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Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 150
Chapter 150: A Desperate Play With what little strength he could muster, Dylan forced a grin, despite the pain. “I’ve got to admit, Titan, you’re pretty good at this whole ‘threatening’ thing,” he rasped. “But if you’re going to kill me, at least be creative. You’re starting to sound like a broken record.” He let out a wheeze that sounded almost like a laugh. “I mean, come on, crushing me like a bug? So cliché.”Titan’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening further. “I’ll show you what’s cliché, little man. You’re gonna regret opening that mouth of yours.”Dylan blinked, his vision flickering. His strength was almost gone, but his resolve remained firm. Ribs. Weakness. He could still do this.“You know,” he continued, his voice weak but laced with defiance, “if you’re gonna be the one to kill me, you should at least put some effort into it. You’re just gonna kill me like it’s nothing?” He coughed, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, but he pressed on. “You’re not even trying, T
Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 151
151 Dylan’s head was spinning, the world a blur of pain and shadows. The thud of his body hitting the stone wall had left him shaken, but his stubborn will to survive kept him pushing through the agony. His ribs were screaming in protest, his breath shallow and labored, but somehow, he managed to prop himself up on his hands, his vision slowly coming back into focus. He could hear Titan’s heavy steps as the giant advanced, a low growl rumbling from deep within his chest.“Not done yet, huh?” Titan sneered, cracking his knuckles menacingly. “You’re just making this worse for yourself, Dylan.”Dylan forced a smile, though it was more of a grimace. “You know, Titan, you’re like a bulldozer. Big, strong… but predictable. Just like all the others.” His voice wavered, but he pushed through, almost louder now. “You think you’ve got me cornered? You think you’ve won just because you knocked me down? I’m just getting started.”Titan’s eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a snarl. “You talk to
Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 152
Chapter 152: The Tipping PointDylan’s breath came in ragged gasps, his body trembling from the strain of staying upright. He had no idea how much longer he could keep this up. The pain in his ribs felt like fire with every shallow breath, and his legs were nothing more than jelly beneath him. But he refused to let it show. His gaze flickered to Titan, who stood looming over him like a storm waiting to unleash.Titan’s heavy footsteps were like a drumbeat in the quiet that stretched between them. The giant’s muscles bulged with every movement, and his eyes burned with a fury that seemed to promise an end to all of this. Dylan could feel the weight of his impending doom, the crushing inevitability of it. But he couldn’t give up—not yet.Titan cracked his knuckles again, the sound echoing like the snap of a whip. “You’re a tough little bastard, I’ll give you that,” he growled, his voice dark and low. “But you’re not gonna win this. Not against me.”Dylan spat blood from his mouth, his v
Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 153
Chapter 153: The Final GambleDylan’s heart pounded in his chest as he fought to stay conscious. His body was on the brink of collapse, every muscle crying out in agony, but his mind screamed at him to keep going. Titan was down—momentarily. The giant staggered, gasping for air as his massive form swayed, trying to gather his balance. But Dylan knew better than to believe this fight was over. The giant was only biding his time.Titan’s eyes locked onto him with a burning fury, as if every ounce of rage in the world had been funneled into that gaze. Dylan barely had time to react before the earth-shaking roar of Titan’s wrath shook the very air around them.Titan lunged forward, his massive arm swinging with enough force to level a mountain. Dylan saw it coming, but his body was slow to react. His legs wobbled beneath him as he tried to get out of the way, but it was no use. The blow was too fast, too powerful. Titan’s fist smashed into his side like a hammer striking steel.Dylan’s bo
Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 154
154“Fine,” Titan muttered, his voice low and begrudging. “But it’s not over yet, Dylan.” His eyes flickered back to the battered warrior with a malicious glint in them. “I’m going to enjoy watching you struggle.”Dylan’s breath came in shallow gasps, each one harder than the last. His body was a battlefield of bruises, cuts, and exhaustion, but he wasn’t about to let Titan’s words get to him. They were nothing more than distractions, empty threats from a man who thought his strength made him invincible. And Dylan was not about to be taken down by words.The brief hesitation had given him a sliver of time, a sliver of hope, and he wasn’t going to waste it.Titan took a step back, clearly recalibrating, but Dylan wasn’t waiting for the giant to finish his thoughts. His mind raced, the sounds of the fight echoing in his ears, his every breath sharp and ragged. He had to move, had to act now, or everything he’d fought for would be for nothing.Think, Dylan. Think.He could barely stand.
Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 155
155Titan’s chest heaved as he lunged forward, throwing another crushing punch. Dylan barely dodged, feeling the air move around him as Titan’s fist passed just inches from his face. His heart pounded in his ears, but he didn’t let it throw him off balance.He had to stay calm. He had to—A low growl escaped Titan’s lips, and his massive arm swung again, but this time, Dylan was ready.Move fast. Move smart.Dylan darted to the left, his body twisting in a fluid motion. His feet barely touched the ground as he darted closer to the giant, moving like a shadow, calculating every step. Titan’s next punch landed with a deafening crash, and for a moment, Dylan thought it might be the end.But it wasn’t.He ducked beneath Titan’s next blow, his hands shaking as they gripped the ground to keep him steady. There, just beneath Titan’s ribs, was the opening he’d been waiting for. The weak spot. The one place Titan couldn’t cover with his sheer force.With a burst of energy, Dylan surged forward
Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 156
156: The Breaking PointDylan’s world was fading, the edges of his vision blurring as he lay on the cold, unforgiving ground. His body was broken, each breath a painful struggle, his chest heaving with every shallow inhale. Every inch of him screamed in agony, and despite all the years of training, the countless battles he’d fought, this time, it felt like he was truly at the end.He had nothing left. No strength, no will to keep going. The room spun around him in dizzying circles, and the faint echo of Titan’s mocking voice rang in his ears.“I told you it was over,” Titan’s voice rumbled above him. “You can’t fight me, Dylan. You never could.”The giant stood over him like a towering beast, his fists clenched and ready to deliver the final, crushing blow. Dylan could barely lift his head, his hands trembling as they brushed the floor in a desperate attempt to steady himself.Titan loomed like the embodiment of death, his form a dark silhouette against the flickering lights. Dylan co
Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 157
157: The Prisoner’s FateDylan’s body lay stiff, trapped in the metal confines of the pit that had swallowed him whole. His bones ached, and his vision wavered, but even in his near-unconscious state, he could feel the heavy weight of Seraphina’s gaze above him. The air felt suffocating, the silence pressing down on him like a physical force.Then, her voice sliced through the stillness, low and filled with raw, unrestrained fury.“You’re my prisoner now, Dylan,” Seraphina said, her words laced with venom. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment.”Dylan, too weak to move or defend himself, barely lifted his head. His body trembled, each breath a fight against the crushing pain. He could hear the tremor in her voice, the crack of emotion in her words that twisted the knife deeper into his heart. What happened to her?Her shadow loomed large over him, a looming specter of rage and betrayal. Seraphina’s eyes burned with an intensity he had never seen before, her expression
Latest Chapter
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Chapter 181: Ashes Don’t ForgetThe air in The Broken Compass turned thick with tension as Lilith lifted her goblet once more, her calm demeanor a fragile mask. The flickering lantern above her cast shadows along her jawline, emphasizing the cold steel in her gaze.That’s when a sleazy-looking man swaggered up to her table. Gold rings on every finger, a filthy toothpick dancing between his lips, and the unmistakable stench of rum and arrogance clinging to him.He slapped a few crumpled bills onto the table and grinned. “You look expensive, sweetheart. But I’m feeling generous tonight.”Lilith didn’t even flinch. “Pick those up before I shove them down your throat.”The man laughed like she’d told a joke. “Oh, come on, don’t play hard to get. I heard about you. Night Order, right? Bet you’ve done worse for less.”Her hand twitched near the dagger strapped to her thigh, hidden beneath her coat. “Last warning.”He leaned closer, his breath hot and disgusting. “You’ll change your mind aft
