Chapter1913
“It’sfineifyoudon’tgetit.Whateverthecaseis,I’mgoingtobehavinganout-of-bodyexperiencenow tocheckifmytheoryiscorrect!Withthatsaid,besuretoguardmybodywellinthemeantime!”said Gerald.
“Gotit,Mr.Crawford!Dobecareful!”repliedReyasGeraldnoddedbeforelyingdown… Shortlyafter,hisghostformshotoutfromhisbodybeforedivingdownward!
Continuingtodivedeeperanddeeper,Geraldeventuallycameacrossthesourceoftheduo’splight… TruetoGerald’sguess,therereallywasagiantmechanismunderneaththemthisentiretime!
Withthatmysterysolved,Geraldknewthatinorderforthemtoescapethishellishloop,theywould needtotakealiteralleapoffaithafterfindingaspecificnumberonthestairs…Iftheydidn’t,theycould verywellenduplivingtherestoftheirlivesonthesestairs…
Regardless,nowthathehadlearnedallthis,Geraldboltedbacktohisphysicalbody…anduponreenteringit,heinstantlyyelled,“Bingo!”
SinceGeraldhadmadesuchanabruptreturn,itscaredthelivingdaylightsoutofRey!
Oncetheyouthfinallycalmeddown,hecouldonlylookhelplesslyatGeraldashemutteredbetween pants,“D-d*mnit,Mr.Crawford…!Youalmostgavemeaheartattack…!Don’tgoshoutingso abruptly…!”
Tobefair,beingallaloneinsuchdarknesswouldmakeanyonefeelutterlyterrified… WhileevenGeraldwasmomentarilystunnedbyRey’sreaction,hequicklysnappedoutofitbefore saying,“…Gotit!Anyway,listen,IthinkI’vefoundawaytogetoutofthisplace!”
“…H-huh?Really?Thenwhatarewewaitingfor,Mr.Crawford?Leadtheway!”repliedRey,instantly forgettingaboutbeingscaredhalftodeathjustsecondsearlier.Afterall,Rey’sprioritywastoleavethis placeassoonaspossiblesincehefeltthathewouldgomadfromanxietyifhehadtostayinthisplace anylonger…
Noddinginagreement,GeraldthenbeganleadingReydownthestairsagain…andeventually,hefound theexactspottheyneededtobeat.
Seeingthattheyhadstopped,theconfusedReycouldn’thelpbutask,“…Um…Mr.Crawford…?Didn’t yousaywewereleaving…?We’vebeendescendingthestairsforquiteawhilenow…”
Hearingthat,GeraldturnedtofaceReybeforesaying,“Thisisit.We’rejumpingdownfromhere!” “…H-huh?!”repliedReyashisjawinstantlydropped,unsureofwhetherhehadheardright.
UponseeinghowdeterminedGerald’sfollowingnodwas,theworriedReyimmediatelyrepliedina fearfultone,“P-pleasedon’tjokeaboutthis,Mr.Crawford…Wecan’tevenseethebottomfromhere! We’llsurelydie!”
Aftersayingthat,Reycouldn’thelpbutgulpashestareddown…Thelongerhestaredattheabyss,the moreterrifiedhegot…
Geraldhimselfsimplyraisedabrowashesaid,“…Rey,doyouhonestlythinkI’djokeaboutsomething likethis?”
WhileReywassurethatGeraldwouldn’t,hismaster’sordertoleapintotheabysswassimplymind boggling…
SeeinghowhesitantReywasbeing,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutsighasheadded,“…Fine,I’llbejumping firstthen.However,ifIdoendupdying,goodluckthinkingofotherwaystoleave!”
MomentarilyleftstupefiedbyGerald’sabsurdsuggestion,Reycouldonlystarewide-eyedasGerald leapedoffthestairswithoutevenwaitingforhisreply!
WhileReywasleftpanicking,Geraldhimselfhadmadeasafelandingatopanothersetofstairs…
Justashehadthought,thetricktoescapingthatloopwasbyhoppingoffthestepwiththatspecific number!
However,Reywasn’tawarethatGeraldwasstillalive.Withthatinmind,itwasn’tasurprisethathe soonbegancallingout,“M-Mr.Crawford…!”
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1914
Hearinghowworriedtheboywasforhissafety,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutsmilesubtlyashelookedup whileshouting,“Whatareyouwaitingfor,Rey?Jumpalready!” UponhearingGerald’sresponse,Reywasinstantlyoverjoyed.Afterall,notonlywasGeraldstillalive, buthehadapparentlysuccessfullyfoundawaytoescapethishellishloop!
Nowthatheknewthis,Reymustereduphiscourage…beforeleapingandplungingstraightintothe abyss!
Immediatelyscreamingasheplummeted,hisutterterrorsoonturnedintoconfusionwhenherealized thathisfeetwerealreadyontheground.Thefallhadbarelyeventakenasecond!
“…Wastherereallyaneedtoscreamthatloudly…”grumbledGeraldwhoseearswerenowthrobbing duetohowloudReyhadbeen.
WhileGeraldwasleftannoyed,Reyhimselfwassooverjoyed—thathewasstillalive—thathe immediatelyexclaimed,“I-I’malive!Andtothinkthatthejumpwasn’tevenallthatlong!W-we’re finallyfreefromthosestairs,Mr.Crawford…!”
Shakinghisheadinresignationathowchildishhisdisciplewasbeing,Geraldsimplypattedhimonthe backbeforestartingtowalktowardthelightbeforethem…
Nowrealizingthattheexithadbeenthisclosethisentiretime,Rey’seyeswidenedashecalledout,“Wwaitforme,Mr.Crawford!”
QuicklycatchinguptoGerald,theduosoonwentpasttheshiningexit…However,whatawaitedthem wasnothingshortofsurprising.
Beyondtheexit,layaworn-downplacethatlookedutterlyravaged… Staringatthenear-endlesstoweringpillarsaroundthem,Reycouldn’thelpbutexclaiminawe,“H-holy cr*p!Tothinkthatsuchaplaceexisteddownhere…!Everythingherelooksancient!”
ThoughGeraldsaidnothing,hesharedthesamesentiments.Afterall,whowouldn’tbeamazedand shockedtofindancientruinsoutoftheblue…
Regardless,Geraldwasfirsttobreakthesilencebysaying,“…Comeon,let’shavealookaround!”
Noddinginagreement,ReythenbeganexploringthewondrousplacewithGerald…
However,theyhadonlytakenafewstepsforwardwhenbothofthemstoppeddeadintheirtracks.
Strangeskitteringsoundsseemedtobequicklyapproachingthem,andtheycouldimmediatelytellthat somethingwasamiss.Wasitdanger…?
“…What…isthat,Mr.Crawford…?”whisperedReyasheleanedinclosertoGerald.
Insteadofreplyingwithaguess,Geraldsimplychosetoslowlyturnaround,promptingReytodothe same…andthesecondtheysawwhatwascomingforthem,Rey’seyesimmediatelywidened.
Asitturnedout,thesoundswerecomingfromahoardofgiantscorpions!
“H-holycr*p!Whythehellarethosescorpionssomassive?!”stutteredthequiveringRey. “Shutit!Andstopmovingaroundsomuch!”orderedGeraldinacalmtone.
Whileitwashisfirsttimeseeingsuchmassivescorpionsaswell,hewasn’tafraidofthematall.Afterall, hehadalreadyseenallkindsofhorrifyingghosts,sohowscarycouldscorpionsbeforhim?
ThoughGeraldwasn’tintimidatedbythegiantscorpions,thatwasn’tthecaseforRey.Hewas completelyfrozeninfearashewatchedthescorpionsquicklyencirclethem,swayingtheirpointy stingersfromtimetotime,seeminglypreparedtoattackthematanymoment…
Smallscorpionstingswerealreadyquitevenomous,soReydidn’tevenwanttobeginimagininghow potenttheselargescorpions’stingerswere…Infact,fromhowlargeandsharpthosestingerslooked, onewouldprobablydiefromthestabalone…
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1915
“W-whatshouldwedonow,Mr.Crawford…?”whisperedRey,gulpingashestaredatallthegiant scorpionsaroundthem.Nomatterhowhardhetried,hecouldn’tseeanopeningforthemtoescapeat all!
“Staycalm!I’mthinking!”repliedGeraldashecontinuedlookingaround,hopingthatitwouldhelphim deviseanescapeplan.
Thankfully,itwasn’tlongafterbeforeGeraldspottedalargedoorleadingoutofthisarea.
Withtheirescaperouteinhissight,Geraldquicklywhispered,“Rey,doyouseethatlargedooratyour twelveo’clock?”
Turningtolookinthatdirection,Reythennoddedbeforereplying,“Ido!”
“Good,nowlistenup.Theplanissimple.YourushovertoopenthatdoorwhileIdistractthescorpions! Gotit?”explainedGerald.
“L-loudandclear!”repliedRey,knowingthatthatwastheirbestbetofsurvivingthisencounter.
Hearingthat,GeraldthendrewhisAstrabyssSwordbeforepushingReywithhisotherhandwhileyelling, “Good!Nowgo!”
AsReynoddedbeforeboltingtowardthelargedoor,Geraldhimselfbeganchannelinghisenergyinto theAstrabyssSword,allowingittoemititsspiritblade.
Watchingasthescorpionsbackedoffabit—aftertheysawthespiritblade—,Geraldtookthatchanceto getabitclosertoRey.HemadesuretostickcloseenoughtoReytoensurethatReywouldn’tgetsneak attackedbyanyhidingscorpions…
Thankstotheduo’steamwork,theywereabletogetReytothelargedoor…
ToRey’sdismay,however,nomatterhowhardhepushed,thedoorwouldn’tbudge!Thenagain,it wasn’treallyallthatsurprising.Afterall,thedoorwasmadeofstoneanditstoodoverthirtyfeettall.
TherewasnowayReywasevergoingtobeabletoopenit!
Understandingthat,Reyyelled,“Um…!Thedoor’stooheavyformetoopen…!”
“Again,staycalm.I’msurethere’samechanismtoopenit!”repliedGeraldwhocurrentlyhadhiseyes onthegiantscorpionsthatwerenowchargingtowardhim!
Seeingthat,Reyknewthatitwasalluptohimnow.Ifhefailedtofindthemechanism,thenthiswould betheirend…Becauseofthat,failurewasn’tanoption!
Withthatinmind,Reyquicklycalmedhimselfbeforestartingtosearchforthemechanism…andnot longafter,hefoundit!
Themechanismitselfresembledacirculardoorhandle,andafterReypulledit,thelargedoorinstantly beganshaking!
Takingafewstepsback,Reycouldonlystarewide-eyedasthedoorfinallyswungopenafewseconds later.
Delighted,Reythenyelled,“M-Mr.Crawford,comequick!Thedoor’sopen!”
Hearingthat,Geraldinstantlyturnedtochargefortheexit…andmomentslater,bothofthemfound themselvesstaringatthelargescorpions—thathadnowstoppedintheirtracks—fromtheothersideof thegiantdoor…
Shortlyafter,thescorpionsbeganretreating,promptingtheconfusedReytoask,“…Huh?They’re…not chasingafterus…?”
Staringastheyscuttledoff,Geraldsimplyreplied,“Indeed…I’massumingthatthey’reafraidof somethinginhere!”
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1916
Aftersayingthat,GeraldturnedaroundandbeganexploringthisnewplacewithRey…
Shortlyafter,theycameacrossaspringofsortsthathadcrystalclearwaterthatsplashedalloverthe place…
Naturally,thissurprisedtheduo.Tothinkthattherewouldbeaspringhereofallplaces…
“Howoddtofindaspringoutoftheblue!”exclaimedReyashewalkedovertothebodyofflowing waterbeforescoopingsomeuptodrink…
Eyes-wideningthesecondhegulpeddown,Reycouldn’thelpbutturntofaceGeraldasheadded,“Holy! Thewater’ssweet!”
Reyhadnevertastedsuchsweetandrefreshingspringwaterinhisentirelife!
Hearingthat,Geraldwalkedoveraswelltotastethewater…andtruetoRey’swords,thewatertruly wasrathersweet.
Thefactthataspringwithsuchsweetwaterwasdownhereinthishorribleplacetrulywasmystifying… BeforeReycouldtakeanotherscoop,thewatersuddenlybeganbubbling,causingtheyouthtofreezein surprise.
Itwasn’tlongafterbeforetheentirespringwasfilledwithbubbles,andwithinseconds,allthewater suddenlyevaporated!
“…H-huh?Thehell?Howdidallthewatersuddenlydisappear!”exclaimedReyinanincreduloustone.
BeforeGeraldcouldeventheorize,however,acrisp‘crack’couldbeheardfromthemiddleofthedriedoutspring…
Fixingtheirgazesonthesourceofthesound,theduosimplywatchedasaslabofstonesuddenlybegan risingfromthecenterofthedried-outspring…
Exchangingglanceswitheachother,GeraldandReyslowlywalkedoverasthestoneslabshiftedtothe side…revealingwhatappearedtobeadarkenedentrancethatleddownward!
WhileRey’sfirstreactionwastostareatGeraldindisbelief,Geraldhimselfwasalreadyshininghis flashlighttoilluminatethebottomofthehole…
Awhilelater,Geraldwordlesslybegandescendingthehole…Ofcourse,uponseeingthat,Reyhadno choicebuttofollowhimdown…
Theholeitselfledtoaflatpath,andtheduowalkedonuntiltheyeventuallycameacrossahuge chamber… Seeingthattherewasagoldencasketinthemiddleofthechamber,Reycouldn’thelpbutexclaim,“…IisthatwhatIthinkitis…?Mygod!Thischamber…it’satomb!”
AsReywonderedhowthehelltheirexpeditionendedupbecomingatombexploration,Geraldhimself beganwalkingdeeperintothetomb…
Itwasonlyafewstepslaterwhenthecandlesinthechambersuddenlyletup,instantlybrighteningthe entiretomb…
Nowthateverythingwaswelllit,Geraldnoticedthattherewasatombstonewithinthechamber.
Walkingoverandseeingthatancientscripthadbeencarvedontothetombstone,Geraldturnedtolook atReybeforeasking,“Say,canyoureadthis?”
GeraldknewthatReywasatopstudent,whichwaswhyhefeltthatReyhadachanceofdeciphering thetext.
Regardless,Reyquicklyjoggedoverbeforehavingalookatthetombstone…
Ittookhimawhile,buteventually,Reyreplied,“Well…Itcontainsinformationaboutthistomb’sowner, Mr.Crawford!FromwhatI’vegathered,theownerofthetombgoesbyTaliasYah,andhewasageneral inanancientcountrycalledZanekh…Tothinkthatthetombofsuchagreatgeneralcouldbefound withinMountDakriont…Howstupefying!”
Uponhearingthat,Geraldimmediatelyknewthattheycouldn’ttouchanythinginhere.Afterall, triggeringatrapinsuchahigh-profiletombwouldsurelyspelltheirdoom… Ashewasthinkingofthat,thecornerofGerald’seyessuddenlycaughtaglimpseofafamiliarsymbolon thegoldencasket…Wherehadheseenthatbefore…
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1917
LookingatGerald’sraisedeyebrow,Reycouldn’thelpbutask,“Is…somethingwrong,Mr.Crawford…? Didyoufindsomething…?”
“…Seethatsymbolthere?IfeellikeI’veseenitsomewherebefore…”mutteredGeraldashecontinued flippingthroughhismemories…
Sometimelater,hesuddenlyyelled,“Iremembernow!”
Followingthat,Geraldfishedthemapoutbeforequicklyscanningthroughit.
Raisingaslightbrow,Reytheninchedclosertolookatthemapaswell…andwhenhefinallyrealized thattheexactsymbol—onthecasket—couldbefoundonthemap,Reyimmediatelyexclaimed,“…Holy, isthat…Then…Insteadofgoingafterthetreasure,Tyewastryingtolocatethistombthisentire time…?!”
“I’mguessingso!”repliedGeraldwithanod,finallyahundredpercentsurethatTyewasuptonogood. Butwhatwashescheming…?
AsGeraldwaswonderingaboutthat,TyeandhismenfinallymadeittoMoonbeamVillage… DespiteGeraldtakingpityonthemandallowingthemtolive,Tyewasn’tabouttogiveuponhisgoals thateasily.Still,withoutthemap,Tyeandhismenhadremainedlostinthemountain’sforestsfor ages…
Regardless,uponattemptingtostepfootintothevillage,Stanton—whojustsohappenedtosee them—immediatelyrushedoverbeforeasking,“Andwhomightallofyoube?”
AsmoreofthevillagersranovertostandbehindStanton,theyknewwhyhewasbeingsovigilant.After all,Tyeandhismenlookedincrediblysuspicious…
Raisingaslightbrow,Tyethenglaredattheoldmanbeforereplyinginanannoyedtone,“Thatisn’t important.Regardless,haveyourecentlycomeacrossthreeindividualsdressedlikeus?”
Stantonwasnoidiot.FromTye’sexpressionalone,hecouldalreadytellthatthemanwasn’tagood person.Withthat,hesimplyshookhisheadashereplied,“…I’mafraidnot!It’sbeenagessinceanyone fromtheoutsideworldcametoourvillage!Speakingoftheoutsideworld,howdidallofyougethere?” Uponhearingthat,Tyesquintedhiseyesatthechief,wonderingiftheoldmanwastellingthetruth…
Unfortunately,atthatverymoment,ayoungwomancamejoggingtowardStantonwhileyelling,“The meal’sready,chief!Havethethreewisemenreturnedyet?”
WhileStantonwassurprisedtohearthatstatement,Tyeandhismenimmediatelyfrowned.
NowfullyawarethatStantonhadliedtothem,Tyethenyelled,“Howdareyoulietome,oldman!” Stantonhimselfwasatalossforwords.Thatyoungwomantrulyhadarrivedattheworstpossible time…
SeeingthatStantonwasn’tkeenonreplying,Tyethengrabbedtheoldmanbyhiscollarbeforeroaring,
“Enoughgames!Wherethehellarethosethree!”
ItwasclearbynowthatTye’shatredforGeraldwasbeyondwords…Tyehimselfhadevenswornto showGeraldnomercythenexttimetheybumpedintohim.
Whateverthecasewas,StantonhardlyevenflinchedatTye’sattemptatintimidatinghim.Instead,the oldmansimplyreplied,“HowshouldIknow?Theysimplyleftwithouttellinguswheretheywere headedto!”
“Areyouhonestlystilllyingtome?Don’tblamemeforbeingruthlessthen!”scowledTyewithasnort, hisguttellinghimthatGeraldandhispartywerewellacquaintedwithStanton.Afterall,whyelsewould theoldmanlieaboutsomethinglikethis?
Followingthat,Tyeorderedhismentogatherallthevillagers.Oncethatwasdone,Tyealsoinstructed themtotieStantontothepillaratthevillage’sentrance…
“I’mgoingtoaskonefinaltime…Tellmewheretheywent!”shoutedTye,believingthattheoldman wouldfinallyspillthebeansnow.
“I’vealreadytoldyou,Idon’tknow!”
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1918
DespitehowseriousStantonlookedashescowledback,Tyewasn’tbuyingit.
Nowfullyenraged,Tyeglaredathismenbeforeordering,“Men!Beatthisoldb*starduptillhetalks!”
Hearingthat,twoofTye’smenthensteppedforwardwithwhipsinhand…andwithouttheslightest mercy,theybeganwhippingthepooroldman!
Naturally,theothervillagersinstantlybecameenraged,andsomeofthebolderonesevenrushed forwardtorescuetheirpoorchief!
Seeingthat,Tyesimplyshookhishead,glaringatthosewhodaredopposehimashishandquickly reachedoutforhispistol…
Andwithadeafening‘bang’,oneofthecourageousvillagersfloppedtotheground,dead…
Uponwitnessingthathorrifyingscene,noneoftheothervillagersdaredtotakeanotherstepforward…
Tyehimselfsimplysneered,“Listen,everytimeyourefusetotellmewheretheyare,I’lljustkillanother villager!Withthatinmind,you’dbetterstartfessingupalready!Still,I’mgladnobodyevenknows aboutyourvillage!Becauseofthat,IcandowhateverIwantwithyou!”
“Chief,justgivethemtheinformation!”calledoutoneofthevillagers,notwantingtheentirevillageto getmassacredjustforthesakeofprotectingthosethreewisemen. “Yeah,chief!Ourentirevillageisatstakehere!”
“Please,justtellthem,chief…!”
Oneafteranother,thevillagerscontinuedpleadingStantontoshareGerald’slocationwiththem…and eventually,thechiefknewhedidn’treallyhaveanyotherchoice.Afterall,heneededtoprioritizehis village’ssafety.
Withthat,Stantonsighedbeforedeclaring,“…Fine.I’lltellyouononecondition!Youhavetoleaveus onceyougettheinformation!Deal?”
“Deal!”repliedTyewithouttheslightesthesitation.
“They’vegonedeeperintothemountain!Tobemorespecific,theyenteredacavewithtwostonepillars beforeit!”saidStanton.
Hearingthat,Tye’sexpressioninstantlysoured.TothinkthatGeraldwasabletolocatetheexactcave Tyehimselfwastryingtolookfor!
“Hah!Notbad…”repliedTyewithanod,asinistersmileonhisfaceasheslowlyaimedhisgunat Stanton’schest…andwiththepullofatrigger,abulletshotthroughtheoldman’schest.
“C-chief…!”criedoutthevillagersasStantonspatoutamouthfulofblood…beforehisheaddrooped andhislimbswentcompletelylimp…
Afterstaringforawhileattheirchief’sfreshcorpse,severalofthevillagersturnedtoglareatTyewhile roaring,“How…Howinhumane…!Youutterb*stard…!” “Youpromisedyou’dleaveusbe!Whydidyouhavetokillourchief?!Youdemon!”
Uponhearingallthosecurses,Tye’sfrownonlyworsenedasheaimedhispistolatthevillagers…and justlikethat,severalmorevillagersfelltotheground,dead.
Eachbullethadhititsmark,andasTyereloadedhisgun,heyelledout,“Killthemall!Makesureyou don’tmissanyone!”
Noddinginresponse,Tye’smenthenretrievedtheirknives…andthemassacresoonbegan.
BythetimeTyeandhismenweredone,theentirevillagepopulationhadbeenwipedout.Moonbeam villagewasnomore…
Howabsolutelyvile…
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1919
MovingbacktoGeraldandRey,theyhadnowayofknowingaboutthemassacrethathadtakenplaceat MoonbeamVillage.Evenso,itwasprettymuchguaranteedthatGeraldwouldn’tletTyeandhismenoff thesecondhefoundoutaboutwhattheyhaddone…
Regardless,sincetheywerebothstandingbeforethecasketnow,Reywaspromptedtoask,“Should… weopenthecasketandhavealookinside,Mr.Crawford…?” “Negative.Itrulybelievethatsomethingterriblewillhappenifwedo,”repliedGerald,instantlycausing Reytogiveuponhisidea.
Evenso,hecouldn’thelpbutremaincuriousaboutthecontentsofthegoldencasket.Afterall,Tyehad beentryingsohardtosearchforit.Whatkindoftreasureslaywithin…?
“…Say,Mr.Crawford?WhatkindsoftreasuresdoyouthinkareinthistombforTyetotravelsofarjust toobtainthem…?”askedRey.
Shakinghisheadinresponse,Geraldthensaid,“Ihavenoidea,thoughIbelievethethingshe’safterlies withinthatcasket!”
ThoughGeraldknewthatthecasketwasbadnews,healsohadaprettygoodideathatitcontained somethingextremelyvaluable.Afterall,Tyewastryingsohardtogetit.
Whateverthecasewas,Geraldthenbegansearchinghighandlowaroundthechamber.Afterall,he wassickofremainingtrappedinhere.
Reystarteddoingthesame,andwiththeircombinedefforts,theduoeventuallymanagedtofindaway out!
Quicklymakingtheirwayout,thetwosoonfoundthemselvessteppingintoaforestofsorts…
Still,GeraldandReyweremuchtoogladtofinallybeabletoseetheskyagaintobebotheredbythat. Withhowstaletheairinthecavehadbeen,thetwomencouldn’thelpbutfeelextremelyrelaxednow thattheycouldfinallytakewhiffsoffreshair… Exhalingloudly,Reythensatonthegroundbeforeexclaiming,“Thankgodwe’refinallyoutofthatplace, Mr.Crawford…!”
“Indeed!Let’sheadbacknow!”repliedGerald.
Atthatverymoment,bothoftheirearsperkedasseveralrustlingsoundscouldbeheardinthedistance!
Immediatelygettingvigilant,theduothenhidthemselveswellbeforepeekingouttoseewhowas makingallthatnoise…andthesecondtheysawtheculprits,GeraldandReywererightfullysurprised.
“Mr.Crawford…!It’sTyeandhismen!”whisperedRey.
Geraldhimselfwasmuchtoobusywonderinghowtheyhadfoundtheirwayheresoquicklywithoutthe map.
Whateverthecasewas,Tyeandhismenappearedtobefullyfocusedongettingtothecave.Withthat inmind,theywereunabletodetectGeraldandRey…
Rememberingthatthecavewasn’ttoofarofffromhere,Geraldhadahunchthatthegroupwouldsoon comeacrossit…
Evenso,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutwonderiftheywouldbeabletogetintothecaveinthefirstplace.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1917
LookingatGerald’sraisedeyebrow,Reycouldn’thelpbutask,“Is…somethingwrong,Mr.Crawford…? Didyoufindsomething…?”
“…Seethatsymbolthere?IfeellikeI’veseenitsomewherebefore…”mutteredGeraldashecontinued flippingthroughhismemories…
Sometimelater,hesuddenlyyelled,“Iremembernow!”
Followingthat,Geraldfishedthemapoutbeforequicklyscanningthroughit.
Raisingaslightbrow,Reytheninchedclosertolookatthemapaswell…andwhenhefinallyrealized thattheexactsymbol—onthecasket—couldbefoundonthemap,Reyimmediatelyexclaimed,“…Holy, isthat…Then…Insteadofgoingafterthetreasure,Tyewastryingtolocatethistombthisentire time…?!”
“I’mguessingso!”repliedGeraldwithanod,finallyahundredpercentsurethatTyewasuptonogood. Butwhatwashescheming…?
AsGeraldwaswonderingaboutthat,TyeandhismenfinallymadeittoMoonbeamVillage…
DespiteGeraldtakingpityonthemandallowingthemtolive,Tyewasn’tabouttogiveuponhisgoals thateasily.Still,withoutthemap,Tyeandhismenhadremainedlostinthemountain’sforestsfor ages…
Regardless,uponattemptingtostepfootintothevillage,Stanton—whojustsohappenedtosee them—immediatelyrushedoverbeforeasking,“Andwhomightallofyoube?”
AsmoreofthevillagersranovertostandbehindStanton,theyknewwhyhewasbeingsovigilant.After all,Tyeandhismenlookedincrediblysuspicious…
Raisingaslightbrow,Tyethenglaredattheoldmanbeforereplyinginanannoyedtone,“Thatisn’t important.Regardless,haveyourecentlycomeacrossthreeindividualsdressedlikeus?”
Stantonwasnoidiot.FromTye’sexpressionalone,hecouldalreadytellthatthemanwasn’tagood person.Withthat,hesimplyshookhisheadashereplied,“…I’mafraidnot!It’sbeenagessinceanyone fromtheoutsideworldcametoourvillage!Speakingoftheoutsideworld,howdidallofyougethere?” Uponhearingthat,Tyesquintedhiseyesatthechief,wonderingiftheoldmanwastellingthetruth…
Unfortunately,atthatverymoment,ayoungwomancamejoggingtowardStantonwhileyelling,“The meal’sready,chief!Havethethreewisemenreturnedyet?”
WhileStantonwassurprisedtohearthatstatement,Tyeandhismenimmediatelyfrowned.
