The Return of the Hades

Nightshade and Ironclad: Two beasts

70

Viktor Kozlov, having witnessed Darien's unexpected prowess, let out a laugh devoid of any humor. With a dismissive flick of his hand, he summoned what appeared to be his final challenge. "You think you've won already? Let's see how you fare against my best," he sneered, a cold smirk spreading across his face.

At his signal, the heavy door to the mansion creaked open, and two figures emerged, silhouetted against the dim light from inside. They were unlike any of the men Darien had faced so far; their presence alone seemed to thicken the air with tension.

The mercenary stepped forward, presenting the duo with a flourish. "May I introduce the beast known as Ironclad, and his counterpart, the terror of the east, Nightshade."

Ironclad, the first of the duo, was a towering mass of muscle, a beast. Muscles bulging under his tight shirt, his bald head gleaming under the courtyard lights.

Next to him, Nightshade appeared slightly shorter but broader, with long, unkempt hair and a beard th