After the long day of lectures, school finally came to an end. Sofia and Julie exchanged quick goodbyes before parting ways. Sofia, maintaining her usual composed demeanor, made her way to the Tang mansion. Upon entering, she immediately noticed the entire Tang family gathered in the main hall, all focused on Tang Mia, who was putting on an act of deep sorrow, as if the world had wronged her in some profound way.

The atmosphere was heavy with tension, and the family's expressions were a mix of concern and discomfort. As soon as they spotted Sofia, the room fell into an awkward silence. The Tang family members exchanged glances, their looks filled with complicated emotions. They were well aware that Tang Mia's despair was largely due to Sofia's recent successes. Yet, they also knew that Sofia couldn't be blamed for excelling in her own right. The conflict between family loyalty and fairness left them in a difficult position, unable to openly accuse Sofia, even though they might have wished to.

After a moment, they decided to pretend that nothing had changed, returning their attention to Tang Mia, who continued to play the victim, soaking up the family's sympathy. Sofia, however, remained unbothered by the cold reception. She was fully aware of the family's inner turmoil and the decision they would inevitably make between her and Tang Mia. Unaffected by the tension in the room, she simply walked past them without a word, heading directly to her room. Her calm, collected nature shielded her from the emotional undercurrents that might have unsettled someone else, and she quietly retreated into her private space, leaving the others to their drama.

Upon reaching her room, Sofia immediately checked her bank account, only to find it completely drained. All her money had been spent on acquiring the rare herb necessary for detoxifying the poison—a critical but costly endeavor. As the reality of her financial situation sank in, she began to strategize. "I need to raise funds quickly to start my own company," she thought, aware that building her own power base was essential to stand against Tang Mia and the forces supporting her. But the question remained: how to do so?

Just as Sofia was lost in these thoughts, her phone rang, snapping her back to reality. It was a call from her mercenary group, informing her of an urgent order from the dark market—a shadowy network known for issuing high-stakes, underground tasks. The sound of her group's name stirred something in Sofia, and her eyes lit up with a renewed sense of purpose. "How could I forget about my own mercenary group?" she mused, the gears in her mind already turning.

Sofia quickly realized this was the solution she needed. The dark market was notorious for its lucrative, though dangerous, assignments. Completing these tasks could provide the swift influx of funds she desperately needed. With her mercenary group at her disposal, she now had the means to generate the capital required to launch her company and begin her fight against Tang Mia and her backers.

Sofia's resolve hardened. She wasn't just going to survive—she was going to thrive, using every resource at her disposal. The mercenary group, once a forgotten tool, now became her key to securing the financial independence she needed to pursue her ultimate goals.

"Well, I'll come to the base right now," Sofia replied decisively to the mercenary group. With a sense of urgency, she quickly changed and left the Tang mansion, heading directly to the base. As she arrived, she was met with a tense atmosphere, a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor.

"Boss, you're here!" shouted Aaron, one of her most trusted lieutenants, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. His exclamation drew the attention of everyone present, their anxious faces turning towards Sofia.

"Why is everyone so tense?" Sofia asked, her sharp eyes scanning the room, sensing the unease that hung in the air.

Aaron stepped forward, his expression serious. "Boss, the new task has a hefty price tag, but the risk is also incredibly high. The mission is to reach the depths of Death Valley and search for a mine that supposedly produces mires ores—the hardest material known, capable of forging the highest quality weapons. But these ores are extremely rare; only two weapons have ever been made from them in history. Now, there's a rumor that this ore can be found in Death Valley."

Sofia's gaze hardened as Aaron continued, "The problem is, no other group is willing to take on this task, even with the high reward being offered. Death Valley has a terrifying reputation—no one who's ever ventured there has come out alive. Thousands have perished within its depths, and not even their remains were ever found. The legends about Death Valley have everyone too scared to even consider the mission."

Sofia processed the information quickly, her mind already formulating a plan. She knew the risks were immense, but the potential reward was equally great. If successful, securing the mires ores would not only bring in the funds she needed but also give her a strategic advantage in the battles to come. For Sofia, who thrived in the face of challenges, this was an opportunity she couldn't afford to pass up.

"Gather the team," Sofia commanded, her voice steady and resolved. "We're taking this mission. We'll be the ones to uncover the secrets of Death Valley and bring back the mires ores. Let everyone else be paralyzed by fear—we have a job to do."

The room, though still tense, was now charged with a different energy—one of determination and resolve. Sofia's confidence and leadership inspired her team, and they began preparing for the dangerous journey ahead. The mission would be perilous, but with Sofia at the helm, they believed they had a fighting chance.