87Gentile's expression was unreadable. Then, slowly, he began to clap, the sound sarcastic yet genuine. "Impressive," he admitted, though it clearly pained him to do so. "But this changes nothing."Darien straightened, meeting Gentile's gaze squarely. "Maybe not," he conceded. "But I hope it makes you think twice before underestimating me again."The aftermath of Darien's swift and precise takedown of the guards left the air in the VIP lounge of the casino thick with astonishment. Whispers and murmurs fluttered through the crowd like a disturbed flock of birds."Did you see that? He's like some sort of... alien!" one shocked bystander whispered to another, their eyes wide with disbelief."Alien? More like a super-spy or something. No one moves like that," another retorted, shaking their head in amazement as they kept their gaze fixed on Darien.The murmurs grew, a mix of fear, awe, and sheer incredulity weaving through the conversations. The room was alive with speculation and wonder
88Darien's gaze met Marco's, a silent challenge in his eyes. The murmurs around them grew louder, a mix of awe and speculation. "He's not human," someone whispered."An alien, for sure," another agreed, their voice a mixture of fear and fascination.The crowd was stunned into silence as Darien stood victorious over the unconscious Iron Fist members. Marco clenched his fists tightly, sweat beading on his brow as his mind raced to think of a way out of this situation. "How...how is this possible?" Marco growled through gritted teeth. His eyes scanned the room frantically, looking for any opportunity. Darien watched Marco calmly, unwavering under the man's heated glare. "It's over, Gentile. Come quietly and this ends peacefully."Marco let out a harsh laugh. "It will never be over. You think you've won just because you took out my men? You don't know who you're dealing with." In a flash, Marco pulled a hidden knife from his suit and lunged at Darien with a guttural yell. Darien sides
89In the dimly lit room, the tension was almost palpable. Marco, bound and bruised, glared defiantly at Viktor, who paced before him like a storm brewing on the horizon. Darien stood to the side, his presence a silent testament to the seriousness of the situation.Viktor finally stopped pacing and faced Marco directly, his voice cold. "You took something irreplaceable from me, Gentile. One of my best, killed in cold blood. And the money you cost me... Millions, Marco. You've gone too far."Marco, despite his predicament, smirked. "Your man was in my way. What did you expect me to do? Roll out the red carpet?"Viktor's fist clenched at his side, his anger barely contained. "You could've chosen a dozen different paths, yet you chose war. Now, you'll pay the price."Marco rolled his eyes, his disdain for Viktor evident. "Oh, I'm trembling."Viktor nodded to one of his men. Without a word, two burly figures stepped forward, their hands forming fists. What followed was a brutal demonstrat
90The vision passed as quickly as it had come, leaving Darien with a certainty of the impending betrayal. He watched, his outward calm belying the storm within, as the henchman's hand subtly shifted towards his waistband.Darien's response was instantaneous, a testament to his rigorous training and the urgent premonition that had warned him. In a fluid motion, he intercepted the would-be assassin, seizing the man's wrist with a grip as firm as steel, just as the blade glinted in the dim light. Chaos ensued."What the—" Viktor began, stepping back in shock, his eyes darting from Darien's unwavering grip on the would-be assassin to the knife now evident for all to see.Despite his initial condition, Marco leaned in, his eyebrows raised in surprise. This twist was unforeseen, complicating the already strained dynamics.Darien, maintaining his hold on the henchman, met Viktor's gaze squarely. "He intended to kill you," he stated simply, the truth of his words hanging heavy in the air.Vi
91Lavinia's joy was infectious, and she danced around the room, her spirits lifted. "Yippee! Once we gather all the herbs and concoct the antidote, you'll be cured and free from the poison's grip. I can't wait for that day!"Her enthusiasm brought a rare, genuine smile to Darien's face. He appreciated her support more than he could express. "Thank you, Lavinia. For everything. I couldn't do this without you."She stopped her joyful dance and approached him, her expression serious yet warm. "We're in this together, Darien. We'll find all the herbs and beat this poison. You're not alone in this fight."Darien felt a warmth in his chest at her words, a feeling of camaraderie and hope he hadn't felt in a long time. "Thank you," he said again, his voice laden with gratitude. "Let's keep moving forward."Lavinia nodded, her determination mirroring his own. "Yes, let's. Together, we'll make it through this."In the quiet of the evening, with only the distant hum of the city to break the sil
92One of the gang members, attempting to salvage their intimidating front, let out a harsh, mocking laugh. "Oh, you think you're funny, don't you?" he sneered, trying to regain some of his lost authority.Darien, unfazed, met the man's eyes with a cool, challenging gaze. "I know I am. But please, continue. You're doing a fantastic job of entertaining us," he replied, his tone dripping with disdain.The comment sent a ripple of unease through the group. Another member, trying to support his comrade, joined in, his laughter forced and lacking any real mirth. "He thinks he's a comedian! Let's see how funny you find this when we're done with you," he threatened, his fists clenching at his sides, a clear sign of his growing frustration.Darien simply shrugged, his smirk broadening into an arrogant smile. "I'll be sure to give a standing ovation, I'll be on stitches," he retorted, his words effortless, causing Lavinia to suppress a giggle behind him. Their nonchalance only served to fan th
93The gang members, their spirits crushed and bodies bruised, exchanged defeated glances. One by one, they began to back away, their earlier bravado completely vanished. The leader, helped to his feet by a couple of his followers, could only glare at Darien, his rage now impotent."Next time, pick on someone your own size," Darien said, his voice calm but firm. "Or better yet, don't pick on anyone at all. Consider this a lesson learned."As the defeated gang members limped away, their unity shattered, the leader, propped up by his closest lackeys, cast venomous looks back at Darien. Despite his bruises and the dirt staining his face, his pride remained, hanging by a thread.Darien, noticing the leader's lingering defiance, approached him with a steady gait. "Who sent you?" he asked, his voice low and even, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded.The leader, through gritted teeth and a painful grimace, attempted to salvage some dignity. "I'm not saying anything to you,"
94Darien looked up at her, his expression a mix of confusion and faint recognition. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" he asked, his brows knitting together in concentration.Lavinia, meanwhile, watched the exchange with a growing sense of irritation. She didn't appreciate the interruption, and her body language made it clear. Her arms were crossed, and her lips pressed into a thin line, a clear sign of her displeasure.The woman, momentarily unsettled by Darien's lack of immediate recognition, quickly regained her composure. "It's me, Clara, Clara Webb. We first met after you heroically saved my life in Usati City three years ago," she reminisced.Three years ago, Darien had been invited to a lavish party held by one of the richest families in Usati City. As a renowned Qi warrior and healer, his skills were much sought after by the elite. Unbeknownst to the guests, a rival gang had plans to infiltrate the party and cause chaos. Just when the festivities were in full swing, gunshots rang o