The man was Albert Hiden, the chief commander of the State Strategic Department. The crowd looked at Albert in shock. Albert commanded the state’s military at the tender age of 30. Though he was not on equal footing with the state governor, they would find themselves in the same meeting room. Albert was truly a remarkable individual. The likes of Hannah and Sirius were a joke in the presence of Albert. Albert fiddled with the gun in hand and said indifferently, “Even the military wouldn’t launch an armed attack on the mayor’s office. The Viper’s Den sure is cocky.” Sirius said with a grimace, “Chief Commander Hiden, we are working a case, but Mr. Lee took cover in the mayor’s office. We cornered him here out of necessity. Our intention isn’t to launch an attack on the mayor’s office.“Besides, the State Strategic Department and the Viper’s Den operate in different jurisdictions. You have no right to tell us how to do our job, Chief Commander Hiden.” Sirius’ tone, while
“Let’s get one thing straight before I leave.” Filled with resentment, Sirius said snappily, “You can protect Mr. Lee today, but what about tomorrow or the day after, Chief Commander Hiden? “I doubt you can watch over him for the rest of his life.” Albert raised a brow. “Are you threatening me?” “This is no threat.” Sirius shook his head. “I’m merely stating a fact. You are busy with the state’s military affairs. You can’t always be there for Mr. Lee. You can’t anticipate everything.” The message was clear. Since Albert was taking Kaze’s side, Sirius would wait for his chance to strike Kaze. Albert chuckled. “That’s interesting. That’s quite a retaliation for a nobody working for Viper’s Den.” He drew close and slapped Sirius to the ground. Albert stepped on Sirius’ chest and lowered down to stare him in the eyes. “Are you forgetting that I’m not just a chief commander? “Even without my decorated stars, I can crush you. “I can kill you now, and the Viper’s Den a
“Do you reckon your rivals will make a big deal out of something you think isn’t worth mentioning, Chief Commander Hiden? “The little scandal should be enough to end your career.“Come on. If you think you can handle the consequences, crush me. Hahaha” Sirius laughed maniacally and looked at Albert in defiance. Albert narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Do you think I wouldn’t kill you? I’d rather stand by my belief than protect my career.” He did not explicitly state that Kaze was his belief. Albert put weight on his foot to crush Sirius. “Albert!” Kaze stopped him and said emotionlessly, “Let him go.” Given Kaze’s authority, Albert could still keep his career even if he killed Sirius. However, Albert would face some challenges. Besides, Kaze knew Sirius was right. Great power came with great responsibility. Albert’s upbringing meant that he would shoulder a lot of responsibilities. While Albert held the prestigious position of governing the state's military, th
Madam Hacks had to step in. She could not bear to let Albert take Kaze away to roam free.Madam Hacks could care less whether Kaze was dead, but she needed the Viper’s Den to make him disappear for a while. That way, Kaze could stop his influence on Loid. In fact, the experience should serve as a strong reminder to Loid to let Kingston go. Hence, Madam Hacks put a label on Albert and threatened him with his superiors.However, Albert was not afraid of intimidation. “The Geranium Hackses?” Albert glanced at Madam Hacks before approaching to slap her. “Smack!” Madam Hacks, despite her connections to the Glitters and Hackses, took a hit in the face. She looked nothing like a lady with her disheveled hair and swollen cheek. “Ah! How dare you hit me!” Madam Hacks covered her face and shrieked hysterically. The malice in her eyes showed her determination to tear Albert apart. However, Albert could care less. He said curtly, “You aren’t legally married to the Hackses.
The mention of the God of War washed color off Christian’s red face. The name struck fear in Christian even though he was a war veteran. Heck, the God of War became the nightmare of countless in the five strongest nations. Sirius, Madam Hacks, and the others grimaced. It was said that Albert once served under the God of War. The God of War also attended Albert’s appointment ceremony in Lilyrose. It was scary enough that Albert was the chief commander of the State Strategic Department and part of the Harrowdale Hidens. They were kept on their toes by Albert’s relationship with the God of War. There was another powerful figure who lay no more than 50 miles away in the local military base. He was Draco, who held sway over the military in five states. The man was also the God of War’s right-hand man. “I’m sorry, Chief Commander Hiden, it wasn’t my place to speak.” Christian backed down. Though treated like royalty by others, his expat status meant nothing to the G
Sirius paused and turned around to look at Kaze with a frown. He looked at Kaze like he was an unappreciative clown.“Mr. Lee, I’m letting you off the hook because of Chief Commander Hiden. Don’t be ungrateful. “You better cherish every second of your life. The Viper’s Den won’t let you get away with stealing the Nether Viper Sword,” Sirius said coldly. Kaze sure was oblivious to the fact that he could crush him before Albert came along. Sirius chose to leave the matter alone for now, but Kaze would not let it go. Kaze was taking things for granted. Taking steps ahead, Kaze said indifferently, “I told you that your Viper Queen has to come and retrieve the sword from me. “But the issue is that this is not Nether Viper Sword. “You had the mayor’s office surrounded and fired shots at my people. You even wanted me to cuff myself on my knees. “Do you think we’re even just because Albert kicked you around a little? “Here’s the deal. You’re not walking out of Lilyrose ali
