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The Return of the Hades Prophecy
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
The Return of the Hades Only 8 more!!!
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
The Return of the Hades Sudden appearance
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
The Return of the Hades Beat them like children!
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
The Return of the Hades Anonymous boss
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,"
The Return of the Hades Clara Webb
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
The Return of the Hades The Webb family
95The next day rolled around, amidst his routine, the phone rang unexpectedly, a number he didn't recognize flashing on the screen. Curiosity piqued, he answered."Hello?""Darien, it's Clara," the voice on the other end chirped, a hint of excitement barely contained.He raised an eyebrow, his curiosity now mingled with surprise. "How did you get my number?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.A soft chuckle echoed through the phone. "Let's just say a magician never reveals her secrets," Clara replied, her tone playful yet mysterious.Darien couldn't help but laugh, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Alright, magician, what can I do for you?"Clara's tone shifted, a seriousness creeping into her voice. "About the Christmas party... I really hope you'll consider coming. It means a lot."He hesitated, his thumb tracing the edge of the phone. The memories of their last conversation at the tavern came flooding back, along with the unpleasant memories of his past dealings with the Webb fami
The Return of the Hades Beg him!
96Clara's voice, when she spoke again, was laced with anger. "Darien is not a criminal. You know the accusations were unfounded.""Unfounded?" Marlene scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "The whole town knows about his misdeeds. And now you bring him here, into our home?"Lord Webber tried once more to intercede. "Enough, Marlene. This is not the time nor the place—"But he was cut off by Clara's father, who had remained silent until now. "I think it's best if you leave, Darien," he said, his voice cold but controlled. "Before this evening takes an even more unpleasant turn."Darien felt a lump forming in his throat, the words hitting him harder than he cared to admit. He glanced at Clara, her face a mixture of apology and defiance. He could see the hurt in her eyes, the embarrassment at her family's open hostility.Without a word, Darien turned on his heel, his heart heavy. He could feel the eyes of the entire room on him as he made his way to the exit, each step feeling like an
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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
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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
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
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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
- The Return of the Hades
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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
- The Return of the Hades
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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
- The Return of the Hades
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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?