Fat Jim stood stunned momentarily, then turned to his trusted subordinate. The guy shrugged, indicating he didn't know what was happening either.Fat Jim then looked at the man again. "What's the meaning of this?""This person is yours." The man chuckled. "You just mentioned that this is a different price?""Um...""I'm giving you this person for free," the man said, looking at Fat Jim. "He's in excellent health. His annual check-ups show all his readings are perfect."The bound person had a cloth stuffed in his mouth, making muffled sounds while glaring resentfully at the man. The man turned and harshly slapped him across the face."There are many useful things in him! Such a good container of organs is right in front of you. Do you still want to name another price?""Well..." Fat Jim grinned, his eyes shining with avarice.Indeed, the captive was sturdy, struggling up from the floor several times, although the man pushed him back down each time. This indicated his good health
Morpheus' gradual recovery unfolded day by day. Capitalizing on the sunny weather, he meticulously cleaned his home, both inside and out.However, in the process, he encountered an array of poignant memories tied to a particular individual—a bunch of dried flowers, a half-eaten box of chocolates, a stack of prescriptions...His heart suddenly clenched with pain.Persephone cherished the streets of Flinge, particularly the unknown little colorful and vibrant flowers blooming by the roadside. She claimed these flowers were never seen in Centrolis. After confirming they were unattended, she secretly plucked a bunch and turned them into dried flowers. Each day, she would beam at the flowers with a bright smile.With a penchant for sweets, especially after he scolded her, she would guilt-trip him with her big teary eyes, prompting him to feel he had been too harsh. Consequently, he would regularly buy her chocolates. There were limited dessert options in Flinge, and this brand of chocol
Fat Jim chuckled, giving Morpheus' shoulder a friendly pat with his chubby hand. "Think about it carefully. Your next opponent is too formidable. You're the brother I value the most. I can't stand by and watch you perish!"Morpheus didn't turn to look at him, only hearing his heavy footsteps gradually receding.Once out of the building, Fat Jim grinned sinisterly.Morpheus wouldn't take the drug, but his opponent would. The opponent taking the banned substance would result in Morpheus' death in the ring. Fat Jim had fulfilled his obligation to warn him.In this underground arena, they signed their lives away. Even if someone was killed, there'd be no justice for the deceased. Lives were worthless there. The only thing of value was money.-After Fat Jim left for some time, Morpheus slowly turned around, gazing at the bottle of drug on the table with disgust. He was about to throw it in the trash when Wynn entered, hurriedly reaching out to stop him."Morpheus, don't act rashly!"
On the day of the match, Morpheus held the banned drug in his hand. After hesitating backstage for a moment, he unscrewed the cap and swallowed it.His throat felt as though it had been sliced open by this tiny pill. He seemed to envision a version of himself, gutted and covered in blood, utterly grotesque.Even on the battlefield, he had never resorted to underhanded methods. He had always been upright. He could fend off others' hidden attacks, but he couldn't bring himself to harm someone with deceit.Today, however, he broke his rule for Persephone for the first time. All his principles and beliefs collapsed when he saw that tiny figure in the crowd.All he knew was that she was watching him from the stands, and he didn't want her to witness him being defeated.He grabbed the nearby bottle of water, gulped it down, slammed the cup to the ground, and stormed into the ring.-Persephone sat somewhat uneasily in the stands. Amidst the uproar, she recalled her first meeting with
Seamus stared at her blankly.Yeah, he had crossed the line first, forgetting that Persephone was a pampered heiress from childhood. Which heiress ever had a good temper?However, during her time in Flinge, he had personally witnessed her change for Morpheus, leaving him feeling quite uneasy.Seamus silently lowered his head, saying nothing.Persephone vented her frustrations at him, releasing pent-up emotions. However, upon reflection, a twinge of guilt crept in as she observed his current state."Alright, get out and wait for me!" she muttered. "You didn't really want to watch the match anyway. Why suffer? Go outside and get some fresh air!"Seamus glanced at her and coldly turned away.As Persephone watched him vanish, a wave of guilt overwhelmed her once more.At that moment, it felt like she had been divided into two parts—one tethered to Centrolis, the Hamertons, and teenage years spent with Seamus. The other was solely devoted to the figure in the boxing ring.She inhal
Persephone's hoarse cries were quickly drowned out in the crowd. No one could hear her voice as protests began to rise. Before the match, they had bet heavily on Morpheus' victory, but this match would leave them penniless."Useless, get up!""You wasted our money!""Give us back our money!"However loud these people shouted, the more pleased Fat Jim seemed. With such high odds, he could make a fortune. Morpheus could still earn him so much money even before dying, making the most of his usefulness.He chuckled, spat out his sunflower seed husk, and instructed his men to find a decent grave for Morpheus. After all, they were like brothers, and a blank tombstone could serve as his own remembrance."Boss, look quickly!"Fat Jim's subordinate's sudden panic surprised him.He followed the direction his subordinate pointed at and saw a slender figure amidst the chaos. Like a determined little rabbit, she desperately climbed toward the ring.Guards were trying to stop her, but she s
Seamus said, "I promise you that once we're on the boat and out of here, I'll find someone to inquire about Morpheus' whereabouts in Flinge. Rest assured. He will be fine."Persephone wanted to cry but clenched her hand tightly, refusing to make a sound."Miss, think positively." Seamus looked at her. "Injuries among fighters are common, and Morpheus is accustomed to this lifestyle. Besides, he's the cash cow of this arena. How could the boss just let him die?"Don't be afraid." His voice gradually lowered, tinged with a hint of sneering. "I assure you. He isn't as fragile as you imagine!"-By nightfall, Persephone was still in a daze.She didn't have a phone, so she discreetly used Seamus' phone to call Wynn. No matter how many times she dialed, however, there was no answer.Her heart hung in suspense again.Suddenly, a message came through. She unintentionally opened it. The sender's name was saved with a dash, and there was minimal conversation. The recent message had only
Persephone felt a moment of panic.Her initial thought was whether the note might be a prank, but she quickly dismissed that idea. Even if it were a prank, there was no need for it to target her specifically.Besides, the name written on the note was clear—Morpheus.Morpheus was fine!This person must know her, but for some reason, they couldn't tell her this face-to-face. It wasn't Wynn because his personality was straightforward. He wouldn't use such roundabout means.However, who else did she know in Flinge besides Wynn and Morpheus?Persephone's heart raced. When Seamus placed his hand on her shoulder, she nearly jumped."Miss, what's wrong?"Persephone stared at him for a few seconds before shaking her head frantically."You don't look too well." Seamus frowned. "Are you feeling ill?"Persephone quickly slipped the note into her pocket and continued along his line of conversation. "I... I do feel a bit unwell.""What's the matter?""Perhaps it's this flower." She glanc