Simon frowned in confusion. "Mr. Eslinger, I've never understood why you're so determined to control the Aickers. I mean, with your abilities, you could easily build your own powerful legacy."

Bane snorted coldly. "What do you know about my ambitions? Cedric and I were once fellow apprentices under the same mentor, Mr. Gregory Sivan. From the start, Cedric was inferior to me in every way—whether in medicine, combat, or earning Mr. Sivan's favor. The man wasn't even in my league."

Simon looked skeptical. "If that's true, then why are you here all alone? Meanwhile, Mr. Aicker has established a family empire that's thriving in Jayrodale."

Bane's expression darkened, his face twisting into a grimace. "Funny you should ask. My story isn't too different from yours."

He paced slowly as he continued. "Cedric was a nobody at the Advanced Medical Institute, a clown obsessed with weird herbs and remedies. I was respected, one of the Institute's top figures, while he was ignored by everyon