“Who are you to challenge the Viper’s Den’s authority, lowlife?” While Madam Hacks appeared to be mocking Kaze, she was actually stirring the pot.She would love it if Kaze and the Viper’s Den could be at each other’s throats. Madam Hacks hated Kaze’s guts. Kaze, the loser, not only got Kingston arrested, but he also got his nose in her business. Today, Albert slapped her because of Kaze, and the legality of her marriage was challenged too. Madam Hacks would rather die than be humiliated. Since she could not do anything to Albert, she took out her anger on Kaze. As Sirius said, Albert could not always be there for Kaze. “Lowlife?” Kaze narrowed his eyes at Madam Hacks. “You still don’t seem to have a clue who the lowlife is here.” He was enraged moments ago. If Albert had not shown up out of the blue, corpses would have piled up outside the mayor’s office. The fifth wife of the Hacks family head was no threat to Kaze. He could easily kill her. Not getting th
“Since you got a beating from Albert, I’ll only use one hand on you. Two hands and I’m out. I can forget about today’s incident too. “How about that?” Kaze’s nonchalant suggestion only enraged Sirius. “You’re cocky, Mr. Lee. Don’t you care about your life?” Sirius hissed through clenched teeth. Sirius was aware that Kaze had defeated Hannah with his palm. The news traveled across the Viper’s Den’s branch in the West State. However, Sirius believed Hannah only lost due to her carelessness. He knew Hannah too well. Hannah was arrogant and condescending. She would not take a nobody like Kaze seriously. For that reason, Hannah failed miserably. She became a joke within the organization. Sirius trusted that he was as strong, if not better than Hannah. His rapid rise through the ranks was proof, especially in the Viper’s Den where competence mattered more than family background. Hannah was a beautiful woman which were two qualities that sparked a lot of interest. Th
As the air crackled with deadly intent, Draig’s heart pounded with dread. He was horrified that the Viper’s Den members were just as strong, if not stronger than him. Draig had no idea that these members were Viper’s Den South River State Branch’s key players. They were the elites of the elites in the South River State. “Easy there, gentlemen. Mr. Tenby is from abroad. He doesn’t know the rules of Arcadia. Please cut him some slack.” With Draig caught in a spot, Cyan came to the rescue. Since Cyan was nice about it, the leader of the pack scoffed and waved his arm. His companions quickly put away their weapons. “I don’t care where you came from, but you need to keep to the Arcadian rules since you’re here. You don’t get special favors here.” The leader stared at Draig and said icily, “This should not happen again. Now, get lost!” Draig burned with rage. The people, except for Kaze, had been bending over backward for Draig since his arrival in Arcadia. To think he
The Viper’s Den members yelled at Draig while pulling out their weapons. The air was thick with tension. Draig knew that it was not wise of him to fight during Hannah’s celebration. The Viper’s Den members would not stand by and let the commotion stew. Draig was caught between a rock and a hard place. By throwing the punch, he would be at odds with the Viper’s Den, but he could not turn the other cheek on the matter. “Just forget it, Mr. Tenby. Don’t get into it with a dropped loser. You’re only insulting yourself.” Cyan gave Draig an out. Draig retrieved his arm and scoffed. “Consider yourself lucky, Kaze.” A shadow of regret fleeted across Kaze’s eyes. If Draig were to start a fight, Kaze would have reason to finish him off and get rid of the annoyance. It was a shame that the Viper’s Den members stopped anything from happening. Cyan criticized, “Mr. Tenby is only looking out for you, Kaze. Yet, you stomped on his car key. You went too far. Hurry up and apologiz
“Nevermind. Why are we wasting our time with the likes of him? We don’t belong in the same world anyway.” Draig waved his arm. “Come on. Let’s get inside.” Dumping his car on the side of the road, Draig led Cyan and her friends into Bronze Sparrow. “Huh? How did Kaze get in? Can he get in?” one influencer exclaimed. The crowd watched in shock as Kaze stepped through the door. “Branch Leader!” The members of the Viper’s Den South River State Branch perked up when Kaze showed up. They, Hannah’s trusted aides, knew who Kaze was. Kaze acknowledged the greeting. “Is everybody here?” The head of the pack said in respect, “Many guests have arrived. Ms. Delmore and Mr. Ettinger will be here once they are done with work. Should I inform them to keep you company, sir?” “No, I’ll sit and wait.” Kaze waved his arm and made his way inside. “Hold it right there, Kaze!” Cyan’s angry voice came from behind. “Are you aware of the event at Bronze Sparrow? Do you know who the
