2024-11-17 22:03:33
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Wrath of the Dragon Duke. Chapter 13 : Infiltration
The streets of Hilburg were eerily quiet under the pale glow of streetlights, save for the hum of a distant car engine and the faint buzz of fluorescent signs. Lloyd leaned against the brick wall of a building across the street from the Hilburg Police Department, his arms crossed as he watched the building intently. Ivan stood beside him, chewing absently on a toothpick, his sharp eyes scanning the perimeter. “This makes seven” Ivan muttered. “Seven nights of the same patterns, same rotations, same blind spots, either Mason gave us the real deal, or we’re walking straight into a trap” “It’s real,” Lloyd replied quietly, his voice carrying the cold certainty of a man who trusted his instincts. “Every detail Mason gave us checks out, if this were a setup, we'd have probably sniffed it out” Ivan flicked the toothpick to the ground and stepped forward, narrowing his gaze at a patrolman casually walking past one of the station’s side entrances. “Still, feels too clean... Can’t
The Wrath of the Dragon Duke. Chapter 14 : Station Battle
Chapter 14Ivan has known his boss for a long time, but ever since returning to Hilburg, he had seen that his boss wasn't the wealthy, cool, stoic killing machine he knew.He had layers, and a scene like this was one of the few times these layers were peeled back.Officers lined the exits, their weapons drawn and faces grim.Standing at the forefront was a man Lloyd hadn’t seen in years, Morty Flanagan, his childhood friend, now a high-ranking officer.Lloyd’s heart sank as he studied Morty, who hadn’t yet recognized him thanks to the mask. But this wasn’t the boy he’d once played baseball with in Hilburg park. Morty was colder now, his eyes cruel and calculating... still, Lloyd couldn’t let the situation turn into a bloodbath.“Listen,” Lloyd said, his voice steady but firm “We don’t want trouble, et us walk out of here, and nobody has to get hurt”Morty chuckled, shaking his head, not believing what he just heard “Really?” He gestured to the officers flanking him, all with their
The Wrath of the Dragon Duke. Chapter 15 : The New Deal
Chapter 15The smell of fresh pancakes and brewed coffee spread through the room, nudging Lloyd awake.His eyes open to see Lisa standing at the edge of his bed, a tray balanced delicately in her hands.The sight caught him slightly off guard... it was usually him in this position, as Lisa had always felt nervous coming into his room.“Good morning” Lisa said softly, placing the tray on the small table by his bed.She looked radiant despite the early hour, her smile warm but faintly nervous “I thought I’d surprise you”Lloyd sat up, adjusting the pillow behind his back “You didn’t have to do this” he replied, his tone carrying a mix of gratitude and confusion.Lisa shrugged, taking a seat on the chair beside him. “I wanted to... After last night, I thought we both deserved a calm start to thee day”He picked up the cup of coffee, taking a small sip “Thank you” he said sincerely. “And... about last night, Your parents...”“Don’t” Lisa interrupted, shaking her head “You don’t have to ex
The Wrath of the Dragon Duke. Chapter 16 : The First Ultimatum
The Francis family living room wasn’t as grand as most would expect for a family aspiring to mingle with Hilburg’s elite. The Francis family clung desperately to their aspirations of grandeur, despite their middle-class reality.The modest furnishings and faded wallpaper hinted at a past of financial strain, a contrast to the airs Harold, Eleanor, and John Francis often put on. Yet, despite their middle-class roots, the tension in the room was palpable, especially as Lloyd sat on the worn leather couch, surrounded by Lisa’s family.Despite the fact that no one had spoken so far, the Francis living room fell even more silent as the sound of heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed from the hallway. All eyes turned toward the doorway as John Francis entered the room, his imposing frame silhouetted against the dim light. Despite his advanced age, there was nothing frail about him. His sharp eyes swept over the assembled group with practiced authority, and the heavy wooden cane he carried
The Wrath of the Dragon Duke. Chapter 17 : The Dragon Duke Speaks
Eric West sat in the opulent study of his massive mansion, a glass of expensive whiskey resting in his hand. The room was a sanctuary of success, filled with dark oak shelves brimming with leather-bound books, a roaring fireplace casting a warm glow, and a sprawling desk that symbolized his empire over Western Steel... the largest steel company in Tekka.The whiskey burned pleasantly in his throat as he leaned back in his chair, savoring the rare moment of solitude. His world was built on control, precision, and calculated moves, few things rattled Eric West.And then his phone rang.The sharp sound shattered the peace and tranquility of the room. Eric frowned, setting down his glass and glancing at the sleek, high-tech device on his desk. Only a handful of people had this number.Deep down he wished he had turned off the damn device, but didn't since no one ever called him on it.He picked up the phone, and the screen displayed a single name.*The Dragon Duke*The blood drained fro
