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As 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 poison, now offered him a glimmer of insight—enough to sense the turbulent paths that lay before them, though the visions were clouded and incomplete. He could see the future of others through his eyes, but he can only vaguely observe the general direction of the distant future.
For example, if a war was about to break out, He could predict who will win. But the specific method of victory and how many soldiers were sacrificed were unpredictable. But what would happen in the next three days could be clearly predicted.
But now he seems unable to fully see Lavinia's fate, possibly because the toxin has not been completely eradicated. So he couldn't see that Lavinia was very tired because she had been highly concentrated all night, and she was too happy because he had regained her sight.
Suddenly, Lavinia swayed on her feet, her exhaustion catching up to her. In a moment of weakness, her knees buckled, and she stumbled forward.
Without hesitation, Darien reached out, catching her in his arms. "Lavinia!" he exclaimed, startled yet steady.
"I'm... I'm all right," she murmured, her voice a whisper. "Just a momentary dizziness."
Darien guided her to a nearby room, his concern evident. "Rest now, you've earned it."
As he left the room, closing the door behind him, Lavinia's eyes fluttered open. She hadn't been entirely truthful. The dizziness was an act, a ruse to test Darien's reflexes, to see the care he'd offer her as more than just a subordinate.
Lavinia lay there, a faint smile on her lips despite her feigned complaint. "Sir French, always the soldier... but lacking finesse in nurturing the wounded," she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with both fondness and frustration. "You've saved nations, yet you're oblivious to the care needed for one heart."
After a few minutes, Darien walked into the room, and his gaze fell upon Lavinia, who appeared to be in a faint. "Lavinia, there's no need to pretend," he stated calmly, his voice betraying a hint of amusement.
Lavinia's eyes flew open, and a blush colored her cheeks. "Sir French, you... you are teasing me!" she sputtered, a mixture of embarrassment and playfulness in her voice.
Darien chuckled, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "I assure you, your acting skills need refinement, my dear Lavinia." Infact, Darien did not use his abilities.
As Darien prepared to embark on the search for the remaining medicinal materials, he stepped outside and was taken aback by the unexpected presence of Cersei Smith, his ex-wife. Her arrival had eluded his visions, a stark reminder of his inability to perceive his own destiny.
Cersei approached him with an air of coldness, her eyes filled with accusation. "Darien, why did you strike my brother, Bennett?" she demanded, her tone cutting through the air.
Darien met her gaze with a steady look. "Cersei, you know as well as I do that your brother's actions were unwarranted. I acted to protect what is mine."
Cersei's facade wavered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. "You always have a reason, don't you? Always the hero, the savior," she retorted, her voice tinged with bitterness.
Darien's expression softened, a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. "Cersei, I never sought to hurt anyone. I only wish to set things right, to protect what matters."
Cersei lingered, she couldn't suppress the turmoil within. "Darien, you can't fool me with your righteous facade," Cersei spat, her accusatory tone deepening.
Darien sighed, "Cersei you didn't even understand the reason why I did it, but you came here to accuse me. How great of you."
In fact, Cersei had the answer in her heart and wanted to confirm that Darien's previous gentleness was just a disguise. "I was sure that, this whole time, he was just pretending, this guy is vicious!" She thought bitterly.
Her composure cracked, her anger seeping through. "Stop pretending, Darien. You can't keep harassing my family to get my attention. I won't remarry you," she declared, her words laced with finality. At this moment, Lavinia Luciano walked out of Darien's room.
As Lavinia walked out of Darien's room, Cersei Smith watched with a mixture of surprise and disdain. She had never expected Darien to be with a woman, and she certainly hadn't anticipated that woman to be as stunning as Lavinia. Cersei had always listened to what her mother and brother said about Darien's lack of charm, and yet here he was, seemingly captivating Lavinia's attention.
"How could he possibly charm a woman? Is this some sort of joke?" Cersei muttered to herself, her disbelief evident in her voice. And when she laid eyes on Lavinia's beauty again, a pang of jealousy shot through her.
"A woman like her, with someone like Darien? Unbelievable," Cersei scoffed, her thoughts filled with incredulity and envy.
Lavinia's sudden appearance and stunning beauty stirred a feeling of intense jealousy within Cersei. It was a rare sensation for her, given her own striking appearance, but the fact that Lavinia seemed to compete with her only fueled her jealousy even more.
"She can't possibly be interested in him. What's the catch?" Cersei muttered, unable to shake off the unsettling emotions swirling within her.
Before she could voice her thoughts, Lavinia marched toward her and delivered a resounding slap across Cersei's cheek, shocking her into stunned silence.
