes sparkled immediately.
Elegant. Sharp. CEO material.
She nodded approvingly.
"Good eyes. Good posture. You manage money, don't you?"
Ningguang smiled.
"Among other things."
Evelyn liked her instantly.
Raiden Shogun followed.
"I am responsible for operations and internal order."
Selene blinked.
"…She feels like a walking disaster."
Darius muttered, impressed,
"That one could conquer a kingdom."
Raiden simply nodded.
"…If required."
Gamma bowed politely.
"I handle security, intelligence, and risk elimination."
Victor whispered,
"…Why does she sound scarier than an assassin?"
Zeta, standing behind Alex, replied calmly,
"Because she is."
Victor: "Oh."
Bayonetta waved cheerfully.
"Secretary and assistant~"
Chris froze.
"…She's flirting."
Grayfia narrowed her eyes.
"…She's definitely flirting."
Bayonetta winked at Alex.
Alex ignored it. (Like a professional.)
Zeta spoke last.
"Bodyguard. Assassin."
Chisato nodded seriously.
"Good."
No one questioned it.
Evelyn's Verdict
After observing everyone, Evelyn clapped her hands once.
"These people are capable."
Then she turned to Alex with a proud smile.
"You're lucky, Alex. Very lucky."
Alex replied honestly,
"They're the lucky ones."
Bayonetta laughed softly.
"Dangerous words, darling."
Avalon Group's Plan
Alex handed over the Avalon Group proposal.
Evelyn read carefully.
The room was silent.
Minutes passed.
Finally—
"This plan," Evelyn said, closing the file,
"is excellent."
Alex nodded.
"Gamma, Ningguang, and Raiden designed it."
Evelyn looked genuinely pleased.
"You finally learned something important."
Alex blinked.
"…What?"
"How to trust capable people."
That hit harder than expected.
The Bombshell
Alex turned to his mother.
"Mom, I want to send people to a D-rank dungeon for mining."
Evelyn tilted her head.
"I already did. Two days ago."
Alex froze.
"…What?"
Then Evelyn casually added:
"The dungeon's estimated output is around 100 billion in evolution stones."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Family Reaction
Victor:
"…Did she say billion?"
Darius:
"…With a B."
Selene sat down slowly.
"Our son just gifted us a nation's worth of resources."
Chisato stared at Alex.
"…You did this?"
Chris covered her mouth.
"…Alex, that's insane."
Grayfia smiled calmly, but her eyes were sharp.
"As expected of you."
Alex scratched his cheek.
"I thought it'd be useful."
The Final Blow
Evelyn smiled sweetly at the room.
"This is Alex's gift to the family."
Everyone looked at him.
Alex sighed internally.
Great. Now I look like a monster.
Bayonetta leaned close and whispered,
"Too late, darling. You already are."
Zeta nodded.
"A rich one."
Gamma smiled faintly.
"A powerful one."
Ningguang adjusted her glove.
"And soon… an untouchable one."
Raiden concluded calmly:
"Avalon Group will shake the world."
Somewhere far away—
Leon Ashford sneezed.
He had no idea why.
And the world had no idea what was coming.