"Benjamin, let's move to a conference room." Caroline swiftly beckoned, her urgency palpable: "This situation is graver than you can imagine." Her demeanor alone hinted to Benjamin the gravity of what was about to unfold.In but a fleeting moment, within the confines of the exclusive meeting room of the Royalty Hotel, there began an influx of myriad individuals whose faces were well-recognized in the capital.Furthermore, the majority of them were undoubtedly martial artists, skilled in the ancient art of combat.Amongst the congregation, Benjamin's discerning eyes caught sight of a man whose demeanor held a shadow of familiarity, an elusive echo from the past, perhaps.However, much to his chagrin, Benjamin could not place the man's identity. Yet, there were instances when the stranger's gaze would stealthily drift toward him, suggesting some sort of underlying sentiment or opinion he held about Benjamin."Permit me a momentary introduction." a voice broke the silence: "I am Finn Arn
"Alright, please, let's maintain our composure. While the theft of the artifact is indeed an oversight on our hotel's part, everyone here knows the true reason why we auctioned off that particular treasure. Our main aim for today's auction was to unveil the hidden secret within the treasure. However, due to the greed of a few, we'll have to postpone this quest. For this, we deeply regret."Feeling the room's tension, Finn finally couldn't resist stepping in to address the crowd. At his words, everyone fell into a contemplative silence.For some reason, Benjamin felt that Finn's glances, unintentional or otherwise, kept straying his way. Though discreet, Benjamin, being a former operative, trusted his keen observations implicitly. He wasn't mistaken about this."I understand most of you are here for the stolen artifact. However, the auction was announced earlier, and we can't halt it just for that one item. If you have no objections, I can have my staff prepare the rooms and invite you
"Benjamin, you recognize the man in this image, don't you?"Upon witnessing Benjamin's expression, Lord Arnold shifted his gaze, his face bearing a hint of amusement.Although Benjamin didn't verbally acknowledge, his reaction spoke volumes to everyone present.However, Benjamin found it hard to swallow.Momentarily, he hesitated, then turned to Finn."Although I recognize the man in the photograph,Why would he be there? Moreover, I've never heard mention of him practicing any arts?"Hearing Benjamin's skepticism, Lord Arnold simply shook his head."No, you surely must know why he was there.Your presence here, isn't it also more than mere coincidence?"Upon this retort from Lord Arnold, Benjamin stood slightly taken aback.At this moment, all eyes converged on him.Even Ancel and Caroline couldn't resist and fixed their gaze upon him."This matter…"Benjamin seemed at a loss for words, struggling to find an explanation.Moreover, the circumstances were indeed uncanny, and no matter
But soon enough, Griselda, unable to suppress her laughter, chuckled heartily: "Ah, how could I forget? Such a disgraceful defeat and you expect people to never speak of it?”The moment these words left Griselda’s lips, the fury festering within Patrick Jones could no longer be contained. His roar resonated throughout: "You dare?”In a heartbeat, like a tempestuous whirlwind, he lunged at Griselda, hand outstretched, transforming into a tiger's claw, swiping fiercely at Griselda's delicate face. This attack, though not lethal, could scar Griselda’s visage beyond repair. A fate, for a young maiden like her, possibly worse than death.Witnessing this terrifying scene, the color drained from Griselda's face, her eyes widened in sheer terror. Unsure if it was his speed or the menacing threat of Patrick Jones, Griselda was paralyzed, only able to stare as the impending doom closed in.“Hmph!”But by Griselda's side stood Benjamin, unwavering. How could he stand by and watch the grandchild
At that moment, it was as if Keelin had peered into the very souls of those present.With a chilling look, she surveyed each person.Then, her voice dripped with a threatening undertone."I know, gentlemen, the thoughts that dwell in your minds.Yet, as long as life courses through Keelin's veins, should I ascend to the helm of the Jones dynasty, I shall never forget the debts I owe you all.However, any soul bold enough to depart at this very moment, be warned: every captured frame and clip bearing evidence of our shared past will find its way onto the web.By that time, the James lineage need not act.I fear that Big Brother Patrick and the entirety of the Jones clan will not let such transgressions slide.So, gentlemen, I beseech you to ponder deeply - do you wish to meet your end alongside me?"The moment Keelin's words escaped her lips, a palpable dread gripped every soul present, including Dempsey."Keelin, you've surely lost your mind!Your actions doom not only us but our very
Suddenly, an icy gaze from the cab driver permeated the air. From an external perspective, Benjamin might seem like a sly trickster trying to deceive Laelia with empty promises. A thought which made the driver smirk malevolently. Meanwhile, Benjamin felt an unsettling aura momentarily but dismissed it. At that very moment, Laelia exclaimed: "Are you sure this is the right way? This doesn’t lead to the 14th district but the main east-west artery, towards the city outskirts!" At the distant call of Laelia, the eyes of the taxi driver narrowed sharply. Moments later, his face betrayed a hint of awkwardness as he turned to address both Laelia and Benjamin. "My sincerest apologies. I seem to have taken the wrong turn. Also, to reach district fourteen, there's a section under construction. We need to divert through the East-West boulevard to get there." Laelia's brows furrowed slightly as she listened to the driver's explanation. However, she didn't dwell much on it, simply assuming tha
At this point, Benjamin had completely subdued his adversary.Subsequently, he casually threw the cab driver back into the car.Simultaneously, with one hand gripping the man's jaw and the other tapping his face gently, he taunted: "Feeling humiliated yet?”Overpowered and belittled by Benjamin, the cab driver’s inner rage was palpable.Yet before he could react, Benjamin, seemingly recalling something, turned with a smile that was both mischievous and cunning."Oh, I forgot to mention.I was once a member of the Dragon Guardians. I'm well-versed in certain... covert techniques.If you refuse to spill, I can hand you over to Caroline. You do know who Caroline is, right?"Upon hearing the words “Dragon Guardians." the cab driver’s face distorted in alarm.Furthermore, the mere mention of the name Caroline cast an even deeper shadow of dread in his eyes.“You… you’re the War God?!”It was as if he had beheld a terrifying apparition, the cab driver's eyes widened in pure shock, fixated o
"Where are they?" The chill in Benjamin's voice was bone-piercing.The taxi driver trembled ever so slightly but remained resolute. He pointed weakly towards a section within the store, murmuring: "They hide within."Listening to the words, Benjamin's eyebrows involuntarily furrowed, casting a shadow over his sharp features.However, he continued in the direction indicated by the outstretched arm of the taxi driver.His steps, meticulously careful, neared the conspicuously empty shelving barricading the pathway ahead."There it is!"The taxi driver's voice rose timely, echoing through the dimly lit surroundings.Contemplating this revelation, Benjamin hesitated momentarily before placing his hand on the shelf and, with a surge of strength, pushing it aside.A cacophony of grinding noises ensued, causing Benjamin's eyes to momentarily ignite with a curious spark."Could there possibly be a mechanism hidden here?"For a fleeting moment, excitement coursed through him, prompting him to h