When John went to Chicago to assist the Kelvin family with their problem, he witnessed Bertha capturing a mutant.
Now, after some time, there was finally a result.
Bertha's face was serious as she explained, "I've traced the mutant. He's from the Turturro family in Tennessee. He spent almost five years in Britain, and just two months after returning, he suddenly mutated.
The researchers from the biology institute found a rare substance in his body—turns out it's a new type of genetic medicine."
"Genetic medicine…" John's brow furrowed as his mind raced.
He recalled the genetic experiment base he had destroyed in Texas. The person responsible for that project was also from Britain. It seemed like Britain had been working on something in secret.
Bertha sighed, clearly frustrated. "Unfortunately, the mutant didn't survive long enough for us to get any useful information from him. We tried everything, but he couldn't speak, and he died soon after we captured him.
The Turturro family claims they don't know what he did in Britain or who he was involved with. What worries me most is that many others from the US have participated in similar genetic experiments in Britain. Most haven't shown any symptoms yet, but if they're hiding here in the US, they could be a dangerous threat."
Every year, countless people return to the US from Britain. Among them could be those who've undergone these genetic experiments, blending in as normal citizens—at least until the mutation shows.
It would be nearly impossible to identify them without cause.
Bertha's usually confident face was etched with concern, her worry for the country and its people palpable.
John, trying to ease her mind, reached out and gently rubbed her head. "Don't worry too much about it. No matter what schemes they're plotting, if they dare threaten the US, they'll regret it."
She looked up at him, her voice suddenly heavy with responsibility. "King of Horizon, the safety of our country depends on you."
John was caught off guard by her tone. The weight of her words didn't escape him.
When he realized what she meant, he quickly pulled his hand from her head and, instead, gently brushed his fingers down her smooth cheek, offering a reassuring smile. "It's not just on me. It's on all of us."
In Houston, in a massive villa, Bill had already returned and recounted everything that had transpired in New York to his master, White Dragon King.
"Master Bertha…" Bill started, his voice betraying his frustration.
White Dragon King's eyes were cold, and after a long pause, he spoke, his voice tinged with recognition. "Master Bertha's martial arts teacher is Alexandra Flaherty, right?"
Bill nodded. "Yes."
Alexandra Flaherty was the daughter of Warren Flaherty, the Great Guardian of the Houston Martial Arts League, and the current president of the Houston Martial Arts School. She had trained many influential martial artists, including Bertha. This was what White Dragon King feared most.
After a moment of silence, White Dragon King's eyes gleamed with a calculated thought. "Tell Alger to bring his little bitch to see me."
Bill didn't hesitate. He bowed and left the room.
When Bill returned, he was accompanied by Alger and Laura.
Alger wasted no time. "White Dragon King, thank you so much for your help."
"Help with what?" The White Dragon King's voice was low, filled with a dangerous edge.
"Thank you for helping us kill that reckless boy," Alger said quickly, thinking that they were there to receive confirmation that John had been dealt with.
However, White Dragon King's sneer cut through the air. "Who told you I killed that boy?"
Alger was stunned, his confusion clear. "What?"
After a pause, the White Dragon King continued, his voice cold and deliberate. "I've taken your family's money and promised to help you three times. I won't break my word, but that boy was an exception."
Laura's impatience boiled over. "Why? Why won't you kill him?" Her voice turned sharp, revealing her growing frustration.
As long as John was alive, he was an obstacle to her plans. Laura couldn't let that stand.
White Dragon King's gaze turned to ice. "Were you questioning me?"
Laura froze, fear washing over her. Alger quickly intervened. "Please, Master, she didn't mean any offense. She's just anxious."
Laura, realizing her mistake, immediately nodded, apologizing.
The White Dragon King dismissed them with a casual wave. "Alger, tell your little bitch to drop it. If she doesn't, not even I can protect your family."
Alger's face paled, and Laura's breath caught in her throat. To think that even the White Dragon King couldn't shield them from John—that was more than they'd bargained for.
"White Dragon King, you must be mistaken. What could that boy possibly have for you to be so worried?" Laura scoffed. John was just some kid. Surely, there was no way he could pose a serious threat.
The White Dragon King's contemptuous glance made Laura shrink back. "That's all I'll say. Whether you listen or not is up to you, but if you get yourself into trouble because of this, don't expect any help from me."
"You're threatening us…?" Laura began, but Alger quickly covered her mouth before she could finish.
It was clear that no good would come from provoking the White Dragon King.
Just as the tension seemed to simmer down, Bill spoke up, his voice trembling with visible pain.
"Master…"
The pained look on Bill's face caught everyone's attention, and the room grew still.