NowfullyawarethatStantonhadliedtothem,Tyethenyelled,“Howdareyoulietome,oldman!”
Stantonhimselfwasatalossforwords.Thatyoungwomantrulyhadarrivedattheworstpossible time… SeeingthatStantonwasn’tkeenonreplying,Tyethengrabbedtheoldmanbyhiscollarbeforeroaring,
“Enoughgames!Wherethehellarethosethree!”
ItwasclearbynowthatTye’shatredforGeraldwasbeyondwords…Tyehimselfhadevenswornto showGeraldnomercythenexttimetheybumpedintohim.
Whateverthecasewas,StantonhardlyevenflinchedatTye’sattemptatintimidatinghim.Instead,the oldmansimplyreplied,“HowshouldIknow?Theysimplyleftwithouttellinguswheretheywere headedto!”
“Areyouhonestlystilllyingtome?Don’tblamemeforbeingruthlessthen!”scowledTyewithasnort, hisguttellinghimthatGeraldandhispartywerewellacquaintedwithStanton.Afterall,whyelsewould theoldmanlieaboutsomethinglikethis?
Followingthat,Tyeorderedhismentogatherallthevillagers.Oncethatwasdone,Tyealsoinstructed themtotieStantontothepillaratthevillage’sentrance…
“I’mgoingtoaskonefinaltime…Tellmewheretheywent!”shoutedTye,believingthattheoldman wouldfinallyspillthebeansnow.
“I’vealreadytoldyou,Idon’tknow!”
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1918
DespitehowseriousStantonlookedashescowledback,Tyewasn’tbuyingit.
Nowfullyenraged,Tyeglaredathismenbeforeordering,“Men!Beatthisoldb*starduptillhetalks!”
Hearingthat,twoofTye’smenthensteppedforwardwithwhipsinhand…andwithouttheslightest mercy,theybeganwhippingthepooroldman!
Naturally,theothervillagersinstantlybecameenraged,andsomeofthebolderonesevenrushed forwardtorescuetheirpoorchief!
Seeingthat,Tyesimplyshookhishead,glaringatthosewhodaredopposehimashishandquickly reachedoutforhispistol…
Andwithadeafening‘bang’,oneofthecourageousvillagersfloppedtotheground,dead…
Uponwitnessingthathorrifyingscene,noneoftheothervillagersdaredtotakeanotherstepforward…
Tyehimselfsimplysneered,“Listen,everytimeyourefusetotellmewheretheyare,I’lljustkillanother villager!Withthatinmind,you’dbetterstartfessingupalready!Still,I’mgladnobodyevenknows aboutyourvillage!Becauseofthat,IcandowhateverIwantwithyou!”
“Chief,justgivethemtheinformation!”calledoutoneofthevillagers,notwantingtheentirevillageto getmassacredjustforthesakeofprotectingthosethreewisemen.
“Yeah,chief!Ourentirevillageisatstakehere!”
“Please,justtellthem,chief…!”
Oneafteranother,thevillagerscontinuedpleadingStantontoshareGerald’slocationwiththem…and eventually,thechiefknewhedidn’treallyhaveanyotherchoice.Afterall,heneededtoprioritizehis village’ssafety.
Withthat,Stantonsighedbeforedeclaring,“…Fine.I’lltellyouononecondition!Youhavetoleaveus onceyougettheinformation!Deal?”
“Deal!”repliedTyewithouttheslightesthesitation.
“They’vegonedeeperintothemountain!Tobemorespecific,theyenteredacavewithtwostonepillars beforeit!”saidStanton.
Hearingthat,Tye’sexpressioninstantlysoured.TothinkthatGeraldwasabletolocatetheexactcave Tyehimselfwastryingtolookfor!
“Hah!Notbad…”repliedTyewithanod,asinistersmileonhisfaceasheslowlyaimedhisgunat Stanton’schest…andwiththepullofatrigger,abulletshotthroughtheoldman’schest.
“C-chief…!”criedoutthevillagersasStantonspatoutamouthfulofblood…beforehisheaddrooped andhislimbswentcompletelylimp…
Afterstaringforawhileattheirchief’sfreshcorpse,severalofthevillagersturnedtoglareatTyewhile roaring,“How…Howinhumane…!Youutterb*stard…!” “Youpromisedyou’dleaveusbe!Whydidyouhavetokillourchief?!Youdemon!”
Uponhearingallthosecurses,Tye’sfrownonlyworsenedasheaimedhispistolatthevillagers…and justlikethat,severalmorevillagersfelltotheground,dead.
Eachbullethadhititsmark,andasTyereloadedhisgun,heyelledout,“Killthemall!Makesureyou don’tmissanyone!”
Noddinginresponse,Tye’smenthenretrievedtheirknives…andthemassacresoonbegan.
BythetimeTyeandhismenweredone,theentirevillagepopulationhadbeenwipedout.Moonbeam villagewasnomore…
Howabsolutelyvile…
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Chapter1919
MovingbacktoGeraldandRey,theyhadnowayofknowingaboutthemassacrethathadtakenplaceat MoonbeamVillage.Evenso,itwasprettymuchguaranteedthatGeraldwouldn’tletTyeandhismenoff thesecondhefoundoutaboutwhattheyhaddone…
Regardless,sincetheywerebothstandingbeforethecasketnow,Reywaspromptedtoask,“Should… weopenthecasketandhavealookinside,Mr.Crawford…?”
“Negative.Itrulybelievethatsomethingterriblewillhappenifwedo,”repliedGerald,instantlycausing Reytogiveuponhisidea.
Evenso,hecouldn’thelpbutremaincuriousaboutthecontentsofthegoldencasket.Afterall,Tyehad beentryingsohardtosearchforit.Whatkindoftreasureslaywithin…?
“…Say,Mr.Crawford?WhatkindsoftreasuresdoyouthinkareinthistombforTyetotravelsofarjust toobtainthem…?”askedRey.
Shakinghisheadinresponse,Geraldthensaid,“Ihavenoidea,thoughIbelievethethingshe’safterlies withinthatcasket!”
ThoughGeraldknewthatthecasketwasbadnews,healsohadaprettygoodideathatitcontained somethingextremelyvaluable.Afterall,Tyewastryingsohardtogetit.
Whateverthecasewas,Geraldthenbegansearchinghighandlowaroundthechamber.Afterall,he wassickofremainingtrappedinhere.
Reystarteddoingthesame,andwiththeircombinedefforts,theduoeventuallymanagedtofindaway out!
Quicklymakingtheirwayout,thetwosoonfoundthemselvessteppingintoaforestofsorts…
Still,GeraldandReyweremuchtoogladtofinallybeabletoseetheskyagaintobebotheredbythat. Withhowstaletheairinthecavehadbeen,thetwomencouldn’thelpbutfeelextremelyrelaxednow thattheycouldfinallytakewhiffsoffreshair… Exhalingloudly,Reythensatonthegroundbeforeexclaiming,“Thankgodwe’refinallyoutofthatplace, Mr.Crawford…!”
“Indeed!Let’sheadbacknow!”repliedGerald.
Atthatverymoment,bothoftheirearsperkedasseveralrustlingsoundscouldbeheardinthedistance!
Immediatelygettingvigilant,theduothenhidthemselveswellbeforepeekingouttoseewhowas makingallthatnoise…andthesecondtheysawtheculprits,GeraldandReywererightfullysurprised.
“Mr.Crawford…!It’sTyeandhismen!”whisperedRey.
Geraldhimselfwasmuchtoobusywonderinghowtheyhadfoundtheirwayheresoquicklywithoutthe map.
Whateverthecasewas,Tyeandhismenappearedtobefullyfocusedongettingtothecave.Withthat inmind,theywereunabletodetectGeraldandRey…
Rememberingthatthecavewasn’ttoofarofffromhere,Geraldhadahunchthatthegroupwouldsoon comeacrossit…
Evenso,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutwonderiftheywouldbeabletogetintothecaveinthefirstplace.
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Chapter1920
Oncethemenwereoutofsight,ReythenturnedtolookatGeraldasheasked,“So…whatnow,Mr. Crawford…?”
“Well,we’vealreadygotwhatwewantedsolet’sjustreturntothevillage.AsforTyeandhismen…I haveaprettygoodhunchthateveniftheydomanagetofindthetomb,theywon’tbegettingout alive!”repliedGeraldwhohadzerointerestinthecasket.
Geraldhadmadethatboldclaimforareason.Afterthoroughlyinvestigatingthechamber,Geraldhad gatheredthattherewereseveralhiddentrapsinthetomb.Whatmore,mostofthetrapsappearedto beactivatedbytouchingdifferentpartsofthegoldencasket.
Withthatinmind,ifTyeandhismeninsistedonopeningthecasket,theywouldsurelyenduptriggering adeadlytraporten,dyingmiserablyintheprocess…
Whateverthecasewas,GeraldandReythenbeganmakingtheirwaybacktoMoonbeamVillage…
However,thesecondtheygottothevillage’sentrance,bothofthemfrozeintheirtracks.
Strappedontooneofthevillageentrance’sstonepillars,wasStanton’scorpse…!Asifthatwasn’t alreadyterribleenough,fromwheretheystood,thetwocouldalreadyseethemanydeadbodies litteredallovertheplace…!
Reywasthefirsttobreakthesilenceasheangrilygrowled,“…Who…Whocouldhavedonethis…?!
Whatthehellhappenedhere?!” “…ItwasdefinitelyTyeandhismen.Those…Thoseutterb*stardsareasinhumaneasbeasts…!”replied Gerald,clenchinghisteethashetriedhishardesttokeephiscool.
FromwhatGeraldcouldguess,TyemusthavekilledallofthevillagersinordertolocatehimandRey!
OnlyabeastlikeTyecouldcommitsuchaheinousact…
SeeingthatGeraldwasclenchinghisfistssotightlythathisveinslookedliketheywereabouttopop, Reyloweredhis,hiseyesfullyreddenedinrageashegrowled,“…Whatshouldwedonow,Mr. Crawford?”
Uponhearingthat,Geraldfoundhimselfmomentarilyatalossforwords.Afterall,heandReywerepart ofthereasonwhythistragiceventhappenedinthefirstplace,andknowingthatbroughtendless amountsofguilttoGerald…
Afterthinkingforabit,Geraldeventuallycalmedhimselfenoughtosay,“…Wereturntothechamber.
Weneedtoavengeeveryonehere…!”
Reynaturallyagreedwiththatplan,andtheduoquicklybeganretracingtheirsteps…
Astheycontinuedmakingtheirwaytothetomb,GeraldsworethathewasgoingtomakeTyeandhis menpay.
WhiletheearlierGeralddidn’treallycareifthecasket’strapskilledthatb*stardandhismen,the currentGeraldwasn’tabouttoallowthattohappen.Inordertoproperlyavengethevillagers,hewas goingtopersonallyendthemall…!
Regardless,sincetheyalreadyknewwheretheyweregoing,theirjourneybacktothecavewasmuch swifterthistime…
MovingbacktoTyeandhismen,theyhadearliermanagedtoenterthecave.Aftermessingaroundwith themechanismsonthebackofthedoor,theywereabletouncoverthesameholethatGeraldandRey hadfallenthrough.
“Score!I’msurethetombisdownthere!Men!Startdescending!”orderedTyeashismenobediently beganslidingdownthehole…
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Chapter1921
SinceGeraldandReyhadearlierdismantledallthetrapsleadingtothechamber,Tyeandhismenhad littletroublegettingtothetomb,anduponseeingthecasketforthefirsttime,Tyeinstantlywentgiddy withexcitement.
Laughingtriumphantly,Tye’seyesglintedgreedilyasherantowardthecasketwhileyelling,“I’vefinally foundyou!Afterallthistime!”
SeeinghowdelightedTyewas,oneofhisconfusedmencouldn’thelpbutask,“Um…Whosetombisthis, CharmanLamano…?”
“Hmm?ThisisthetombofagreatgeneraloftheancientcountryofZanekh!Whiletherearecountless treasuresinthistomb,themostpricelessonecanbefoundinthisverycasket!BasedontherumorsI’ve heard,there’saten-thousand-year-oldpearlintherethat’scapableofpreservingabodyforeternity!” explainedTyeashishandcaressedthegoldencasket. “R-really?That’sonehellofatreasurethen!”exclaimedthemanwhohadasked.
“Youbetitis!Nowenoughtalk!Hurryandgetmethecasket-openingtoolswebroughtalong!”ordered Tye,promptinghismentodoasheinstructed.
Tyehimselfhadbeenveryspecificwhenselectingthetoolssincehewantedtheprocessofopeningthe caskettobeperfect.
Still,Tyecouldn’thelpbutfeelsurprisedthatGeraldandReyhadleftthecasketalonedespite successfullymakingtheirwayhere…
Whateverthecasewas,everythinggotsetupquicklyandbeforelong,thecasketwasfinallyreadytobe opened…!
BeforeTyecouldorderforittobeopened,however,avoicesuddenlyroaredout,“Don’tyoudareopen it!”
Asthewordsechoedacrossthechamber’swalls,Tyeturnedtoglareatthesourceofthevoice…andof course,thevoicebelongedtoGerald.
“GeraldCrawford…!”growledTye,hisvoicebrimmingwithhatred.Afterall,hehadn’tforgottenthat Geraldhadstolenhismap! “TyeLamano!You’dbestnotopenTalias’scasket!Whilewhatyouwantmaybeinside,Iassureyouthat you’lldefinitelycometoregretlettingwhatever’sinthereout!”sneeredGerald.
DespitetheclearwarningfromGerald,Tye’shatredandurgetokillGeraldhadcompletelyblindedthe man.
Withthatinmind,Tyesimplyretorted,“LikeIcare!Also,don’tevendreamaboutleavingthisplacealive!
You’remeetingyourmakertodayifit’sthelastthingIdo!”
“YoudarethreatenmeafterkillingeveryoneinMoonbeamVillage?Areyouevenhumananymore,you b*stard?!”scowledGerald,hiswrathgrowingbythesecond.
Laughingmockingly,Tyesimplyscoffed,“SowhatifIkilledthem?Thoughtobehonest,ifanyone’sto blamefortheirdeaths,itshouldbeyou!Hah!”
HearinghowunremorsefulTyewasbeing,Gerald’srageskyrocketedasheglaredatTyewhileyelling, “You…You’llpayforallthis…!”
WhileGeraldalreadysawTyeasadeadman,TyehimselfsimplythoughtthatGeraldwastalkingbig. Afterall,Tyeclearlyhadtheupperhandintermsofmanpower.
Withthat,hechosetoignoreGeraldashedeclared,“Enough!Men,openthecasket!”
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Chapter1922
Nobodywasgoingtogetinhiswayofopeningthecasket,notevenGerald!
“You’readeadman,Tye!”roaredGeraldasheboltedtowardtheevilman.
“Stophim!”yelledTyeasseveralofhismenquicklystoodbeforeGerald,blockinghimfromreachingTye!
However,Geraldwasn’tinthemoodtowastetimewiththesebuffoons.Swiftlyattackingthem,allhe neededwasasinglehandtosendallofthemenflying!
Seeingthat,Tye’sothermenimmediatelytookactionaswell.
Tyehimselfwastoobusypryingthecasketopen—alongwiththreeothermen—toevenbotherabout
Gerald.Inhismind,gettingthecasketopenwashistoppriority…
Regardless,Tye’smenwerenaturallynomatchagainstGerald,andheeasilypummelledthemtothe ground.
Uponhearinghismen’sagonizedscreams,Tyewasfinallyforcedtolookawayfromthecasket.
Realizingthattherestofhismenweretooinjuredtoevengetupanymore,Tye’seyescouldonlywiden asGeraldbegancomingforhimnext!
Sincetheonlymenhehadleftwerethethreewhowerecurrentlyhelpinghimopenthecasket,Tye grittedhisteethasheyelled,“Youthree!Gostophim!” DoingasTyeinstructed,thethreemenimmediatelychargedtowardGerald…Onlytofindthemselves gettingslappedsohardtheywereinstantlyknockedout!
Eyesnowfullywidened,Tyeknewthathewasn’tgoingtobeabletotakeonGeraldalone.Withthatin mind,hepointedatGeraldbeforeshouting,“You…Don’tyoudaretakeastepfurther!Aninchcloser andI’llopenthecasket!We’llsurelydietogetherthen!”
Hearingthat,GeraldstoppedinhistracksbeforeglaringbackatTyeasheretorted,“Doyouhonestly thinkthat’llstopmefromendingyou?I’vesaiditonce,andI’llsayitagain.You’repayingthepricefor massacringallthevillagersinMoonbeamVillage!”
OnceGeraldhadhismindsetonkillingsomeone,nobodywouldbeabletostophimfromdoingthe deed.Gerald,forone,knewthatifhedidn’tkillTyetoday,thenthecurrentresentmentinhisheart wouldnevertrulygoaway.RevengeneededtobetakenforStantonandthevillagers…!
“Hah!Hadyounotstolenmymap,Iwouldn’thavehadtokilltheminthefirstplace!Withthatinmind, you’rethetruereasonwhythey’realldead!Stopputtingtheblameonme!”yelledTyewithoutthe slightestremorseforhisactions.
“Cutthecr*p!Look,ifyouletgoofthecasket’slid,I’llconsidergrantingyouapainlessdeath.Ifyou don’t,well,I’llmakesureyoudieextremelyslowlyandpainfully!”growledGerald,knowingfullwellthat speakingwiththisdemonicmanwasonlyawasteofbreath.
InresponsetoGerald’sthreat,Tyesimplylaughedmaniacally.AsifhewouldeverlistentoGeraldafter whatthatboydid…
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Chapter1923
Regardless,oncehewasdonelaughing,Tyeusedallhisstrengthtoliftthelidoffthecasket!
ThoughGeraldimmediatelyleapedforwardandkickedTyeintotheairafterseeingthat,thedeedhad beendone.Withthecasketnowopen,theentirechamberbeganshakingviolently,sending debris—fromtheceiling—fallingeverywhere…!
Evenso,Gerald’sattentionwascurrentlyonmoreworryingthings,liketheblackmistthathadjust flownoutthegoldencasket!JustasGeraldhadpredicted,therewassomethingextremelydangerous withinthatcasket!
Whateverthecasewas,thingswerelookingbad.
Withthatinmind,GeraldimmediatelyretreatedfromthechamberandreunitedwithReywhohad beenhidingatablindspotrightoutsidethechamber.
UponseeingGerald,Reyquicklyasked,“W-whatshouldwedonow,Mr.Crawford…?!”
“Run,ofcourse!Weneedtogetoutofhere!”yelledGeraldashegrabbedRey’sarmbeforeyankinghim towardtheexit.
Thoughescapingthisplaceunscathedwashispriority,Geraldmadesuretotakeafewglancesbehind himastheduoranon… Whiletheblackmistdidn’tgoafterGeraldorRey,itcompletelysurroundedTyeandhismen!Fromthe looksofit,themistappearedtoberapidlydrainingTye’smen’slifeforces!Thoughthatmaysound horrible,itwasnothingcomparedtotheagonyTyewasprobablyfeeling.
Afterall,inthatbriefmomentGeraldcaughtsightofTye,hesawthattheblackmisthadpiercedright throughthebackofTye’shead…anditwascurrentlyprotrudingoutofhismouth!Whatatruly terrifyingwaytodie…
Still,Geraldmadesuretoremindhimselfthatitwasnoneofhisbusiness…
Soonafter,GeraldandReysafelymadeitoutoftheexit.Beforeeventhinkingofleaving,however,the duomadesuretoproperlysealtheentranceupsothattheblackmistwouldn’tbeabletoescape… Oncethatwasoutoftheway,bothofthemsatontheground,exhausted.
ReyhimselfwaspantingmuchheavierthanGeraldwas.Afterall,hewasstillnewtowitnessingsuch dangerouschainsofevents,andallthishappeningwithinatombcertainlydidn’thelp!
Whateverthecasewas,therewasasilverliningtoallthis.Afterall,Tyeandhismenhadreceivedthe retributiontheydeserved…
TheonlyregretGeraldhadwasthathewasn’tabletokillthatdevilofamanwithhisownhands…
Regardless,aftercatchingtheirbreaths,GeraldturnedtolookatReybeforesaying,“…Alright,nowthat allthisisdone,let’sreturntothevillage.Weneedtogivethevillagersaproperburial!”
AfterReynoddedinagreement,thetwothenbeganwalkingbacktoMoonbeamVillage… Uponarriving,bothofthemimmediatelygottoworkburyingStantonandtherestofthevillagers… Whiletheywereatit,theymadesuretocleanupthemessTyeandhismenhadmadeaswell.
TothinkthatMoonbeamVillagewouldnolongerexistfromthisdayonward…
Thoughitwassaddening,GeraldandReyknewthattherewasnotmuchelsetheycoulddo.Withthat, oncetheyweredonewitheverything,theypackedtheirthingsupandpreparedtoleave…
However,justastheywereabouttoleavethevillage,ablackfiguresuddenlyboltedoutoftheforest andyelled,“It’stimetomeetyourend,Gerald!”
InstantlyrecognizingTye’svoice,thetwowererightfullystartledthathewasstillalive!Whatmore,he appearedmuchmoreviciouscomparedtobefore!
However,thesecondGeraldsnappedoutofit,hecouldn’thelpbutraiseaslightbrow.Fromthelooks ofit,Tye’sentirebodywasnowcoveredinunnerving-lookingblackbumps…
“…So,you’restillalive,huh?”repliedGeraldashescannedTye’snewbodyfromheadtotoe.
Laughingaloud,Tyethensneered,“Ibetyoudidn’texpectthis,huh?Justsoyouknow,I’mnowstronger thanever!Afterall,thesoulofthatZanekhgeneralisnowwithinme!Withthatinmind,ofcourseI wouldn’tdiethateasily!Regardless,Ihavebigplanstoconquertheworldandestablishmyown empire…butbeforeanyofthat,I’llbestartingsmallbyfinallyendingbothofyourlives!”
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Chapter1924
Followingthat,TyeglaredevillyattheduoasheblastedanorbofblackmisttowardGeraldandRey!
Thetwowereabletododgetothesideintime,andseeingthatReystoodnochancehere,Gerald immediatelyinstructed,“Findsomeplacetohide!I’lldealwithhim!”
Simplynoddinginresponse,ReythenranintooneofthevillagehousesasGeraldunsheathedthe AstrabyssSword.
Narrowinghiseyesashismurderousintentsurged,Geraldthenyelled,“Sinceyou’renotdeadyet,I’ll takethischancetopersonallyfinishyouoff,Tye!Thechiefandthevillagersaregoingtobeavengedno matterwhat!”
JustasGeraldwasfindingitfittingthathecouldstillpersonallyavengetheinnocents,Tyesimply respondedwithadisdainfullaugh.Fromthatalone,itwasclearthatthecurrentTyewasevenlessafraid ofGeraldthanhepreviouslywas.Tohim,Geraldwassimplyanantthathecouldeasilycrushnow.
“Talkingbig,eh?Fine!Tryme!”scoffedTyeashegrinnedbeforechargingtowardGeraldwithinhuman speed!
Theblackmisthadclearlyimprovedhisspeedandstrength,andintheblinkofaneye,Tyewasalready rightinfrontofGerald,hisfist—thatwascurrentlycoveredinblackflames—wellpositionedandready tostrike…!
Gerald,however,didn’tevenflinch.Instead,hesimplyliftedhisbladetoblocktheattack!
SincetheAstrabysswassuchapowerfulsword,iteasilydeflectedTye’sattack.
Naturally,thismomentarilystunnedTye,andheimmediatelythoughtthattheswordwasthereason Geraldwassopowerful.
“…Oh?Tothinkthatyouhadsuchagoodweapon!AllowmetokillyousothatIcanbeitsnextowner!” scoffedTyewithamaliciousgrin.
“Hah!Comeandgetitifyoucan!”retortedGeraldashelaughedmockingly.
BeforeTyecouldevenreact,Geraldthenchanneledhisenergyintotheblade,sendingTyeflying backward!
Tyehadjustgainedhisnewpowers.Inotherwords,therewasnowayhewasgoingtobeabletodeal withsomeonewelltrainedwiththeAstrabyssSwordlikeGerald.
Whateverthecasewas,Geraldwasn’tabouttoallowTyetorecoverfromthatattack.Withthat,heshot outapowerfulspiritbladetowardTye!
Unabletoavoidtheattackintime,Tyeendedupgettinghitbythefullbruntoftheattack!
NowseriouslyinjuredbytheAstrabyssSword,Tyefinallyacceptedthathewascurrentlynomatch againstGerald.Heneededtoescape!
“…Youmaywintoday,Gerald,butwe’llseewho’llhavethelastlaugh!”yelledTyeashisbodyquickly dissipatedintoablackmistbeforemakingaspeedyescape.
Uponseeingthat,Geraldwasmomentarilystunned.NowthatTyewasnolongerhuman,Geraldknew thattakinghimoutwasn’tgoingtobeallthateasyanymore.Still,thatdidn’tchangethefactthathestill neededtoendTyeifitwasthelastthinghedid…
Regardless,uponrealizingthatthefightwasover,Reyquicklygotoutfromthehousehewashidingin andjoggedtowardGeraldbeforeaskinginaworriedtone,“…Whatnow,Mr.Crawford…?”
ReywasrightfullyworriedsinceTye,amanwhohadbeenabadeggfromthestart—andhadonly grownmorepowerful—,wasnowontheloose…Whoknewwhatkindofdamagehecouldnowdowith allthatstrength…?
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Chapter1925
Geraldwascurrentlyatalossaswell,sohesimplysaid,“…We’llthinkaboutitoncewegetback!”
Sincethismatterneededtobeplannedcarefully,Geraldfeltthattheyhadtodoitinthesafetyoftheir home.
Naturally,Reyagreed,andaftertravelingforanentireday,thetwofinallymadeitback…
Uponenteringtheirlivingroom,theduosawJunoandYrsasittingtherewatchingtelevision.
Realizingthattheywerehome,Junoimmediatelygotoffthecouchbeforeexcitedlywalkinguptothem whileexclaiming,“You’reback!”
Reyhimselfsimplywalkedpastheranddivedintothecouchbeforeyelling,“Ohgod!Itfeelsgreattobe back…!”
WatchingasReythensighedloudly,Junocouldalreadytellthatthismissionhadn’tgonesmoothly.With thatinmind,sheturnedtofaceGeraldbeforeasking,“Is…everythingalright,Gerald…?”
Simplyshakinghishead,Geraldreplied,“It’snothing.We’rejusttired!”
Thatwasn’talieeither.Geraldwasprettyexhaustedbythispoint,andhewouldratherdiscussthings afterhehadagoodsleep.Toomanythingshadhappenedduringthetrip,andGeraldknewforafact thatheneededtherest.
Despiteknowingthat,GeraldfoundithardtobringTyeoutofhismind.Afterall,heknewthatthat b*stardwasn’tabouttoletthemgothateasily.Tyewouldsurelyreturneventuallyandwhoknewwhat kindsofhorriblethingshewoulddothen?
Forcingthatthoughtout,GeraldthenchattedwithJunoandYrsaforawhilebeforedraggingReyback totheirrespectiveroomstogetsomewell-deservedrest…
Lookingatthetwo,Junocouldn’thelpbutfeelslightlydistressed.Afterall,itwasn’tcommonforGerald togetthisexhausted.
Withthatinmind,JunoandYrsaheadedoutontheirowntogetsomehigh-qualityingredients.Their planwastomakeaheartydinnerforGeraldandReytohelpreplenishtheirenergy…
ItwasaroundeightthatnightwhenGeraldandReyfinallywokeupagain.Thishadbeenthemost comfortablesleeptheyhadhadinawhile…
Totheirpleasantsurprise,theywereimmediatelygreetedbythesightofafeastuponenteringthe diningroom.Anyonewouldfeeltouchedtoseesuchagrandiosemealpreparedforthemafteralong andhardday,andthetwoweren’tanyexceptions.Honestly,itfeltliketheyweremarriedmenbeing serveddeliciousfoodafterreturningfromwork…
Still,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutwonderhowmuchlongersuchnicedayscouldlast…
Thatthought,however,wascutshortwhenRey—whohadalreadysatbythediningtable—yelled,“Holy!
