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The Return of the Hades 152
152 "Speak plainly," Darien demanded, his patience wearing thin. "What is it that you want?" The figure's grin widened, their eyes glinting with amusement. "I want you to join me, Darien French. Together, we could be unstoppable." Darien's eyes narrowed in suspicion, his heart pounding in his chest. He had no intention of joining forces with this villain, no matter what they offered him. "I'll never join you," Darien spat, his voice filled with defiance. The figure's grin faltered, replaced by a look of cold fury. "Very well, Darien French. But know this: if you refuse me, Emma will suffer the consequences." Darien's blood ran cold at the mention of Emma's name, his heart pounding with fear and rage. He couldn't let anything happen to her, no matter what it took. "Where is she?" Darien demanded, his voice shaking with emotion. The figure chuckled darkly, their eyes gleaming with malice. "She's safe, for now. But whether she stays that way depends entirely on you, Darien French
The Return of the Hades 153
153Darien stood his ground as the mysterious figure disappeared into the shadows, leaving him alone in the dimly lit room. His mind raced with possibilities, but his resolve remained unshaken. He would find a way to rescue Emma, no matter what obstacles stood in his way.Suddenly, the heavy steel door swung open, and a group of men, around twenty, entered the room, their expressions hardened with determination. Darien eyed them with mild amusement, his lips curling into a faint smirk."Well, well, well," one of the men sneered, stepping forward with a menacing glare. "Look what we have here. A little lost puppy."Darien arched an eyebrow, unimpressed by the man's attempt at intimidation. "Is this the welcoming committee?" he quipped, his tone laced with sarcasm.The men exchanged glances, their expressions turning from hostility to disbelief. "You think this is a joke?" another man growled, stepping closer to Darien with clenched fists.Darien shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes gleaming
The Return of the Hades 154
154The room crackled with tension as Darien effortlessly maneuvered through the swarm of attackers, his movements a symphony of precision and power."You call this a fight?" he scoffed, his voice cutting through the chaos. "I've had tougher challenges in my sleep!"The men exchanged glances, their frustration mounting as their blows failed to even graze Darien's defenses."You think you're invincible?" one of them snarled, his fists clenched in impotent rage.Darien's smirk widened, his confidence unshakeable. "Against the likes of you? Absolutely."With a swift motion, he dodged a flurry of punches, retaliating with a devastating kick that sent his assailant crashing into his comrades."Pathetic," Darien taunted, his voice dripping with disdain as he effortlessly dispatched another opponent with a well-placed strike.The men growled in frustration, their attacks growing more desperate as they tried in vain to land a blow on their elusive foe."You can't keep this up forever!" one of
The Return of the Hades 155
155Darien's heart pounded in his chest as he stared down his adversary, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. The revelation that the mysterious figure was none other than Barnet Keppler, his former comrade from the Usati army, sent shockwaves through his core. He had always suspected Barnet's jealousy, but to see him here, shrouded in darkness and malice, was a bitter blow. Some time before the attack of the Usati army, Barnet Keppler, had disappeared without leaving a trace. In fact, he had always been jealous of Darien and wanted to take his place as Hades, but unfortunately he had no prophetic powers. As Barnet's sinister grin widened, Darien felt a surge of anger and betrayal wash over him. How could someone he had once trusted with his life stoop to such depths? But amidst the anger, a flicker of determination ignited within him. He would not let Barnet's twisted ambitions endanger those he cared about, especially Emma."You've gone too far, Barnet," Darien growled, h
The Return of the Hades 156
156Darien pushed aside his doubts, focusing his energy on blocking Barnet's relentless assault. He couldn't show any weakness, not now. "Your words mean nothing, Barnet," Darien snarled, launching a flurry of attacks of his own. "I know who I am, and I'm nothing like you."Barnet growled with rage, pushing himself to the limits to land a hit on his nimble opponent. "We'll see about that!" he shouted. The two men became a blur of fists and feet, their battle taking on a ferocious intensity. They were equally matched in skill, each refusing to give an inch.As they fought, Darien realized with a jolt that Barnet was leading him towards the far wall, cornering him. He redoubled his efforts to gain the advantage, but Barnet fought with a renewed viciousness, driven by his twisted desire for power and vengeance. Darien was tiring, and he knew he couldn't keep this up forever. He had to end it, now. Spying an opening, he feinted left and spun into a roundhouse kick that caught Barnet s
The Return of the Hades 157
157As Darien fought on, the sound of the skirmish echoed throughout the dimly lit room, each strike and grunt of effort reverberating off the walls. Despite his fatigue, Darien refused to yield, his determination fueled by a fierce sense of justice and a desire to protect those he cared about.As he landed blow after blow, a plan began to form in his mind. He couldn't keep up this relentless assault forever, not against so many opponents. He needed to find a way to turn the tide in his favor, to gain the upper hand and end this confrontation once and for all.With a quick glance around the room, Darien spotted a nearby table littered with assorted objects—a lamp, a vase, and a few other items. His eyes narrowed with determination as an idea took shape. As his assailants closed in, Darien feinted left, then darted towards the table, grabbing the lamp in one fluid motion. With a swift swing, he sent it hurtling towards the nearest group of cronies, the shattering glass and sparks brie
The Return of the Hades 158
158As Darien pressed Barnet for answers, the room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the sound of their labored breaths. Barnet's gaze darted around the room, his mind racing as he weighed his options."I-I don't know where they've taken her," Barnet finally admitted, his voice barely audible above a whisper. "They kept me in the dark, only giving me enough information to carry out their orders."Darien's frustration boiled over at Barnet's response. "You expect me to believe that?" he snapped, his voice laced with anger. "After everything you've done, you still expect me to trust you?"Barnet flinched at Darien's accusation, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I-I'm telling the truth, Darien," he insisted, his voice tinged with desperation. "I swear, I don't know where they've taken her."Darien clenched his fists, the urge to lash out almost overwhelming. "You're lying!" he roared, advancing towards Barnet with an intensity that made the traitorous man shrink back.Barnet stu
The Return of the Hades 159
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?