The Death Lord Is Back

Chapter one

“Mr. Kael, sir!” The scrawny worker stumbled into the dusty office, clutching his cap like a lifeline.

“The mafia boss… uh, he’s here again. Says it’s urgent.”

Kael leaned back in his worn-out recliner, his boots propped on the desk.

“Let him in. And bring me some tea. Extra sugar. You know I hate bitter interruptions.”

“Yes, sir!” The worker bolted, nearly tripping over a bucket.

Moments later, the towering mafia kingpin entered, his usual swagger noticeably absent.

His crisp suit was drenched in sweat, and his hands trembled slightly as he carried a tray with two steaming cups.

“Mr. Kael,” the kingpin began, his voice hesitant, “I… I’ve brought your coffee.”

Kael raised an eyebrow. “Coffee? Did I ask for coffee? Or do you want me to personally teach you how to clean the septic tank next time?”

The kingpin’s face turned redder than a lobster in boiling water.

“No, sir! I—I cleaned all the toilets myself as you ordered. Spotless! You could eat off them!”

Kael tilted his head, his expression neutral.

“I don’t think you’d survive eating in there, but I’ll take your word for it. Now, what do you want?”

The kingpin’s voice cracked.

“Forgiveness, sir! It was a misunderstanding! I didn’t know that the gold shipment belonged to you!”

Kael slowly stirred his tea, his tone flat.

“So, when you skimmed from the top, that was just a creative accounting error?”

“Yes! Exactly!” The kingpin’s eyes lit up with false hope.

“I swear, it won’t happen again! Please, Mr. Kael, I’ll do anything!”

Kael set his cup down and leaned forward.

“Anything?”

“Yes! Just name it!”

Kael gave a faint smile.

“Go back to the toilets. I missed a spot.”

The kingpin dropped to his knees.

“Thank you, Mr. Kael! Thank you! You’re merciful!”

Kael waved dismissively.

“Spare me the groveling. Get out before I decide the toilets aren’t enough.”

The kingpin practically crawled out, nodding profusely.

As the door shut, the scrawny worker poked his head back in, his face pale.

“Uh, sir… we’ve got another situation.”

Kael sighed.

“If it’s another toilet problem, I’m firing everyone and doing it myself.”

“No, sir! It’s the Reaper and the Butcher. They’re fighting again. The workers are scared to intervene.”

Kael stood, stretching lazily.

“Scared? Of those two clowns? Fine. Let’s go.”

In the quarry yard, two hulking figures circled each other, their shirts torn and fists raised.

“You think you’re the toughest here, Butcher?” the Reaper growled.

“I’ll carve you up like a Sunday roast!”

The Butcher sneered.

“Big words for a guy who cries every time he stubs his toe. Bring it on, twig arms!”

The workers formed a loose circle, whispering nervously. Kael approached, hands in his pockets, his presence silencing the crowd.

“Reaper. Butcher.” Kael’s voice was calm but carried an edge that made both men freeze mid-swing.

“Do you two enjoy wasting my time?”

Both men stammered incoherent excuses.

Kael held up a hand.

“Save it. You’ve got two choices. One, hang yourselves under the sun for three days and reflect on how dumb you are.”

The Butcher blinked.

“Three days, boss? That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

Kael’s gaze turned icy.

“Option two: fight me instead.”

The Reaper and the Butcher exchanged wide-eyed glances.

The Reaper chuckled nervously.

“You know, boss, hanging doesn’t sound so bad. Good for the posture, right?”

The Butcher nodded enthusiastically.

“Yeah, and the weather’s great this time of year. Sunbathing it is!”

Kael crossed his arms.

“Good. Now smile while you climb the scaffold. If I hear a single complaint, we’ll revisit option two.”

Both men grinned like children caught stealing cookies.

“Thank you, boss! We promise no more fights!”

As the pair scampered off, the scrawny worker sidled up to Kael, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Uh, sir… there’s someone else here to see you.”

Kael pinched the bridge of his nose.

“If it’s another fight, I’m throwing everyone in the quarry into a pit and filling it with water.”

“No, sir. It’s a woman. With two scary-looking bodyguards.”

Kael’s eyebrow twitched. “A woman?”

“Yes, sir. She says her name is Selene.”

Kael’s expression didn’t change, but his voice dropped.

“Bring her in. And don’t let anyone else interrupt.”

Selene entered the office like she owned the place, her military uniform immaculate.

Her two bodyguards followed, their eyes scanning every corner like hawks.

Kael didn’t rise from his chair, his tone bored.

“What brings the nation’s greatest war hero to my humble quarry?”

Selene smirked.

“I see exile hasn’t dampened your charm, Kael. Or your… questionable choice of decor.”

Kael gestured at the mismatched furniture.

“I like to keep things simple. Unlike you, I don’t need a parade wherever I go.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I’m not here for banter. I’ve come to annul our engagement.”

Kael raised an eyebrow. “Engagement? Oh, right. That thing our parents cooked up when we were kids. I’d almost forgotten.”

Selene scoffed.

“You’re not fooling anyone, Kael. I’m sure you’ve been clinging to the hope of marrying me, but let me be clear: I’d rather marry a cockroach.”

Kael’s lips twitched. “Cockroaches are resilient. Smart choice.”

Selene’s face flushed with annoyance.

“This isn’t a joke! You’re a lowly quarry worker, while I’m a national hero. Our statuses couldn’t be further apart.”

Kael leaned back, his expression unreadable.

“If it makes you feel better, I accept. Consider our engagement annulled.”

Selene blinked, taken aback. “That’s it? No protest? No begging me to reconsider?”

Kael shrugged. “Why would I beg? I’d rather marry a cactus.”

The bodyguards stifled snickers, earning a sharp glare from Selene.

She straightened, her tone icy.

“Enjoy your dirt pile, Kael. I have real work to do. But don’t think this is over. I’ll spare you this time.”

Kael waved lazily.

“Thanks for your mercy, oh mighty war hero. Don’t trip on the way out.”