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The Return of the Hades 125
125Burning with anger, Darien clenched his fists tightly to restrain himself from lashing out at Ryan. The sight of Ryan's smug smirk only fueled his fury further. As he turned away, he couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal gnawing at him. Cynthia's pleading eyes haunted him, but he couldn't bear to hear any more lies."Darien, what's going on?" Ron's voice cut through the tension as he emerged from their booth, concern etched on his face."Forget it, Ron. I was just meddling where I shouldn't have," Darien replied bitterly, his frustration evident in his tone."Ryan has always been a troublemaker, stirring up trouble wherever he goes. Don't let him get to you," Ron advised, trying to offer some solace."The problem isn't just Ryan, it's Cynthia too," Darien sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. "No matter how hard I try, she's just too stubborn to see reason.""Darien, don't waste your time on one woman. There are plenty out there," Ron said dismissively, a confident smirk
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126The next morning, they met at PC Costa When Darien entered the cafe, he noticed a burly man standing beside Amelia. His bulky muscles rippled under his clothes, and his knuckles were covered with calluses. This man was obviously an experienced fighter."Mr. French, sorry to bother you. I owe you one," Amelia walked up to Darien."It’s all right, I don’t mind helping out a friend in need. Besides, they had even specified my name in the note. I have no other choice," Darien smiled wryly.Amelia's bodyguard had left a ransom note which had Darien's name on it. He was to go with Amelia to save Camilla."Mr. French, let me introduce you toTegan Stavenger, one of the best fighters from the Fairchild family," Amelia pointed toward the man standing in silence."Mr. Stavenger, a pleasure to meet you," Darien nodded in acknowledgement."You’re Darien?" Tegan sized him up. "Was it you who took the men of the Crimson Shadows down?""In a way, yes," Darien nodded again."What do you mean, in
The Return of the Hades 127
127Marco's lips curled into a predatory smile, his eyes glittering with malice. "Ah, yes. Camilla," he mused, his tone dripping with mockery. "She's quite the prize, isn't she?"Darien felt a surge of anger rise within him at Marco's callous words. Without a word, he took a step forward, his fists clenched at his sides."Enough games, Marco," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Release her, or face the consequences."Marco's smile widened, his gaze flicking between Darien and Amelia with amusement. "Oh, I intend to release her," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "But first, let's see if you're willing to pay the price.""You admit to holding Camilla hostage because she caused a scene at your party?" Amelia's voice quivered with barely contained rage, her fists clenched at her sides.Marco chuckled, his eyes glinting with malice. "Your sister was a nuisance, destroying my property and insulting me in front of my guests. She deserves to be punished for her actions."A
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128But just as the tension reached its peak, Amelia spoke up. "Wait," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Before we agree to anything, I want my sister released."Marco's smirk faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Very well," he conceded, gesturing for his men to release Camilla.After a few moments, they came back with Camila.As Camilla stepped forward, relief flooded through Amelia. She rushed to her sister's side, wrapping her in a tight embrace."Are you okay?" Amelia asked, her voice filled with concern.Camilla nodded, her expression weary but relieved. "I'm unharmed, sis," she reassured her sister. "It was all a trap, Amelia. I didn't do anything wrong, I have not cause any troubleAmelia's heart sank at the revelation. Marco's cruelty knew no bounds, and she couldn't bear to see her sister caught in the crossfire."Go rest," Amelia urged, guiding Camilla away from the unfolding chaos. "I'll handle this."With Camilla safe, Marco wasted no time in rev
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129The outcome surprised Marco's men, who now saw Tegan's strength and skill firsthand, realizing why he was the Fairchild family's key fighter. The audience, too, was in awe of Tegan's abilities, despite his somewhat cocky demeanor."Looks like the Fairchilds aren't to be underestimated," one of Marco's men muttered, his eyes narrowed in newfound respect for their adversaries.“Who would have expected that Mr. Stavenger was so strong? It’s no wonder he is the key fighter of the Fairchild family!” one of Amelia's men said“With Mr. Stavenger on our side, we will definitely be victorious!” another one replied.The audience was whispering in excitement. They were all in awe of Tegan’s fighting ability. Even though he was a little brash, he did have the abilities to back it up.“Who else wants to fight against me?” Tegan sized up the rest of Marco's men.“This explains why this bitch of Amelia agreed to the match so quickly. She brought in outside help.” Marco scratched his chin in surp
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130As Tegan lay on the ground, writhing in pain, his mind raced with disbelief. He had never experienced defeat like this before, especially not at the hands of someone he had underestimated so gravely. His chest heaved with each labored breath as he struggled to come to terms with what had just transpired.Cobra, now revealed as Baldric Bersk, stood over him with an air of quiet confidence. The shock of the revelation rippled through Tegan's already battered body, sending a chill down his spine. Baldric Bersk was a name whispered in hushed tones among the underground circles, a figure of legend known for his mastery of both combat and poison."You... you're Baldric Bersk?" Tegan stammered, his voice barely a whisper as he stared up at the man who had just defeated him so decisively.Baldric's lips curled into a knowing smirk, his cold grey eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "That's right, boy," he replied, his voice low and dangerous. "You've heard of me, I see."Tegan nodded weakly,