Comequick,Mr.Crawford!There’ssomuchgoodfood!”
SmilingwhenshesawthefamiliarglintofexcitementreturntoRey’seyes,Junothenexplained, “ConsiderittobemeandYrsa’streat!Wepreparedthisforyousinceyoulookedlikeyouhadahard andexhaustingtripthistimearound!Nowgoonandenjoyyourwell-deservedmeal!” “You’retookind,MissZorn!Thankyou!”repliedReywhowasallsmiles.
“Hey,Imadesomeofthedishestoo,youknow!Where’smythanks?”saidJunowithaslightpout.
Chucklingawkwardlyinresponse,Reythengrinnedsheepishlyashereplied,“SorryYrsa!Ijustgottoo excitedbackthere!”
Rollinghereyes,Yrsacouldn’thelpbutrevealasubtlesmileasshesaid,“…Humph!Goodenough!” HappythatYrsadidn’tseemtomindanymore,Reythenbegandiggingin…
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Chapter1926
WhileReywasjovial,Gerald—ontheotherhand—hadn’tevenbudgedfromhisinitialspot,agrave expressiononhisface…
SeeingthatGeraldappeareddeepinthought,Junoclearedherthroatbeforeasking,“…Is…something wrong,Gerald…?Isthefoodnottoyourliking…?”
Uponhearingthat,Geraldquicklysnappedoutofitbeforereplying,“…Huh?Oh,no,Iwasjustthinking aboutsomething!”
Withthatsaid,Geraldthentookaseatbythediningtableandbeganeatingaswell… Evenso,allGeraldatewasabowlofricebeforegettingupandleavingforthelivingroom…
Inatypicalsituation,thatwouldimmediatelysignifythattherewasgoingtobealotofleftovers.
However,Reywasn’tatypicalperson.
Hisappetitewasvoracious,andintheend,hefinishedupmostofthedisheswithoutanytrouble!
Regardless,nowthatdinnerwasover,thetriojoinedGeraldinthelivingroomtostarttalkingthingsout.
Junowasthefirsttobreakthesilenceassheasked,“Um…Gerald…?What’sbotheringyou…?You haven’tlookedgreateversinceyoureturned!”
“…I’mworriedaboutTye.Longstoryshort,hemanagedtoturnintoahalf-phantomlikeme,andthe worstthingisthatIdon’tevenknowwherehe’scurrentlyrunoffto!”explainedGerald.
“…Don’tworry,Gerald!I’msurewe’llbeabletofinishhimoffsoon!”repliedJuno,knowingthatverbally supportinghimwastheonlywayshecouldhelpatthemoment…
ItwasatthatmomentwhenablackfiguredescendedfromthenightskybeforeslippingintotheSun
Group’smassivebuilding…Ofcourse,whoelsecoulditbebutTyeLamano…
Afterleavingtheforestandreturningtothecity,Tyehadwaitedtillnightbeforefinallydaringtostep footintohiscompanyagain.Afterall,hedidn’twanttoriskgettingseenbyothersinbroaddaylight.
Whateverthecasewas,afterreturningtohisoffice,Tyeimmediatelygotabottleofwinefromhis cabinetbeforetakingafewsipsofit…
Shortlyafter,however,avoicefromoutsidesuddenlycalledout,“Whogoesthere?”
BeforeTyecouldeventurnaround,asecurityguardhadalreadypushedthedooropenandwalkedin.
Noticingtheblackfigure,thesecurityguardinstantlyshonehisflashlightatTye’sbackwhileaskinginan intimidatingtone,“Whoareyou?Wholetyouinhere?”
Fromthatstatementalone,itwasevidentthattheguardhadnoideathathewastalkingtoTye.Not thatitmatteredtoTyeasheslowlyturnedaroundtorevealhistrueface…
Uponrealizingwhoitwas,theguard’seyeswidenedinshock.Beforehecouldevensayaword, however,Tyemomentarilydisappearedbeforereappearingrightinfrontofhim!
Squeezingtheguard’sneckwithasinglehand,Tyewatchedastheguard’sfaceturnedincreasinglyred. Unabletobreathe,theguard’seyessoonwentwhite,showingjusthowmuchpainhewasin.
Regardless,aftertheguard’sflashlightfelltothefloor,Tyetookthechancetoreleaseablackmistfrom hismouth…thatquicklyslitheredintotheguard’smouth!
Thesecondthathappened,theguard’sbodyimmediatelybeganconvulsingviolentlyashisfaceturned fullypale…!Withinseconds,theguard’sbodymovednomore…
NotonlyhadTyeabsorbedalloftheguard’senergy,buthehadalsoconsumedhissoul!
Withthatdone,theimmensedamagehehadsustainedfromtheAstrabyssSwordwasfinallycured, allowingTyetofeelrefreshedagain…Asitturnedout,Tyewasnowcapableofdraininghumansouls andenergy…!
Staringattheflashlightontheground,Tyestompedittopiecesinasinglestep…
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ChapterList
Chapter1927
Floppingontothecouchbeforestaringattheceiling,Tyethengrowled,“Justyouwait,Gerald…I’mnot lettingyouoffthateasily…!”
WheneverhethoughtaboutGerald,thehatredinhisheartwouldsimplyflareup.Nomatterwhat,he wasgoingtomakesureGeraldpaidtheprice…!
Fastforwardtothenextmorning,Geraldgotupearlyandsilentlyleftthehouseonhisown.
HewasofftoseeMasterSnyderinhopesofaskinghimwhetherheknewofawaytodealwithTyeinhis currentstate…
WhenhearrivedatMasterSnyder’shomeabouthalfanhourlater,thedoorimmediatelyswungopen beforeGeraldcouldevenknock.
“Comein!”calledoutMasterSnyderfrominside,makingitevidentthathehadalreadysensedGerald’s presence.
Withthatinmind,Geraldthenwalkedin,thedoorclosingbehindhimonitsown… Stoppingoncehestoodinthemiddleofthehall,Geraldthencalledout,“MasterSnyder!”
Followingthat,Geraldfeltaswiftgustofwindbehindhim…andjustlikethat,MasterSnyderhad mysteriouslyappearedbehindtheyouth!
“I’massumingyoucameherelookingforanswerstothatdilemma?”askedMasterSnyder,clearly hintingthathealreadyknewwhatGeraldwasheretoaskhim.
TurningtofaceMasterSnyder,Geraldthenreplied,“Indeed.Ihopeyoucanprovidemewithasuitable solutiontothis!”
“ConfrontationistheonlyanswerIcansee…There’ssimplynoescapingthatifyouwishtodealwiththe issue…”repliedMasterSnyderbeforegivingaheavysigh.
WhileGeraldunderstoodthatMasterSnyderwastellinghimtofaceTyehead-on,hecouldn’thelpbut say,“But-”
“Buthe’sahalf-phantomnow,right?Whilethatdoesmakethingsmuchharder,it’llbeevenworseif youwaittoconfronthim.Afterall,he’sgettingstrongerandstrongerbytheday!Ifyoudidn’talready know,Tyeiscurrentlypossessedbyastrongthousand-year-oldghost.Withthatinmind,hehasthe capabilitytodrainsoulsandenergy!”explainedMasterSnyderbeforeGeraldcouldevenfinishhis question.
“…What?Areyoutellingmehecandrainthesoulsandenergyofpeopleanytimehewantsnow?” exclaimedtheshockedGerald,suddenlyfeelingthatthingshadtakenaterribleturn. “Indeed.However,hedoeshaveonecriticalweakness.Hispowersareconsiderablyweakenedduring theday!Withthatinmind,thatistheprimetimeforyoutostrike!However,dotakenotethathis powersgrowoncenightfalls!”repliedMasterSnyder,knowingthattheinformationcoulddefinitely helpGerald.
Uponhearingthat,Geraldsimplynodded.WhileitwasclearfromthestartthattakingTyedown—inhis newform—wasnevergoingtobeeasy,GeraldwasunwaveringonhisdecisiontokillTye.Thatman wasn’tgoingtobringanymoreharmtotheworldifGeraldcouldhelpit…!
Atthatmoment,Gerald’sphonebegantoring.
Fishingitout,GeraldrealizedthatitwasHarold.Whatmore,heseemedtobecallingfromtheGreat Councilbuilding.
Puttingtwoandtwotogether,GeraldfiguredthatHaroldmusthaveencounteredanotherpsychiccase thatheneededhelpwith.
ThoughGeraldhesitatedforawhile,heeventuallypickedupandgreeted,“Hello?Mr.Lee?”
“Goodday,Mr.Crawford!Sorrytodisturbyou,butcouldIknowwhetheryou’recurrentlyfree?”asked Harold.
“Issomethingwrong,Mr.Lee?”repliedGerald.
“Essentially,there’satrickycaseIcan’tsolvealoneandIneedyourhelp!”
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1928
AsGeraldhadguessed,Haroldwascallingtohaveamysterysolved…
However,knowingthatthedangerousTyewasprobablyalreadysomewherewithinthecity,Gerald wasn’tabouttoprioritizeanythingelse.Besides,itwasn’tasifheneededtohelpHaroldeverytimehe wasaskedtosolveamystery.
Withthatinmind,Geraldsimplyreplied,“Unfortunately,Mr.Lee,I’mcurrentlynotavailable…Thereare somethingsIstillneedtotakecareof…”
“Isee…Buthearmeoutfirst,Mr.Crawford!There’sbeenamurderattheSunGroupbuildingandthe victim,asecurityguardofthecompany,endedupbeingsuckeddry!Thisdescriptionmaybeabitpoetic, butitalmostseemslikehissoulhadbeensuckedout!”explainedHarold.
“Comeagain?TheSunGroup?Adried-upcorpse?!”exclaimedGerald,instantlyrecallingthatTyenow hadthepowertodrainhumansoulsandenergy.Totopitalloff,themurderhadhappenedintheSun Groupbuilding!TheculpritwasdefinitelyTye!
“Indeed,Mr.Crawford!Soplease,couldyou-”
“I’mcomingover!”repliedGeraldbeforeHaroldcouldevenfinishhissentence.
ImmediatelyhangingupbeforeHaroldcouldsayanythingelse,GeraldthenturnedtofaceMaster
Snyderwhilesaying,“I’llbeleave-” However,MasterSnyderwasnolongerthere!Thenagain,itwasn’tasthoughGeraldhadn’texpected that.Themansimplyenjoyeddisappearingandreappearingwheneverheliked…
Whateverthecasewas,Geraldthenbowedslightlybeforerespectfullydeclaring,“Thankyouforthe advice,MasterSnyder!I’llbetakingmyleavenow!”
ThesecondGerald’ssentenceended,thedoorslowlycreakedopen,signifyingthatMasterSnyderhad heardthecomment.
Noddinginresponse,Geraldthenleftthehousebeforespeedingoff…
ItwasonlywhenGeraldbegandrivingoffwhenMasterSnyderreappearedathisbedroomwindow. Staringatthecarasitquicklydisappearedinthedistance,MasterSnyderthensighedheavilyashe muttered,“Thisisallpartoftheprocessforyoutobecomeanoutstandingcultivator,Gerald…!”
Withthatsaid,MasterSnyderthenvanishedagain…
Fastforwardtotenminuteslater,Gerald’scarcametoascreechinghaltbeforetheSunGroupbuilding.
Itwashonestlyhisfirsttimecominghere,andhehadn’tanticipatedthebuildingtobesolargeup-close.
Regardless,hequicklysnappedoutofhisaweandbeganwalkingpastallthecars—ownedbytheGreat
Council’smembers—beforegoingoverthecordontapethatsurroundedthebuilding…
AfterenteringandaskingafewinspectorswhereHaroldwas,hewasdirectedtothesixteenthfloor,the floorwhereTye’sofficewas.
Withthatinmind,Geraldquicklymadehiswaythere… Uponenteringtheoffice,GeraldsawthatHaroldandhissubordinateswerealreadybusyinvestigating theareawhilealsodiscussingwhattheyhadfound.
“Mr.Lee!”calledoutGeraldashebeganwalkingtowardtheman.
ThesecondhesawGerald,Haroldlookedlikehehadjustcomeacrosshissavior.Afterall,whenitcame tothesupernatural,HaroldknewthathecouldrelyonGerald…
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1929
Notwantingtowasteanytime,Geraldimmediatelyasked,“So,what’sthesituationlike?”
“Well,youalreadyknowthatthevictimisasecurityguardoftheSunGroup.Fromwhatwe’vegathered, thetimeofdeathshouldbearoundmidnightyesterday,andwe’reassuminghemusthaveencountered somethingparanormalsincehisbodyisalldriedup!Hiseyesaremilkywhiteaswell!”explainedHarold asGeraldwentaheadtosquatbesidethesecurityguard’sbody…
Afterproperlyinspectingit,GeraldwasnowsurerthaneverthatTyewastheculprit.
Lookingaround,Geraldcouldn’thelpbuttakenoteofawinebottleandasinglewineglassinoneofthe cabinets…
Raisingaslightbrow,Geraldthenheadedovertoinvestigate…andonthewineglass,hefoundastain.
Seeingthat,Geraldimmediatelybeganthinkingofhowthatstaincametoexistthere.
Fromwhathecouldguess,TyehadprobablyreturnedtotheSunGroupbuildinglastnighttohavea drinkofwine.However,hewasnoticedbyasecurityguard,andasaresult,hekilledthepoormanand absorbedhissoulandenergy,whicheventuallyledtothecurrentscene…
Withthatinmind,GeraldthenturnedtolookatHaroldbeforesaying,“CouldIhaveamomentwithyou, Mr.Lee?”
Momentarilysurprisedbythequestion,Haroldquicklysnappedoutofitbeforenodding.
Oncethetwowereinaquietcorner,Haroldwasfirsttoask,“Didyoufindanythingstrange,Mr. Crawford…?”
“Indeed.It’llcomeoffassurprising,butIassureyouthatthemurdererwasnoneotherthanTyeLamano, thechairmanoftheSunGroup”repliedGerald.
Uponhearingthat,Haroldwasrightfullyshockedashequicklyaskedinhisdisbelief,“That’s…onebold claimyouhavethere,Mr.Crawford…Doyouhaveanyproofofthat…?”
NomatterhowmuchhetrustedGeraldwhenitcametotheoccult,hewasstillaninvestigator.Bold statementslikethatdefinitelyneededproofforhimtobelieveit.
Geraldhimselfwasn’tannoyedbyHarold’sdistrust.Afterall,hewastheinspectoroftheGreatCouncil.
Therewasnowayhecouldmakehastyconclusions.
Whateverthecasewas,GeraldthenbegandetailinghistriptoMountDakrionttoHarold,endingthe talewithhowTyetransformedintothemonsterhewastoday…
Witheverythingnowclearlyexplained,GeraldknewthatitwasuptoHaroldnowwhethertobelieve him.
HaroldhimselfknewthatGeraldwasn’tfibbing,givenhowserioustheyouthlookedashedetailed everything.Besides,Geraldhadnoreasontojokeaboutsuchthings.
SeeinghowhesitantHaroldwas,Geraldwaspromptedtosay,“Mr.Lee,justsoyouknow,Tyeisno longerahuman.He’scurrentlyahalf-phantom,whichmakeshimallthemoredangerous.Whatmore, youalreadyknowthathehastheabilitytodrainpeopleoftheirsoulsandenergy.However,doknow thatheisunabletodomuchintheday.Withthatinmind,I’msurehe’llmakehisappearanceonce nightfalls!”
“…Isee.Butwherewillwefindhim?”askedHaroldasheraisedaslightbrow.
IfeverythingthatGeraldhadtoldhimwastrue,thenTyewasanextremelydangerousindividual.They hadtocapturehimassoonaspossiblesothatmoremurderslikethiswouldn’toccur…!
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Chapter1930
“Aboutthat…I’velookedaroundtheofficeearlierandI’mprettysurehecameherelastnightjustto enjoysomewine.Withthatinmind,Ihavereasontobelievethathe’llreturnhereagaintonighttohide.
Duetothat,Isuggestthatweworktogethertocatchhimoncenightfalls!”proposedGerald.
Hearingthat,Haroldknewbetterthantosayno.
“…Alright,let’sgowiththat!Hopefullyitworks!”repliedHaroldinagreement.
Withthat,HaroldleftthecorpsetohissubordinatestotakecareofasheandGeraldbeganmaking arrangementsfortheirplantonight…
Bythetimetheyweredone,hiddenmonitoringequipmenthadbeensetupallovertheoffice.
Now,allthatwaslefttodowastowaittillnighttime…
Fastforwardtolateevening,streetlampswerealreadystartingtoglowastheskydarkened…While moreandmorelightswouldeventuallygetturnedonasthenightgrewdarker,theinterioroftheSun GroupbuildingremainedpitchblackunderGerald’sordersinhopesthatthiswouldfurtherencourage Tyetoshowup.
Theplanwassimple.Geraldwoulddisguisehimselfasasecurityguardandpatrolthewhole building—tillTyeshowedup—whereasHaroldandhismenwouldremainintheircarstoactively monitortheoffice…
Geraldwasprettysurethathewouldreturnheretonight.Afterall,Tyedidn’thaveanywhereelseto hide…
Regardless,afterwaitingtillabouteleven—andeveryonewasalreadystartingtogetsleepy—,ablack mistcouldsuddenlybeseendashingpastthemonitoringcamera.Followingthat,themistslowlyformed theshapeofafigure…afigurethatundoubtedlybelongedtoTyeLamano.
Uponseeingithappenwithhisveryeyes,Haroldcouldonlystareindisbeliefforafewseconds.Tothink thatGeraldhadbeentellingthetruth…!Thistrulywassomethingoneneededtoseetobelieve…
Atthatmoment,Geraldhimselfwasalreadyonthesixteenthfloor,andhehadnoticedTye’spresence. Withthatinmind,Geraldmadehiswaytotheoffice,aiminghisflashlightatTyeasheaskedinan alteredvoice,“Whogoesthere?Whatareyoudoinginthechairman’soffice?”
Hearingthat,bloodlustinstantlyfilledTye’seyesasheturnedaroundtofaceGerald…before momentarilydisappearing!Thesecondhereappeared,hewasalreadystandingrightinfrontofGerald, completelyreadytoattack!
However,beforeTyecouldevendoanything,theoffice’slightswereinstantlyturnedon,cueing
Gerald—whowasnowsmilingwryly—toshout,“You’vebeenhad,Tye!”
RealizingthathehadfallenintoGerald’strap,thesurprisedTyequicklysnappedoutofitbeforeyelling, “Gerald…!”
Grittinghisteeth,Tyethenopenedhismouth,releasingmoreblackmistinhopesofhurtingGerald!
Gerald,however,hadbeenexpectingthis.Withthatinmind,heeasilysummonedtheAstrabyssSword totaketheattack!
AsTyewasstaringwide-eyedwhenherealizedthattheswordcouldabsorballtheblackmistfromhis attack,Geraldtookthechancetoyell,“Don’tevendreamaboutleavingthisplaceinonepiece,Tye!” Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1931
Havingsaidthat,anetflewoutfromoneside,headingdirectlytowardTye.
Thenetwascharged,anditwasspeciallydesignedtopreventhimfromescaping.
WhenTyewascoveredbythenet,hewaselectrocutedandinstantlylosthisconsciousness.
Finally,TyeLamanohadbeencaughtwiththejointeffortofGeraldandHarold.
Hiss!
ThenetreleasedelectriccurrentscontinuouslyintoTye’sbody.
AfterkeepingTyeundercontrol,Haroldimmediatelyorderedhissubordinatestobringhimbacktothe GreatCouncilandlockhimup.
“Mr.Crawford,thankyouverymuchforthis!”
HaroldthankedGerald. “Hehe.You’rebeingtoopolite,Mr.Lee.Youdon’thavetothankme.It’sgoodaslongasTyeLamanois caught.”
Geraldreplied.
TheirpurposewastocatchTyeLamanosothathewouldnotwanderaroundandcauseharmtosociety.
It’sjustthatGeraldandHarolddidn’tknowthatcatchingTyeLamanowasnotagoodthing.Onthe contrary,itwouldbringthemmoredisasters.
Lateatnight,GeraldsaidgoodbyetoHaroldandreturnedtohisvilla.
WhenGeraldenteredthehouse,hefoundthatReyandthegirlshadnotgonetobedyet.Instead,they werewaitingforhim.
Theyhadn’tseenGeraldforthewholedayanddidnotknowwherehehadgone,sotheywerevery worried.
Itwasonlywhentheywatchedthenewsonthetelevisionthattheyknewsomethinghadhappenedin theSunGroup,andtheyrealizedthatGeraldmustbethere.
Regardless,nowthattheysawthatGeraldwasbacksafeandsound,theywererelieved.
“BrotherGerald,you’refinallyback.You’vemadeusworry!”
ReystoodupandsaidtoGerald.
“Yeah,Gerald,youwentouttodaywithoutsayinganything,causingustobeontenterhooksallthetime.
Wethoughtthatsomethinghadhappenedtoyou!” Junocomplained.
Geraldsmiledsubtlywhenheheardthat.
“I’mfine.Mr.Leecalledmethismorningandaskedmetohelphimsolveacase.Sinceyouwerestill sleepingatthattime,Ididn’twakeyouup.Sorrytomakeyouallworry!” Geraldapologizedtothethreeofthem.
“Bytheway,BrotherGerald.WeheardthatamandiedintheSunGroup.Howwasthesituationwhen yougotthere?Who’sthekiller?Don’ttellmeit’sTyeLamano.” Afterthat,ReystartedquestioningGerald.
“Yes,you’reright.ItwasTyeLamano.Buthe’sbeencaughtnowandisbeingheldattheGreatCouncil!” Geraldnoddedandreplied.
“Thatsoundssosimple.IpreviouslythoughtthatTyeLamanowasverypowerful,Ididn’texpecthimto besoweak!”
AfterReyheardthat,heexclaimedimmediatelyindisbelief.Hisdisbeliefwasclearlyshownonhisface.
Hearingthis,Geraldimmediatelycametohissenses.HesuddenlyrememberedwhatMasterSnyderhad toldhimbefore.
MasterSnyderhadtoldhimthatTyewouldonlybecomepowerfulduringthenight.Duringthenight,he wouldnotbeeasytodealwith.
Butnow,theyhadcaughtTyesoeasily.Wasn’titstrange?
“D*mnit!”
Gerald’sheartskippedabeat.Hefeltthatsomethingwasverywrong.
“Quick,Rey,let’sgototheGreatCouncil!”
GeraldimmediatelyreactedandsaidtoReyrightaway.
Havingsaidthat,GeraldandReyleftthehouseanddrovetotheGreatCouncil.
Meanwhile,intheinterrogationroomintheGreatCouncil.
TyeLamanowashandcuffed,andhisbodywascoveredwiththenet.Hewasseatedonachairalonein thesealedroom.Infrontofhim,therewasalargepieceofglass.Haroldandhissubordinatewere sittingontheothersideoftheglass.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1932
Theyweresittinginfrontoftheglass,lookingatTyeLamano.
“TyeLamano,tellme,whydidyoukillthesecurityguard?”
Haroldsatonhischair,lookedatTye,andquestionedhim.
TyedidnotanswerHarold’squestion.Instead,heslowlyraisedhisheadandstaredatHarold.Asinister smileappearedonhisface,anditmadepeoplewhosawhissmileinvoluntarilyfeelhorrified.
“I’maskingyouaquestion!”
Haroldyelledangrily.
“Hah,didyoureallythinkyoucouldcatchmesoeasily?” Then,Tyeblurtedoutinaverycoldtone.
Haroldfrownedimmediately,notunderstandingwhatTyemeant.
Thenextsecond,Tyereleasedablackfogfromhisbody.Theblackfogtransformedintoasharpspike anddirectlypiercedthroughtheglassinfrontofhim,instantlyshatteringtheglassintopieces.
Haroldandhissubordinatewereflungtothegroundinaninstant.
AsforTye,hehadfreedhimselffromthehandcuffs.Hemorphedintoahumanoidfigureandappeared infrontofHaroldandhissubordinate.
“You…Whatdoyouwant?!”
HaroldlookedatTyeinshockandasked.
TyesmiledwickedlybeforegrabbingthesubordinatebesideHarold.
Haroldheldthesubordinatebeforehiseyes.Then,hereleasedacloudofblackfogandinsertedit directlyintothebodyofthesubordinate.
Inaninstant,thesubordinateturnedintoalifelessdrycorpse.
Seeingthis,Harold’sheartwasfilledwithfear.Hedidn’texpectthatTyecouldbethisterrifying.
Rightthen,thedooroftheinterrogationroomwasbreached,andafewsubordinatesranin,aiming theirgunsatTye.
ButhowcouldtheybeTye’sopponents?
Tyewavedhishandandsentoutanothercloudofblackfog,hittingthemtothegroundallatonce.
“Itoldyou.DidyoureallythinkIwassoeasytodealwith?” Tyemockedwithagrimsmile.
Havingsaidthat,TyegrabbedHarold,whowasinfrontofhim.
Haroldkeptstruggling,tryingtofreehimselffromTye’shand.
However,Tye’sgripwasverystrong.Therewasnochancetobreakfreeatall.
“TyeLamano!”
Rightthen,aloudangryshoutwasheard.
Rightafterthat,aspiritbladecameflyingtowardTye.
Seeingthis,TyethrewHaroldawayandformedblackfogaroundhishandtoblockthespiritblade.
Immediatelyafter,GeraldandReyappearedatthedoor. “Tye,Ijustknewyouwouldn’tbethiseasytobecaught.Youmusthaveanothermotive!” GeraldpointedatTyeandbellowed.
“Hahaha!”
HearingGerald’swords,Tyeburstoutlaughing.
“Gerald,youarequiteclever.Letmetellyou.Ifyouhadn’tcome,theywouldallhavediedtoday!” Tyesmiledwickedlyashespoke.
“Tye,letmetellyou,Iwillexterminateyouandnotletyouharmtheworldagain!” GeraldglaredatTyeandshouted.
Then,GeraldleapedforwardandchargedtowardTye.TheAstrabyssSwordinhishandwasemittinga coldspiritblade,makingthesurroundingsafewdegreescoolerimmediately.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1933
AlthoughTyehadabsorbedthesoulsandenergyoftwocommonerspreviously,hehadnotrecovered fullyyet.Hedidn’tdaretofighthead-onagainsttheAstrabyssSword,sohecouldonlygointohidingfor thetimebeing.
Haroldranoutoftheinterrogationroomandcalledtheotherpeopleforbackup.Everyoneheldagunin theirhands.
Thosethings,however,wereofnousetoahalf-phantomlikeTye.
Geraldshoutedimmediately,“Geteveryoneoutofthisbuilding!”
Otherwise,ifTyecaughtthem,hewouldabsorbtheirsoulsandenergy.Withhisspeed,Geraldwould notbeabletosaveeveryoneintime.
Haroldwastrulyterrifiedthistime.Hedidn’tdaretodisobeyGerald,andhecommandedhismen immediately.
“Everyone,retreat!”
Seeingthatallhisnourishmenthadrunaway,Tyeshoutedangrily.Hemorphedintoacloudofblackfog andpretendedtoattackGeraldashetriedtoescape.
“Areyoutryingtoescape?”Sincethelasttimehehadusedthistricktorunaway,Geraldhadbeen preparedtopreventthatfromhappeningagain.Hechasedafterhimandsentoutaspiritbladewiththe AstrabyssSword.Whenthespiritbladecutthroughtheblackfog,Tyewasaffectedrightaway,andhe screamedinpain.
