Chapter 1 The Arrival of the Eight Brothers

• "Zero, the target is in an abandoned building one kilometer away. The mission has been escalated to S-class. Stay sharp, we're coming to back you up."
• "Understood." Carolyn Murphy turned off her communicator and started climbing the several-story building with her bare hands. This mission was indeed more difficult than usual, but it was nothing she couldn't handle. Yet, as she reached the top, she realized it was completely empty.
• "Fancy meeting you here again! Zero, top of the Hunter Leaderboard." A young man appeared at the stairs, dressed in a black uniform with golden trimmings, as if he'd stepped right out of a drama series.
• Carolyn's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "It's you guys again!"
• "Bad luck for you. We beat you to it, your mission is a failure this time."
• Carolyn muttered a curse, "Damn it!"
• "Zero, you're incredibly excellent. Why not consider joining Olliston Academy? The benefits are fantastic, and there's a whole group of like-minded people waiting for you."
• Carolyn was about to reply after giving it some thought, but her phone suddenly rang. The caller ID showed it was her dad, and her expression softened. She looked at the man across from her and said, "I decline." If I left, how can dad manage without me?
• But as soon as Carolyn took a step, the stone slab beneath her gave way. She didn't even have time to react before she fell down. At that moment, her mind went blank. Is this the end?
• …
• "Carol, Carol, wake up! Please come back to me!"
• It's so loud! Carolyn frowned and opened her eyes, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw Kayden Murphy's concerned gaze. Thank goodness, I haven't died.
• "Kayden, didn't I tell you? Your daughter is tough as nails, but Mr. Rowen's son is still lying unconscious in the hospital. Now they're threatening to sue us!"
• "Nothing is going to happen to Carol. I've already made the call. Mr. Rowen is nothing to be afraid of, even if another ten like him show up, they'll have to beg for forgiveness from Carol."
• "Kayden, stop bragging. After all these years, I've never seen any of her real family show up. Ever since she dropped out, she's been drifting around. I finally introduced her to someone, and she ended up injuring him."
• "Dad." Carolyn sat up, glancing at the two people beside her.
• "Carol, you're awake! Don't go to those weird places on your little adventures anymore. If something happened to you, I will break down!"
• "Carolyn, you little brat! You were supposed to go on a blind date two days ago, but instead, you beat up Mr. Rowen's son and ran off. Don't think staying in the hospital will get you out of this. You better start thinking out how to apologize."
• "Let's allow Carol to rest for now." Kayden tugged the woman out of the room.
• Soon, she was alone in the room. Carolyn rubbed her forehead. Mr. Rowen's son had been nothing but a perv, so I couldn't resist giving him a beating. I had planned to clean things up after completing my mission, but I hadn't expected to end up in the hospital for two days.
• As she was trying to figure out what to do next, she noticed a brand new phone tucked under her pillow. A message appeared on the screen. "Someone is investigating you. I've faked your death so you can get rid of that. This is an invitation to Olliston Academy. If you've made up your mind, click ‘Agree.' We're excited to have you! The benefits are fantastic, dear!"
• She scoffed, Ugh, is this school that desperate for students? This place screams shady.
• …
• At this moment, a long row of luxury cars pulled up outside the hospital. A swarm of black-suited bodyguards rushed inside, clearing the area of any unrelated personnel. People were either forced to leave or stay locked in their rooms. All electronic devices and security cameras were forcibly shut down. The hustling hospital quickly fell into silence.
• In the open space, the bodyguards formed two neat rows, holding black umbrellas to shield the view from onlookers. The car doors opened, and a group of extraordinarily good-looking men got out, all of them looking nearly identical. Although they looked similar, their vibes were completely different, making them distinguishable.
• The man at the front wore a black suit and a stern expression. He carried an air of menace, like a walking grim reaper. "There’s one person missing? Jasper? Where is he?!"
• "He said he wanted to make a dazzling entrance so that Carol would be left with a lasting impression of him." A man with a cultured and elegant demeanor answered. He had a soft smile that naturally made others feel at ease. However, he was clearly annoyed inside. That brat wishes to steal the spotlight first. Weren't we all supposed to compete on equal grounds?
• A helicopter suddenly descended with a loud roar. A man wearing a pink shirt appeared, hanging from a rope just outside the third-floor window. He energetically waved at the girl inside. "Hey there, gorgeous! I'm Jasper, your eighth brother!"
• Carolyn, sitting on her hospital bed, glanced at the fool dangling outside, her mouth twitching slightly. Where did this weirdo come from?
• She didn't bother responding, as the man outside kept yammering away non-stop. Yep, he is definitely crazy! He is way too talkative! This is driving me nuts.
• The door to the room opened, and a group of incredibly attractive men walked in, making the air in the room feel a little tense.
• Carolyn sized up the seven men in front of her, then cast a glance at the eighth still hanging outside. Were these guys octuplets? Their mom is so strong! Now that's impressive! Too bad, they were all handsome but seemed a little lacking in the brain department.No one said a word, and the room stayed completely silent. Carolyn wasn't one for talking, and as she sat quietly, the seven men standing before her appeared calm on the outside, but inwardly, they were losing their cool.
• So this is our little sister, Carol! She's so cute!
• Carol really does take after Mommy, she is just as sweet and adorable. I could go on for ages with praise.
• I just want to keep Carol hidden from the world. Keep her from strangers! She's way too cute! How is it possible for someone to be this adorable?
• Forget the supermodels, influencers, or celebrities! They don't even come close to how beautiful my sister is!
• ...
• Ten minutes went by.
• Knock, knock, knock. Kayden entered and immediately froze at the sight. This wasn't how he had pictured it.
• Wasn't it supposed to be an emotional, tear-filled reunion? Instead, the atmosphere felt like it was about to escalate into a brawl? Why are they looking so serious?