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Chapter 181: Ashes Don’t Forget The air in The Broken Compass turned thick with tension as Lilith lifted her goblet once more, her calm demeanor a fragile mask. The flickering lantern above her cast shadows along her jawline, emphasizing the cold steel in her gaze. That’s when a sleazy-looking man swaggered up to her table. Gold rings on every finger, a filthy toothpick dancing between his lips, and the unmistakable stench of rum and arrogance clinging to him. He slapped a few crumpled bills onto the table and grinned. “You look expensive, sweetheart. But I’m feeling generous tonight.” Lilith didn’t even flinch. “Pick those up before I shove them down your throat.” The man laughed like she’d told a joke. “Oh, come on, don’t play hard to get. I heard about you. Night Order, right? Bet you’ve done worse for less.” Her hand twitched near the dagger strapped to her thigh, hidden beneath her coat. “Last warning.” He leaned closer, his breath hot and disgusting. “You’ll change your m
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Chapter 181: Ashes Don’t ForgetThe air in The Broken Compass turned thick with tension as Lilith lifted her goblet once more, her calm demeanor a fragile mask. The flickering lantern above her cast shadows along her jawline, emphasizing the cold steel in her gaze.That’s when a sleazy-looking man swaggered up to her table. Gold rings on every finger, a filthy toothpick dancing between his lips, and the unmistakable stench of rum and arrogance clinging to him.He slapped a few crumpled bills onto the table and grinned. “You look expensive, sweetheart. But I’m feeling generous tonight.”Lilith didn’t even flinch. “Pick those up before I shove them down your throat.”The man laughed like she’d told a joke. “Oh, come on, don’t play hard to get. I heard about you. Night Order, right? Bet you’ve done worse for less.”Her hand twitched near the dagger strapped to her thigh, hidden beneath her coat. “Last warning.”He leaned closer, his breath hot and disgusting. “You’ll change your mind aft
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Chapter 180: Embers of VengeanceThe fire in the hearth snapped as Dylan returned to the drawing room. The old wood panels whispered with every step he took. Gregory sat in a leather armchair near the flames, polishing a pair of vintage spectacles. He looked up as Dylan entered.“All settled?” Gregory asked.Dylan nodded, running a hand through his hair. “She’s asleep. Curled around that fox like it’s armor.”“She’s been through more than most grown men could survive,” Gregory murmured. “Just like her mother.”Dylan’s jaw tightened. He walked over and poured himself a glass of aged whiskey from the crystal decanter. He drained the glass and set it down, then leaned against the mantel. “What do you know about the Night Order?”Gregory paused. “Only what Helen told me. That they used to be a myth… until they weren’t. Secret society. Rituals. Power plays. Blood pacts.”A silence stretched between them until Gregory said, “There’s a woman. Used to be one of them. She turned her back on t
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Chapter 179: Through the AshesThe ride was silent at first—except for the soft crinkle of Dolly’s lollipop wrapper and the distant hum of the engine. Dylan stared out the tinted window, his jaw clenched, one hand resting protectively on Dolly’s knee.She leaned against him, but her eyes were wide open, darting around the interior of the luxurious car.“Is this a magic carriage?” she asked, voice soft.Dylan chuckled faintly. “Something like that.”She held up the lollipop. “It’s cherry. That’s my favorite.”“I remembered,” he said.Her brows rose. “You remembered? But you said you didn’t know about me.”He hesitated, then smiled. “I didn’t. But your mother used to say, ‘If I ever have a daughter, she’s going to love cherry more than anything else.’”Dolly’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “Mama said that?”“All the time.”They fell into silence again, but this time it was less heavy.After a while, Dolly turned her head and whispered, “Do you miss her?”Dylan’s throat tightene