“Kaze, I heard that your wife dumped your ass. Are you pinching pennies now? “You had a fancy car and a beautiful lady by your side just a couple of days ago, and now, you’re riding a bike.“I guess you want to do more than just a valet service.” Draig pulled out more cash to give to Kaze. “You can get my car washed too.“I’ll give you another twenty bucks. The money should be enough for you to get fried chicken or something for lunch.”“Hahaha!”Cyan and her friends laughed out loud. Twenty bucks for a fried chicken. That kind of life seemed far away for these people. Cyan suddenly scowled. “I’m warning you, Kaze. My family will not take pity on you just because your wife kicked you out.“Don’t try to leech off my family.” Cyan thought Kaze was so alpha at Emerald Bull Palace two days ago. The mayor was Kaze’s backing, and Juan was his apprentice. Yet now, Kaze was divorced and kicked out. It meant one thing. If Kaze was indeed badass, Darcy, who knew and love
Sucking up to Cyan, the influencers offered her words of comfort. Though Cyan did not have an invitation, she was close with Draig. The influencers could attend the event through Draig with Cyan’s help. Despite having other thoughts, the influencers knew better than to put Cyan down. A Mercedes G-wagon pulled up by the road. The car door opened, and Draig jumped out. He took off his sunglasses and said with a smile, “Why aren’t you going in, Cyan?” Cyan replied with a grin, “We don’t have an invite, Mr. Tenby. We’re waiting for you to take us in.“Oh, where’s your invite, Mr. Tenby?” She was confused as Draig did not seem to be holding anything. “An invite? It’s just a party for Hannah. You don’t need an invitation card.” Draig smiled confidently. “My name is basically our pass into the place. You can just say that you’re with me.” “Wow! You’re the man, Mr. Tenby.” “Mr. Tenby is so badass. You are total boyfriend material.” The influencers drooled over Draig, a
The influencers dropped their jaws in shock and looked at Cyan enviously. “Oh, my gawd! Marrying the branch leader is your gateway to super fame.” “Is it true, Cyan? Really?” The influencers hounded Cyan. Cyan rolled her eyes at Sweetpea. “Don’t take it from Sweetpea. “The VIPs from the South River State Branch did make a subtle mention. “I’m not sure whether Sponge is the branch leader since I’ve never met him before. “Just keep this between yourselves. Don’t spread the word. I’d be embarrassed if the whole thing was all a misunderstanding. “The branch leader keeps a low profile, and no one has met him in person before. “I doubt he likes to be put in the spotlight, so I’m playing it discreetly too.” Cyan spoke and acted reservedly. However, her smug look revealed her true thoughts. “Haha. Wouldn’t you meet the branch leader today?” “I see why you are so sure to take us to the celebration. We’d never get into a place like this on our own.” The influencers l
It never occurred to Kaze that Cyan and her influencer friends would attend Hannah’s celebration too. Before Cyan said anything, one influencer put her hand over her lips and said with a smile, “Get with the times, Anna. Cyan’s family isn’t just close with the senior members of the Viper’s Den. She’s going to be part of the organization soon.” “Huh?” Stunned, the other influencers asked, “What’s going on? Just tell us, Sweetpea!” Sweetpea was the influencer who just spilled the beans. She was Cyan’s closest friend and biggest ass-kisser. Taking Cyan by the shoulder, Sweetpea said, “Remember Cyan’s number one fan?” “Yeah!”“Sponge has been a fan of Cyan even before she signed with Golden Scale Corporation. Sponge tipped her tens of millions.”“That was how Cyan caught the eye of Golden Scale Corporation, and she became a hit.” The influencers chattered among themselves, all familiar with Sponge. They came from nothing and clawed their way up online.Their beginnings
The next afternoon, Kaze arrived at the parking lot outside Bronze Sparrow. It was packed with fancy cars. Needless to say, the underground garage must be filled with cars too. Hannah’s celebration was held in Bronze Sparrow. Just a few days ago, Siberian infiltrated Bronze Sparrow and abducted Anzu. The incident caused quite a stir in the upper crust of Riverbank. At the same time, the underground powerhouses were eager to get involved. As Miru, the up-and-coming underworld boss, seemed to be all bark and no bite, they wanted to see what she was made of. Bronze Sparrow, a place where troublemakers once ceased to exist, had to deal with incidents daily. Despite Miru getting tough on these troublemakers, business at Bronze Sparrow took a nosedive anyway. Miru was frustrated with the situation. Siberian had been a threat to the Viper’s Den for many years. It was no surprise that Miru’s crew could not defeat him. This time, Siberian’s death at the hands of the Viper’s
Kaze was taken aback. “How did you know?” “How?” June’s lips curled. “It’s all over town by now. Darcy is the chairwoman of Sky Ocean Corporation. Have you any idea how many eyes are on a rich and beautiful girl like her? “Her divorce has caught the attention of men, and they are going to try their luck with her.” It did not take Kaze much to know that the Quint family members had nothing better to do. Agnes had been hoping to marry her daughter up. However, Darcy had the power, money, and connections to be playing with the big leagues herself. Agnes’ expectations for her future son-in-law would only go higher. Despite her lack of brain cells, Agnes would not do something degrading like circulating the news of her daughter’s divorce. “Hey! Why do you seem indifferent about this?” June elbowed Kaze. “How do you think I should react?” Kaze found June baffling. June looked disappointed. “You don’t seem upset that you were dumped.” “Get a life.” Kaze did not hav