Gunter was no fool. He approved of the local Powells’ behavior. Once Kaze was dead, they could split the pie. Gunter would have to reward the family with the Lilyrose New City project. Hence, the Powells from Arcadia pressured Loid to give up on Kaze. They wanted one of them to become the next mayor. While those working for the government put the squeeze on Loid, other family members used their connections in the underworld to intimidate enterprises. “The Lilyrose New City project sure attracted a lot of greed. Gunter came long after Gareth. If we don’t get rid of them quick enough, we will face many more threats.” Kaze said aloofly, “This will be the one last thing I can do for Lilyrose before I step down from office.” Caleb and the others were moved with emotions. They understood what Kaze meant. Simply stopping the Glowmoss Powells would not be enough. They needed to rip out the entire system, eradicating the family from both overseas and local branches.The p
“But I know why. “There is no shred of human nature left in you. All you have is a thirst to kill. “You’re born to kill. War is your game. “I’ve been holding you back because I know there will be a bloodbath in Glowmoss if I don’t.“Now it’s time for you to unleash your potential and kill to your heart’s content. “Kill everyone in your path,” Gunter uttered flatly. He spoke as if he was talking about the weather.His tone, casual and detached, only heightened the eerie feeling of horror.Attending to Gunter’s needs, Luis felt his blood run cold. Despite his years of service to Gunter, he was mostly responsible for his employer’s daily necessities. He was exposed to Gunter’s scary side for the first time. “Alright.” Mosiah, standing by the wall, remained composed. He expressed his stance in the same emotionless manner. The conversation between the pair only drained Luis’ face of color. He was aware that blood would spill on the upcoming trip to Lilyrose. Gu
“Mr. Lee, Gunter Powell is from Glowmoss, he doesn’t care about the life and death of Arcadians. If he goes on a killing spree, the people of Lilyrose will suffer!” Starting with Bernard, all the family heads looked at Kaze with deep concern as they poured out their grievances. They worried the most when almost ten thousand thugs and gangsters from the underworld swarmed the city. The tsunami of gangsters could easily overrun the city’s order, turning everything upside down. As for the families and their businesses, they would be the biggest victims. Kaze frowned. He looked at Bernard and the others and asked, “He got to you guys as well? What did he say?” “He came to us to deliver Gunter Powell’s message. He said if the three of us don't want to get annihilated, then we must bring our families to the funeral tomorrow and kneel before Sonny Sonne!” Bernard explained, his face flushed with emotions. It was an unprecedented insult to the three families. Sonny died at the
“Mr. Lee, Gunter Powell’s men even said after the funeral tomorrow, they would remove James White’s cenotaph and make it the forever resting place for Sonny Sonne,” Bernard said timidly, his forehead covered in sweat. The atmosphere in the office became tense. The air became heavier, so heavy that it felt suffocating. The others dared not make a noise because they knew Kaze was angry. It was no secret that Kaze and James were best friends, close as brothers. He wiped out the top three families a while back just to avenge his friend. Yet Gunter announced that he would remove James’ cenotaph for his disciple. It was an act of war! Fortunately, the atmosphere in the office quickly returned to normal. Kaze calmly waved his hand and said, “You three can go back for now. Just do as I told you.” “Yes, sir!” Bernard and the others bowed and then walked out together. Kaze sat in silence for a moment and then pulled the left drawer of his desk to take out a burner phone.
Kaze knew the elder asked him to take over the position for the sake of the people and the country, not his personal desire. He did not want to disappoint the man, so he said, “I’ll be honest with you, Elder Eins. I talked to the Viper Queen and decided to take up the position of branch leader of the West State Viper’s Den. “After spending some time in Lilyrose, I think rather than putting me at the highest position of the Strategic Department, it’s better to have me in the field where I can do more, such as cleaning up the forces infiltrating Arcadia.” The moment Isaac heard Kaze, he asked in a serious tone, “Foreign forces are infiltrating Arcadia? What is going on there?” Kaze then briefed the man about Zion Mercenaries infiltrating Arcadia. “Those bastards! They just don’t know when to give up!” Isaac was furious after learning what happened. His age did not tone down his feisty temper at all, but he learned to control himself since he rose to the highest position wit
If the Guardians were the sturdiest shield in the country, then the Dragon’s Edge would be the sharpest sword. The members of the Dragon’s Edge were veterans who got baptized by blood and gunpowder on the battlefield, surviving countless ruthless battles. They were the sword Arcadia wielded against her enemy, a deterrent force to other countries. In terms of solo combatants, they were the strongest of them all. They were always sent to other countries to participate in national military competitions and won countless awards. The latest members who joined the Dragon’s Edge graduated from Kaze’s special training camp, similar to Albert Hiden. After the war, the graduates scattered and pursued their own careers. Some got into the Dragon’s Edge, and some joined the God of War Palace and became Kaze’s private security force—the Guards of War. Some with a better background, like Albert, got into a different path to further their careers. “Sure. It’s been a while since I saw
The woman’s voice was not fierce by any means but it felt pressuring. Her name was Morgana Powell, the governor of a certain state in the North State, sharing the same rank as Loid. Despite being a woman, she too was a regional commander in her own state, which was considered rare. Other than her outstanding capabilities, her family also played a big role in helping her advance her career. She was from the Powell family of the North State, which was one of the most powerful families there. The North State Powells were considered the strongest among all the other branches across Arcadia. Then, the middle-aged man beside Morgana said in a strong voice, “Loid, as colleagues, we do not want to force you against your will, but the mayor of Lilyrose has crossed the line. He practically enraged every Powell family branch in Arcadia, which led to the wrath of the foreign branch in Glowmoss. “When it comes to foreign affairs, it’s always serious. If Glowmoss’ side voices out their
Hannibal Nectar, one of the five senior ministers of the cabinet in Arcadia. The cabinet had control over all the internal affairs of the country, which made them the strongest institute. It was even stronger than the Strategic Department and the Ministry of Justice. The five senior ministers of the cabinet, or elders, were the five of the most powerful people in the country. “Elder Nectar, what… I see… I understand… Yes.” After the brief conversation, Loid's expression remained astonished for quite a while. Both Neegan and Morgana were curious about what the elder said on the phone. “Loid, was that Elder Nectar? What did he say?” Neegan asked out of curiosity. Then, he realized his question was inappropriate, so he quickly explained, “If it’s confidential, then just forget it.” Loid stared at the two of them for a while before he said, “Elder Nectar said Lilyrose will see a storm coming. The South River Governor’s Office is only responsible for managing the situation
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