The Wrath of the Dragon Duke. Chapter 18 : An inappropriate turn
The morning sun cast long shadows across the streets of Hilburg as Lloyd and Lisa packed the last of their belongings into a single travel bag.The weight of the Francis family’s ultimatum loomed over them, but Lloyd’s calm demeanor gave Lisa a semblance of reassurance.“Are you sure about this?” Lisa asked, watching as Lloyd secured the bag to the back of the motorcycle. Her arms were crossed, and her brow dark with concern. “You know I hate bikes”Lloyd turned to her, his expression softening. “I actually didn't know that” he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.“But it’s the cheapest way to Montis... and I already got the bike, so trust me, you’ll be fine”Lisa hesitated, glancing warily at the sleek black motorcycle. The gleaming chrome and powerful engine didn’t inspire confidence in her, but the look in Lloyd’s eyes did.She sighed and nodded. “Alright, but if you do anything reckless...”“I won’t” Lloyd interrupted with a small smile. “Promise”Moments late
The Wrath of the Dragon Duke. Chapter 19 : The Contract
The room fell silent, the weight of his presence stifling.“I asked a question” Eric said, his tone sharp and impatient. “What is the meaning of this commotion?”"Who said you could start a fight in my office"Eric West’s piercing eyes swept over the office, his expression a volatile mix of anger and suspicion as the room remained silent.The CEO of Western Steel stood tall, his presence dominating the room as he surveyed the scene.The sight of his COO, Woodrow Taft, the disheveled guards, and the strangers standing in his office was enough to set his jaw tightly.“What.. I ask again” Eric said, his voice sharp and cold “is going on here?”Woodrow was quick to step forward, smoothing his suit as he gestured toward Lisa, Lloyd, and Grace. “These... individuals are trespassers, Eric” he said, his tone oozing disdain “They were just about to be removed.”Eric’s eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting to the strangers in question. Before he could speak, the door burst open, and more security
The Wrath of the Dragon Duke. Chapter 20 : Panic
The sharp crack of the gunshot echoed through the air, freezing everyone in place. Lisa’s scream pierced the silence as Grace crumpled to the ground, clutching her side.Blood seeped through her fingers, staining the pristine pavement of Western Steel’s entrance. “Grace!” Lisa cried, dropping to her knees beside her friend. Her hands trembled as she tried to stop the bleeding. “Oh my God! No, no, no!” Woodrow’s hand shook violently as he pointed the gun toward Lloyd, his face full of rage and desperation “You ruined me!” Lloyd moved swiftly, evading the next shot as Woodrow fired again. The bullet whizzed past his ear, but Lloyd was already closing the distance.He ducked low, grabbing Woodrow’s wrist and twisting it with precision. *CRACK!* Woodrow let out a scream of agony as the gun fell from his grasp, following his broken arm. Lloyd followed with a quick strike to the back of Woodrow’s knees, sending him crashing to the ground. “You’ve done enough,” Lloyd said coldly, hi
Latest Chapter
Chapter 98 : Who Where They?
The Francis family spent the next three days in a state of pure elation. For the first time in what felt like forever, they were free from the suffocating grip of the Numa family. And for the first time since she had fallen ill with cancer, Lisa was able to fully partake in the celebrations, not as the sickly, burdened lawyer fighting an impossible battle, but as a victorious member of the family.Even Lloyd, or rather Simon... whom the family had never fully accepted... was allowed to join in on the festivities. While most of them still regarded him with wary eyes, none could deny that without his inspiration of Lisa, the trial might not have gone their way, and they would have given up ages ago.As the family sat around the dinner table on the final night of celebrations, Harold raised his glass "I am so proud of you, Lisa, and I'm sure the rest of this family feels the same" he said, his voice filled with warmth and admiration.Lisa looked up at him, eyes glistening "Really?" sh
Chapter 97 : The Verdict Is In
All of the Francis family gathered in the living room of the family home, all their eyes fixed on the TV as the jury delivered the verdict in Lisa's lawsuit.It'd been more than 5 months since Lisa initially launched this legal attack against the Numa's, and after so many near death experiences, the family just wanted to to be over.Although they were very much aware of what would happen to them if they lost the case, due to this The tension in the room was palpable. if Lisa lost the case, they'd be sitting ducks, as Henry Numa wouldn't rest until they were either dead or run out of the city. John, having lived through the city’s corruption for decades, felt that deep pit of certainty in his stomach. There was no way a small-time lawyer like Lisa could win against the Numas, no matter how ironclad her evidence was. Harold knew it too...he’d already started preparing for an emergency evacuation, once the innocent veridct was read he would take the family out of Hilburg immediately.