“GeraldCrawford,Iwillnevermakepeacewithyou!”Tyecouldnotescape,sohecouldonlychooseto resist.TheblackfogmorphedintosharpclawsandtriedtograbGerald.
TheAstrabyssSwordblockedtheattack,andGeraldsmirked.
“You’realmostdonefor!”
Tyewasextremelyfrustrated.Hewasalreadyinjured,andtheenergyofthecommonerwassimplynot enoughtocompensateforwhathehadlost.Currently,hecouldonlyusehalfofhispower.Howcould hepossiblybeGerald’smatch?
Afterthat,nomatterwhichdirectionhewent,Geraldwouldimmediatelyruntowardthatdirection.In theend,hemanagedtoforceTyeintoacorner.
“Ishallexterminateyoutoday!”
GeraldmurmuredsomethingunderhisbreathandtookoutthePhangrottomRune.
ThepreviousTyeLamanowasconsidereddeadlongago.Hehadbeenresurrectedbecauseofthesoul ofthegeneral.Sobasically,hewasjustaghostwhohadbeenrebornwiththehelpofhisbody.
OncethePhangrottomRunewastakenout,Tyefeltashiverinhissoul.
Instantly,thesoulofthegeneraltookoverTye’sbodycompletely.ThemomentthePhangrottomRune wastakenout,heburstouthisstrongpowerandmorphedintoablackarrow,rushingoutofthe windowwithawhoosh.
However,beforeleaving,apartofhissoulwasstilldestroyedbythePhangrottomRune.
So,itwouldmeanthatTyewasnotjustseverelyinjured,buthehadalsolosthalfofhissoul.Evenifhe didnotdisappear,itwouldtakehimyearstorecover.
Geraldfeltthatitwasapitybecausehehadnearlysucceeded.Thesoulofthegeneralwasindeedvery strong.However,fornow,therewasnoneedtoworryaboutit.UnlessTyewasseekingdeath,hewould notappearinthenearfuture.
WhenGeraldwalkedoutoftheGreatCouncil,Harold,whowasoutside,quicklywalkedtowardhim.
“Mr.Crawford,howwasit?”
“It’ssettled.Heisnotcompletelyeradicatedyet,buthewon’tbeabletocausetroubleforawhile.If thereareanymorecaseslikethedrycorpsecase,informmeimmediately.”
Haroldfinallybreathedasighofrelief.Hewashorrifiedbywhathadhappenedjustnow.
Itwasnotsomethingtheycouldsolvebyusinggunsatall.Geraldtrulyliveduptohisname!
Reywasalsorelieved.
“BrotherGerald,you’resostrong.Ifitwereme,IguessIwouldhavebecomeadrycorpsebynow.”
“So,youneedtolearnproperly.”
Aftersayingthat,GeraldreturnedtothevillatogetherwithRey.
Aftersuchafiercebattle,Geraldwasverytired.Hesleptuntiltheafternoonofthenextdaybefore gettingup.
Aftergettingup,hetookReyoutforlunch.Then,theywanderedaroundtoseeifTyehadleftanytraces afterescaping.
Justthen,thesharpsoundofacarbrakingwasheard.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1934
Geraldlookedinthedirectionofthesoundandsawthatitwasactuallyacarthathadhitapedestrian ontheroad.Thecarstoppedforawhilebutleftrightafterthat.Thedrivershowednointentiontohelp thepedestrianatall.
Geraldrushedover.Thepedestrianwasamiddle-agedwoman,andshewasbadlyinjured.Herheadwas bleeding,andshehadfainted.
Geraldshoutedimmediately,“Rey,getacarquickly!”
Theyhadn’tdriventoday.Iftheywaitedfortheambulance,itwouldbetoolate.
Reyimmediatelywenttogetacar.Afewcarspassedby,andthankfully,onecarpulledovertohelp.
Geraldfeltslightlyrelieved.Luckily,hewasacultivator.Ifitwasn’thimwhohelpedtocoverthewound ofthewomanjustnow,shewouldalreadyhavehadastroke,andshewouldhavegoneintoa vegetativestatebythetimetheygottothehospital.
Onthewaytothehospital,thewoman’smobilephonefellout,vibrating
Geraldtookitupandsawthatitwasherdaughtercalling.Heansweredthecallandimmediatelyheard thesweetvoiceofaladyfromtheotherendofthephone.
“Mother,I’vebeenwaitingforyouforages.Whyareyoustillnothere?”
“Pardonme,butI’mnotyourmother.Yourmothermetwithacaraccidentontheroadandisnowon herwaytothehospital.”
“Whatdidyousay?Acaraccident?!I’llbethererightnow!”
Whentheyarrivedatthehospital,RaineTaylorwasalreadywaitinganxiouslyattheentrance.Whenshe sawhermother,shejumpedtowardhermotherimmediately.“Mother!How’smymother?!”
Geraldsaid,“Don’tworry.It’snotserious.”
Anursehurriedlypushedtheinjuredwoman,YollandeWaller,intotheoperatingroom,andRaine Taylorsatonthebenchoutsidetheoperatingroom.Shewassomewhatinadaze.Suddenly,sheraised herheadandlookedatGerald,shoutingangrily,“Wasityouwhohitmymother?”
WithoutwaitingforGeraldtospeak,Reyspokefirst,“Beauty,don’tslanderpeoplehere.Letmetellyou, therearemonitoringcamerasinthatarea.Youcangotothepolicestationtoviewthefootagelater.
Besides,wedon’tevenhaveacar.Howcouldwehavehityourmother?Weareevenkindenoughto saveyourmother!”
Raineapologizedquickly,“I’msorry.Ididn’tmeanto…”
“It’sokay.”Geraldwavedhishandforgivinglyandlookedatherbag.“Yourstudentcardisabouttofall out.AreyouastudentofSchywaterUniversity?”
Rainewipedoffhertearsandsaid,“Yes.”
“Whatacoincidence.IwasastudentofSchywaterUniversitytoo.Youcanaddressmeasyoursenior.
I’mGeraldCrawford.”
“RaineTaylor.”
Theytalkedabouttheuniversityforawhile,andRaine’smoodslowlyimproved.
Acoupleofhourslater,thelightoftheoperatingroomwentout.Rainerushedoverhurriedlyandasked, “Doctor,how’smymother?”
Thedoctorremovedhismaskandsaid,“Herinjuryisnotlife-threatening.Sheisindeedveryfortunate. Thewoundwasverysevere,butitdidn’tcauseinternalbleedinginherbrain.I’vestitchedupthewound, butwestillneedtoobserveherconditionforaperiodoftime.Now,youneedtocompletethe proceduresforherhospitalization.”
Admissiontothehospital… Rainewasabouttoagreewhenshesuddenlyrememberedthatshehadn’tbroughtherpurseoutasshe hadrushedoverinapanic. “Doctor,howmuchisit?”
“Youcanpaytenthousandfirst.”
Shewantedtotakeouthermobilephonetocallherfather,DexterTaylor,butwhowouldhavethought thatshehadlostherphone.Shehadprobablylostitonthewaytothehospital.
Geraldsensedherembarrassmentandsaid,“It’sokay.Iwillpayforitfirst.”
“Thankyousomuch!”RainenowtrulyfeltthatGeraldwasindeedagoodperson.
OnlywhenYollandeWallerwaspushedintothewarddidsherealizethatthiswasactuallyaluxurious single-roomward!
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1935
Raine’sfacechangedslightly.
“Howmuchdoesthiscost?”
Geraldwavedhishandandsaid,“Youaremyjunior.Thisisjustasmallfavor.Youdon’thavetoworry aboutit.Besides,asingle-roomwardisgoodforAunt’srecovery.Whenshewakesup,shemighthave somesequelae.Itmighttakeawhiletoheal.”
“HowcouldItroubleyou!Icannotacceptyourfavorfornothing.”Raineinsisted.Then,sheborrowed Gerald’sphoneandcalledherfather.
Aboutanhourlater,DexterTaylorarrivedandquicklyasked,“Raine,how’syourmother?”
“Thedoctorsaidthatshe’sfinefornow,butshestillneedstobehospitalizedforobservation.Father, thisisSeniorGeraldCrawfordwhohelpedpayforthemedicalbills.”
Dexterwantedtothankhimimmediately,butafterhesitatingforawhile,hesaid,“Um,Mr.Crawford, thankyouverymuchforyourhelp.Forthemedicalfees,canIdelayitforafewdays?” Alltheirmoneyhadbeentakenoutfordailyexpenses,sotheydidnothavemuchcashleft.
Rainebitherlips.Ofcourseshewasawareofherfamily’sfinancialsituation.
“Pleasedon’tcallmeMr.Crawford.Thisisjustasmallfavor.Asforthemedicalfees,youdon’thaveto repayme.Iholdsomesharesofthishospital,sothehospitalwon’tchargeyou.Youcanstayforaslong asyouwant.” “This…”
Dexterexudedagratefullookandsaid,“It’sso…Thankyouverymuch!”
Geraldstillhadsomematterstosettle,sohehadtoleave.Rainequicklysawhimoff.Beforethat,she askedforGerald’snumber.
“Senior,Ireallywanttothankyou.Iwilltreatyoutoamealsomeday!” Today,shehadtostayinthehospitaltotakecareofhermother.
Twodayspassed,andGeraldreceivedacallfromanunfamiliarnumber.ItwasRaine.
“Senior,canyou…cometoschool?”
Shespokeinaquaveringvoice,andGeraldreckonedthatshemustbebeingbullied,soheagreedright away.
“Okay,I’mcomingover!”
Afterhangingupthecall,RainelookedatYashLambo,whowasblockingherway.Shefelthelpless. Theserichkidsjustsohappenedtolikepesteringher.
Shehadmadeherselfclear,butthesepeoplestilllikedtotroubleher.
“YashLambo,getoutoftheway!”
YashLambopursedhislips.
“Whodidyoucalljustnow?Senior?Raine,it’syourhonorthatmyfriendlikesyou.Don’tbe ungrateful!”
YashLambohadafollowerwhowasveryugly.Moreover,itwasrumoredthathehadallsortsofbad habitssuchasdrinking,whoring,andgambling.Rainewouldneverbetogetherwithsuchaman.
Rainewasprovokedbyhiswords,andhereyesturnedredimmediately.
Theotherstudentswhopassedbysimplywatched,andnoonecametohelp.
Meanwhile,GeraldwasnotfarawayfromSchywaterUniversity,sohedroveoverimmediately.
Whenhesteppedintothecampus,hesawRainebeingsurroundedbyafewpeople.Theylookedvery disrespectfultowardRaine.
“Raine!”
“Senior!”
Rainewasveryhappywhenshesawhersavior.
YashputonacontemptuousfacewhenhesawGerald.
“He’sjustanoldman.Huh,areyousurehecantakecareofyou?”
Gerald’sgazeintensified.
“Mindyourwords!”
“What?ThisishowItalk.Icanbeattenmenlikeyoualone!DoyouknowwhoIam?”
Afollowerbehindhim,HaydnZaal,saidpromptly,“BrotherYashisthepresidentofthetaekwondoclub ofSchywaterUniversity!” Taekwondo?
Geraldsaidnonchalantly,“It’sjustchild’splay.”
RaineknewthatYashwasagoodfighter,soshequicklynudgedGerald.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1936
YashLambowascompletelyirritatedbyhiswords.
“Whatdidyousay?Howdareyousaythattaekwondoisjustchild’splay?!Doyoudaretofightwithme? Believeitornot,Iwillpunchyourshiningteeththroughthebackofyourskull!”
Geraldsmiledcalmly.
“Youarenotmymatch.”
“Thenlet’shaveabattle!”Yashshoutedfiercely,“Comeatmeifyou’reaman!I’dliketoseewhat you’recapableoftoactsoarrogantlyinfrontofme!”
Thefollowersbehindhimshouted,“Let’shaveafight!”
“Rubbish!”
“BrotherYashwillteachyouhowtobeaman!”
Rainewasabitnervous.ShehadaskedGeraldtocomeoverbecauseshereallydidn’tknowwhotoget helpfrom.Shehadjustinstinctivelythoughtofthisseniorwhomadeherfeelsecure,butshedidn’t expectthatshehadcausedhimtrouble.
“YashLambo,youshouldjustdealwithme.IthasnothingtodowithSenior!”
Hearingthis,Yash’sfacebecameevenuglier.“Myfriendispursuingyou,butyourejectedhim.Instead, you’vefallenforthisoldman.Ishallbeathimtothegroundlater!”
Geraldhadfinallysortedoutwhatwasgoingon.
“Raine,dotheyalwaystroubleyou?” “Notalways,”Rainesaidinagrievance,“Ialwaysavoidthem.It’sjustthatIwasn’tveryluckytodayand bumpedintothem.”
Intruth,shewasalwaysverycareful,butbecausehermotherhadhadanaccidentandshehadbeen busytakingcareofher,shehadn’tgottenmuchsleeplastnight.So,shewasnotinherrightmindtoday andhadmetwiththesepeople.
Sincetheywerealwayslookingfortrouble,itwasbettertosettleitonceandforall.
Thus,Geraldagreedtoit.
“Okay.Iwillfightwithyou.However,let’smakeabet.Ifyoulose,youcan’tlookfororpesterRainein thefuture.Otherwise,everytimeIgettoknowaboutit,I’llbeatyouup.Doyoudaretomakethatbet?”
Yashsmirkedandsaid,“Sure,Iagree.Then,ifyoulose,youwillstayfarawayfromRaine.Otherwise,I willbeatyouupeverytimeIseeyou!”
Geraldagreedtoit,andthegroupofpeopleheadedtothetaekwondostudio.
Theotherstudentswereverycuriousandfollowedthemtoseewhatwasgoingon.Ithadbeenalong timesincesuchthingshadhappenedatSchywaterUniversity.
Rainewasverynervous.
“Senior,areyousure?” Geraldsmiledandsaid,“Don’tworry.DoIlooklikeanimpulsiveperson?Youwillknowlater.Afterthis, theywon’tdaretopesteryouanymore.”
Onceinthestudio,Yashstartedjumpinginthearenatowarmuphisbody.Heseemedtoknowwhathe wasdoing.
ButtoGerald,hewasshowinghisweaknesseverywhere.Hisphysicalstrengthwasnotgoodeither. Geraldwassurethathecouldwinwithjustonehand.
Therewasevenafollowerfeedinghimwater,andhewastrulyshowingoffhisidentityasarichkidto theextreme.
Themoreflamboyanthewas,themoreso-sohelooked.
Geraldshookhishead,thinkingthattheyoungpeoplenowreallythoughtofthemselvesaskingswhen theyhadsomeskills.However,whattheydidn’tknowwasthattherewouldalwaysbesomeonebetter atsomethingthanthem.
IfitwasnotbecauseofRaine,hewouldbetoolazytofightwiththiskindofperson.
Moreover,taekwondowasindeednothingtohim.Allthetacticswerejustflashymoves.Althoughthe moveslookedcool,theyactuallywastedalotofenergy.Moreover,theywouldexposetheirweakness easily.
IfGeraldwantedtokillYash,hedidn’tevenhavetofightwithhim.Onemovewasenoughtodothejob.
Hestoodstillandwavedhishand.
“Comeon.I’llletyoustartfirst.”
“Arrogant!”Yashbarkedangrilyandliftedhislegfiercely.
Hislegwaslong,andheliftedituphigh.Whenhedidadownwardkick,itwasfullofmomentum.When RainesawthathisleghadnearlykickedGerald,shewassoscaredthatshenearlyscreamed.
“Kickhimtodeath!”
“LongliveBrotherYash!”
Thepeoplearoundwerewavingflagsandshouting.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1937
Whathappenedtheverynextsecondsurprisedeveryone.
GeraldwasnotblownawaybyYashLambo’skick.
Instead,hedodgedYash’slegeasily,causinghisflyinglegtofallshort.
Yashwasstunned.Hedidn’texpectthatGeraldcouldactuallydodgehisleg.
Geraldtookastepbackwardandstoodstill,staringatYashcalmly.
YashfrownedandlookedatGeraldwithagloomyface.
HehadafeelingthatGeraldwasprovokingandmockinghim.
Itwasindeedsosincehereallydidn’tgettohitGerald.
However,Yashdidnotgiveupbecauseofthis.HelaunchedanotherattackonGerald.
Thistime,hisattackwasevenmorefierce.HechargedtowardGeraldlikeatigerthathadjustcome downthehill.
TyeattackedGeraldwithasetofrapidmovements.
GeraldsimplydodgedYash’sattackingmovescalmly. Onceagain,Yashdidn’tgettohitGeraldonhisbody.
Notjusthisbody,hedidn’tevengettotouchGerald’sshirt.
Seeingthis,Haydnandtherestwhowerestandingaroundthemdroppedtheirjawsandopenedtheir eyeswide.TheyneverexpectedGeraldtobesopowerful.
Anyinsiderwouldbeabletoseeitclearly.
TheywouldknowthegapbetweenGeraldandYash’sabilities.
“You’resolame.Youcan’tevenhitme!”
Rightthen,GeraldshowedabelittlingsmileashemockedYash.
Yashbecameveryangrywhenheheardthat.HefeltgreatlyhumiliatedtobeteasedbyGerald.
“Hmph,youjustknowhowtododge!Ifyouhadrealskills,youwouldfightwithmeproperly!” Yashsnortedandsaidwithfulldefiance.
Whatdiditmeantobebarefaced?
PeoplelikeYashLambowerebarefaced.
ItwasobviousthathewasnotGerald’smatch,buthestillwantedtomockhim.Hewassimplytoo shameless. “Tsk,tsk!”
Geraldcouldn’thelpbutexpresshisdisapproval.
“Fine.Sinceyouwantmetomakemymove,youshouldbeprepared!” GeraldremindedYashkindly.
Assoonasthosewordshadlefthismouth,beforeYashcouldreact,Geraldhaddisappearedbeforehis eyes.
BythetimeYashhadreturnedtohissenses,Geraldhadalreadyreappearedonlyafewcentimeters awayfromhimbeforehiseyes.
Boom!
GeraldhitYashonhischestwithhiselbow.
Yashcouldn’tevendefendhimself,andhewasdirectlyblownawaybyGerald.
Cough!
Yashcoughedoutbloodsuddenly.
“President!”
AsYashfellheavilyontheground,Haydnandtherestrushedtohimandcriedoutinconcern.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1938
YashstoodupwithdifficultywiththehelpofHaydnandtherest.Hefeltaburningpaininhischest.
“Thisisjustasmalllessonforyou.Don’tthinkthatyouareverystrong.Tome,youarejustakid.” GeraldpointedatYashandwarnedhim.
Havingsaidthat,GeraldbroughtRainealongandleftthestudio.
YashandtheothersdidnotdaretostopGerald.Theydidn’twanttoenduplikeYash.
KnowingthatthepresidentofthetaekwondoclubwasnotevenGerald’smatch,pettycharacterslike themcouldn’tpossiblybeGerald’smatch.Theywouldonlydieiftheywentforward.
LookingatGerald’sback,Yashfeltverygloomyandangry.
However,hecouldn’texpresshisbitternessorventhisanger.
Hewouldnotletitgolikethis.Hewouldnotjustputupwithit.HewouldmakesurethatGeraldpaid theprice.However,hisactionwoulddrivehimtodeath.
AfterGeraldleftthestudiowithRaine,theyleftthecampusandwenttothehospital.
Onthewaythere,RainekeptstaringatGerald.
“Senior,youarereallystrong.Ididn’texpectthatevenYashwouldnotbeyourmatch.” RainelookedatGeraldinaweandpraisedhim.
YashLambowasveryfamousatSchywaterUniversity,notjustbecauseofhisfamilybackground,but alsohispopularity.
Moreover,YashwasthepresidentofthetaekwondoclubandaBlackBeltwhohadwonnumerous championships.
Butnow,thisso-calledchampionhadactuallybeendefeatedbyGeraldinjustonemove.Ifthiswas madeknowntoothers,hewouldbecomealaughingstock. “Hehe.It’snothing.Ididn’texpecthimtobesoweakeither!” Geraldsmiledandrepliedhumbly.
Ifitwassomeoneelse,hemightnotbeamatchtoYash.However,Geraldwasdifferent.Hehadan unusualpowerthatnobodyhad.
Amidsttheirconversation,GeraldandRainearrivedatthepublichospitalofSchywaterCity.
Afterparkinghiscar,GeraldbroughtRainetotheward.Hebroughtalongsometonicsandfruit especiallyforRaine’smother,YollandeWaller,aswellashisgoodwishestoher.
SeeingGeraldbringsomanythings,Rainewasverytouched.Shedidn’texpectGeraldtocaresomuch abouthermotherandputhermother’sconditioninhisheart.
Soon,theyarrivedatthefirst-classnursingwardonthetenthfloor.
DexterTaylorwassittingbesideYollandeandchattingwithher.
“Dexter,stayinginsuchahigh-endplacemustbeverycostly,right?”
Yollandehadregainedherconsciousnessjustrecently.Aftereasingupabit,shelookedaroundthe roomandaskedDexter.
Shehadneverstayedinsuchaluxuriouswardbefore,andsheknewithadtobeverycostly.
“Oh,Yollande,don’tworryaboutthemoney.We’lltalkaboutthatafteryougetwell.Besides,wedon’t havetopayforanythingthistime.ItwasRaine’sseniorwhopaidthefees.Weshouldthankhim properly.”
DexterreassuredYollandeandexplainedtoher.
“Raine’ssenior?Howcouldsomebodybesokindandhelpus?” Yollandewasverysurprisedwhensheheardaboutit.Shewasworriedifherdaughterhadencountered somethingdangerous.
“Hey,watchwhatyou’resaying.HeisverynicetoRaine.Hehaslonggraduatedandhasagoodcareer now.Itjustsohappenedthathecametoknowaboutthismatter.Heisanextremelykindman.Don’t misunderstandhim.”
DexterquicklyexplainedtoYollande.
Afterall,Geraldhadhelpedhisfamily.Hecouldn’trepayhiskindnesswithagrudge.
Yollandeagreedtoitafterlisteningtohisexplanation. “Yes.Anyway,hesavedme.Weshouldthankhimproperly.” YollandeagreedwithDexter.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1939
“Yolande,Ihaveanidea.Yousee,Raineisnotthatyounganymore,andsheisgraduatingsoon.Ifher seniorlikesher,Ifeelthatit’snotabadchoice.Thatway,wewillalsobeabletoliveagoodlifeforthe restofourlives.”
DextercontinuedtovoicehisthoughtstoYollande.
Yollandeofcourseunderstoodwhathehadinmind.
“Hmm.You’reright,Dexter.ButthisstilldependsonRaine.Weshouldrespectherchoice.” YollanderemindedDexterearnestly.
Thecouplehadalwaysrespectedtheirdaughter’sopinions.Theydidn’twanttoforceherintoanything. Aslongasshecouldliveagoodandhappylife,theywouldbesatisfied.
Dexternoddedinagreementuponhearingthat.
Creak!
Rightatthatmoment,thedoorwaspushedopen,andGeraldandRainewalkedintogether.
“Father,isMotherawake?”
RaineaskedDexterassoonasshewalkedin.
“Raine!”
Seeingherdaughter,Yollandeimmediatelysmiledandcalledouttoher.
“Mother,howdoyoufeel?”
Rainewenttoherbedsideimmediatelyandaskedinconcern.
Yollandeshookherheadgentlyandsaid,“I’mfine.Whyareyouhere?Don’tyouhaveclass?”
“Idon’thaveanyclassesthisafternoon.So,IcameheretotakeoverforFather.” RaineexplainedtoYollande.
“Aunt,RaineandUnclewillbemuchmorerelievedwhenyouarealright.”
Then,GeraldsmiledatYollandeandcomfortedher.
YollandelookedatGeraldwhensheheardhim.
“Youngman,youmustbeRaine’ssenior,right?Yousavedme,soyouaremylifesaviour,myfamily’slife saviour.Idon’tknowhowIshouldthankyou.” YollandelookedatGeraldandthankedhim.
“You’rebeingtoopolite,Aunt.Yourhealthisthemostimportantthing.Therestarejustsmallmatters.” Geraldsmiledandsaidhumbly.
“Right,Aunt,Uncle,herearesomefruitsandtonicsforyou.Whenyougetdischarged,youcanrecover properly.”
Havingsaidthat,GeraldhandedthethingsinhishandsovertoDexter.
“Ohmy,Gerald,comehere.Whydidyoubuysomanythings?Youmusthavespentalot.”
DexterwassurprisedandnaggedatGerald.However,hefelttouchedandhappyinhisheart.Now,he foundGeraldevenmorelikeable.Inhisheart,hehadcompletelyacknowledgedGeraldashisson-in-law.
WhenDexterlookedatthetonicsinhishand,hewasshocked.
Hedidn’texpectGeraldtobuysuchexpensivetonics.Theycostatleastafewthousanddollars.This madeDexterevenmoreconvincedthatGeraldwasnotasimpleperson.
“Youngman,yournameisGerald,right?” YollandeaskedGerald.
“Yes,IamGeraldCrawford,Raine’ssenior.Igraduatedintheclassof‘07,soIamafewyearsolderthan Raine.”
GeraldnoddedandexplainedtoYollande.
YollandenoddedandglancedatherdaughterbeforelookingatGeraldagain.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1940
“Gerald,Itrulyoweyoualotthesefewdays.PleasetakecareofRaineinthefuture.” YollandesuggestedtoGerald.
Geraldwasstartledwhenheheardher.Then,hesmiledandsaid,“Ofcourse.Don’tworry,Aunt.Raine’s matterswillbemymatters,Iwillhelpher.”
Intruth,GeraldunderstoodwhatYollandewastryingtosay.ShewastreatinghimasRaine’sboyfriend.
GeraldspentsomemoretimewithRaine’sfamilybeforeleaving.
AlthoughRainewasreluctanttoletGeraldleave,sheknewhemusthavehisownmatterstodealwith. Shewasalreadyverysatisfiedwhenhecouldcomewithher.
AfterseeingGeraldoff,Rainereturnedtotheward.
“Raine,tellme,youlikeGerald,don’tyou?” ThemomentRainecamebackandsatdown,Yollandelookedatherandasked.
WhenRainedwasaskeddirectly,herfaceturnedredimmediatelyoutofshyness.
Seeingthechangesonherdaughter’sface,Dexterimmediatelyputonalovingsmileonhisface.
“Raine,justtellus.Nomatterwhat,wewillsupportyourdecision.”Dextersaid.
Rainehesitatedforafewseconds.Then,shenoddedandsaidslowly,“Yes,Father,Mother,Ilikehim.”
AlthoughRainehadonlyknownGeraldforsuchashorttime,sheknewwhatshethoughtofhiminher mind.ShefeltthatGeraldwasthegoodmanshehadbeenlookingforinthislifetime.
Hearingheranswer,YollandeandDexterexchangedglances.
Then,theysmiled.
“Raine,Isupportyou!”
“Yes,Raine.Isupportyoutoo.Justgoforit!”
DexterandYollandeexpressedtheirsupportandapprovaltowardRaine’schoice. “Geraldissuchahigh-qualityman.Besides,heiskindandnicetoyou.Heisagoodman.Raine,you shouldtakeadvantageofthischance!” DexterremindedRaine.
Rainenoddedunderstandingly,butshedidnotsayanythingelse.
Shedidn’tknowhowGeraldfeltforher.Fornow,shedarednotsayoutherfeelingsasshewasworried thathemightrejectherdirectly.Ifthathappened,itwouldbeveryawkward.
ThiswasbecauseGeraldhadrejectedheroncealreadyyesterday.Althoughthesituationyesterdayhad beendifferent,attheveryleast,itshowedthatGeraldwasnotacasualman.
