Chapter 276: Chessboard of Strategy

"The Emerald City before me is now an enigma, its depths unfathomable!"

Sean and Kyle, too, remained silent, for none could have foreseen such a rapid descent into turmoil within the span of half a day. Had it not been for Mr. Lawrence's keen instincts, Mr. Martin might have perished.

Jason's countenance darkened. "So dire?"

"Initially, Joseph Rogers's downfall secured our dominion over the underground arena," Lawrence began. "But as we prepared to quell the remaining East District resistance, we found others had preempted us, seizing the fruits of our victory and wresting control of the East District."

He glanced towards Steven Martin before continuing, "Naturally, we could not abide such insult. Having vanquished Joseph Rogers at great cost, we would not permit others to usurp the East District's territory. Yet we were repelled by one called Lotus Thirteen."

"A formidable, enigmatic adversary who now holds the East District in an iron grip. We could not gain a foothold—I suspect he