Chapter 96 : The Finishing blow
The nation of Tekka was unlike any other.A land of immense power, bound together by strength, strategy, and an iron-fisted rule that spanned generations.Though the Sun King sat at the pinnacle of power, he did not rule alone. The kingdom was a complex web of authority, where military might dictated influence, and where warlords, generals, and crime lords held sway over vast territories. It was not a kingdom of peace but one where survival belonged to the strong.Each duchy, county or even villiage had its own millita, or gang that operated as a millita.The leadership allowed this to occur, as Tekka was so large due to its conquest of multiple neighbouring nations, that the royal family determined that some level of autonomy given to its various regions was for the best.At the heart of Tekka’s structure was the Sun King himself, an absolute monarch whose will was law. But even the Sun King, despite his unquestioned power, needed those who could execute his commands efficiently,
Chapter 95 : The Next Plan
The entire Francis family, along with Lloyd and Lisa, sat huddled together in the Francis family’s sitting room, their eyes glued to the television screen as the dramatic scene unfolded before them. The police raid on the Numa estate was playing live on nearly every major news channel. The flashing lights of police cruisers, the blaring sirens, and the sea of officers storming into the luxurious Numa mansion all created an intense spectacle.Nobody spoke at first, as the weight of what they were witnessing had stunned them into silence. It felt surreal, almost like watching a movie rather than reality. They had spent so long living under the shadow of the Numas, being so afraid of their wrath, especially in recent months, with many memebers of the family literally awaiting either inevitable destruction, or eviction from the city.So seeing them finally face justice seemed impossible.Roy was the first to break the silence. He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with satisfaction “It’s
Chapter 94 : They Forced My Hand
Larry Flanagan sat in the back of the police cruiser, staring blankly out the window as the fleet of squad cars tore through the streets of Hilburg, sirens wailing into the early morning air. The city’s towering skyline blurred past him, but his mind was too preoccupied to process the sight. He swallowed hard, fingers drumming against the seat as he struggled to keep his breathing steady.This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.A month ago, this entire ordeal had been safely contained within Hilburg’s borders. The Francis family lawsuit? Just another local scandal that would be swept under the rug like all the rest. The evidence against the Numa family? Irrelevant in a courtroom where the judges were all bought and paid for. The corruption scandal? A mere whisper in the streets of Hilburg, nothing more... No one had proof of anything,the made sure of that.Then everything changed...Somehow... no, not somehow, he knew exactly how...the story had exploded beyond Hilburg.The n
Chapter 93 : The Journalist
Ralph Stilsken woke to the rare feeling of peace.For the first time in what felt like forever, there was no urgent phone call yanking him out of sleep, no late-night email demanding immediate attention. Just the steady rhythm of his wife Charlie’s breathing beside him and the soft golden light of morning filtering through the curtains.He allowed himself to soak in the quiet, staring at the ceiling as he listened to the faint sounds of their children stirring in the next room.Charlie shifted beside him, murmuring sleepily. When her eyes opened, she blinked in mild surprise “You’re still here?”Ralph chuckled “I do live here, you know”“You sure? Because it feels like I only see you in passing these days”She wasn’t wrong. His job as one of the country’s most well-respected journalists rarely allowed him time to enjoy the simple pleasures of family life. He had spent years uncovering corruption, exposing criminal enterprises, and documenting war zones. It had won him respect, and
Chapter 92 : Desperate Measures
The hum of the engine filled the car as Ivan navigated through the quiet streets, heading back to Jacob’s house. The city lights flickered past, casting shadows over Lloyd’s face as he stared out the window, lost in thought. Ivan glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the road. He had learned long ago to recognize when his boss was deep in contemplation, carefully piecing together a plan. And right now, Lloyd was undoubtedly weaving something intricate...Still, Ivan had questions... questions that needed answers if he was going to execute whatever scheme Lloyd had in mind.He knew his boss was watching him so he had to be careful the kind of question he asked.“So...” Ivan began, gripping the wheel with one hand as he cast another glance at Lloyd“Will I be getting more details, Boss?”Lloyd’s gaze remained fixed on the cityscape beyond the window."Details of what?""Your plan to take down the Numa's" Ivan replied.He exhaled lightly, then shifted in his seat “
Chapter 91 : Desperate Times
Ivan’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as he drove Lloyd through the winding roads leading to the Numa family estate. The sleek black car moved smoothly over the pavement, the weight of the silence between them making the air thick.“You sure about this, boss?” Ivan asked, sparing a glance at Lloyd, who sat in the passenger seat, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.Lloyd exhaled sharply through his nose “I don’t have a choice... when you poke the dragon you will get burned”Ivan gulped slightly, he knew those words very well, and they were not good.Ivan clicked his tongue against his teeth “You always have a choice boss, but if you’re planning to walk up to Henry Numa’s front door and have a ‘friendly chat,’ I’d say that’s probably the worst one”Lloyd didn’t respond immediately, he was still reeling from his conversation with the assassin he had interrogated. Someone in Lisa’s family had betrayed him...had allowed the Numa’s to track his movements, nearly getting Lisa ki
Chapter 90 : Daring Rage
Lloyd drove his battered car through the quiet streets of Hilburg, gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The entire front of the vehicle was dented, the windshield cracked, and bullet holes riddled the sides. The engine sputtered, protesting its rough treatment, but Lloyd didn’t care. His mind was burning with rage.Lisa sat in the passenger seat, her wide eyes darting between Lloyd and the wrecked car around her "Simon…" she began hesitantly, her voice filled with concern "What happened?"Lloyd took a steady breath before replying."Nothing you need to worry about" he said smoothly, forcing his voice to stay calm "Just ran into some bad drivers"Lisa’s frown deepened, she clearly didn’t believe him, but she was still too shaken from the earlier attack to press further"I just want to go home" she murmured.Lloyd shook his head immediately, "Not yet" Lloyd said firmly.Lisa’s brow furrowed "Why not?""Because I don’t know if the people who shot at us