“Raine,lookatallthesetonicsGeraldgaveus.Thesecostmorethanafewthousand,ormaybeafew tenthousand.Thisisnotaffordableforanyordinaryman.So,itmeansthatGerald’sbackgroundmust beverygood.Youshouldnotmissoutonsuchagoodman.” DextersaidtoRaine.
“Bytheway,Raine,doyouknowwhatGeralddoes?Doyouknowabouthisfamilybackground?” YollandelookedatRaineandasked.
Raineshookherheadandsaid,“Oh,Father,Mother,I’vejustgottentoknowGeraldforonlytwodays. HesimplyhelpedmewhenIwasbullied,soIdon’tknowmuchaboutthesethings.
YollandeandDextercametounderstandthesituationafterhearingthis.
Anyway,itdidn’tmatter.Theycouldgettoknoweachotherbetterslowly.
Atthesametime,GeraldhadnoideawhatRainewastalkingaboutwithherparents.Hedrovebackto YonjourGroup.
Meanwhile,inacafe,fouryoungmenweresittingthereandchatting.OneofthemwasYashLambo, whohadbeenbeatenupbyGeraldearlier.
Yash’sfacewasverygloomy.Hesatonthesofawithadarkexpression,andhiseyebrowswerefurrowed.
Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1941
ThethreeyouthssittingbeforehimwentbyYongHaas,JacqueLennox,andFerdoBach,andtheywere noneotherthantheyoungmastersoftheprestigiousHaas,Lennox,andBachfamiliesofSchwaterCity.
SincetheywerethreeoftheFamousFourofSchywater,itwasevidentthattheyhadcomplex backgrounds.Whatmore,theywereevenshareholdersofSchywaterUniversity,andtheonly shareholderthatcouldrivalthemwastheYonjourGroup.
Thenagain,thefourfamilieswerenothinginthepresenceofthatgroup…
Whateverthecasewas,Yong—whowassittingonthecouch—couldn’thelpbutaskinaplayfultone,
“Say…Iheardrumorsthatyougotbeatenupbysomeone,Yash!Aretherumorstrue?”
Uponhearingthat,YashsimplylookedatYongwithoutsayingaword.Justashehadfeared,gossip abouthimbeingbeatenuphadalreadyspreadlikewildfirethroughouttheuniversity…How embarrassing…
“TothinkthatthatbrazenkidwasabletodefeatYash…Wheredoyouthinkhecomesfrom?”asked Jacqueinacurioustone.
“Whoevencaresaboutthat?Whateverthecaseis,sincehedaredtohumiliatetheFamousFourof Schywaterinthefirstplace,we’lljustmakehimeathiswords!”scoffedFerdoratherdisdainfully.
“Indeed…Regardless,I’mnotsureifyou’veheardaboutthis,butthere’sbeensomemajorchangesin theuniversityoflate.Essentially,theprincipalandowneroftheuniversityhavesupposedlychanged. Whatmore,accordingtomyfather,heheardnewsthattheuniversity’sbiggestshareholderisnowthe chairmanoftheYonjourgroup!Withthatinmind,theYonjourGroupnowownstheuniversity!” explainedYong.
“…What?TheYonjourGrouphasacquiredtheuniversity?Butforwhatreason?”exclaimedtheconfused Jacque.
EveryoneknewabouttheYonjourGroup’spower.Iftherumorsreallyweretrue,thenthetrioknew betterthantoacthastily…
Whateverthecasewas,itwasnoonwhenGeraldreturnedtohisoffice.
Shortlyafter,Natalliewalkedinbeforerespectfullyasking,“Isthereanythingyou’dlikemetodo,
Chairman?” “Beforethat,thereshouldstillbesomevillasunderthecompany’sname,right,Natallie?”saidGerald.
“Indeed,Chairman.Afewremain,”repliedNatallie,muchtoGerald’ssatisfaction.
Noddinginresponse,Geraldthenordered,“That’sgreattohear.Ineedyoutogetmethedocuments foroneofourvillas.Canyouarrangeforthat?”
Simplynoddinginresponse,Natalliethenwalkedoutofhisofficewithoutanotherword…
Thetruthwas,GeraldwasaskingforthedocumentsonbehalfofRaine’sfamily.Afterall,thatfamily wascurrentlyplaguedwithdemolitionproblemsandneededsomeplacetomoveto.Withthatinmind, Geraldwassteppingintohelpbyallowingthemtomoveintooneofhiscompany’svillas.
Alittleoveranhourlater,Natalliereturnedwithadocumentfolder.
HandingittoGerald,shethensaid,“Thesearethevilla’sdocuments,chairman.Also,allthenecessary proceduresformovingintoithavebeensettled.”
Takingthedocuments,Geraldrepliedwithasimple,“Thankyou.”
Hearingthat,Natalliewaspromptedtoask,“Doyouneedmetocomewithyou,chairman?”
“It’sfine,I’llheadthereonmyown.Youcancontinueworkingintheoffice.” Visitchapterlistfornextchapter
Chapter1942
Withthatsaid,Geraldthengotupandleftwiththedocumentsinhand…
Natallieherselfdidn’tthinkmuchofit,knowingfullwellthatGeraldhadhisownwayofdoingthings.
Withthatinmind,shesimplydidasshewastold…
Regardless,itwasn’ttoolongbeforeGeraldarrivedatthehospital.Naturally,hewastheretomeet Raineandherfamily.
Eitherway,thesecondtheysawhim,everyonefromRaine’sfamilycouldn’thelpbutsmile.
Dexterhimselfcouldn’thelpbutask,“Gerald?Whatareyoudoinghere?Aren’tyoubusy…?Areyou surewearen’ttakingtoomuchofyourtime…?”
Simplysmilinginresponse,Geraldthenreplied,“It’sfine,uncle.Regardless,I’mheretodiscuss somethingwithallofyou.”
Seeinghowconfusedtheywereafterhearingthat,Geraldthenlookedatthecouplebeforeadding,“I heardfromRainethattheplaceyou’reallcurrentlystayinginisabouttogetdemolished.I’vealsobeen toldthatyoustillhaven’tfoundaplacetostayyet,isthatright?”
Hearingthat,Dextersimplyheavedaheavysigh,ahelplessexpressiononhisfaceashesaid,“Indeed… Thehousesnowadaysarejustsoexpensive,youknow?Andwedon’treallyhavethemoneytogeta goodplacetostay…Whatmore,Raine’smotherhasjustundergonesurgery!We’reinatrulyperplexing situation…”
Seeinghowbigaproblemitwasforthethreeofthem,Geraldthenrepliedinaconfidenttone,“Isee…
Truthbetold,I’mheretohelpsolvethatveryissue!” Naturally,thissurprisedthefamilyofthree.
Abriefpauselater,Dexterwaspromptedtoask,“Really?Areyoureallygoingtohelpusout,Gerald…?”
Afterall,ifGeraldtrulywassteppingin,thentheirmostmajorproblemwouldsurelybetakencareof.
“Iwouldn’tjokeaboutsuchthings,wouldI?”repliedGerald,aseriousexpressiononhisfaceashe handedthedocumentsovertoDexter.
Followingthat,hethenexplained,“Thosearethedocumentsofoneofmyvacantvillas.It’saniceplace andyoucanallmovethere.I’msurethatauntwillbeabletorecoverfastertheretoo.”
Uponhearingthat,allthreeofthemcouldonlywidentheireyesinresponse,tooshockedtoevensay anythingforawhile.
Eventually,Dextersnappedoutofitbeforeexclaiming,“A-a…villa…?!”
TothinkthatGeraldwasactuallyallowingtheirfamilytoliveinoneofhisvillas!Noneofthemhadeven dreamtofbeingabletoliveinavillabefore! “Youheardright,uncle.Regardless,allthenecessarycontractsandprocedureshavealreadybeendealt with,soyoucanjustmoveinstraightaway.Speakingofwhich,thevillaisfullyfurnished,soyoudon’t needtogetanynewfurniture!”repliedGeraldwithasmile.
“T-that…H-howcanIeventhankyou…?”mutteredtheoverwhelmedDexter,activelyfightingtheurge tokneelbeforetheyouth.Afterall,withoutGerald’shelp,theywould’vesurelyhadaroughtimeonthe streets…
“Asimplethanksissufficient,uncle.AsI’vesaidbefore,Raine’smattersaremymatters,andI’llhelp wheneverIcan,”repliedGerald.
Uponhearingthat,Rainecouldn’thelpbutfeeltouched.Geraldtrulywasbeingtoonicetoher…
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Regardless,itwasafewdayslaterwhenRaine’smotherwasfinallydischargedfromthehospital.Itwas alsothedayRaine’sfamilywouldmoveintothevilla.
Withthatinmind,GeraldhadmadesuretoremindRaineandDextertopackalltheirclothesand personalbelongingsbeforegettingRaine’smotherfromthehospital.Thatway,Geraldcould immediatelydriveallofthemtothevillaonceRaine’smotherwasdischarged.
Thenagain,therewasn’tmuchtopackinthefirstplace.Afterall,asGeraldhadpreviouslysaid,thevilla wasalreadyfullyequippedwithfurnitureandelectricalappliances.
Whateverthecasewas,thesecondthetrioenteredthevilla,theywereinstantlyleftdumbfounded.
Ittookhimawhiletosnapoutofit,butwhenhefinallydid,Dextercouldn’thelpbutfumbleafewsteps forwardwhileexclaiming,“M-mygod…This…Thisisextravagant…!”
YollandeandRainethemselvesremainedstupefiedinsilence,unabletobelievethattheyweregoingto liveherefromnowon.
TurningtofaceGerald,Dexter—whowasstillhavingtroubleacceptingallthis—thenadded,“A-areyou reallysurewecanlivehere,Gerald…?”
Givingafirmnod,Geraldthenreplied,“AsI’vesaidbefore,I’dneverjokeaboutsomethinglikethis, uncle.Also,sinceIownthisvilla,youdon’thavetoworryabouttroublefromothers.Ishouldalso mentionthatyouwon’thavetoworryaboutpayingforanyoftheutilitieseither.” Hearingthat,Dexterwasleftutterlyflabbergasted.Whatasaint!
Aftercalmingdownabit,Dextergulpedbeforeasking,“…Gerald…What…exactlydoyoudofora living…?”
“I’dliketoknowaswell!Untilyoutellus,there’snowaywecouldlivehere!Wesimplywouldn’tdare! Afterall,thisisamassivefavoryou’redoingforus!Wedon’tevenknowhowtorepayyourkindness yet!”addedYollande.
Seeinghowkeenallthreeofthemweretofindout,Geraldknewthathecouldn’thideitfromthemany longer.
Withthat,hetruthfullyreplied,“…Well,ifyouinsistonknowing,Iguessthere’snopointhidingit anymore…Yousee,I’mactuallythechairmanoftheYonjourGroup!Withthatinmind,alltheother villasintheareabelongtomycompanyaswell,thoughmyemployeesarecurrentlylivinginthose. Regardless,sincetherewerestillafewvacantvillas,IfiguredthatIcouldhelpyourfamily’splightby allowingyoutoliveinoneofthem!”
Uponhearingthat,thetrio’seyesalmostpoppedoutoftheirskulls.
Raineherselfwasthemostsurprisedamongthem.TothinkthatGeraldwouldactuallybethechairman oftheYonjourGroup…Nowonderhehadbeenabletopayforallthosemedicalexpensesinonego…!It explainedhowhegotthemsuchaniceplacetomoveintotoo!Shehadtrulygottentoknowamagnate!
Naturally,allthreeofthemwerefullyawareofhowpowerfultheYonjourGroupwas.Tothinkthatnot onlyhadtheybeenacquaintedwiththatcompany’schairmanthisentiretime,buthewasevenwilling toextendhishelptothem!
Regardless,aftereventuallysnappingoutofit,thestillrathershockedDextergulpedbeforestuttering, “I-IhadnoideayouwerethechairmanoftheYonjourGroup,Gerald…!”
Shrugginginresponse,Geraldthensaid,“Chairmanisjustatitleintheend,uncle.Ipreferkeepingalow profileratherthanflauntingit.”
Hearingthat,allthreeofthemsimplynodded.Afterall,theyknewthatitwasbetterforpowerful people—likeGerald—tosticklowsothattheywouldn’taccidentallycauseanymajorstirs.
Whateverthecasewas,itwaseveningbythetimetheyweredoneunpacking.
SeeingthatRaineandGeraldwerenowsittingonthelivingroomcouch,DextertookYollandeupstairs toallowtheirdaughtertohavesomealonetimewithGerald.
Afterabriefsilence,Rainecouldn’thelpbutsay,“…Youknow,you’rereallygoodathidingsecrets, senior…Youreallysurprisedmeearlier!”
Simplygrinninginresponse,Geraldthenchuckledbeforereplying,“Sorry,Raine.Didn’tmeantohideit fromyou!”
“Well,there’snoneedtoapologize…Igetwhyyouchosetohideyouridentity!”repliedRaineinan understandingtone.
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“I’mgladyoudo….Speakingofwhich,I’vealreadyacquiredSchywaterUniversity.Justthoughtyou’d liketoknow,”repliedGerald,instantlystunningRaineoncemore.
Seriously?Hehadboughttheentireuniversitysocasually?!ThiswastrulyafeatonlyGeraldcoulddo…
“So,you’rethebiggestshareholderofSchywaterUniversitynow…Nowonderyouweren’tafraidofthe FamousFourofSchywater!”exclaimedRaineassheputtwoandtwotogether.
Thenagain,Rainewasonlyhalfrightaboutthatassumption.EvenifGeraldhadn’tacquiredSchywater University,hewould’veremainedunafraidoftheFamousFour.Afterall,tohim,theyweresimplyfour playboyswhodidn’tneedtobefearedorevenlookedupto.
Aslongastheydidn’ttroublehim,hewouldn’tevenbotheraboutthem.However,iftheydid,hewould simplydestroythemalongwiththeirfamilies.
Afterall,everyoneknewthatoffendingtheYonjourGroupwasneveragoodideasincethe consequenceswouldalwaysbedevastating…
Regardless,itwasgettingratherlatewhenGeraldfinallybidfarewelltoRaineandleftthevilla…
Whilehecould’vestayedformuchlonger,hedidn’tsinceitwastheweekendtomorrowandhe rememberedpromisingEarlatobringhertoanamusementpark.Withthatinmind,heplannedtoturn inearlysothathewouldbeawakebydawn…
Eitherway,itwasaboutninewhenhefinallyarrivedathisvilla.
Uponentering,hewasgreetedbytheusualsightofEarlaandNatalliesittingonthecouch,laughingas theywatchedtelevision.
WhentheyrealizedthatGeraldhadreturned,Earlyquicklyhoppedoffthecouchbeforeexclaiming, “You’reback,Mr.Crawford!”
UnderstandingthatEarlafoundhimmoreimportantthanthetelevision,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutsmile ashereplied,“That,Iam!Afterall,we’regoingtotheamusementparktomorrow,aren’twe?Earlyto bed,earlytorise!”
Hearingthat,Earlainstantlycheeredbeforesaying,“Yeah!You’rethebest,uncleGerald!” GeraldandNatalliecouldonlysmilewhentheysawhowhappyEarlawas.Thatchild’sinnocentsmile trulycouldhealeventhemosttiredofsouls…
Nowfeelingallwarmandrelaxed,GeraldturnedtofaceNatalliebeforeinstructing,“Gobookthree ticketsforHappyAmusementParklater.We’llgotheretogethertomorrow!”
Noddinginresponse,Natalliereplied,“Gotit,Chairman!”
Gigglingwithglee,Earlathensaid,“Say…CouldIsleepwithyoutonight,sisterNatallie?”
Momentarilystartledtohearthat,Natalliequicklysnappedoutofitbeforereplyingwithasmile,“Of courseyoucan!”
Cheeringoncemore,Earlathenexclaimed,“Yay!Thanks,sisterNatallie!”
GeraldandNatalliehadmadeitapointtogiveEarlaalltheloveandcaretheycouldpossiblyoffer.With thatinmind,suchasimplewishwasdefinitelynoproblemforNatallie…
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Afterall,theduoknewthattheywereEarla’sonlyfamily.Iftheydidn’ttreatEarlawell,whoelsewould?
Whateverthecasewas,itwasratherlateatnightwhenGeraldfinallypartedwayswiththetwogirls, promptingtheduotoheadtoNatallie’sroom.Aspromised,EarlaslepttogetherwithNatallie,and Natalliemadesuretohughertightastheysleptcomfily…
Geraldhimselfopenedabottleofwineassoonashegottohisroom’sbalcony.Leaningagainsthislawn chairashetookasipofwine,Geraldthenstaredatthebeautifulnightsky…
Astheysaid,nighttrulywasthebesttimeforpeopletothinktheirlifethrough…
Takinganothersipofwine,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutthinkaboutthefactthathewasimmunetogetting drunk.Evenso,hestillenjoyedthethrillofdrinkingalcohol,sowhocared?
Eitherway,aftertakingafewmoresips,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutstartthinkingabouthisfather…
Imagininghisfather’sfaceashestaredatthestarrysky,Geraldknewthatifhisfatherwasstillalive, thenhisfamilywouldsurelycontinueleadingahappylife…Hewasalsoprettysurethathisfatherwould beproudofallhisachievements,thoughthiswasallsimplywishfulthinking…Afterall,thedead couldn’tbetrulybroughtbacktolife.
Regardless,afterdrinkingforquitesometime,Geraldfinallydecidedtohitthehay…
Itwaseightthenextmorningwhenhewasawokenbythesoundofhisalarmclock.Feelingrefreshed, Geraldthenhoppedoffhisbedtogethimselfcleanedupbeforeeventuallyhavingbreakfasttogether withEarlaandNatallie.
Oncethatwasdone,thetriofinallydroveofftoHappyAmusementPark.
ThoughtheamusementparkwaslocatedjustnorthofSchywaterCity,thiswasGerald’sfirsttimegoing there.Afterall,hewasprettymuchalwaysbusy.
Withthatinmind,thiswasagoodopportunityforhimtogetararemomentofrelaxation…Itwasalsoa chanceforhimtofinallyhaveproperfunwithEarla.
Eitherway,itwasabouttenminuteslaterwhenGeraldfinallyhitthebrakes.Theyhadarrived.
Steppingoutofthecar,Geraldsawhowlargethenorthernareawas.ItwasnowonderwhytheHappy AmusementParkwasestablishedhere.
Whateverthecasewas,afterNatalliemadesurethatshehadtheticketsonher,thetriothenheaded intotheamusementpark…
Uponentering,Earlacouldn’thelpbutimmediatelyexclaim,“Wow!Thisplaceissohugeand beautiful…!”
ThiswasEarla’sfirsttimeatanamusementpark,soitwasunderstandablewhyshewassoexcited. Beforethis,shehadalwaysdreamtofgoingtoone,andnowthatherdreamwasfinallygettingfulfilled, therewasnowayshewasgoingtobeabletocontainherjoy.
Understandingthat,GeraldthenturnedtolookatEarlabeforesaying,“Earla!Ifthere’sanythingyou’d liketoplayorbuy,justtellme!We’llmakesureyouenjoyyourselftothefullesttoday!”
Noddinginresponse,EarlathenbeganguidingGeraldandNatallietowardtheridesshewantedto enjoy… ThoughEarlahadpreviouslyseemedlikeanobsequiousgirl,shewasapparentlyquitecourageous,even moresothanNatallie!Afterall,shewasinterestedinthemorethrillingridesintheamusementparklike rollercoasters!
Haditnotbeenfortheminimumheightandagerestrictionsformostofthethrillingrides,Earla would’vesurelygottenontoeachandeveryoneofthem!
Regardless,itwastruethattimeflewwhenonewashavingfun.Afterall,twohourshadpassedinthe blinkofaneye…
Seeingthatitwasnownoon,GeraldandNatalliedecidedtoleadEarlatooneoftheamusementpark’s benchestohaveashortrest.Evenso,Earlalookedlikeshestillwantedtocontinueenjoyingherself.
Smilingwhenhesawthat,Geraldwaspromptedtoask,“So,whatdoyouthinkoftoday,Earla?Enjoying yourself?”
Immediatelynoddinginresponse,Earlathenreplied,“Iam!If…itisn’ttoomuchtrouble,couldwecome hereagaininthefuture…?”
“Butofcourse!JusttellmeorMissMoonwhenyoufeeltheurgetocomehereagain!We’lldefinitely findthetimetobringyouheretohavefun!”promisedGeraldwithouttheslightesthesitation.
“Yay!Thankyou,Mr.Crawford!MissMoon!”exclaimedEarla,allsmilesasshenoddedwithglee…
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Chapter1946 Followingthat,sheturnedtolookatNatallieandsaid,“Um…Couldwegotothewashroom,Miss Moon…?”
“Sure!Let’sgo!”repliedNatallieassheimmediatelyledEarlatothewashroom…
Geraldhimselffollowedthemuntilhefoundabench—thathadaflowerbedrightbehindit—within viewofthewashrooms…
Evenfromafar,however,thetriohadalreadynoticedalonglineofladieswaitingtousethebathroom. Thenagain,thiswasn’treallyoutoftheordinary.Thefactthatnobodywaslininguptousethegents wasnormalasdayaswell.
Whateverthecasewas,NatallieandEarlanaturallyhadtoqueueaswell,anditwasaboutfifteen minuteslaterbeforeitwasfinallytheduo’sturntoenter…
However,justastheywereabouttoenter,awomansuddenlycutthelineandstoodbeforethem!
Seeingthat,Natallieimmediatelyheldontothewoman’swrist—beforeshecouldenter—andsaid,“Hey, now!Waityourturn!”
Uponhearingthat,thewomaninstantlyturnedtoglareatherbeforeyelling,“Hah!AsifIneedtolisten toyou!”
Withthatsaid,thewomanthensnortedbeforeyankingherarmfreefromNatallie’sgrip!Duetothe suddenyank,Natalliealmostendedupfalling!Thankfully,thepersonbehindherwaskindenoughto supportherfall.
Seeingthat,theangeredEarlathenpointedatthewomanbeforeyelling,“Hey,wegotherefirst!You’re clearlytheonewho’swronghere!MissMoon,areyoualright-”
BeforeEarlacouldevenfinishhersentence,thewoman—whowasnowfrowninguglily—gavehera tightslapacrossherface!
Naturally,thisstunnedeveryonepresent.Tothinkthatthismaniacalwomanwouldn’tevenletthisgirl off!
HereyesnowfullywidenedwhenshesawhowredEarla’sswollencheekwas,Natallieimmediately exclaimed,“E-Earla…!”
WatchingasNatalliethensquatteddowntocheckonthecryinggirl’scheek,thewomansimplysnorted asshescoffed,“Hah!Letthatbealessontoyou,brat!Don’tmeddleinotherpeople’sbusiness!”
Beforeanyonecouldevenretortback,however,theycouldonlystareinshockwhentheysawthatthe womanhadbeensentflying!
Ofcourse,theonewhohaddonethedeedwasnoneotherthanthefuriousGeraldwhohadwitnessed everythingfromthebench.
AfterseeinghowmercilessthewomanhadtreatedEarla,Geraldnolongerhadanyhesitationabout beatingherup.Thatb*tchdeservedit!
Regardless,GeraldthenquicklyturnedtofaceEarla,inspectingherswollencheekashesaid,“Holdstill,
Earla,andletmehaveaquicklook!” AsGeraldbegantransferringthebioelectriccurrentinhisbodyintoEarla’sface,NatallieandEarla couldn’thelpbutfeelrelieved.Afterall,theybothknewthatwithGeraldaround,nobodywouldever daretobullythem.
Eitherway,itwasonlysecondslaterwhenEarla’sswollencheekreturnedtonormal… “Doesitstillhurt,Earla…?”askedGeraldinadotingtone.
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Shakingherhead,Earlathensaid,“Notatall,Mr.Crawford!You’resoawesome…!”
WhileEarla’scheekhadstungquiteabitearlier,thesecondGeraldtouchedit,thepainsimplyvanished. Itwastrulymagical…!
Eitherway,Geraldbreathedasighofreliefuponhearingthat.
Withthatdone,Geraldthengotupagainbeforestaringatthewomanfromearlierwhohadjustcrawled backtoherfeet.
Glaringathim,theenragedwomanthenyelled,“You…!Howdareyouhitme…?!Don’tyouknowwhoI am?!” Uponhearingthat,Geraldsimplysquintedhiseyes,revealinganicyglarethatcouldpierceasoul…He definitelywasn’tlettingheroffeasynow…!
“Likethatmatters!Titlesareonlygiventohumans,andyou’reclearlyananimalforevendaringtotreat ayounggirlthisway!”retortedGerald.
“…Yeah,he’sright!Besides,shewastheonewhostarteditallbycuttingtheline!”
“Iknowright?Asifshe’dreactanydifferentlyifsomeonecutherline!”
Hearingallthebystanders—whohadwatchedthewholethinghappen—yellather,thehumiliated womancouldonlyblushinshame.Ittrulywasamiserablefeelingtobedespisedbyeveryone…
“Y-you…!Allofyouhadbettershutup!Incaseyoudidn’tknow,I’mthewifeoftheZachariahGroup’s chairman!Whothehellareallofyoutoeventhinkaboutteachingmealesson?!”roaredthedesperate woman.
Thesecondtheyknewwhoshetrulywas,everyoneinstantlyfellsilent.Afterall,theywerewellaware thattheZachariahGroupwasthecreamofthecropinSchywaterCity.Withthatinmind,thatgroup wasundoubtedlypowerful…
Evenso,thatgroupwasprettymuchinsignificantwhencomparedtoGerald’sYonjourGroup.Infact, noteventenZachariahGroupswouldcomeclosetorivalingGerald’sgroup!
Understandingthat,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutgazedisdainfullyatthewomanwhilescoffing,“The
ZachariahGroup,yousay…?”
“Indeed!Soifyoudareoffendmeanymore,I’llsurelymakeyousuffer!Infact,I’llevenkickyououtof SchywaterCityforgood!”scowledthewomaninanarroganttonebeforesmilingsmuglyatthem.Itwas clearthatshehadnointentionofshowinganyofthemanyrespect…
Whateverthecasewas,sinceshewasZachariahKershaw’swife,GeraldfiguredthatshemustbeZuri Lidwell.
Still,justtobesure,Geraldcasuallyasked,“Savethebigtalk.Regardless,yousaidyourhusbandis ZachariahKershaw,right?”
Noddinginresponse,Zurithenreplied,“Oh?Soyouknowmyhusband’sname!Iguessyou’remore sensiblethanIthought!Regardless,Iwantyouthreetogrovelandapologizetome!Ifyoudo,I’llletthe matterslide!Ifyoudon’t,however…Well,let’sjustsaythatasinglephonecallwillruinallofyou!” Hearingthat,GeraldandNatalliecouldn’thelpbutsnortintheirminds.Zurireallywasalltalk.
Honestly,GeraldwasfeelingslightlybadforKershaw.Afterall,hehadgottenmarriedtosuchanidiot.
WomenlikeZuriwouldalwaysendupruiningtheirpartners,andthefactthatshewasnowpissing Geraldoffwasatextbookexampleofsuchasituation.Shedidn’tevenknowwhatshewasgetting herselfinto!
Shakinghishead,Geraldsimplyreplied,“Goaheadandcallhim,then!”
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Uponhearingthat,Zuriwasstunned.Afterall,notonlywasGeraldmorefearlessthanshehad anticipated,buthedidn’tseemtocareaboutherhighpositionatall!WashenotafraidoftheZachariah Groupintheleast…?
Geraldhimselfwassimplywaitingtoseeifshetrulywasgoingtomakethecall.Afterall,thesecondshe did,hewouldnolongerhesitatetoendtheZachariahGroup.Bythatpoint,anyamountofregretfrom Zuriwouldbeuseless…
Eitherway,Zuriwasn’tabouttogetoutdoneandmocked,soshegrittedherteethbeforeyelling,“…Fine!