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Chapter 178: A Father’s OathThe mansion’s heavy front door creaked open, letting in the morning light—and a gust of wind that smelled of ash and distant bloodshed. Dylan held Dolly close, her small arms still wrapped around his neck, her cheek pressed to his shoulder.But as they reached the edge of the stone steps, she stiffened in his arms.“Wait,” she whispered, pulling back slightly. “Where are we going?”“Somewhere safe,” Dylan replied softly, adjusting her weight in his arms.“Safe?” Her eyes narrowed. “But who are you?”Dylan froze.“I told you,” he said gently, “I’m your father.”She looked at him long and hard. Her tiny brows furrowed, lips pursed with doubt. “You… you don’t feel like Papa.”His heart cracked a little. “I didn’t know about you, Dolly. Not until tonight. If I had… I would’ve come for you sooner. I swear on your mother’s life.”Dolly blinked, silent for a moment, then asked, “Did Mama really tell you to come?”“Yes.” He crouched down, setting her gently on the
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177Chapter 177: The Search BeginsDylan’s boots thudded against the stairs as he stormed up them two at a time, Seraphina’s blood still drying on his chest like a second heart. His throat burned, but he swallowed the pain. There was no time to mourn. Not now.“Dolly!” he shouted, voice rough and hoarse. “Dolly, if you’re here—please answer me!”The hallway stretched before him, quiet and cloaked in shadows. The scent of old wood and lavender clung to the air—Seraphina’s favorite oil. His hand brushed the wall as he passed a set of closed doors, his mind racing.He threw open the first room.Empty.Just dusty blankets, a cracked mirror, and toys that hadn’t been played with in years.“Dolly!” he yelled again, more desperately this time. “It’s Papa. I’m here. Please—baby, answer me.”His heart thundered. He moved to the next room, nearly ripping the door off its hinges.“Dolly—”Nothing but silence.Then—A faint thump.He froze.It came again.He turned sharply toward the third door.
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176“I forgave you,” she said suddenly, her voice clear for a brief second. “For everything. For the things you did… for what we became. I forgave you a long time ago, Dylan. I just wish you could forgive yourself.” His chest tightened so sharply he could hardly breathe. “You don’t get to say goodbye. Not like this. No. No—stay awake. Don’t close your eyes. I need you. We need you.” “I’m tired,” she whispered. “But listen… the Alliance… it’s burning. They’re tearing it apart because of you.” He flinched, guilt sweeping over him. “I never wanted this war. I built Dragonia to unite our lands, to end bloodshed…” “But you left,” she said, blinking slowly. “You left it behind… and it turned into a battlefield.” He pressed his forehead to hers, eyes wet with grief. “Because I couldn’t face what I lost. Because I was a coward.” “You’re not,” she murmured. “You were always brave. Stubborn… cruel, sometimes. But brave.” “I don’t want to be brave anymore,” he whispered. “I just want you
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175“Please…” he whispered. “Don’t leave me.”A long silence stretched between them. The forest around them was too quiet—no birds, no wind, just the rising smoke and the smell of iron and earth.Then—suddenly—her hand caught his wrist.His heart leapt.Her grip, weak but deliberate, made his breath hitch.“…It’s too late,” she whispered, a faint smile pulling at her cracked lips.“No. No, it’s not.” His voice was thick with tears as he shook his head. “I’ve got you, I can—”“You can’t.” Her voice was softer than a breeze, fragile and final. “Not this time. Dylan…”His jaw clenched. “Don’t talk like that. You’re not dying, do you hear me? You’re not—!”She squeezed his hand, surprising him with a flicker of strength. “Listen to me. There’s something I never told you…”His heart pounded violently against his ribs. “What?”“Our daughter.”She coughed, blood spilling from the corner of her lips, staining the side of her chin.“Her name… is Dolly.”Dylan froze.“What…?” His voice cracked.