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The Return of the Hades Slap
4The impact sent a shock through Cersei, leaving her momentarily speechless. Her hand flew to her cheek, the sting of the slap mingling with her surprise. "What—what was that for?" Cersei sputtered, her eyes wide with disbelief.Lavinia's hand was still raised, her chest heaving as she glared down at Cersei, who was clutching her reddened cheek in shock."Why did you do that?" Cersei demanded again, her voice quivering with a mixture of anger and confusion. Lavinia's eyes blazed with a fiery intensity, her voice steady and contemptuous. "You seem to have forgotten all that sir French has done for you over the years. Do you think you would be where you are today without his help?""What nonsense are you speaking? I achieved everything on my own merit," Cersei shot back defiantly. Lavinia met her glare steadfastly. "You are blind, Cersei. Blind to the truth that's been before your eyes all along. Every so-called triumph you've boasted of, every victory you've celebrated... It was si
The Return of the Hades Golden Apple
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
The Return of the Hades Mayor
6On the other hand, Darien was pacing back and forth, a determined expression on his face. "I cannot let Cersei get her hands on that golden apple. Its powers are not to be underestimated, and I cannot risk it falling into the wrong hands."Lavinia, sensing Darien's concern, approached him with a reassuring touch on his arm. "Sir French, Let's try to trace the source of golden apple." Darien looked at Lavinia, intrigued by her suggestion. "Tracing the source could indeed provide us with an advantage. If we know where it came from, we might uncover its intended purpose, find out who is targeting me and how to safeguard it."After two hours of searching, Darien looked frustrated. "We've combed through every lead, but the golden apple's origin remains elusive."Lavinia sighed, "It seems like a needle in a haystack, Sir French."Darien nodded, "Indeed, I prefer to concentrate on checking the destiny of every bodyguard who are secretly following Cersei."They discreetly tailed the bodygu
The Return of the Hades Attack
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
The Return of the Hades The robber
8Cersei sat in her luxurious office, her eyes fixed on the locked safe containing the coveted golden apple. She listened intently as her secretary, Lilian, went through a pile of offers and rejections.Lilian sighed as she put down another offer. "Sorry, miss Smith, but they're not offering enough. It seems everyone wants a taste of that golden apple."Cersei's smile wavered slightly, her smugness giving way to a flicker of annoyance. "They think they can lowball me? They have no idea what this apple is worth."Lilian nodded sympathetically. "It's incredible how much attention it's getting. People are willing to do anything to get their hands on it."A pang of worry shot through Cersei's heart. "Do you think someone might try to snatch it from us? I can't afford to lose it now."Lilian's eyes widened slightly. "I wouldn't put it past some desperate individuals. The allure of the apple is driving people to extremes."Cersei's mind raced with thoughts of potential threats and the conse
The Return of the Hades At Cersei's compay
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
The Return of the Hades Darien in the scene
10Cersei gasped as chaos erupted around her. The crash of shattering glass was deafening, followed by a gunshot that seemed to freeze time itself. Her bodyguard dropped to the ground, blood pooling around his head. Screams and shouts followed. In that split second of chaos and noise, two things happened at once. Two brothers and their gang leaped out from the crashed car, guns blazing. They fired wildly in all directions, fuelled by desperation and rage. Their sole focus was getting to the rumored golden apple before the cops closed in. At the same time, the old man, realizing his dream was crumbling and fearing for his life, did the only thing he could.He grabbed Cersei and pulled her away from the security checkpoint. "Quick, this way!" he yelled, dragging her towards a nearby office area. Cersei struggled in his grip but dared not call out, the gun still firmly pressed against her back. They burst into a large open office filled with cubicles and desks. Cersei was shakin
The Return of the Hades Final showdown
11Cersei sat shaking behind their makeshift barricade as gunshots and shouts continued outside. The old man paced restlessly, glancing between her and the door with wild eyes."Please," Cersei begged, "tell me what you want. I'll do anything, just make this stop." The old man sneered, fear and desperation twisting his features. "What I want is that damn apple! But these gangsters have ruined everything." He kicked at a stray chair in frustration."Where is it?" He snarled, grabbing Cersei by the shoulders. "Do you have it here or not?!" She shook her head frantically. "N-no, the safe is in my top floor office. But we'll never make it past those men!" The old man muttered a curse and started pacing again."Fuck!" He let out an exasperated sigh as he paced the office, running his hands through his thinning hair in frustration. He started pacing around the office again, muttering angrily to himself. "This was not how this was supposed to go," he muttered to himself. "Should've just
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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
- The Return of the Hades
166
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
165
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
164
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
163
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
- 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
- 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
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
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?