Sinceyouwanttogetkickedoutofthecitysomuch,bemyguest!”
Followingthat,Gerald,Natallie,andEarlasimplywatchedcalmlyasshebeganfishingherphoneout. Geraldhimselfcouldn’thelpbutthink,‘Messingwithus,huh?We’llmakesuretoproperlytakeyouon, then!’
Regardless,itwasabouttensecondslaterwhenthecallfinallyconnected.Theseconditdid,Zuri’stone immediatelydidaone-eightyasshewhimperedbetweencrocodiletears,“H-hubby…!I’mgetting bulliedbyothers…!Pleasecomebackmeup…!”
“What?You’reattheHappyAmusementPark,no?Whywouldyougetbulliedoutoftheblue?Areyou sureyoudidn’tstartit?”askedZachariahwhoknewalltoowellabouthiswife’stemper.
Thiswasn’tthefirsttimeZurihadgottenintotroubleforbullyingothersfirst.Whatmore,withhow muchsheflauntedherpositionashiswifeeverywhere,whowoulddarebullyherinthefirstplace? “…Whatdoyoumeanbythat,Zachariah?Ireallywasbeatenupbyab*stard!Look,you’dbetterhelp meorI’mgoingtomakethingsdifficultforyouonceIgetback!”scowledthetwo-facedZuri.Whata defensiveandhostilewoman…
Whateverthecasewas,Zachariahknewthatallhecoulddonowwasgiveintoherwhims…
Withthat,hecouldonlyaskinahelplesstone,“Fine…Whatexactlydoyouwantmetodo…?”
Delightedtohearthat,Zuri’sconfidenceinstantlypeakedassherepliedinaloudvoice,“Iwantyouto kickthemoutofSchywaterCity!”
Itwasevidentthatshehaddeliberatelydonesotoensurethatthetrioheardher.
Uponhearingthat,Zachariahcouldonlygroanbeforesaying,“…Isn’titfineifwejustteachthema lesson…?Don’tyouthinkyou’recausingtoomuchofasceneforsuchasmallmatter…?”
Zachariahhimselfdidn’tlikeusinghispowerandpositiontobullyothers.ThatwasZuri’sthing.Infact, hehadadvisedhertimeandagaintostopbeingsoarrogant,thoughofcourse,sheneverlistened.
UnfortunatelyforZachariah,shehadsomehowmanagedtooffendapersonwhowasevenmore powerfulandinfluentialthanhim,andhewouldsooncometolearnaboutthat…
“Zachariah!Wouldyoulistentoyourself?!I’myourwife,aren’tI?!Whyaren’tyouangrythatIgot bulliedbyothers?!”scowledtheenragedZuri.
Beingthekindofpersonwhojustcouldn’tstandgettingscolded,Zachariahinstantlygaveinashe repliedtotheunbearablewoman,“Fine!I’llcomeoverrightaway,alright…?” Satisfiedtohearthat,Zurithennoddedbeforesaying,“That’smorelikeit!Nowhurryover!”
Followingthat,shehungupbeforeglaringatthetrio,asmugsmileonherface…
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“Listenup!Myhusband’scomingoversoon,sodon’tyoudarerun!”
Uponhearingthat,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutrevealacunningsmileashereplied,“Oh,don’tworry!We won’tbegoinganywhereanytimesoon!Let’sjusthopeyoudon’tendupgettingruinedintheend!” Ofcourse,Zurithoughthewasjusttalkingbig,soshepaidhimnoattention.
Withthatsaid,GeraldthenturnedtolookatNatalliebeforesaying,“GoaheadandbringEarlatothe washroomfirst.”
Noddinginresponse,Natalliethendidasshewastold.
Geraldhimselfsimplyreturnedtothebenchfromearlierandsattheretowait,fullyconfidentthat thingswouldendinhisfavor.
Thinkingaboutit,Geraldwonderediftheduowouldtrytoapologizetohimoncetheyrealizedwhohe trulywas.Iftheydid,hewouldsimplytellthemtobeghimtoletthemoff.Ofcourse,eveniftheydid, thatwouldn’tactuallychangeanything.Afterall,Zurihadherchance,andshebustedit…
Fastforwardtoaboutfortyminuteslater,asuitedmancouldbeseenjoggingtowardZuri…anditwas obviousthatitwasZachariah.
Ashecontinuedjogging,Zachariahcouldn’thelpbutthinkabouthowmuchhetrulylovedhiswife… Afterall,whyelsewouldhecomerushingallthewayoverdespitebeingquitefarawaywhenshecalled?
Hehadevenspentquiteabitontheticketjusttogethere!
Regardless,oncehestoppedbeforeher,hetookinadeepbreathbeforeasking,“…Alright,I’mhere… Wherearethosepeople…?”
Watchingashiswifesimplypointedatthetrio—whohadbeensittingonthebenchtogether—, Zachariahthensquintedslightlyintheirdirection…beforegoingwide-eyed.
AsZachariahimmediatelybeganwalkinguptoGerald,Zurifollowedcloselybehindhim.Shehadbeen waitingforthelongesttimeforhimtoarrive,andnowthathewashere,shewasmorethanreadyto teachthosethreeaharshlesson!
Unfortunately,everythingwasonlygoingtogodownhillfromhere,atleastforher.
Eitherway,oncehewascloseenough,Zachariah’sjawnearlydropped.Sohehadn’tseenwrong…it reallywasGerald!
Realizingthathewasnowinboilinghotwater,Zachariahcouldonlystutter,“C-c-c-chairman Crawford…!”
TothinkthathiswifehadmanagedtooffendthechairmanoftheYonjourGroup!
“Oh?Soyourecognizeme,ChairmanKershaw!Regardless,howareyou?”askedGeraldinaplayfultone.
“A-asifI’deverbeunabletorecognizeyou,ChairmanCrawford…!”repliedZachariah,histonebrimming withrespect.
ZachariahhadlongknownaboutGeraldthroughfinancialseminarsandauctionsthathehadpreviously attended.Evenso,heneverhadthechancetocontacthimuntiltoday…
“Isee.Well,evenifyoudoknowme,ChairmanKershaw,yourwifeapparentlydoesn’t…”saidGerald…
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Uponhearingthat,ZachariahimmediatelycaughtonthatGeraldwasindirectlysayingthathehadn’t educatedhiswifewell.
Withthatinmind,heturnedtoglareatZuribeforeyelling,“Youstupidwoman…!Hurryoverand apologizetoChairmanCrawford!”
Uponhearingthat,Zuri’sheartskippedabeat.Afterall,ithadn’tcrossedhermindthattheoneshehad pickedafightwithwasnoneotherthanthechairmanoftheYonjourGroup…!
Realizingthatshehadreallydoneitthistime,Zuri’sarroganceinstantlydrainedasshemeekly whimperedinarespectfultone,“I-Iapologize,ChairmanCrawford…!Itwastrulyblindofmetonot recognizewhoyouwere…!Pleaseforgiveme…!”
Ofcourse,Geraldwasn’tabouttoacceptherapology.
Infact,hedidn’tevenlookather,completelyignoringtheignorantwomanashesaid,“Whateverthe caseis,thedamagehasbeendoneandconsequencesarerequired.However,sinceyouseemabitmore sensiblethanthatbuffoon,I’llgiveyoutwochoicestodealwiththislittlemishapofours.Firstly,ifyou reallywishtoprotectyourZachariahGroup,Iwantyoutodivorceher.Ifyouchoosethesecondoption andrefusetodumpher,however,I’lljustacquiretheZachariahGroupandyouknowIalwaysgetwhatI want.Incaseyoudidn’tknow,sheslappedmynephewearlier,whichiswhyI’msoadamantabout doingthis.”
Truthbetold,neitherofthechoicessoundedappealingtohim.Evenso,Zachariahknewhehadtopick oneintheend.Afterall,heofallpeopleknewhowpowerfulGeraldwas.
IfGeraldobtainedhiscompany,thenitwouldtrulybealloverforhim.However,hecouldavoidthatby makingasmallsacrifice…
Watchinginutterhorrorasherhusbandturnedtolookather,Zuriimmediatelybeganbegging,“Hhubby…!P-please…!Pleasedon’tdivorceme…!I-IknownowthatI’vedonewrong…!Pleasedon’t…!”
BeforeZachariahcouldevensayathing,ZurithenturnedtolookatGeraldbeforeadding,“I-I’veseen theerrorsinmyways,ChairmanCrawford…!Sopleasebethebiggermanandforgiveme…!Ireally didn’tknowbetter…!”
Despiteallherpleading,Geraldsimplyturnedtolookaway.Hewasn’tonetotoleratepeoplelikeZuri. Sinceshewasanadult,shehadtopayforheractions.ToGerald,shewassimplygettingwhatshe deserved.
Eitherway,afterashortpause,Zachariaheventuallymadehisdecisionandsighedbeforesaying,“…I understand,Mr.Crawford…” TurningtofaceZuri,Zachariahthenadded,“…Fromtodayonward,I,ZachariahKershaw,terminatemy conjugalrelationshipwithyou,Zuri!I’llbetellingmylawyertopreparethedivorcepapersinabit.”
Hearingthat,Zuriwassostupefiedthatshecouldn’tevenregisterwhatshehadjustheardforawhile.It wasalmostasthoughshehadjustbeenfatallystruckbylightning…
Zachariahhimselfknewthathewasonlydoingthisbecausehehadnootherchoice.Afterall,hewasthe onewhohadestablishedtheZachariahGroupfromthegroupup.Hecouldn’tjustlethisgroupget acquiredbyGerald!
Thenagain,itwasn’tasthoughZuriwasworthfightingfor.Eversincetheygotmarried,allshewoulddo wasaskformoneyfromhimandcreatetrouble.Afterhavingtostepforwardsomanytimestoresolve allofherproblematicissues,Zachariahfeltthatthiswasthelaststraw.
Truthbetold,ZachariahfeltthankfulthatGeraldsteppedin.Afterall,ithadgivenhimthecourageto finallyfileadivorcewithZuri.
“Oh?Pleasemakesureyoudothat,then!”repliedGeraldwithasatisfiednod.
Noddinginresponse,Zachariahthenturnedtoleave,nolongerbotheringaboutZuri…
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Chapter1951 Seeingthat,ZuriimmediatelybeganrunningafterZachariah.WhileitwastruethatZachariahwasn’tas richorpowerfulasGeraldwas,hecouldatleaststillgiveherawealthyandcomfortablelife,andshe wascontentwithjustthat.
Ifhereallywasdumpingher,however,thenevenallthatwouldbetakenaway…!Shecouldn’tjustlet thathappen…!
WatchingasZuricontinuedrunningafterZachariah,Geraldcouldonlyshakehishead.Whatatruly pitifulperson…
Regardlessofhowmuchwealthandprestigeonepossessed,aslongasonedidn’thavemanners,they’d surelybelookeddownuponbyothers…
Geraldhimselfmadesuretoalwayspracticewhathepreached.Whendealingwithothers,hemade suretoremaincalmandrefrainedfromscheming,atleastagainstthosewhodidhonestwork.Infact,it washonestlyhisgoodmannerisms—whenitcametomanagingtheYonjourGroup—thatearnedhim therespectandadmirationfrommanyothers.
ToGerald,thiswasthereasonwhysomepeopleweremoresuccessfulthanothers…
Whateverthecasewas,withthateventdone,thethreeofthemthencontinuedtakingashortrest beforetheyresumedhavingfunintheamusementpark.
Thankfully,Earla—whowasstillachild—easilyforgotaboutthosebadincidentssincetherewasso muchfuntobehad…
Itwaseveningwhenthetriofinallydecidedtoleave… Bythatpoint,Earla—whohadgrownexhaustedafterenjoyingherselfsomuch—hadbecomesosleepy thatsheendedupfallingasleepinNatallie’sembrace.
Seeingthat,Natalliecouldn’thelpbutsmileasshewhispered,“ItappearsthatEarlahadareallygood timetoday,ChairmanCrawford…!”
Noddingwithasmile,Geraldthensaid,“Indeed…It’sbeenquiteawhilesinceI’velastseenEarlathis happy…”
Trueenough,thoughEarlawouldalwayssmileandexclaimwhenevershemethim,todaywasthefirst timehesawherlaughingthisjoyously.Inotherwords,Geraldwasfinallyabletoseeaworry-freeEarla today…
“Speakingofwhich,Ihavetothankyouforbringingmealong,ChairmanCrawford!Tobequitefrank,I haven’thadthismuchfuninagesaswell!”repliedNatallie.
“Truthbetold,I’vebeentreatingyouasfamilyforquiteawhilenow,Natallie.Afterall,you’vebeenby mysidethisentiretime.Withoutyou,ImaynotevenbewhereIcurrentlyamtoday!”explainedGerald inasinceretoneashelookedather.
Hearingthat,Natalliefoundhisstatementsosweetthatitalmostfeltlikeshehadjustconsumedajarof honey.ThefactthatshewasthisimportanttoGeraldsimplymadeherfeelincrediblymoved…
Whileitwastruethatsheharboredfeelingsforhim,shepreferredtonotsayitout.Afterall,shewas happyenoughjustbeingabletobebyhisside… Regardless,afterdrivingbacktothevilla,GeraldtoldNatallietogoaheadandbringEarlabacktoher roomtogetsomeproperrest.
GeraldhimselfdroveoffagaintoRaine’splace,hopingtoseehowYollande’srecoverywasgoing.He alsowantedtoseeiftherewasanythinghecouldhelpwith.
Quitehonestly,Gerald’splacewasn’tallthatfarfromRaine’svilla,whichexplainedwhyithadonly takenhimabouttenminutestogettoherplace.
Secondsafterheparkedhiscar,heheardRaine’sfamiliarvoicecallingout,“Senior!”
Turningtofacethesourceofthevoice,GeraldsawthatRainewaslookingathimfromthevilla’smain entrance.
Surprisedtoseeherthere,Geraldthengotoutandwalkedtowardherbeforeasking,“Raine?Whatare youstandingatthedoorfor?”
Smilingsubtly,shethenreplied,“Oh,Iwasjustthrowingtherubbishout!Coincidentally,Isawyourcar drivingbysoIwaitedhere!”
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Noddinginresponse,GeraldthenenteredthevillatogetherwithRaine…
Uponentering,Raineimmediatelycalledout,“Mom?Dad?Gerald’shere!” Hearingthat,Dexter—whohadbeensittingonthelivingroomcouchtogetherwith
Yollande—immediatelygottohisfeetbeforeexclaiming,“Oh?Whatasurprisetoseeyouhere,Gerald!” “Indeed!”addedYollandewhoturnedtofacetheyouth,awidesmileonherface.
Pleasedtoseehowlivelytheywere,Geraldthensmiledinresponsebeforereplying,“JustthoughtI’d hopbytosayhello.So…Gottenusedtolivinghereyet?”
“Butofcourse!It’dbeimpossibleforusnottohavewhenyou’vegivenussuchamagnificentvilla!You wereevenconsiderateenoughtostopbyjusttosayhello!”saidYollande,havingnothingbutpraisefor theyouth.
Afterall,hewastheonewhohadgiventheirfamilywhattheyneededmostattheirlowest.Thiswasthe onlywaytheyknewhowtothankhim…
“I’mgladtohearthat!Speakingofwhich,howisyourrecoverygoing,madam?”askedGerald.
“It’sgoingspeedily!Icannowgetoutofbedandwalkonmyownagain!”repliedYollande,instantly causingGeraldtobreatheasighofrelief.
WhenheturnedbacktolookatDexter,however,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutnoticethatDexterseemedto bethinkingaboutsomething…
“…Issomethingweighingyourmind,sir…?Youdon’tlooktoogood…Perhapsyou’vebumpedintosome kindsofdifficulties…?Ifyouhave,don’thesitatetotellmeaboutthem.I’lldefinitelydomybestto help!”saidGerald.
Hearingthat,Yollandeinstantlyadded,“Dexter,justtellhimaboutit.Afterall,he’scertainlynooutsider!
Whoknows,maybehecouldhelpyou!”
Uponhearingthat,Dextercouldn’thelpbutfeelslightlyembarrassed.Itlookedlikehereallydidn’t knowhowtoproperlyapproachthesubject…
Seeinghowdifficultitwasforherfathertofindtherightwords,Rainesteppedinandexplained,“Well, thethingis,mydadhadtoresignfromhisoldjobsincewemovedquitefarawayfromhisworkplace. He’scurrentlyhavingtroublefindingemployment,senior!”
AndhereGeraldthoughtthatitwasamajorproblem.Asitturnedout,itwassimplysomethingthis trivial!
Shakinghishead,Geraldthenasked,“…Ifyoudon’tmind,whatkindsofjobsareyoulookingfor,sir?”
Afterthinkingforabit,Dexterreplied,“Well…Idon’treallyhavetheacademicqualificationsformore technicaljobs,butI’mwillingtobearhardshipsandworkhard!Idon’tevenmindworkingasacoolie!”
AsDexterhadsaid,hebarelyhadanyrelevanteducationorskillsforthemorehigh-payingjobs.With thatinmind,heknewthathisstrengthwastheonlywayhewasgoingtobeabletocontinuetakingcare ofhisfamily.Hereallydidn’tminddoinglower-payingjobsaslongashecouldearnaliving…
Hearingthat,Geraldthoughtaboutitforamomentbeforesaying,“Isee…Youknow,Ihaveajob vacancyatmyplace…Iwonderifyou’dbeinterestedinworkingwithme…?” Uponhearingthat,Dexter’seyesinstantlywidenedwithhope.EvenYollandeandRaineappeared overjoyedasDexterimmediatelyexclaimed,“O-ofcourseI’dbewillingtoworkwithyou!I’mwillingto doanythingaslongasIgetthejob!”
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Hearingthat,Geraldchuckledbeforeexplaining,“Don’tworry,youwon’tbedoinganythingparticularly exhausting,sir!AllIaskforisthatyoudosomethingsthatrequiremanagement.Thesalaryitselfisa thousandandfivehundreddollarspermonth.Howaboutit?”
“A-athousandandfivehundreddollars?!Whathighpay!A-areyouseriousaboutthat,Gerald…?” exclaimedYollandebeforeDextercouldevensayaword.
Afterall,whereelsewouldtheybeabletofindsuchahigh-payingjobwithDexter’squalifications?
“Butofcourse,Iam!Besides,sinceyou’relookingforajobandI’mlookingforsomeonetofilltherole anyway,whynotjustworkwithme?”saidGerald.
Intruth,Geraldwasn’treallyinneedofsomeonetofillthatposition.Hehadonlymadeitupjustforthe sakeofgivingDexterahand.
“W-well…IfyouthinkI’mcapableenough,thenyes!Please,takemein!”repliedDexter,notwantingto missthechancetoearnamonthlypaymentofoverathousanddollars…
“I’mgladtohearit!YoucancomereporttotheYonjourGrouptomorrowthen,sir!I’llgetsomeoneto helpyoumanagetheenrollmentprocedures.Don’tworry,I’llmakesuretohavesomepeoplearoundto showyoutheropes!”saidGerald.
“Gotit!”repliedDexterextremelyenthusiasticallyasRaineandYollandesquealedinexcitement.
Aftercalmingdownabit,YollandeturnedtolookatGeraldbeforesincerelysaying,“T-thankyouso muchforeverything,Gerald…!Notonlydidyousaveourlives,butyou’reevengivingmyhusbandsuch ahigh-payingjob…!Wereallyhavetroubledyoualot…”
Smilinginresponse,Geraldsimplysaid,“Now,now,madam,there’snoneedtobesocourteous.Thisis nothingtome,andagain,Ijustsohappenedtoneedanemployeeforthejob!”
ThoughthetriofeltthattheynowowedtheworldtoGerald,Geraldhimselfhonestlydidn’tthinkthat hewasdoingmuch.Tobequitefrank,hewassimplyhappythathewasabletohelpothers,andtheir joywasallheaskedforinreturn…
Regardless,itwasashortwhilelaterwhenDextersupportedYollandeuptotheirbedroomtogether somerest.
GeraldandRainethemselvesremainedseatedonthelivingroomcouch.
Toremovetheawkwardsilencebetweenthem,Geraldclearedhisthroatbeforesaying,“Speakingof which,Ihaven’thadmydinneryet.SinceI’malreadyhere,wouldyouliketojoinmeforameal?” “Ofcourse!”repliedRainewithouttheslightesthesitation.
Withthatdecided,theduothengotintoGerald’scarbeforedrivingoff… Itwashonestlyaratherawkwarddrivesinceneitherofthemsaidathingthroughouttheirjourney. Thankfully,theduosoonarrivedattheSchywaterNightMarket.
Themarketitselfwasfamousforbeinga‘snackstreet’sincethereweresomanyfoodstallsthere servingallkindsofdishes.Withthatinmind,theplacewasusuallyextremelylively,evenaftertenat night!
Thosewhowenttherewereusuallyofficeworkerswhowantedtohavefunandentertainthemselves afterwork.Geraldhimselfhadfrequentedthemarketinthepastduetoallthegoodfoodthere.
However,eversincehewasgivenahigher-rankingidentity,heslowlybeganfrequentinghigh-endbars andclubsinstead.
Withthatinmind,ithadbeenquiteawhilesincehelastcamehere,andhefeltcompelledtopayita visitagainjusttoreminiscewhilehavingdinner…
Eitherway,nowthattheywerethere,GeraldquicklyledRainetooneofthestallstohavetheirmeal.
Uponsittingdown,however,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutfeelthattheentirenightmarkethadundergonea ratherdrasticchange.Hadhereallynotcomehereforthatlong…?
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Chapter1954 Whateverthecasewas,thestallGeraldandRainehadchosentoeatatwasestablishedbyanoldcouple.
Aftersittingdown,Geraldimmediatelycalledout,“Boss!”
Uponhearingthat,anoldwomanquicklywalkedovertotheirtable,handingbothofthemmenusasshe said,“Well,hellothere!Comehavealookatwhatyou’dliketohave!”
Hearingthat,theduobeganscanningthroughtheirmenus…
Truthbetold,thiswasRaine’sfirsttimeeatingatanightmarket.Withthatinmind,shewasrightfully overwhelmedbytheimmenseamountofoptionsthemenuhadtooffer.
Gerald,ontheotherhand,hadbeenaregularwhenitcametoorderingnightmarketfood.Duetothat, itdidn’ttakeallthatlongforhimtoraisehishandbeforesaying,“Boss!I’dliketohavetwentymutton kebabs,aplateoffriednoodles,oneroastedfish,aplateofchickenwings…”
BythetimeGerald’slistwasdone,Rainecouldonlystarewide-eyedathim.Whatalotoffood…!
Turningtolookather,Geraldthenasked,“Whataboutyou,Raine?Don’tworryaboutthecosts,just orderwhateveryoulike!”
Shakingherheadinresponse,Rainesimplysmiledfaintlyasshereplied,“Well…You’vealreadyordered quiteabit,senior…Whydon’twefinishthatfirst?”
Hearingthat,Geraldsimplynoddedbeforesaying,“Alright,thatwillbeallfornow,boss!Ifweneedany morefood,we’lltellyou!” “Gotit!Thefoodwillbeservedinawhile!”repliedtheoldwomanwithasmilebeforequicklymaking herwaybacktoherstall.
Tobehonest,eventhoughtheotherstallsappearedtohavequiteanumberofcustomers,this particularstallwasbarrenasidefromGeraldandRaine’stable.Withthatinmind,itwasnowonderwhy theoldcouplelookedsohappytoservethem.Afterall,theywereprovidingthemwithbusiness.
Regardless,whilewaitingforthefood,Rainenoticedsomethingwhichpromptedhertoimmediately whisper,“Hey,senior!Lookthere!Ithinktheoneroastingthekebabsistheoldwoman’sdaughter!”
Uponhearingthat,GeraldturnedtolookatwhereRainewasstaring…andtrueenough,thewoman roastingthekebabs—wholookedtobearoundthesameageasRaine—seemedtobetheirdaughter.
“Tothinkthatshe’salreadyearningmoneyatsuchayoungage,”mutteredRainewithasigh,now feelingthatshehaditmuchbettercomparedtoher…
Whateverthecasewas,itwasabouttwentyminuteslaterwhenallthedisheswereserved.
Sincetheoldladywashereanyway,Geraldtookthechancetoask,“Thatyourdaughter,boss?”
Chucklinginresponse,theoldwomanthenreplied,“Sheis,actually!MyhusbandandIwerearound thirtywhenweconceivedher,andwe’rejustthankfulthatshe’ssoresponsibleanddiligent.Youknow, eventhoughshestudieshard,shestillmakesitapointtocomehelpusafterschool!Wereally appreciateitsincewe’retoooldtogetthingsdonefastenough…”
Realizingthatshehadsaidabittoomuch,theoldwomanthensmiledbeforeadding,“…Anyway,do enjoyyourmeal!I’llbeattendingtootherthingsfirst,butifyouneedme,don’thesitatetocall!”
Watchingastheoldwomanthenreturnedtoherstall,theduoshruggedbeforestartingtodigin…
SinceGeraldhadn’teatenkebabsinages,beingabletoeatthemnowbroughtbackseveraljoyous memories…Whatbliss…
However,hismomentofpeacewascutshortwhenaloud‘crash’suddenlyfilledtheair,followedby someoneyelling“Beatit”!
Followingthat,evenmoresmashingsoundscouldbeheard!Whatkindofchaoswasbrewing…?
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Turningtofacethesourceofthenoise,GeraldandRainewereimmediatelygreetedbythesightoftwo groupsofpeople—wieldingvariouskindsofweapons—intimidatinglymarchingtowardeachother.It wasevidentthattheywereabouttoengageinagroupfight…!
Uponseeinghowbadthesituationwas,thestallownersandcustomersimmediatelybeganpackingup toflee,notwantingtogetdraggedintotheirfight.
Eventheoldcoupleandtheirdaughterwerepanicking,andtheywerealreadyhalfwaythroughpacking theirstallupbythetimeGeraldandRaineturnedbacktolookatthem.
Raisingaslightbrow,Geraldwaspromptedtoask,“Whoarethosepeople,boss?”
Hearingthat,theoldwomanhastilyreplied,“They’rethisarea’sgangsters,andoncetheystartfighting, theydon’tcareaboutanyoneelse’slives!Justsoyouknow,somepeoplegotdraggedintotheirmess thelasttimesomethinglikethishappened,soyou’dbetterrunwhileyoucan!Keepthemoneyand considerittobeourtreat!”
Naturally,Geraldwassurprisedtohearthat.Tothinkthatthesegangsterswouldactuallydukeitoutin suchapublicarea!
Regardless,thoughthefamilyofthreewereabletofinishpackingandwerealreadyleavingwiththeir cart,theyhadbarelybeenabletotakeafewstepswhenthehooligansbeganfighting!
Astheoldladyhadsaid,thesepeoplereallydidn’tseemtocareaboutthewellbeingofothersoncethey startedfighting.Afterall,theywereextremelyfierceandfoughtliketherewasnotomorrow…
With‘crashing’and‘clanging’allovertheplace,ittrulywasachaoticsighttobehold…
Allofasudden,GeraldandRainewatchedasahulkingandintimidating-lookingbaldman—whoseemed tobeoneofthegroupleaders—ranovertotheoldcouple’sstallandgrabbedaladlebeforerushing backtofacetheopposinggroup!
Ofcourse,thefamilyofthreedidnothingtostophim.Afterall,theywerefrightenedstiff!
Atthatmoment,somethingincrediblyfastboltedpasteveryone’sview…andasplitsecondlater,the baldmangaveoutapainedcry!
Uponcloserinspection,hisarmseemedtohavebeenjabbedbyatoothpickofallthings!
Withbloodstartingtogushoutfromthewound,everyonecouldonlystare,stupefied.
