The Return of the Hades

1In the big city of Usati, important government and military people gathered in a sad and serious way. They wore all-black clothes and stood quietly, showing respect with their heads bowed down. At the center of their assembly, an imposing coffin lay draped in the country's flag, a poignant symbol of the profound loss that had befallen the nation.Amidst the hushed whispers and the heavy air of mourning, President Alexander Volkov, resplendent in his own all-black suit, stepped forward to address the gathered crowd. "Our prophet," President Volkov began, his words measured and imbued with deep reverence, "is the very eyes and brain of Usati. Today, as we pay our final respects, we must remember the selfless sacrifice he made for our beloved country." Even though he sounded very sad, his determination came through and affected everyone who listened.As the president's speech reached its crescendo, the assembled officers, both civilian and military, offered their solemn affirmation. "

3As the rejuvenating essence of the Dragon Blood Bodhi tree coursed through Darien's veins, he felt a resurgence of vitality he hadn't experienced in what felt like lifetimes. The once crippling poison that had threatened to consume him was now merely an annoyance, its potency fading against the newfound strength the Bodhi extract provided. His gaze met Lavinia's, her vigilant eyes betraying the fatigue from a night spent guarding his recovery."How do you feel, sir?" Lavinia asked, her voice laced with concern."Rejuvenated," Darien responded, his voice carrying a timbre of renewed vigor. "The Bodhi's essence... it's remarkable. The toxins are receding, but the battle isn't over. I still need to find the remaining herbs."Lavinia's eyes lit up, a reflection of her relief. "We'll find them, sir. We've overcome worse odds."Darien nodded, a determined set to his jaw. Yet, as he observed Lavinia, a faint shimmer in her aura caught his attention. His prophetic abilities, dulled by the

5Darien let out an exasperated sigh, his frustration evident. "Cersei, this is not the time for petty squabbles. We have more important matters to attend to."Cersei's eyes blazed with righteous anger. "I will not let it go, Darien! This woman, Lavinia," she sneered Lavinia's name, "needs to apologize for her unwarranted behavior. It's a matter of principle."Lavinia-Luciano maintained her composure, her voice steady. "Cersei, I understand your feelings, and I am willing to apologize if it will bring an end to this conflict. However, I propose a different solution. But perhaps we can settle this in a more... unconventional manner."Cersei raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Unconventional? What do you mean?"Lavinia-Luciano's lips curved into a sly smile. "I propose a bet."Cersei's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "A bet? What kind of nonsense are you suggesting, Lavinia?"Lavinia-Luciano's tone remained calm. "If you truly believe that it was wrong for me to slap you and accuse you, then let

7Cersei smiled smugly as she looked at the locked safe containing the glowing golden apple in her office. Her announcement was already causing the stir she had anticipated. Powerful figures would be tripping over each other to get their hands on the legendary fruit. "The mayor was just as easy to manipulate as I expected," she thought cunningly. "By dangling the apple at his gala, I've secured his favor and an advantageous position at the negotiating table." "The bet with Lavinia is as good as won," she thought with a smug smile.Her secretary Lilian entered with a bottle of champagne. "The mayor called off the ropes, he's practically yours," Lilian observed. Cersei smirked, pouring them each a flute. "A toast - to easy victories." They clinked glasses, savoring the sweet taste of imminent success.Meanwhile, Darien and Lavinia received word that the mayor intended to gift the golden apple to the military upon acquiring it, placing it directly in Darien's hands. "This is fortunat

9As they drove towards the office, Cersei fumbled with the hidden compartment in her car, pulling out the emergency mobile phone. With trembling hands, she sent a message to Lilian: "In danger. Old man with a gun. Need help. Office address."Lilian, immersed in work at the office, received the urgent message. Shocked, she immediately sprung into action, alerting the security team and preparing to handle the situation. "We have an intruder coming with Ms. Smith," she barked into her phone. "Get all guards on high alert now!" "Understood. We're on high alert."Lilian thought that the robber would follow Cersei with a gun,"Bodyguards, be ready. Ms. Smith may be followed by a dangerous individual. We need to catch him at the security check gate." "Got it. We're on standby at the gate."Within minutes the security team was prepped and in position. Lilian paced anxiously, praying Cersei could keep herself safe long enough.Soon, Cersei's car pulled out outside the company. Cersei's hands