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131All eyes turned to Darien, who stood tall and defiant amidst the crowd. Camila's heart skipped a beat as she watched him step forward, her breath catching in her throat. "Mr. French, no," she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. "You can't be serious. You can't possibly stand a chance against Cobra. He's too dangerous!" Gasps filled the air as everyone turned to look at him, astonishment written on their faces.Tegan's brow furrowed in disbelief as he stared at Darien, his expression a mix of concern and disbelief. "Are you out of your mind?" he scoffed, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Cobra will tear you apart in seconds. You're no match for him."But Darien remained resolute, his jaw set in determination. He turned to face Amelia, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination. "I can do this," he insisted, his voice firm and steady. "Trust me."Amelia's heart swelled with pride as she looked at Darien, seeing the fire burning in his eyes. She knew he was strong, but she
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132Suddenly, with a roar of fury, Cobra launched himself at Darien, his movements swift and deadly. Darien dodged and weaved, his reflexes lightning-fast as he fought to stay one step ahead of his opponent.But Cobra was relentless, his attacks coming fast and furious. With each blow, Darien's movements grew more labored, his defenses starting to falter.Camila's hands flew to her mouth in horror as she watched, her eyes wide with fear. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Darien was supposed to win, to prove everyone wrong. But now, it looked like he might not make it out of this alive.Amelia's heart clenched with fear as she watched Darien struggle against Cobra's onslaught. She had believed in him, had trusted that he could emerge victorious. But now, as she watched him being pushed down all hope disappear.Cobra let out a furious roar and charged at Darien with deadly intent. "I'll send you straight to hell!" he screamed.Darien barely dodged Cobra's first blow, feeling the wh
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- The Return of the Hades
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167The mayor's eyes widened in surprise at Lavinia's bold declaration, a flicker of fear crossing his features before he quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Of course, Ms. Luciano," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I'll do everything in my power to assist you in your investigation."But as Darien and Lavinia left the mayor's office, they knew they couldn't trust him. As Darien and Lavinia exited the mayor's office, their minds still reeling from the encounter, they were suddenly confronted with an unexpected sight. Standing before them, blocking their path, were Cersei, her brother Bennett, and their mother Marcela.Darien's jaw clenched instinctively as he locked eyes with Cersei, the source of so much turmoil in their lives. He could feel Lavinia tensing beside him, her anger palpable in the air.Cersei's lips curled into a malicious smirk as she regarded Darien with contempt, her eyes flashing with animosity. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the noble
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164One week had passed since Darien's intense battle with Gangatsu. The victory had left him physically exhausted but emotionally elated. As he sat in his study, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on his mind, he poured over maps and scrolls, searching for any clue that could lead them to Emma.Lavinia entered the room, her expression grave and her brow furrowed with worry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of how Darien would react to the news she bore."Sir French," she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "there's something you need to know."Darien glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What is it, Lavinia?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension. "What's happened?"Lavinia took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Darien's heart skipped a beat, a cold feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "Try me," he re
- The Return of the Hades
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165One week had passed since Darien's intense battle with Gangatsu. The victory had left him physically exhausted but emotionally elated. As he sat in his study, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on his mind, he poured over maps and scrolls, searching for any clue that could lead them to Emma.Lavinia entered the room, her expression grave and her brow furrowed with worry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of how Darien would react to the news she bore."Sir French," she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "there's something you need to know."Darien glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What is it, Lavinia?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension. "What's happened?"Lavinia took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Darien's heart skipped a beat, a cold feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "Try me," he rep
- The Return of the Hades
