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The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 001 Free Bird
The gates of Montserrat Prison clanged open to release a prisoner. A tall man in ordinary clothes walked out, having served his three-year conviction term."I can finally be with my family again," Tyler said aloud, shielding his eyes with his hand from the bright noon sun. He didn't turn back to look at the prison facade. Montserrat was a maximum-security prison, home to the most heinous and dangerous criminals in the world. But Tyler never belonged to this living hell. He eyed the uncharacteristic tattoo on his own right bicep, the six-wings, called the Seraphim sigil. It was not a prison souvenir but one given to him by Butch Salvatore, one of the other inmates serving a life sentence.Butch was an eccentric old man who claimed to be the leader of a mysterious group. Most other inmates considered Butch a deluded old psychopath and avoided him, but Tyler befriended the man and showed him kindness.One day Butch invited him to his practice sessions."I suffered a near-fatal attack
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 002 Tyler Is Back!
Ruth grabbed her son's arm with her trembling hands. "Come in, son. The house felt vacant without you."Tyler nodded and pushed her wheelchair inside. The house's interior was in a worse condition. The paint was chipping off the walls, and most furniture was missing. Did his parents sell everything to meet the expenses? Was their financial ruin so devastating?Ruth took some time to rein in her emotions before she began speaking again."Things fell apart when you were convicted, son. The Coopers were not content with just throwing you into prison. They vented their anger on our family. They usurped your dad's business and ensured he wouldn't be hired elsewhere.""That's not the end of it. The Coopers demanded compensation of two million dollars from us. We gave away all our savings, but it was not enough. We sold our jewelry and furniture. Yet, we could pay back only a small fraction of what we owed them."Tyler clenched his fist as anger bubbled in him. The Coopers had gone too far fo
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 003 Prison Changed Him
As Ruth struggled in vain, one of the henchmen spoke up. "Boss, the bitch hasn't paid the installment for six months. She owes ten grand every month to compensate the Coopers. But every time, she sent us off with old furniture instead. I just checked the house and found only thirty-two dollars in her stash."The leader spat with disdain. "You filthy scum of a woman! Where are you hiding our money?"Ruth wailed in pain and tried to explain herself. "I'm sorry, mister. But my husband's wages are quite low. We don't have enough for three meals a day. Please forgive us...""Do you think this is a joke, wench? Is the Cooper family going to be fooled by your lies?"Ruth joined her hands, crying profusely. "Please, I am telling you the truth… Wait! I'll sell some cutlery to neighbors and try to arrange five hundred dollars. I promise! Please give me fifteen minutes."The leader's eyes were bloodshot in anger. "Five hundred? Have we come here to collect spare change, bitch? Maybe you aren't ta
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 004 Tyler’s Wrath
The words made Tyler stop in his tracks. "What did you say?"Huxley guffawed loudly and pointed a derogatory finger at the young man. "Didn't you know? Your girlfriend Erica is marrying Trent Cooper in the Marian Hotel today. What a joke you are! You should kill yourself!"Tyler furrowed his brows. Was Erica really getting hitched to Trent? That didn't make any sense! Trent tried to rape her, and he sent Tyler to prison under false charges. Why would she agree to marry him? Perhaps Huxley was lying?Tyler could read the gang leader's expressions. He was downright evil, but he wasn't a liar.Huxley saw Tyler was distracted and figured it was his chance to land a successful attack. He lunged at the young man, aiming a punch at his face. However, his fate was already sealed.Pow! Tyler caught Huxley's fist in his right hand without even looking in his direction. Then he turned to stare into the gangster's shocked eyes.Huxley broke into a nervous sweat. Tyler's hand on his fist felt like
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 005 Meeting the Andersons
"Do you know who I am?" the beauty snapped. "I'm Natalie Anderson! How dare you try to scam me? Are you aware of my family's influence? The Mayor, the Chief of Police, and the Chief City Attorney are our family friends! Get lost, or you'll end up in prison for the rest of your life!"The Anderson family was the wealthiest in Sapphire City and owned many businesses, hotels, and shopping malls. They practically bathed in money and, no wonder, had contacts in high places.Tyler narrowed his eyes. The cinematic bubble of running into an angelic beauty had popped for him. Natalie was just a spoiled heiress, and he hated such women with a vengeance.Billionaires who didn't raise their kids right created brats who thought they owned the world. Such ingrates believed their acts had no consequences; they trampled and abused everyone in their paths without mercy or sympathy.A tragic example of such a horrible brat was Trent Cooper, who destroyed his life and tortured his family over a petty inc
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 006 At Death’s Door
