Buffy and Serene looked over curiously. A jet-black blade was thrust into the tabletop, its hilt the only part visible above the surface. A tiny serpent coiled around the hilt, its eyes burning with a sinister glow. Both women were stunned. The blade was no stranger to the members of the Viper’s Den. It was the scared Nether Viper Sword. The real sword had always been in the Viper Queen’s possession. However, the members of the organization knew that every branch leader and a handful of elites would be bestowed a replica. The Nether Viper Sword was a status symbol within the organization. The holder of the sword represented the authority of the Viper’s Den branch leader. Jude, Serene, and Buffy knew that the sword was a real replica. No one in Arcadia would force the Nether Viper Sword. Besides, they got eerie vibes from the sword. It was no secret that since Magnus’ death, the position of the Viper’s Den West State Branch leader had been left vacant. The seni
Jude even thought about taking the Nether Viper Sword for himself. Considering Kaze’s fighting prowess, Jude probably would fail even with the help of Serene and the other members hidden around the room. Word about the Nether Viper Sword would get out if Jude pushed Kaze too far. At that point, the powerful figures within the West State Branch would fight Jude over the sword. Jude was just a deputy chief. He doubted he could keep the sword for himself. A million thoughts raced through Jude’s mind. Moments later, he raised his drink at Kaze. “Here’s a toast to you, Kaze.” “What are you up to now?” Kaze grinned indifferently and took a sip of his drink. Jude let out a dry chuckle and said grimly, “Don’t be so hostile, Kaze. I was just having a moment. “You haven’t known my daughter for long, and you even got off the wrong foot. “Yet, here you are, giving up the Nether Viper Sword, a symbol of power in the West State for her. I am touched. “I have made up my mind.
Kaze was not lying. Jude was naïve to think that the Nether Viper Sword would make him the branch chief or branch leader right away. The sword alone could do nothing. Without the right competence, possession of the sword would only bring more harm than good. The holder of the sword would risk theft and even their life. Things would not go Jude’s way if he tried to use the sword to demand subservience from Hannah and Collier or to make a deal with a senior member of the West State Branch. This was why Kaze had no qualms about selling the sword off. Kaze had the power to get it back anyway. “Thank you, Kaze.” Wiping away her tears, Buffy said with a smile, “I find it hard to accept what my dad has done, but I’m happy to have a thoughtful friend like you.“I’m not your woman. Heck, I’ve only known you for a few days. Still, you gave up the sword for me. That’s something I won’t forget. “I will do everything I can to seek justice for my mother. “You’ve done enough fo
Jude began plotting ways to maximize his gain through the Nether Viper Sword the moment he walked out of Scarlet Creek. “Kaze sold it to you?” Faith was dumbfounded, her face somber as she asked, “How much was it?” The way she saw it, it was only right for Kaze to present the sword to make up for slapping Jude, causing a scene at the Gwakes’ residence, hurting Faith, and upsetting Casius by hitting on Buffy. Yet, Jude paid good money to acquire the sword. It was absurd. “Two billion dollars.” Jude tugged at his beard, his heart aching for the money. “What? Two billion dollars?” Faith slammed her glass onto the drink hold and said frustratedly, “Have you lost your mind, Jude? It’s bad enough that Lee demanded a fortune, but I can’t believe you’d go through with it too.“He should have presented the sword to you, no questions asked.“We’re talking about two billion dollars, not twenty thousand dollars.” Faith was in great pain of losing two billion dollars. It was a
“Hannah and Collier released the news ahead of us through Golden Scale Corporation, Mr. Gwake.” Serene said with a sour face, “They claimed the Viper Queen sent a branch leader to reach them, saying that the Nether Viper Sword was lost in Riverbank. “They are offering a billion-dollar reward on behalf of the South River State Branch. Anyone can collect their reward at Golden Scale Corporation when the sword is located. “Anyone, including members of the organization, found stashing the sword away will face annihilation.” Silence befell inside the car. “Bam!” Jude crushed the glass in his hand, the shards cut into his skin and drew blood. His face was ashen. “Bastard! “Jerk!” Faith and Serene soon snapped out of their trance. Hannah beat them to the news release. Either way, the Nether Viper Sword was no use to Jude anymore. That was not the only thing. The Nether Viper Sword was more of a nuisance than a treasure. By not turning in the sword, Jude would be su
Color drained from Faith’s face, and she said menacingly, “Justice? Dream on! “They don’t deserve my time even for 20 billion dollars.” She was not saying that out of spite. Faith was a proud woman, and she would rather die than admit her mistake. “That was why I chose to pay.” Jude scoffed. “Do you think I don’t want to kill Lee?“You see what’s going on. Hannah and Collier are out to get me, and they are pushing hard.“I don't know how they manage to get in the new branch leader’s good graces. “It’s not uncertain whether the branch leader is real or not. “Either way, now isn’t the time to take anything lightly. “If I panic and get sidetracked with dealing with Kaze, I won’t just potentially lose my life. You will lose a life of luxuries. “I’ll be in power once I become the branch leader. Kaze won’t be a threat then. “Get that through your head now.” As Faith was not willing to let things go, Jude had to talk some sense into her. He needed to hold Faith stead
Faith lost control of her continence. Losing her last shred of dignity, Faith wailed miserably. “Turn around and get to Eddington Hospital now. Make sure Holfman shows up too. “Make it quick! I’ll hold you accountable if anything happens to Faith,” Jude yelled menacingly even though his hands were soiled. Without hesitating a minute more, the driver turned the car around in a fluster. The Rolls Royce zipped away. Jude did not even open the car windows because Faith could not shake off the cold. He turned the heat on to the highest temperature. Putting up with the stench, Serene took out her phone to call Holfman. Before the call connected, Serene shuddered at a sudden thought. She had been with Jude the whole thing, so she doubted the sudden onset of Faith’s illness was a coincidence. Serene was sure that Kaze had done something. It was just her gut feeling, though. She had no evidence to back it up. … Kaze and Buffy walked out of Scarlet Creek. Jude’s fleet o
Since Kaze was great behind the wheel, Buffy left the driving to him. Buffy paused and shook her head. “You got two billion dollars from selling the Nether Viper Sword. I can’t accept it. I have done nothing to deserve the money from you.“My dad said one thing right. You can use the money to start a business or build yourself up. At least the public won’t remember you as a moocher.” Considering Kaze a friend, Buffy spoke out of concern for him. She knew that Kaze probably had no use for the money since Kent, the mayor, gave him Villa No. 1 as a thank-you.Still, Kaze would have to take Kent’s feelings into account before selling the asset, though. With the two billion dollars, Kaze could set up his own business. Even though Buffy was aware of Kaze’s competence, the public had no idea. The public viewed Kaze as a moocher. He leeched on his wife’s family, got kicked out of the family, and now had to seek help from his mentor in Riverbank. “Thank you for your suggestion,