Whiletheynowknewwhattheweaponhadbeen,nobodyknewwhohadtossedthetoothpick.
Justastheywerewonderingaboutthat,Geraldstoodupbeforecasuallyyelling,“Hey,now!Ifyou b*stardswanttofightsomuch,whynotfindsomeplacealittlemorevacant?Choosingsuchapublic placetohaveagroupfight…What’llhappenifyouharmothers?Huh?”
Uponhearingthat,thebaldmanandhisgangmembersinstantlyfixedtheirgazesontoGerald.Tothink thatthispersonwouldactuallydaretoconfrontthematatimelikethis!
Eventhosefromtheopposingfactionwerenowlookingover,bothgroupsmomentarilytoostupefiedto resumetheirfight…
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Hell,thegangstersweren’teventheonlyonesshocked.Thespectatorsallhadtheirjawsdroppedas well!
WasGeraldthatkeenondying?Whywashemeddlingintheirfightfornogoodreason?!
WhileevenRainewasshockedsilent,shecouldn’thelpbutfeelthatGeraldtrulywasagoodperson. Afterall,everyoneelsehadtreatedthesceneindifferently,noneofthemdaringtoeventakeastep forwardtostopthosehooligans…
Thenagain,theycouldn’treallybeblamed.Afterall,thatbaldmanandtheothergangsterswere extremelydangerousandintimidating.Nobodywantedtogetintotheirbadbooks…
Whateverthecasewas,Geraldwasn’ttheleastafraidofthem.Afterall,theywerenothingbutantsto him.
Besides,Geraldenjoyedhelpingothers,sowhobetterthanhimtobeawhiteknightinsuchasituation?
Whatmore,hewantedtousethisopportunitytohelpoutthatnicefamilyofthreewhohadeven exemptedhimfromhisbill.Hesimplyconsideredthistobehisownwayofthankingthem.
Regardless,beforethebaldmancouldevensayaword,ayouthsportingaducktailhairstylewalked forwardandpointedatGeraldasheretorted,“Heynow,whothehellevenareyoutomeddleinour business?!”
Followingthat,theyouthcontinuedwalkingclosertoGerald.However,beforetheboycouldeventouch him,Geraldhadalreadygrabbedontohisfinger… Andwithasickening‘snap’itbecameclearasdaywhathadjusthappened.
Instantlybendingover,theyouthquicklyscrunchedhisface,notwantingtoscreaminagony.Afterall, havingone’sfingerbrokenofflikethatdefinitelybroughtunbearablepain…!
Beforetheyouthcouldevengetbackup,Geraldsimplykickedhimrightinthestomach,sendinghim flying…!
Staringwide-eyedattheboywhocouldn’tevencrawlbackupduetoallthepainhewasin,thebald manimmediatelyroared,“Gethim!”
Hearingthat,allhissubordinatesimmediatelybeganboltingtowardGerald!
Ofcourse,Geraldremainedcoolasacucumberastheygotdangerouslyclose…Andinlessthana minute,noneofthesubordinateswereleftstanding…
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Staringwide-eyed,thebaldmanwasleftcompletelystupefiedwhenhesawtheterriblestateallhis menwerein.Manyofthemappearedtohavebrokenlimbs,andwithhowagonizingtheircrieswere,it wasevidentthatnoneofthemweregoingtobeabletocontinuefighting…
Geraldhimselfsimplybeganwalkinguptothebaldmanwhoselegswerealreadytremblinginfear.Ifit wasn’tclearenoughalready,Geraldsawnoneedtobemercifultosuchpeople.
Gulpingasthoughthegodofdeathwasswiftlyapproachinghim,thebaldmanbeganwalkingbackward ashestuttered,“W-whatareyouplanningtodo?!”
Hearingthat,Geraldsimplysmiledsinisterlyashedisdainfullyreplied,“Doesitmatter?Also,areyou retreating?Whathappenedtoallthatcouragefrombefore?”
AfterwitnessingGerald’sterrifyingmartialartsskills,asifthatbaldmanwouldstilldaretoactall arrogant!TherewasnowayhewasevergoingtobeabletowinafightagainstGerald!Evenso,heknew forafactthatitwasnowtoolateforhimtoretreat!
Justasthebaldmanwaswonderingiftheretrulywasnohopeofescaping,hesuddenlyfeltanacute painonhischeek…andthenextthingheknew,hewasalreadyinagonizingpainashisfacekissedthe dirt!
WithhowhardGerald’sslaphadbeen,severalofhisteethhadscatteredalloverthegroundandblood wasnowdrippingfromhisdeformedmouth…
TremblingashelookedatGerald,thebaldmanimmediatelybeganbegging,“P-please,sir…Pleaseleave mebe…!IknowwhatIdidwaswrongnow…!Iwon’teverdaretodosuchthingsagain…!” “Oh?Soyoudoknowhowtobegformercy!”scoffedGeraldinafrigidtone.
Still,Geraldwasn’tswayedintheslightest.Apersonlikehimdidn’tdeservetobesympathizedon!
“S-sir,Imeanit…!Iwon’tdaretodosuchthingseveragain-” Beforethebaldmancouldevenfinishhissentence,Geraldcuthimshortbylandingahardkickrighton hisstomach!
Oncethebaldmanlandedquiteadistanceaway,Geraldtookthechancetosneer,“Ifyoudaregather likethisjusttoengageingroupfightsagain,I’llmakesureIbeatallofyouuponcemore!Infact,I’ll teachyoualessoneverytimeIhearsomeonecomplainaboutyoubullyingrandomciviliansortaking theirthings,regardlessofwhetheritwasbyaccidentornot!Youhearme?!”
Immediatelycrawlingtotheirfeetandnoddinginresponse,thebaldmanandhissubordinates immediatelynoddedbeforelimpingaway.Eventheothergroupofgangstersfledthesecondtheycould! Whatcontemptuousindividuals…
Regardless,nowthattheyweregone,aloudroundofapplausecouldinstantlybeheard.Naturally,the peoplewereclappingforGeraldforbeingsuchanimpressiveindividual.
Geraldhimselfsimplywavedhishandshumblybeforereturningtothefamilyofthree.
Smilingashelookedattheoldwoman,Geraldthensaid,“Don’tworry,it’sfinenow.Theywon’tever daretoreturnhereanymore!”
“T-thankyousomuch…!”criedouttheoldwomaninagratuitoustone…
HadGeraldnotsteppedinearlier,whoknowswhatwould’vebecomeoftheirstallorfamily?Withthat inmind,allthreeofthemsawGeraldastheirbenefactor,andtheyweresogratefultohimthattheyhad toactivelyfighttheurgetokneelbeforetheyouth!
Simplychucklinginresponse,Geraldthenreplied,“You’reverywelcome!Speakingofwhich,we’renot quitefullyet,sopleaseroastmorefoodforus!”
Uponhearingthat,thewomanwasmomentarilystunnedthoughshequicklyrecoveredandnodded beforesaying,“O-ofcourse!Youcaneatwhateveryouwanttoday!Everything’sonthehouse,justfor youtwo!”
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Withthatsaid,Geraldthenreturnedtohisseatastheoldcoupleandtheirdaughterbegansettingup theirstallagain.
ThesecondGeraldsatdown,Raineimmediatelysaidinsincereadmiration,“Youweresoawesome earlier,senior!”
Raine,forone,feltthatnotmanycouldbeatupsomanypeoplealoneandinsuchashortamountof time,noless.
Laughinginresponse,Geraldsimplyrepliedinahumbletone,“Thatwasnothing.Thosehooliganswere justtooweak!”
Ofcourse,Raineknewhewasjustbeingmodest.Afterall,thosegangstersweredefinitelyfarfromweak.
Evenso,theywereunabletoevenliftafingeragainstGerald!Thenagain,itwasn’tallthatsurprising. Afterall,evenYash—aTaekwondoexpert—hadbeenunabletotakeonGerald!
Regardless,itwasabouttenminuteslaterwhentheoldwomanservedamassiveplateoffoodbefore GeraldandRaine…
Smilingasshelookedattheduo,theoldwomanthensaid,“Orderup!Freshlyroasted,justforthetwo ofyou!Again,ifthisisn’tenough,justgivemeacallandI’llroastupanotherplateforyou!”
“We’llkeepthatinmind!Thankyou,boss!”repliedbothGeraldandRaineatthesametime.
“Ohplease,weshouldbetheonesthankingyou!Afterall,wecould’vegottenintoserioustroublehad younotsteppedinearlier!”saidtheoldwomanasshewavedherhandslightlybeforeleavingGerald andRainetogivethemroomtoenjoytheirfood…
Astimewenton,theduorealizedthatmoreandmorepeopleseemedtocomeovertohavetheirmeals intheoldcouples’stall.Itseemedthattheincidenttrulywasapositiveturningpointinthecouples’ businessluck.
Eitherway,itwasaroundeleventhatnightwhenGeraldandRainefinallyfinishedtheirmeals.
Withthat,Geraldwalkeduptotheoldwomanbeforeasking,“Howmuchwasallthat,boss?”
“…Huh?Itoldyou,it’sonthehouse!Afterall,youhelpedussomuchtonight!There’ssimplynowayI couldtakeyourmoney!”repliedtheoldwoman.
Evenso,therewasnowayshewasevergoingtobeabletopersuadeGeraldagainstit.Afterall,Gerald knewforafactthatthefamilyofthreedidn’thaveiteasy.Whatmore,heandRainehadeatenquitea bittonight,andtheingredientcostsprobablyweren’tcheap.Withthatinmind,hewasgoingtopayher nomatterwhat! “Boss,Iknowhowharditisforyoutomakealiving,sopleaseacceptthemoney!Otherwise,I’mafraidI wouldn’tdarereturnheretoeatnexttime!”saidGeraldashefishedoutseveralten-dollarbillsfromhis walletandgentlypushedthemintoherhands.
“He’sright,boss!Justacceptthemoney!”addedRaine—whowasnowstandingbesideGerald—, understandingGerald’sintent.
Hearingthat,thewomancouldonlysighindefeatasshetookthemoneybeforesaying,“…Alright,I’ll takeit!ComebyanytimeandI’llgivebothofyoudiscounts!”
Noddinginresponse,bothofthemthenreplied,“Butofcoursewewill!”
Smilinghappilyattheirresponse,theoldwomanthenwatchedasGeraldandRainefinallyleftthe area…
Asshewasabouttogetbacktowork,theoldwomancouldn’thelpbutnoticethatherdaughter’seyes wereaffixedinthedirectionoftheleavingduo.
Knowingthatlovestruckgazeanywhere,theoldwomanwaspromptedtosay,“…Don’ttellmeyouhave acrushonhim,Yusra…”
Herdaughter’snamewasYusraZablocki,andshewasinherthirdyearofhighschool.
Whateverthecasewas,whensheheardhermothersaythat,thecharmingYusracouldn’thelpbut blush…
VisitchapterlistfornextchapterChapter1959 “Whatonearthareyouonabout,mom…?”mutteredYusrashyly.
Asifhermotherwouldbuyherbluff!Shakingherhead,thewomanthenlookedatherdaughterbefore saying,“I’msureIdon’thavetoremindyouthatyourmainfocusnowshouldbeyourstudies…Evenso, I’mnotreallyagainstyouhavingrelationshipswithothersaslongasyourpartnerisnicetoyou…”
Uponhearingthat,Yusrasimplynodded.She,forone,waswellawarethatshealreadyhadacrushon Gerald.Afterall,contrarytoalltheothermenshehadpreviouslymet,Geraldsimplyoozedastrong senseofsecuritythatputherheartatease…
Honestly,ifthechancepresenteditself,YusratrulyhopedthatshewouldgettomeetGeraldagain.
She’dbepleasedjusttobeabletotalkwithhimonetoone…
‘Iwonderifsuchachancewouldactuallypresentitselfthough…’Yusrathoughttoherself…
MovingbacktoGerald,aftersendingRainebacktohervilla,hereturnedtohisown.
Sinceitwasalreadyratherlate,bothNatallieandEarlahadalreadyhitthehay.Withthatinmind, Geraldgrabbedabottleofwineandsatinthelivingroomalone,sippingredwinelateintothepeaceof night…
Despitebeingthelasttoheadtobed,Geraldwasfirsttowake.
AftersendingEarlatoschool,GeraldthenbeganheadingofftohisgrouptogetherwithNatallie.
Ashewasdriving,Natalliereported,“ChairmanCrawford,ChairmanKershawfromtheZachariahGroup willapparentlybecomingovertoourgrouptoday.Wouldyouliketomeethim?” “TheZachariahGroup?”askedGeraldasheraisedaslightbrow.
“Indeed.Hecalledmestatingthathewishedtopersonallyapologizetoyou,”explainedNatallie.
Hearingthat,Geraldrecalledtheincidentsofthepreviousday…HeclearlyrememberedhowZurihad decidedtomesswiththemattheamusementpark,eventuallyleadingtohergettingdivorcedwith Zachariah…
Whateverthecasewas,sinceZachariahwantedtoapologizetohiminperson,Geraldfiguredthatitwas becausehereallywantedtokeephisgroupunderhisname.
Withallthatinmind,Geraldpausedforamomentbeforeeventuallysaying,“…Well,sincehe’ssincere enoughtocomeovertoapologize,sure!I’llmeethim!”
Geraldwasn’texactlyaninconsiderateperson.Afterall,heknewforafactthattheeventyesterdayhad prettymuchnothingtodowithhim.Zacharia’swifehadbeenthetruetroublemaker.Understanding that,Geraldwasn’tabouttomakethingsoverlydifficultfortheman…
Regardless,itwasabouthalfanhourlaterwhentheduofinallyarrivedattheYonjourGroupbuilding…
Beforeenteringthebuilding,theywerebothgreetedbythesightofablackcarthathadbeenparked closetothebuilding’sentrance.Ofcourse,thecarbelongedtononeotherthanZachariah…
UponrealizingthatGeraldandNatalliewerehere,Zachariahimmediatelygotoutofhiscarbefore respectfullygreeting,“ChairmanCrawford…!”
Smilingashelookedattheman,Geraldthenrepliedinaplayfultone,“Sowemeetagain,Chairman Kershaw!”
Hearingthat,Zachariahcouldn’thelpbutblushslightlyinembarrassment.Afterall,Zurihadbrought nothingbutshametohimduetoheractions…Thankgodhefinallydivorcedher…Hehadmadesureto doitimmediatelyaswell.Afterall,hewouldn’tdareprolongthedivorceafterpromisingGerald—ofall people—todoso.
Shakinghishead,ZachariahthenlookedatGeraldwithdeterminedeyesashesaid,“Itrulyapologizefor yesterday,ChairmanCrawford!Justsoyouknow,I’vedivorcedZuri,justasyoutoldmeto!”
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Smilingsubtlyinresponse,Geraldthensaid,“Let’shaveachatupstairs…”
WatchingasGeraldbeganwalkingforward,ZachariahandNatalliequicklyfollowedhislead…
Afterheadingupstairs,thetriosoonfoundthemselvesinGerald’soffice…
Uponentering,GeraldsignaledforZakariahtotakeaseatashesaid,“Dohaveaseatfirst,Chairman
Kershaw.Natallie,pleaseserveourguestsometea!”
“Copythat,ChairmanCrawford!”repliedNatalliewithanodbeforeleavingtheroom… Nowthattheywerealone,Geraldclearedhisthroatbeforesaying,“Firstof,there’snoneedto apologize,ChairmanKershaw.Afterall,yesterday’sincidenthadnothingtodowithyou.”
Hearingthat,Zachariahwasmomentarilystunned.Afterall,hehadnoideawhathadpromptedGerald tosaythat.
Startingtopanic,Zakariahthensaid,“C-chairmanCrawford…Whatdoyou-”
Seeinghowpanickedthemanwas,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutlaugh,cuttingZachariah’ssentenceshort.
Lookingattheterrifiedman,Geraldthenrepliedwithasmile,“There’snoneedtobesonervous,
ChairmanKershaw.There’snohiddenmeaningbehindmywords…”
Onceheheardthat,Zachariahfoundhimselfbreathingmucheasier.
GeraldhimselfcouldnowtelljusthowmuchZachariahfearedthethoughtofhisgroupgettingacquired bytheYonjourGroup.
Truthbetold,Geraldwasn’teveninterestedinacquiringZachariah’sgroup.Afterall,thoughthe
ZachariahGroupwasincomparablewiththeYonjourGroup,itwasstilloneofthebestleadinggroupsin SchywaterCity.Whatmore,thatgroupalsomadeseveralcontributionstocharity,whichgaveGerald evenlessreasontobuythegroupoffZachariah.
Withthatinmind,insteadoftalkingaboutyesterday’sincident—whichwasn’tevenZachariah’sfault—, Geraldwantedtotalkaboutsomethingelse. “Nowthen,sinceyou’vecalmeddown,dohearoutmyproposal,ChairmanKershaw…Iunderstandthat you’reanexcellententrepreneur.Afterall,youestablishedyourgroupfromthegroundup!Withthatin mind,Ihopethatyourgroupwillbewillingtocooperatewithmine,”explainedGeraldwhohadhonestly beenthinkingaboutthisthesecondZurimentionedZachariah’snamethedaybefore.
Regardless,uponhearingthat,Zachariahinstantlyexpressedaclearlookofincredulity!Afterall,he could’veneverimaginedthatGeraldwouldactuallyaskhimtocooperatewiththeYonjourGroup insteadofsimplyobtainingtheZachariahGroup.Asitturnedout,hereallyhadbeenoverthinking!
Still,thatdidn’tmakehimfeelanylesssurprised.Withthatinmind,Zachariahgulpedbeforeasking,“Ddoyoureallymeanit,ChairmanCrawford…?Areyoutrulywillingtocooperatewithmygroup…?” “AsifI’djokeaboutsomethinglikethis!”repliedGeraldashenoddedwithasmile.
“W-whatwonderfulnews,ChairmanCrawford…!I’vealwayswantedtocooperatewithyou!”exclaimed theincreasinglyexcitedZachariah.
ForGeraldtoactuallyinitiateatalkaboutcooperatingwithhisgroup…Thiswascertainlysomethingto beproudof!
“Gladtohearthat!Regardless,mayIknowwhataspectyourgroupmainlydealswithnow?”asked Gerald.
“Ah,well,mygroupmainlydealswithconstruction—bothlocalandregional—andwe’realsoinvolvedin therealestatescene!”repliedZachariahwhowasalreadythinkingaboutthefutureofhisgroup.
BeingabletocooperatewithGerald’sgroupwasdefinitelygoingtobehisbestchanceofdevelopingthe ZachariahGroup.
“Isee…What’sthebiggestprojectyoucurrentlyhave,ChairmanKershaw?”askedGeraldafternodding.
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Sincetheyweregoingtocollaborate,Geraldwasdefinitelygoingafterthebiggestproject.Afterall, whatwasthepointifhedidn’t?
Hearingthat,Zachariahthenreplied,“You’reinluck,ChairmanCrawford.Icurrentlyhaveaverygood projectregardingthedevelopmentandconstructionaroundSchywaterCity’sseaarea.”
FindingwhatZachariahsaidinteresting,Geraldthenasked,“Couldyouperhapsbetalkingaboutthe developmentofthecommercialareaaroundthecity’sseaarea?”
Noddinginresponse,Zachariahsmiledbeforereplying,“That’stheone.Iseeyou’veheardaboutthe project,ChairmanCrawford!”
“Iwon’tdenythatI’vebeenkeepinganeyeonthatplace.Hmm…Whydon’twedoitthisway, ChairmanKershaw?Forthatparticulararea,I’mplanningtohavemygroupparticipatebyoccupyinga greatshareandcarryingouttheconstructionwithyourgroup.Withthatsaid,Ithinkit’sonlyfairthatall theconditionsanddesignsrelatedtotheconstructionshouldbehandledbytheYonjourGroup.What doyouthink?”askedGeraldafteraslightpause.
Thoughhewasmomentarilystartledtohearthat,aftersnappingoutofit,Zachariahimmediatelysaid, “Notaproblem,ChairmanCrawford.Ialreadyfinditagreathonorthatyou’rewillingtocooperatewith meinthefirstplace!Regardless,I’llbeleavingeverythingtotheYonjourGroupthen!” Afterrecoveringfromhisgenuineshockearlier,Zachariah—forone—knewbetterthantonegotiateany furtherwithGerald.Afterall,itwouldbebadifhesomehowgotonGerald’sbadsideandendedup losingthechancetocooperate.
Intheworldofbusiness,knowinghowandwhentoactwascrucial.Ifonedidn’tgrabtheopportunity whenitappeared,failurewouldbetheonlyoptionleft…
ItwasatthatmomentwhenNatallieenteredtheroomwithZacharia’stea.
Uponseeingher,Geraldimmediatelyordered,“Ah,thereyouare,Natallie.Godraftupacontractfora collaborationandshowittomelater.”
“Gotit,ChairmanCrawford,”repliedNatalliebeforeleavingtheroom.
Onceshewasgone,Zachariahcouldn’thelpbutask,“Youseemparticularlyinterestedinthatarea,
ChairmanCrawford…Howexactlyareyouplanningtobuildit?”
ThecommercialareaaroundSchywaterCity’sseaareawasalargeandcompletelynewareathatwas currentlyunderconstruction.Withthearea’ssizeinmind,itmademanyquestionhowtoevengoabout buildingtheareaup.
Infact,thoughitwastheZachariahGroup’sproject,evenZachariahhadbeenwonderinghowto properlynavigatethroughtheproject.Tothinkthatafterbeingvexedoutofhismind—aboutthe project—forsolong,Geraldwouldsuddenlycomeupwiththeideaofcollaboratingonthatspecific project!Ittrulywassomethingtocelebrateabout… Afterall,thefundsneededfortheprojectalonecostnearlyawhoppingonebillionandfivehundred milliondollars!EvenwithhowrichtheZachariahGroupwas,itwasnearimpossibleforthemtotakeon suchalargeprojectalone.Truthbetold,Zachariahhadalreadybeenthinkingofcollaboratingwith severalothergroups—duringthelaterstages—tohavethepercentageallotment.
NowthattheYonjourGroupwassteppingin,however,Zachariahknewthattheirtwogroupswouldbe morethanenoughtotakeontheproject.Betteryet,italsomeantthattheprojectwouldbeexclusively ownedbyonlytheYonjourandZachariahGroups!
AsforGerald,abillionandfivehundredmilliondollarswasnothingtohim…
Regardless,itwasalittleoveranhourlaterwhenNatalliereturnedwithacontract.
HandingittoGerald,shethensaid,“I’vedraftedupthecontract,ChairmanCrawford.Dohavealookat it.”
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“Thankyou,Natallie,”repliedGeraldinanappreciativetoneasNatalliesmiledbackbeforeleaving.
Followingthat,Geraldbeganlookingthroughthecontract…andoncehewasdone,hehandeditto Zachariah.
“Dohavealookatthecontract,ChairmanKershaw,andtellmeifthere’sanythingyoufind dissatisfactory.I’mopentofurtherconditionsorrequestsaswell,ifyouhaveany.Sincewe’re collaborating,thisprojectshouldbenefitbothourgroups,”saidGeraldinacalmmanner.
Gerald,forone,knewthatinorderforthecollaborationtowork,heneededtoshowhissincerityand respecttoZachariahinsteadofsimplyputtingupanaggressivefront.Afterall,attheendoftheday, Zachariahwasn’texactlyasmallfry.Hewasachairmanaswell,andthatearnedhimtherighttohave Geraldtreathimwithrespect.
Eitherway,aftercarefullyreadingthroughthecontract,Zachariahnoddedbeforereplying,“Iseeno problemwiththecontract,ChairmanCrawford!”
“Isee.Thenlet’sgetitsignedthen!”saidGeraldwithanodasbothofthemgottheirpensandsigned theirnamesonit…
Withthatdone,theircollaborationwasnowofficial.
Respectfullyreachinghishandoutforahandshake,Zachariahthendeclared,“Ihopeforagreat collaborationbetweenus,ChairmanCrawford!”
ShakingZachariah’shand,Geraldpolitelyreplied,“Butofcourse!Wellsaid,ChairmanKershaw!”
“Wellthen…Ifthereisn’tanythingelse,I’llbetakingmyleavefirst,ChairmanCrawford.Ifyoufaceany problems,feelfreetocontactmeanytime!”saidZachariahashegotuptoleave.
Oncehewasgone,Natalliewalkedinbeforeaskinginslightbewilderment,“ChairmanCrawford…Imay besteppingalittleoutofline,butwhatmadeyoutaketheinitiativetocooperatewiththeZachariah
Group…?” Afterall,forNatallie,theYonjourGroupcouldeasilyhavetakenontheprojectwithouttheZachariah Group’shelp.Duetothecollaboration,theynowhadtosharetheprofitswiththeZachariahGroup, whichwaswhyNatalliefoundGerald’sactionstobesoconfusing.
“You’reprobablythinkingwhywehavetosharetheprofitswiththeZachariahGroupinsteadofjust takingtheprojectforourselves,right?”repliedGerald,readingNatallielikeanopenbook.
WatchingasNatalliethennodded,Geraldrevealedasubtlesmilebeforesaying,“Let’sjustsayIdiditto gainanally.Afterall,ifwekeepmakingenemies,it’llbesuretobackfireagainstussomeday…Besides, Zuriwastheonewhohadcausedusallthattroubleyesterday,notZachariah.”
“YoucouldsaythatI’mreturninggoodforevil.Throughthiscollaboration,I’llbeabletowinhimover, allowinghimtocooperatewithusinasincereway.Inthelongterm,thatbenefitwillsurelystick.While wecouldsurelybenefitimmediatelybytakingtheprojectallforourselves,doingsowillonlycauseusto losealotmorethingsinthelongrun.”
AfterhearingGerald’sexplanation,Natalliesimplynoddedinresponse…
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Shortlyafter,Natalliethenwalkedoutoftheoffice,leavingGeraldallaloneinthere…
Lookingup,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutsmilefaintly,thinkingabouthowmuchfasterhispropertieswere goingtodevelopnow.Beforelong,everythingwasgoingtobelongtohim…Oncethathappened,he wouldestablishanewbusinessempirefortheCrawfordFamily,andthatwashiscurrentmajorgoal…
Eversincehisfamilyfellintodecline,everythingthathisfamilyusedtoownceasedtoexist.Duetothat,
Geraldwantedtoreclaimeverythingthathadoncebelongedtohisfamily…
Fastforwardtonighttime,Geraldcouldbeseenenteringhisstudyinhisvilla… Takingadust-coveredboxoffahighshelf,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutstareatitforawhile.
Hehadbroughttheboxbackfromhisfamily’soldhome,andithadremainedunopenedtillthisveryday. Asforwhyhebroughtithere,hesimplywantedtokeepitsafe.Afterall,nobodyelseknewthatthebox washeresinceGeraldhadbeenparticularlysecretivewithit.
Regardless,theboxcontaineditemsbelongingtohis‘grandfather’,andhefiguredthathehadputoff openingitforabittoolong.Itwasfinallytimetoseeitscontents…
Afterhesitatingslightly,Geraldbrushedthedustofftheboxbeforecarefullyremovingitslid…and within,hesawanancient-lookingnotebook.
Sincetheboxwasratherhuge,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutraiseaslightbrowinhisconfusion.Whywas suchalargeboxusedtokeepthisancient-lookingnotebook…?
Thenagain,his‘grandfather’didn’tdothingswithoutareason.Thenotebookwasdefinitelysomething extraordinarysincethatoldmankeptitthisway.Whatsecretsdidithold…?
Takingthetatterednotebookout,Geraldthengentlyplaceditonatableandbegancarefullyflipping throughit…
Withitscoveralldeterioratedandthepapersinsideallfrayedandyellow,Geraldcouldsafelyassume thatthenotebookhadtobeatleastseveraldecadesold.Onefliptoohardandtheentirenotebook couldeasilycrumbletopieces…
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Aftercarefullycontinuingtoreadthroughthenotebook,Geraldsoonrealizedwhatitwasusedfor.
