Casually setting the suitcase down beside him, Dylan Smith sat across from Brian Clark. Even inside the shop, he had no intention of taking off his sunglasses. Let’s just chalk it up to “trying to look cool.”

Taking the menu handed over by the waiter, his fingers slid constantly over it, switching and selecting dishes one by one on the digital display.

“Hmm, let’s order these for now.”

“Alright, please wait a moment.”

After ordering, Dylan Smith turned to Brian Clark, who was reading the newspaper, and said, “Hey, kid, waiting for your flight?”

Brian Clark looked up, gave a graceful smile, and replied with an air of “I’m very well-mannered”: “Yes, uncle.”

Un... uncle?

This brat actually called the handsome, charming, radiant, and captivating himself “uncle”?! If it were one of his own subordinates, Dylan Smith would have smacked them with his shoe by now. Still, interesting.

From the moment Dylan Smith walked into the shop, Brian Clark had been paying attention to him. Even though he knew nothing about this young man, Brian Clark sensed that he was strong—stronger than anyone he’d met before. As for being called “kid” at seventeen, Brian Clark didn’t get angry, but responded with “uncle.”

Dylan Smith laughed heartily, picked up the glass of wine that had already been served, and downed it in one gulp. “I’m waiting too. Already bought a ticket to the K Star Zone. What about you?”

“So have I.”

“Oh, looks like we’re fated to meet.”

The waitress who brought over the pastries rolled her eyes internally at this. Fated, my ass. Most of the people sitting here were waiting for the same flight to the K Star Zone. So in your eyes, there’s only one “fated” person, and the rest are just half-evolved apes?

“Thanks, sweetheart!” As he spoke, Dylan Smith let his hand lightly brush over the waitress’s fair hand, full of flirtatious intent.

“You’re welcome.” She smiled, decisively ignoring him.

Dylan Smith didn’t mind at all, turning back to chat with Brian Clark as if nothing had happened, making a few snide remarks about the stories in today’s newspaper, mostly with a tone of disdain and criticism. Most of the time, Brian Clark just listened quietly, only nodding or saying a few words when Dylan Smith asked a question. Meanwhile, Dylan Smith gradually scooted his seat closer to Brian Clark. Although Brian Clark appeared relaxed, he was actually tense inside, every muscle ready to spring into action at any moment.

“Ah, after all this talk, I haven’t introduced myself,” Dylan Smith leaned in close to Brian Clark, his face full of undisguised pride and a mysterious air. “My name is Dylan Smith.”

With that, Dylan Smith leaned back, arms crossed, grinning smugly. His expression practically said: Behold! Worship me! You’ve met a god!

Each table was surrounded by transparent light panels, so people on the other side couldn’t hear the conversation here. And when Dylan Smith spoke, he casually blocked his mouth with his arm, so no one outside could read his lips and figure out what he was saying.

Brian Clark blinked, not quite sure what this guy was showing off about: “Oh. My name is Brian Clark.”

“……”

Brian Clark’s response actually left Dylan Smith momentarily speechless.

That’s not right. If he were from one of those families, there’s no way he wouldn’t know who I am.

Dylan Smith glanced at Brian Clark with a strange look, then said with interest, “You’re really funny!”

Brian Clark: “……”

Funny? Where did that come from?

“Ahem, so, I guess we know each other now. Brian Clark, nice to meet you.” Dylan Smith extended his hand.

Brian Clark stared at Dylan Smith’s outstretched hand for a second, then smiled and reached out as well. “I’m pleased to meet you too, Mr. Dylan Smith.”

Their handshake was brief, but Brian Clark was truly shocked inside. After making contact, the chip in his body fed back information, and from that, Brian Clark learned that this Dylan Smith’s genetic level was actually A-class!

Brian Clark had met some people here before, but the highest among them was only B-class. He hadn’t expected to encounter someone of this level so soon.

A hunter?

A handshake wasn’t usually a formal greeting, but hunters loved handshakes and hugs, because these gestures allowed for a contest of strength—a common and effective way for hunters to size each other up. Accepting such a greeting required courage; overestimating oneself could result in serious injury or even death.

However, seeing that Brian Clark only hesitated for a moment before accepting the handshake, Dylan Smith was also impressed. This kid’s got something. Although Dylan Smith didn’t pull any tricks during the handshake, the fact that Brian Clark could return it so calmly and fearlessly was interesting. Was he just reckless, or was he hiding his true abilities?

Probably the latter, Dylan Smith thought. But judging by Brian Clark’s reaction, he really didn’t recognize him. Which family is this kid from, anyway? Brian Clark only said his name was “Brian Clark,” without mentioning a surname, and Dylan Smith couldn’t really ask. Now he was truly curious.