Albert smiled wryly without another word. He knew Kaze meant what he said. For anything Kaze deemed unacceptable, nothing and no one could stop him from fixing it.It was Kaze’s very nature that won the strategic department over. Slaughtering the Viper’s Den was no big deal. Kaze’s statement shocked many. The crowd could not understand where Kaze got his confidence from. Did he know what he was saying? Ignoring everybody else, Kaze patted Sirius’ face with the tip of the bloody sword. “I can spare your life. Get your ass back to the West State and tell Magnus to find me in Lilyrose. Don’t send his little minions to annoy me. “I’ve sliced off your arm, but the next time, it’s your throat I’m after.” Sirius did not make a peep. He struggled to get on his feet and grabbed his arm from the ground. Sirius and the other Viper’s Den agents departed without looking back. The team aggressively surrounded the mayor’s office when they arrived. However, they left with thei
Sirius detailed the earlier incident. Magnus made a face upon learning that a slap was all it took for Kaze to defeat Sirius. Even though Magnus had an idea about Kaze’s strength, he was still horrified. “Our branch suffered a massive loss, sir. No one can restrain Kaze. Only you can kill him and retrieve the Nether Viper Sword.“Besides, Kaze made it clear that unless you make the trip, he will start killing the next group of people you send,” Sirius summoned up the courage and said solemnly. Sirius could not wait for Magnus to finish Kaze off. Kaze was his enemy and nightmare. He might never step foot into Lilyrose so long as Kaze lived. Magnus scoffed, waved his arm, and said, “It’s time you step back. I’ll sort this out.” He had not recovered since spitting out blood from reading the scroll from Kaze. How could he possibly go to Kaze now? Sirius said resentfully, “But sir, the news about Kaze stealing the Nether Viper Sword and destroying the Viper’s Den in the Wes
The woman looked at Sieg with admiration. With just one move, Sieg could play out the plan to his desire. He worked behind the scenes, finishing his opponents from miles away. It was not just flattery. Sieg’s reputation for wisdom in Geranium City was well-deserved.To the woman, Sieg was the perfect man. Sieg smiled broadly. “I hope Kaze doesn’t die so easily. I finally found someone who piqued my interest, so it would be a shame if he died too soon.” … Kaze, Darco, and Albert were having a drink at the military command in Lilyrose Strategic Department. After every battle they fought in the war, Kaze would organize a get-together and drink with his buddies to let loose. Not one to be a snob, Kaze mingled with his men like buddies. His comrades-in-arms would not keep their distance from Kaze because of his senior position in private. They opened up to him. “Drink up! Remember the last time we drank together? Or was it the time before the last?” Albert tipsily r
“That’s exactly why Magnus spread the rumors. He’s dug a hole for you to jump in.“He has a trap laid out for you when you go there. “But it’ll look like you chicken out if you don’t go.” Draco nodded and chimed in, “That’s right. That’s what the bastard wants.” They saw through Magnus’ evil plan. Still, Draco, Albert, and Kaze were relaxed and even disdainful. Magnus was nothing but a buffoon in their eyes. Even if Kaze went to Westeros, crushing the Viper’s Den’s branch there was a piece of cake. Any manipulation was useless in the face of absolute power. “Are you going to Westeros?” Albert asked in anticipation. It had been a long time since Kaze started anything. Albert was desperate for Kaze to head to Westeros and crush the Viper’s Den’s branch. “As if.” Kaze retorted gleefully before uttering indifferently, “Magnus isn’t worth my time to Westeros.“But Magnus can come to me.” Kaze’s eyes turned icy. The Viper’s Den was becoming a constant annoyan
Many knew by now that the Viper’s Den’s Nether Viper Sword was in Kaze’s possession. Hence why the Viper’s Den made a huge fuss, and Magnus, the leader of the branch in the West State demanded Kaze to deliver the sword in three days and apologize on his knees. All eyes were on Kaze. Kaze messed with the wrong people this time. The very name of the Viper’s Den sent shivers down many spines.Many believed that Kaze would head to Westeros and present the Nether Viper Sword to Magnus on his knees before the three days were up. However, news arrived of multiple attempts to sell the Nether Viper Sword through auction houses.One name entered everybody’s mind right away. Kaze. Since Kaze stole the Nether Viper Sword, it could only be him who was planning to auction it off. Kaze had the nerve. He was playing with fire. The news was quite a bombshell. No one expected Kaze to try and sell the Nether Viper Sword. He was definitely getting under the Viper’s Den’s skin.
“Dallas Moneylender isn’t afraid of Viper’s Den? How much are they taking?” Kaze was furious. Dallas Moneylender was an underground money laundering organization and theoretically, they should be afraid of the Viper’s Den, one of the official authorities. Viper’s Den’s main responsibility was to control the underground factions across the country. It was not exaggerating to say that Viper’s Den was Dallas Moneylender’s bane. However, since Dallas Moneylender prioritized profits and money, as long as they could reap sufficient reward from the auction, they might take the risk and hold the auction of the Nether Viper Sword. Kaze was curious how much Dallas Moneylender was taking. Auction houses usually offer a certain percentage of commission from the final auction price. It was not fixed, so the number entirely depended on how high the bidding could go. “Mr. Chairman, Dallas Moneylender has been around for a hundred years, as long as the Viper’s Den. They have people all
“Then do you think Kaze can make it this time?” the woman asked curiously. Even though Kaze was able to force Magnus out of his turf by auctioning the Nether Viper Sword, the man was still the branch leader of the Viper’s Den in the West State. Magnus had access to all resources, connections, and branches in the entire West State. He was a force to be reckoned with. Kaze might be slightly powerful in Lilyrose but his powers and resources were nothing compared to Magnus’. Sieg shook his head. “I can’t tell. Logically, I think Kaze is dead meat. Though a part of me wants him to perform another miracle. “Only then he is worthy to be my opponent, my grinding stone that I can hone my skills with. Let’s just wait and see…” As Sieg’s voice grew softer, the courtyard returned to peace and quiet. …Viper’s Den Westeros branch. Magnus sat on his executive chair, emotionless and silent. “Branch Leader, the representatives from thirty-five branches asked why can’t we deal with a
On the second day, the auction proceeded as planned. After Kaze sent Darcy off to work, he strolled back to the entrance of Skylar View District. “Brother!” Conan, who had been waiting since early in the morning, came over attentively. Kaze glanced at him and asked, “How’s your hand?” “Nothing to worry about.” Conan smiled and waved his hand around to show that he was fine. Kaze nodded. “Come on, let’s go get your revenge.” He had gotten news that Magnus left West State last night and had already arrived at South River State. The upcoming auction would surely be a party. Dallas Moneylender rented the exhibition center for the auction, which was the same place where Rove held their investment auction. Kaze did not grant any backdoor access to Dallas Moneylender to rent the place, nor did he inform the city council about the auction. Even though Dallas Moneylender Lilyrose Branch had been eliminated, their influence in the city remained strong. Given how strong
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