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164Darien's heart pounded in his chest as he dodged Gangatsu's lethal strikes, his muscles burning with exertion. He couldn't afford to lose focus now, not when victory was within reach.Gangatsu's lips curled into a cruel smile as he lunged forward once more, his movements swift and deadly. "You can't escape, Darien," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Your fate is sealed."Darien gritted his teeth, his mind racing as he searched for a way to turn the tide. He couldn't let Gangatsu win - not after all they had been through. With a determined growl, he launched himself at his opponent, fists flying in a desperate flurry of blows.Each strike landed with satisfying force, driving Gangatsu further back with every blow. But the villain was relentless, his attacks coming with ferocious speed and precision."You think you can defeat me?" Gangatsu sneered, his eyes burning with hatred. "You're nothing but a foolish child."Darien's blood boiled at the insult, fueling his determina
- The Return of the Hades
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163Darien made his way back home, the weight of the night's events heavy on his shoulders. With each step, his mind churned with thoughts of Emma and the dangerous journey ahead. He couldn't afford to fail her, not after everything she meant to him.As he entered his home, Lavinia approached him, her expression a mix of concern and hope. "Sir French, did you find her?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.Darien's heart sank as he met her gaze. "Unfortunately, no," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But I promise you, Lavinia, I'll do everything in my power to bring her back safely."Lavinia's eyes brimmed with tears, her hands trembling at her sides. "Oh, sir French," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "She's like family to us. I can't bear the thought of her in danger."Darien's chest tightened with emotion as he reached out to comfort her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I know, Lavinia," he murmured, his voice soft with empathy. "But we have
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162Gangatsu staggered backwards under the force of Darien's onslaught, surprise and fury mingling on his bloodied face. "How?!" he spat through clenched teeth. "The poison should have weakened you!"Darien drove forward with relentless intensity. "It'll take more than that to keep me down," he growled. Gangatsu rallied, blocking the blows with growing desperation. But Darien was in his element now, striking with lightning speed and laser focus. Gangatsu's defenses slowly crumbled under the assault.Finding an opening, Darien landed a crushing blow to Gangatsu's jaw, followed by a punishing kick to his midsection. Gangatsu crashed to the ground, gasping for breath. But he was far from beaten. With a roar of rage, he swept his leg in an attempt to trip Darien. Darien leapt nimbly over the attack and responded with a flurry of punches, driving Gangatsu further back. "Give up!" Darien demanded through gritted teeth. But Gangatsu only snarled, launching himself back into the fray with
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Darien squared his shoulders, his gaze unwavering as he met Gangatsu's chilling stare. "I'm here, Gangatsu," he replied, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "Ready to settle this once and for all."Gangatsu's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Bold words, Sir French. But words won't save you now." He gestured towards the clearing where they stood, surrounded by the towering trees of the forest. "Shall we begin?"Darien nodded, his hand hovering near the holster of his gun. "Let's not waste any time."Without a word, Gangatsu lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. Darien barely had time to react, ducking and weaving to avoid the flurry of blows raining down on him. His heart pounded in his chest as he fought to keep pace with Gangatsu's relentless assault."You're not bad, French," Gangatsu taunted, his voice dripping with condescension. "But you're out of your league here."Darien gritted his teeth, his muscles burning wi
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160Darien made his way back home, the weight of the night's events heavy on his shoulders. With each step, his mind churned with thoughts of Emma and the dangerous journey ahead. He couldn't afford to fail her, not after everything she meant to him.As he entered his home, Lavinia approached him, her expression a mix of concern and hope. "Sir French, did you find her?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.Darien's heart sank as he met her gaze. "Unfortunately, no," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But I promise you, Lavinia, I'll do everything in my power to bring her back safely."Lavinia's eyes brimmed with tears, her hands trembling at her sides. "Oh, sir French," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "She's like family to us. I can't bear the thought of her in danger."Darien's chest tightened with emotion as he reached out to comfort her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I know, Lavinia," he murmured, his voice soft with empathy. "But we have
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159As Darien left the room, his mind swirled with thoughts. He knew trusting Barnet was a risk, but finding Emma took priority. He strode through the halls, footsteps echoing with purpose.Barnet scrambled after him, still shaken. "The Shadow Broker frequents The Drunken Rogue tavern at dusk," he informed. "I'll send word of your meeting. But come alone - he's paranoid."Darien stopped and turned, eyes boring into Barnet's. "This had better not be a trap. For your sake."Barnet nodded fervently. "I want this nightmare to end as much as you. Please...just spare me once you have her." Without waiting for a reply, he scurried away like a frightened rat.Darien sighed heavily. As much as he hated it, Barnet may be his only lead. He had to take the chance.Night fell as he entered the tavern. Patrons drank and gambled rowdily, paying him no mind. Scanning the dim room, his eyes fell upon a hooded figure in the corner, sipping alone.He approached cautiously. "The Shadow Broker, I presume?
