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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?
The Return of the Hades 160
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
The Return of the Hades 161
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
The Return of the Hades 162
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