Silas' face darkened while Natalie looked like she would explode."What nonsense are you blabbering?" she said in exasperation. "Are you drunk or on drugs? My dad is going to be okay once we get to the hospital in ten minutes! A world-class cardiac surgeon is waiting for us there! Get out of our way before I punch you!"However, her father reacted differently. Silas realized that every word Tyler spoke was accurate. Moreover, the old man had lived a long, disciplined life and could tell when someone was lying. His experience told him Tyler's insights were miraculously genuine. It was a near-death leap of faith to trust the stranger."Young man, what is your name?""Tyler Grant.""How did you know I have two holes in my heart? It is medically classified information."Tyler stood silent and offered no response to the question. He believed there was no cause to reveal details of his abilities to a random billionaire.Realizing the young man wasn't inclined to answer his query, Silas conti
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 007 Ungrateful Woman
Tyler took a step back in surprise. He had been focused on healing and had not expected the heiress to assault him physically."I'll sue you into oblivion!" She screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You monster!""It's okay, Nat…" Silas said, stepping down from the car and getting to his feet. His skin looked more youthful, and his breathing had become normal.Natalie watched her recovered father with widened eyes. Did the homeless man really heal him? Were such miracles actually possible? She began to have an existential panic."Thank you, young man," Silas said, patting Tyler's shoulder. "You possess a special gift, and I am blessed to have met you. I owe you my life."Tyler, still annoyed by Natalie's slap, shook his head at the billionaire. "The healing is temporary. I merely extended your lifespan by a week. You can spend it in the hospital if you must. But even the most talented doctors can't help you."Silas laughed a hearty laugh. "I must thank you, regardless. It gives m
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 008 Saving Erica
The young billionaire raised an eyebrow. Then he let out a taunting chuckle. "Oh, it's you, loser! They finally let you go scot-free. I couldn't recognize you under the homeless man attire. It seems prison time didn't wash away your arrogance. Have you come back for more punishment? Or are you here to fall at my feet and apologize?"Tyler pursed his lips to control his fury. He could kill Trent with one blow, and his revenge would be complete. However, it wouldn't be satisfactory. "I am here to rescue Erica. You've arranged her wedding against her will. My life is in shambles, but I won't let you ruin her life as well!"Trent raised his arms in mockery and began guffawing. His friends and butlers also joined him in the laughter. "Did you just say that Erica's life will be ruined if she becomes my wife? Are you drunk or delusional?"Just then, the sound of a pair of heels came down the corridor and stopped by the entrance. "Never mind that. Why don't you ask Erica directly what she thi
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- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
230 Lazarus Briar
The Seraphim King’s mention induced a wave of muttering among the conference members. Lazarus raised his hand to silence them. "The last time I checked, the Seraphim King was dying in Montserrat Prison," he resumed with a louder voice than normal. "What the hell was he doing in El Abyssium? Tell me the truth!" A couple of shadows parted from the room's darkness and gradually slithered towards Dagon and Veronica. The hulk realized this and panicked. "When we reached the Hetacomb site, Butch Salvatore was already there! It was actually him who defeated Goliath!" "So you thought it convenient to claim the credit? You picked up the pieces and ran with the tail tucked between your legs?" The shadows moved faster, now only several feet from Dagon and Veronica. "No, my lord! I killed the Seraphim King with Kraken! He is dead!" Lazarus raised his brows. A gasp of surprise in unison rose from the conference members. It turned into scattered cheers. The Seraphim King was considered t
- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
229 The Coronation Arc Begins
“You will certainly not die if you eat the forbidden fruit,” the serpent said to Eve.~Genesis 3:1-5.***Far off, a secret conference was under way in an undisclosed location. Selected individuals crowded a long table. Some faces were covered with hoods and masks, while others were shadowed. Regardless of the secrecy and covertness, the chatter was loud."What? We lost El Medalla? How could this happen?""Years of hard work and investments ruined? Shame!""What were the mercenaries doing? Did the Red Marauders give up?""Dagon has never failed us before! Does that dog's leash need to be tightened?""How dare the Prince of Petra launch a war against us? Who told him about El Medalla in the first place?""We must retaliate! We have no other alternative!"A man sat at the head of the conference table, paying no attention to the rabble. He looked engaged in deep meditation or profound thought. Suddenly, he stirred, his eyes turning to the side.A surge of incoming energy disturbed his in
- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
228 Note To Readers
The previous chapter marks the end of the Ascension Arc. I applaud and congratulate all readers who have read this far. I hope you enjoyed the journey. However, this is just the beginning. The Ascension Arc will be followed by the Coronation Arc, where Tyler deals with more daunting enemies and situations. New characters will be introduced, and the focus will shift towards those I have ignored till now. We have had a lot of fantasy battles. It is now time to return home and face more down-to-earth challenges. Those who read so far, kindly leave a review under the story's main page. (Note: there is a difference between leaving a comment on a paragraph or chapter and under the main page) I hope you will still accompany Tyler further on his journey. Thanks again for the support and love. Yours fictionally, KAISER KEN P.S: Do read my other story, THE PEERLESS MAN WITH A THOUSAND GIFTS. It is set in the same universe with an equally awesome main character. Thanks.
- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
227 The End
The Salvatore estate was situated in the hilly regions of Sapphire City. It was remote, accessible only by helicopters, ski lifts, and cable cars. Other billionaires of the city were rather unaware and uninterested in the massive terrain covered by the Salvatore estate. They dismissed it as waste hilly lands. Actually, the ancient estate was hidden from commoners through different geographical and magical means. However, the truth was far from it. The area was replete with mines and minerals. It was a treasure trove of riches. Moreover, a thirty-thousand-square-foot castle dominated the Salvatore estate. It was an ancient structure from where Butch used to rule when he was alive. Britta was raised within those premises. Tyler Grant touched down at a site specially selected for the old man’s last rites. As his wings retreated, he noticed a ceremonial gathering had been summoned. They were Salvatore loyalists, castle butlers and staff, and a few of Tyler’s acquaintances. Under Ty
- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
226 Lilith
The resurrected Yara Mathews received no replies from the others. Instead, she was the object of shocked stares from the girls and a blank look from Tyler. She turned from one to the other in utter perplexity. Suddenly, Yara realized she was naked. She let out a feminine scream. With one arm, the beauty covered her breasts and her crotch with the other. “Someone help me…” she whimpered. “I don’t know what’s happening…” Tyler turned his eyes away from the nudity, instead focusing on the charred Hetacomb site. While he dwelt on his emotions, Kat and Britta rushed towards Yara to aid her. “Don’t worry, child!” the goddess called out the soothing words. “Everything’s fine. I’ll manifest some clothes on your body immediately!” “Stay right there, Yara!” the young Salvatore assured her. “We’re coming to help you!” Suddenly, Tyler’s senses tingled. His gaze whipped back to the girls. “Don’t look at her while she is naked!” Britta snapped at him. “What’s wrong with you?” The you
- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
225 Pitch Black
Kat was still connected to Tyler emotionally and spiritually through a fine strand of mystical energy. It snapped abruptly, making her take an apprehensive step back. The goddess realized something had broken inside him. Butch Salvatore's death had already dealt a powerful blow to Tyler's psyche. Now, Yara's passing had broken the threshold. A part of his personality that he had suppressed all his life had awakened. "Tyler… You're scaring me…" Kat mumbled anxiously. The young man's demented smile was oddly persistent. He appeared not to have heard the goddess' concerns. He spun sharply, taking a purposeful step in the opposite direction. "Where are you going?" Kat asked, knowing her question would fall on deaf ears. Tyler took a single leap and, in a second, appeared fifty yards away. The area he landed on was bathed in deep red. It was as if a large tank of blood had been overturned. The young man's sharp eyes scanned the area with urgency. He finally spotted what he was l
- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
224 Crippling Loss
"NOOO!" Britta screamed, jumping off Kat's back before the latter stopped her gallop.The girl's loud reaction was justified. She had just noticed that her grandfather lay on his back, seemingly lifeless. The old man had only one arm. Half a dozen holes riddled his muscular torso. Moreover, the corpse had already begun to turn blue.The great Butch Salvatore was dead. Tyler knelt before his body with a vacant and spaced-out expression. His own clothes were tattered, but no injuries or bruises were visible."Thank the primordial gods," Kat muttered to herself, realizing her ex-husband was alive and unharmed. She skidded to a stop and changed into her human form.The Mayan goddess raced towards Tyler for a much-desired reunion. However, she stopped abruptly on spotting Butch's corpse. Kat stood motionless, unable to decide whether to hug Tyler out of relief or grieve for Britta's grandfather.Butch Salvatore meant nothing to her as a person. She hadn't encountered him earlier in the pr
- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
223 The Prophecy
“Yes. Do you know what it is about?”“I thought it was another name for the Seraphim King?”The old man shook his head. “No. The prophecy is about the arrival of one powerful soul in a hundred thousand years.”“A hundred thousand? That is a long time period, running into prehistory! Even before humanity came into existence!”Butch furrowed his brows dismissively. “I don’t have the time to tell you about all the ancient civilizations that existed before recorded history. All you need to know is that the thousandth Seraphim King will be the prophesied Gilded Man.”“Who is he?” Tyler asked curiously. “What number were you?”“I was the nine hundred and ninety-ninth,” the old man replied with a knowing smile.Tyler sat up with a start, now that all his injuries were healed. “I am the Gilded Man? Are you sure about that? Clearly, there’s been a mistake! Someone who couldn’t even protect his own master can’t be a savior born from prophecy!”“Didn’t I ask you not to interrupt me?” Butch fired
- The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives
222 Unexpected Savior
Pluck! Something arrested Tyler’s free fall in mid-air. It was unexpected since his fractured senses detected no living beings in the vicinity. That was the primary reason he gave up in the first place.The young man opened his bleeding eyes to find out what was happening. Who was the mysterious savior? With sunlight blinding his already blurry vision, he could see someone carrying him. Together, they floated to the ground comfortably.Tyler strained his eyes as they landed. A heavily muscled torso and a familiar face loomed over him. It was Butch Salvatore!“Master!” he groaned in disbelief. “Is that really you? I thought you were dead!”Tyler had seen Butch die with his own eyes. Kraken devoured the old man’s right arm and later riddled his body with holes. In the end, the monster crushed his heart, essentially ending his life.How did Butch survive such irreparably fatal wounds? How did he fix his entire shredded body? Moreover, it was known that damage taken from Kraken could not