Asitturnedout,hisgrandfatherhadusedthenotebooktorecordeverythingthathadhappenedever sincetheCrawfordfamilywasestablished.ItevenincludedtheestablishmentoftheotherCrawford family!
Readingon,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutgrithisteethwhenherememberedthathisfamilyhadbeenmere puppets,pawnstobemanipulatedbyhisgrandfather… Intheend,neitheroftheCrawfordscontinuedtoexist… EverythingbelongedtoGeraldnow.
Shakingthethoughtoff,Geraldthencontinuedflippingthroughthenotebook…anditwasn’tlongafter beforehiseyeswidenedashemuttered,“…The…CrawfordInheritancePower…!This…!”
Deeplyinterestedinthematter,Geraldimmediatelybegancarefullyreadingthroughthatspecificpage.
TheCrawfordInheritancePowerwasasecretthathisfamilyhadkeptwell-hiddenforhundredsofyears, andthepoweritselfcouldonlybeobtainedbysomeonewhowaspartoftheCrawfordfamilybloodline.
AsGeraldcametolearn,evenifthatconditionwasmet,itdidn’tmakethepowerofinheritanceeasyto obtain.Afterall,thepowerexistedonlyinafar-offlandknownastheAutremondeRealm…
SotherewasanotherworldcalledtheAutremondeRealm…Thinkingaboutotherworlds,Gerald couldn’thelpbutreminisceaboutthetimewhenhehadbeenintheLeicomContinent,thoughhe quicklyshookthethoughtsoff.
Whateverthecasewas,theimportantthingtonotewasthattheCrawfordInheritancePowerwas locatedintheAutremondeRealm.
Thinkingaboutit,Geraldwonderedifhecouldmakeabreakthroughinhisstrengthifheobtainedthat Aeyegana.Ifthatwasthecase,thenhewouldtrulybecomethemostpowerfulpersonwithinthe cultivationrealm…
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Ashethoughtaboutthat,Geraldeventuallyshookhisheadbeforecontinuingtoread,wonderingif therewereanyrecordsofhowtoentertheAutremondeRealm…
Thankfully,theexactmethodofgettingtothatplacewaswrittenjustafewlinesbelow.
Asitturnedout,theonlywaytogettherewasbylocatingawell-hiddenstonemonumentatthepeakof
MountKenloux.Evenafterfindingit,onlyafterchantingaspecificspellcouldonegettheportaltothe
AutremondeRealmtoopen…
Thespellitselfwasarareone,andonlyfivepeoplehaveeverbeenknowntohavelearnedit…Naturally, Gerald’s‘grandfather’hadbeenoneofthem.
Readingon,Geraldfoundoutthatthreeofthem—excludinghis‘grandfather’—hadalreadydiedsome seventyyearsago,whichmeantthatonlyoneremainedalivetillthisveryday…
ThatpersonapparentlywentbythenameofChristosHamilton,butasGeraldwouldcometolearn,he hadalreadyleftDragonottandmovedtoRicoforquiteawhilenow…
Evenso,GeraldknewthathehadtofindthatmanifheeverwantedtoobtaintheCrawfordInheritance PowerintheAutremondeRealm.
Still,Christosshouldalreadybenearingahundredyearsoldbynow…Whydidhesuddenlychooseto movetoRicoofallplaces…?Washetryingtoavoidsomething…?
ItwasamysterythatGeraldwasequallyaskeenonsolving…
Whateverthecasewas,GeraldthenfishedhismobilephoneoutandbegancallingNatallie…
Onceshepickedup,heimmediatelysaid,“Natallie?BookmeaflighttoRico,pronto!”
Followingthat,thingswentrathersmoothly,anditwasn’ttoolongbeforeGeraldwasallpackedand readytogotoRico.Naturally,hemadesurehehadhisnotebookwithhimatalltimes.
Whilereadingthroughitagain,hefoundthatChristos’shomeaddress—inRico—hadbeenjotteddown init,mostpossiblybythelastpersonwhohadcomelookingfortheman.Evenso,Geraldreallywasn’t sureifhisgrandfatherwastheonewhohadwrittenitthere.
Regardless,everythingwouldbemadeclearoncehearrivedinRico…
Onthatverysameday,GeraldboardedaplanestraighttoRico,andafterelevenhours,hetookhisfirst stepintotheforeigncountry…
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Followingtheaddressinthenotebook,Geraldsooncameacrossagrocerystore…
Tohissurprise,however,thestorelookedlikeithadbeenoutofbusinessforyears.Eventhestore’s doorwastightlyclosed!
Unsurehowtoevenreacttothis,Geraldthenbeganknockingonthestore’sdoor…butevenafterafew knocks,notasoundcouldbeheardcomingfrominside…
Therewenthishopesthatsomeonewaslivinginside…
JustasGeraldwasabouttodejectedlyleave,hesuddenlyheardthecreakingofanopeningdoor…!
Turningaround,Geraldwasquicktorealizethatnobodywasstandingatthedoor!
Thoughhemomentarilyfroze,Geraldwastednotimeandquicklyenteredthegrocerystore…
Itwaspitchblackinsideandstrongmustysmellsemanatedfromeverycornerofthestore…Thisplace reallyneededagoodcleaning…
Sensingthatnobodywasgoingtogreethimfirst,Geraldtooktheinitiativetodeclare,“SeniorChristos
Hamilton?Areyouthere?I’madescendantoftheCrawfordfamily!” “Comein!”repliedagruffvoicefromdeeperinsidethestore.
Uponhearingthat,Geraldwasdelighted.Asitturnedout,hereallyhadfoundtherightplace!
Withthat,hequicklymadehiswaytotheroomwherethevoiceoriginatedfrom…anduponarrivingat theroom’sentrance,hewasgreetedbythesightofseveralbeerbottlesscatteredaroundaseatedold manwholookedlikehedesperatelyneededashower…
Theentireroomreekedofalcohol,andGeraldcouldn’thelpbutshiverslightlyashestaredatthemessy -hairedoldman…
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Truthbetold,Geraldcouldn’tbelievethatthepersonbeforehimwastheactualChristosHamilton…
Afterall,accordingtothenotebook,Christoswasonceoneofthetopfiguresinthecultivationworld.In fact,hewasprobablyevenstrongerthanhis‘grandfather’!
Howdidsuchapowerfulfigureendupinsuchastate…?
Whateverthecasewas,Geraldclearedhisthroatbeforewarilyasking,“…I…takeitthatyou’reSenior Christos…?”
Hearingthat,ChristosthenslowlyraisedhisheadtolookatGerald…Geraldhimselfwasn’tabletogeta clearlookattheoldman’sfacialfeaturessincehismessyhaircoveredoverhalfofhisface…
“…AdescendantoftheCrawfordsyousay…Tellme,whoisDarylBodachtoyou?”askedChristosina calmtone.
“Daryl…Bodach?”mutteredthemomentarilyconfusedGerald,thoughhequicklyrealizedthatChristos wasprobablytalkingabouthis‘grandfather’.
Tothinkthathis‘grandfather’hadchosensuchanameforhimself… “He’smygrandfather!”repliedGeraldratherunwillingly.
Hedidn’treallylikecallingthatoldb*stardhisgrandfatheranymore,butwhatotherchoicedidhehave ifhewantedtogetmoreinformationabouttheAutremondeRealmfromChristos? “Hah!He’syourgrandfatheryousay?Darylhashadmanychildrenandgrandchildren!Whyareyouthe onlyonewho’scomelookingformeafteralltheseyears?Cutthecr*pandjusttellmewhatyou’re reallyherefor!”scoffedChristosinadisdainfultone.
Fromthelooksofit,ChristosreallyhatedDaryl…
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“…Well,forone,mygrandfatherhasdied,andtheCrawfordfamilynolongerexists…Withthatinmind, IshouldnotethatI’mhereonmyownbehalfandnotonbehalfofmyfamily.AsforwhyI’mhere,I’d liketoaskyousomething…IsittruethatyouknowhowtoaccesstheAutremondeRealm…?”asked Gerald.
Uponhearingthat,Christosmomentarilywentsilent.StaringatGeraldforawhile,theoldmanthen askedinacoldtone,“…SowhatifIdo?”
“Well,ifyoudo,I’dliketolearnmoreaboutthatplace.AsforhowIfoundoutabouttheAutremonde Realminthefirstplace,Ilearnedofitsexistenceafterreadingabouttherealminanoldfamily notebook.Thenotebookalsostatedthatyou’vebeentherebefore!”repliedGerald.
“…Look,I’msorrybutIcan’ttellyouanythingaboutthatplace!Ifthere’snothingelse,thenjustleave already!”yelledChristos,firmlydenyinganyformofhelp.
Hearingthat,Geraldfeltratherhelpless.Evenso,hecouldtellthatChristosmusthaveexperienced somethingbadthere…WhyelsewouldhebesoagainsttalkingabouttheAutremondeRealm?
Still,Geraldknewforafactthatforcingtheoldmantotalkwouldn’tdohimanygood.
Withthatinmind,sincehealreadyknewthatdoingthingsthehardwaywouldn’tgethimanywhere,he mayaswelltryusingthesoftway.
Followingthatthought,Geraldthenleftthegrocerystore…Thoughhereturnedsoonafterwithseveral cansofbeeraswellassomefood.
Hopefully,thiswouldshowChristoshowsincerehewas…
Fingerscrossedthattheoldmanwouldfinallybewillingtoopenupalittle,Geraldthenplacedthebeer andfoodbeforeChristos.
Openingoneofthebeercansandhandingittotheoldman,Geraldthensaid,“Iknowhowpowerful youare,seniorChristos.Withthatinmind,Irespectyoualot.DohavesomebeerandfoodandIhope you’llbewillingtoatleasthaveatalkwithmeafterthat!”
Withsomanybeerbottleslyingaround,itwasn’thardforGeraldtoguessthattheoldmanwaspretty fondofdrinking.ItwasprobablytohelpChristoseasehispains…
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StaringatGeraldforagoodminute,ChristoseventuallysighedbeforetakingthebeercanthatGerald hadhandedouttohim.
Afterafewsips,Christoswaspromptedtosay,“…You’reverydifferentfromDaryl,youknowthat?You don’tlookorfeellikehisgrandsonatall!Regardless,despitethefactthathe’sbeenacalculativeperson hisentirelife,itseemsthateventhatcouldn’thelphimescapedeath!”
SensinghowgreatlybiasedChristoswastowardhis‘grandfather’,Geralddecidedtochangethetopicby asking,“SeniorChristos,could…youtellmewhatyouknowabouttheAutremondeRealm…?Whatkind ofplaceisit…?”
Seeminglyalreadyexpectingthatquestiontocomeupagain,Christossimplysighedashereplied,“Kid, befrankandtellmewhyyou’resocuriousabouttheAutremondeRealm…Youcan’tseriouslybe thinkingofheadingthere,canyou…?”
“ThatIam,seniorChristos!Afterall,IwanttoobtaintheCrawfordInheritancePower!”declaredGerald, nolongerbeatingaroundthebush.
“Soyoureallyareafterthatpower…You’resimilartoDarylinthisaspect.Afterall,hewantedtoobtain theinheritancepoweraswell.Regardless,I’llsayitrightnowthattheAutremondeRealmisn’tassimple asyouthinkitis!It’saplacethatwehumanscan’teverreach!”repliedChristos,soundingincreasingly agitatedwitheachpassingword…
Raisingaslightbrow,Geraldwaspromptedtoask,“…Andwhyisthat…?”
“YousaidyouknowhowstrongIam,right?Well,despitethatfact,Ialmostlostmylifethere!What more,mostofmyfacegotdestroyedwhileIwasintheAutremondeRealm!”
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Chapter1970 Aftersayingthat,Christossighedbeforemovinghishairtotheside,revealinghiscompletelyburned face…
Saveforthenarrowslitsofhiseyesandatremendouslymisshapennoseandmouth,everythingelse wascompletelycharred.
Naturally,thisleftGeraldshocked.Afterall,evensuchapowerfulpersonlikeChristosendedupgetting suchterribleinjuriesintheAutremondeRealm…Itseemedthatthatplacetrulywasextremely dangerous…
Regardless,Christosthenaddedinaserioustone,“Again,Iadviseyouagainstgettinganyfurther informationabouttheAutremondeRealm.Justforgetabouttheinheritancepowerandliveyourlife well…Otherwise,you’lljustenduplikeme!”
WhileGeraldknewChristosmeantwell,hewasnaturallynotgoingtodoastheoldmansaid.
Withthat,GeraldthenkneltbeforeChristosbeforerespectfullypleading,“Iunderstandthatyoucare formywellbeing,seniorChristos…However,IinsistthatIgothere,andinordertodoso,Ihopeyou’ll helpmeunlockthestonemonumentsothatIcanheadtotheAutremondeRealm!” Uponhearingthat,Christoscouldonlysighhelplessly.
“…Whileyoudon’tresembleDaryl,Iseeyou’veinheritedhisstubbornness…Well,sinceyou’reso insistentondying,sobeit!Justunderstandthatyou’retobearalltheconsequencesofyouractions!” saidChristos,muchtoGerald’sdelight.
Truthbetold,GeraldonlyneededChristos’shelpinopeningtheportaltotheAutremondeRealm.Once hewasthere,hewasalreadyexpectingtodoeverythingelseonhisown.
WhileitwastruethathethoughtthatwaysothatChristoswouldn’thavetoriskdyingagainby followinghim,GeraldwashonestlymoreworriedabouthavingtodealwithChristos’sdrinkingproblems alongthewayiftheoldmancamealong…
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Whateverthecasewas,itwasonlysecondslaterwhenbothGeraldandChristos’sexpressionsturned grave.
Bothofthemhadsensedanimmensemurderousintentrapidlyapproachingthemfromtheoutside!
“…Itseemsthatyou’vebeenfollowed,kid!Yougotalotofenemiesorsomething?”grumbledChristos.
SinceChristoshadbeenlayinglowinherefordecades,therewasnowaytheenemywascomingforhim. Withthatinmind,Geraldunderstoodthatitonlymadesenseforthemurderouspeopletobeafter him…
Still,tothinkthatnewsabouthimarrivinginRicowouldspreadsoquickly…Gerald,forone,hadn’t expectedotherstobecomingafterhimsosoon!Hadhisenemiesbeenobservinghimthisentiretime…?
Regardless,Geraldcouldonlylowerhisheadinembarrassmentashesaid,“Iapologizeforthetrouble, seniorChristos…!Allowmetodealwiththemfirst!” Followingthat,hewalkedoutthegrocerystoreandstoodbythedoor…
Bythispoint,nighthadalreadyfallenanditwasquitedark.Addingthattothefactthatnotasinglesoul couldbeseenwalkingthestreets,thescenewasundoubtedlycreepy…
Italmostfeltlikedangerlurkedineverycorner…
AsplitsecondafterGeraldhadthatthought,severalknivesbeganflyingtowardhim!
WhileGeraldwasabletododgeallofthem—resultingintheknivesgettingembeddedintothedoor behindhim—,itwastoodarktoseehisassailants.
However,itdidn’ttakelongbeforeafewmurderous-lookingmen—allofthemdonningblack suits—emergedfromtheshadows!
Allofthemhadlongswordsinhand,andtheyquicklysurroundedtheyouth…
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Whilethearmedmenweren’texactlyweak,toGerald,theywerenowhereclosetobeinghisopponents.
Beforeanyone—includingGerald—couldmakeamove,however,ablurryfiguresuddenlyboltedoutof thegrocerystore!
StoppingrightinfrontofGerald,thefigurethenreleasedapowerfulshockwavefromhispalm,sending allthemeninblackflying!
Bythetimetheylanded,allofthemwerealreadydead!
Ofcourse,theonewhohaddonethedeedwasnoneotherthanChristos,andhispowerwascertainlya surprisetoGerald.Thenagain,GeraldwasmorestartledbythefactthatChristoshadhelpedhimtake thosemenoutinthefirstplace.
Whateverthecasewas,ChristosthenlookedatGeraldratherdisdainfullybeforesaying,“Hey,whyare youevenwastingtimewiththosemorons?YousaidyouneededmyhelptoheadtotheAutremonde Realm,no?Let’sgetgoingthen!”
Uponhearingthat,Geraldwasrightfullyembarrassed.Afterall,whilehecould’vetakenthosemenout justaseasily,hehadn’tdonesoimmediatelyjustasChristoshad…
Regardless,sinceChristoshaddealtwiththem,hehadonelessthingtobotherabout…
Still,Geraldhadtohandittothatoldman.Afterall,hestillmaintainedhisstrengthafterallthese years…
Eitherway,thetwothenleftforDragonott…
Oncetheyhadboardedtheirflight,Geraldcouldn’thelpbutask,“SeniorChristos…Accordingtothe notebook,thestonemonumentwhichleadstotheAutremondeRealmislocatedatopMountKenloux…
Isthattrue?” “Bingo.Uponactivation,it’llopenaportaltotheAutremondeRealm!”repliedChristos,prompting Geraldtonod…
OncetheygottoDragonott,theduothengotintoacarbeforeheadingstraightforMountKenloux…
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AstheduomadetheirwaytoMountKenloux,amandressedfullyinblackcouldbeseenkneelinginthe middleofaroomlocatedonthefarendofDragonott.
Themanhimselfwaskneelingbeforeanotherrobedmanwhohadascepterofsortsinhand…
Shortlyafter,thekneelingmanthenquicklyreported,“Fromwhatwe’veheard,Geraldhasalreadyleft
RicoandisnowbackinDragonott,chief!Apparently,he’salreadywellonhiswaytoMountKenloux!”
Uponhearingthat,therobedmanthenaskedinafrigidtone,“…MountKenloux?Whyonearthishe headedthere?”
“Wecan’tsayforsureyet,butwedohavesomethingelsethat’snoteworthy!There’sanextremely powerfulmanwithGeraldnow,andallourmen—whoweresentouttoattackGerald—werekilledina singleattackbythatperson!”saidthekneelingmanwhileshakinghishead.
Hearingthat,therobedmanthensnortedbeforescoffing,“Whatareyouuptothistime,Gerald…No matter.Getmeacarnow!I’mheadingtoMountKenloux!”
“Loudandclear!”repliedthemaninblackbeforegettingtohisfeetandwalkingoutthehall…
MovingbacktoGeraldandChristos,itwasn’tlongbeforetheybotharrivedatthefootofthe mountain…
Seeingnoreasonnottostartscalingitimmediately,theduodidjustthat.
Ittookthemaboutthreehours,buttheyeventuallyarrivedatthemountainpeak…
Lookingaround,Geraldsoonsawagreenish-whitestonemonumentatthehighestpointofthe mountain…ItlookedjustasChristosandthenotebookhaddescribedit…
Uponcloserinspection,severalpatternsandundecipherablewordsseemedtohavebeencarvedinto thestonemonument…
Eitherway,Christoswasn’tabouttowastehistimewaitingforGeraldtofinishinspectingtheplace. Withthatinmind,hewentstraighttothepointandsaid,“Hereweare,kid.Thestonemonumentthat’ll getyoutotheAutremondeRealm…Areyouready?”
“Iam,seniorChristos!Let’sbegin!”
Chapter1974 WatchingasGeraldthennoddedconfidently,Christosbeganwalkingovertothestonemonument beforeplacinghishandontoit…
Ashebeganchantingaspell,thestonemonumentquicklybeganemittingagentleglow…However,the longerhechanted,thebrightertheglowbecame,untileventually,theentiremountainpeakwasas brightasabeacon!
Watchingwide-eyedasaportalbeganforming,Geraldsnappedoutfromhisamazementwhenheheard Christoscallout,“Everythingthathappensfromthispointonwillfullybeonyou,kid!Myhelpendshere, gotthat?!”
WithhowseriousChristos’stonewas,Geraldnoddedrespectfullybeforereplying,“Loudandclear!
Thankyouforallyourhelp,seniorChristos!”
Followingthat,Geraldthenranintotheportal…andthesecondhewentthroughit,theportalvanished intothinair!
RestassuredthatGeraldhadsafelymadeitpasttheportal,Christosthenbegandescendingthe mountainthroughawell-hiddenfootpath…
Hisjobherewasdone,andashehadsaidtimeandagain,itwasnowalluptoGeraldwhetherhe succeededornot…
Whateverthecasewas,shortlyafterChristosleft,therobedmanarrivedatthescenewithafewofhis
men…
Thoughtheyimmediatelybeganscouringthemountaintop,theyeventuallyrealizedthatGeraldwas nowheretobefound.
DuetotheirlackofcluesastowhereGeraldhadgoneto,oneofthesubordinatesproposed,“…Chief, rememberthatbeamoflightwesawfromthefootofthemountainearlier…?Itdisappearedshortly afterandsodidGerald…Doyouthink…?”
“…Indeed.Idon’tlikehowfishythisareais…Regardless,gofindthatmanwhocameherewithGerald!
Heshouldknowwhathappened!”orderedtherobedman,hisexpressiongrim…
Naturally,Geraldhadnoideathatallthiswashappening,andhesimplycontinuedwalkinguntil eventually,thelightfromthepassage—thathadbeenpartoftheportal—subsided…LeavingGerald staringwide-eyedatthesightbeforehim.
Fromthelooksofit,hehadsuccessfullyenteredtheAutremondeRealm,andtheotherendoftheportal hadledhimtoastreaminsomesortofvalley…
Regardless,whattrulyamazedhimwashowbeautifulthenatureinthisworldlooked.Fromthethriving greeneryonthemountainsandthecrystal-clearwaterinthestream,thisplacelookedabsolutely picturesque…
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Tothinkthathisfirstimpression—uponenteringtheAutremondeRealm—wouldbehowlovelythis place’snear-pristinenatureappeared…
Whilehewould’vecertainlylikedtoenjoytheviewforabitlonger,Geraldknewhehadmoreimportant thingstodo.
Withthatinmind,heleftthestreamandbeganwalkingtillheeventuallycameacrossatownofsorts…
Justashewasabouttoenterthetown,however,thefamiliarglintofablade’sreflectioncaughthiseye.
Realizingthatithadcomefromthenearbyjungle,Geraldraisedaslightbrowbeforesneakingoverto investigate…
Shortlyafter,hewasgreetedbythesightofawoman—wearingpurpleclothes—gettingattackedbyfive menwhoweredressedwhollyinwhite.
Naturally,thismadeGeraldincrediblyangry.Afterall,howcouldsomanymengoupagainstasingle woman!Hadtheynodignity?!
Whateverthecasewas,thoughthewoman—whohadalongswordinhand—wasclearlyoutnumbered, Geraldwashonestlysurprisedthatshewasabletofendthemenoffquiteefficiently.Hehadtoadmit thatshewasquitepowerful…
Evenso,intheend,therewasstrengthinnumbers,andtheladyinpurpleeventuallyfoundherself fallingtotheground,herswordflungtothesideasshecoughedoutamouthfulofblood…
Snickeringwhenhesawthat,oneofthefivementhenwalkeduptotheinjuredwomanbeforescoffing withawickedsmileonhisface,“You’redyingbymyhandtoday,ZianneLandis!Sinceyou’regoingto perishsoonanyway,allowmetosavoryourwarmandsoftbodyfirst!”
“Don’tevendare,JohnnyBabbs!You’renothavingyourwayevenifIamtodie!”growledZianneasshe glaredatthesadisticman.
Hearingthat,Johnnysimplylaughedloudlybeforesneering,“Ohplease,asifyou’reinanypositionto saythat!Men,grabher!OnceI’mdonewithherbody,you’lleachhaveyourturnsbeforewekillher!”
Grinninglustfullywhentheyheardthat,thefourmenthenbeganencirclingZianne,inchingclosertoher witheverystep…
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Withherimmensebeautyandvoluptuousbody,mostmenwouldgrowlustfuluponseeingher…
Asthefourmengrewuncomfortablyclosetoher,Zianneroared,“Ifyoudaretoevenlayafingeronme, mymasterwillsurelydestroyWhitehaarAbbey,youb*stard!”
“Hah!AsifI’mafraidofhim!Infact,Iwonderifsheevendarestocometoourabbey!”scoffedJohnny, completelyunfazedbythethreat.
Followingthat,thesinisterJohnnywasjustabouttoreachouttotouchherbody…Whenallofasudden, adaggerflewoutfromthebushesandpiercedrightthroughhiswrist!
Instantlyscreaminginpain,Johnnywatchedasbloodbegandrippingouthisfreshwound…
Beforeanyonecouldevenregisterwhatwashappening,Geraldwalkedoutfromthebushes,glaring contemptuouslyatallfiveofthemashejeered,“Fivemenagainstasinglewoman…Doyouevenhave therighttocallyourselvesmen?!” “W-whothehellareyou?!Meddlingwithourbusiness…Areyouthatkeentodie?!Men,finishhim!” roaredthepainedJohnnyashismenimmediatelyrushedtowardGeraldwiththeirlongswordsinhand!
Despitebeingoutnumbered,Geraldbarelyevenlookedfazed.
Withasingleswipeofhishand,allfourofthemweresentflying…!
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With her immense beauty and voluptuous body, most men would grow lustful upon seeing her…
As the four men grew uncomfortably close to her, Zianne roared, “If you dare to even lay a finger on me, my master will surely destroy Whitehaar Abbey, you b*stard!”
“Hah! As if I’m afraid of him! In fact, I wonder if she even dares to come to our abbey!” scoffed Johnny, completely unfazed by the threat.
Following that, the sinister Johnny was just about to reach out to touch her body… When all of a sudden, a dagger flew out from the bushes and pierced right through his wrist!
Instantly screaming in pain, Johnny watched as blood began dripping out his fresh wound…
Before anyone could even register what was happening, Gerald walked out from the bushes, glaring contemptuously at all five of them as he jeered, “Five men against a single woman… Do you even have the right to call yourselves men?!”
“W-who the hell are you?! Meddling with our business… Are you that keen to die?! Men, finish him!” roared the pained Johnny as his men immediately rushed toward Gerald with their longswords in hand!
Despite being outnumbered, Gerald barely even looked fazed.
With a single swipe of his hand, all four of them were sent flying…!
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Upon seeing that, Johnny’s face immediately went pale. To think that Gerald was this powerful… How unexpected!
“…Who the hell are you?! State your name!” growled Johnny as he glared daggers at Gerald.
“As if you even have a right to know my name!” retorted Gerald, a wry smile on his face. As if he’d reveal his identity so easily when he wasn’t even from this world!
Hearing that, Johnny couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Still, he knew that he and his men were no match against Gerald. Johnny, for one, was well acquainted with the saying, ‘A wise man never continues fighting when the odds are clearly against him.’
With that in mind, Johnny then yelled, “Men! Retreat!”
Hearing that, the four men obeyed and quickly fled the scene with Johnny…
Once they were out of sight, Gerald walked toward Zianne, helping her up as he asked in a concerned tone, “Are you alright…?”
Now that he was standing so close to her, Gerald couldn’t help but feel that she looked absolutely beautiful… Even so, he knew better than to have feelings for her. After all, he was already married to Mila, and he would never forgive himself if he cheated…
Either way, Gerald snapped out of it when the blushing Zianne shook her head before saying, “I-I’m fine… Regardless, thank you for saving me, young warrior!” Nodding in response, Gerald then asked, “So… Why did they assault you?”
What was so special about Zianne that made five grown men want her dead…?
“Well… It’s because I’m from the Whitehaar Abbey while they’re from the Purplefog Abbey! Their abbey hates mine, which is why they attacked me!” explained Zianne.
Upon hearing that, Gerald began realizing just how complicated things actually were in this realm…
After staring at Gerald for a while, Zianne—who found his appearance and clothing to be quite foreign—couldn’t help but ask, “Um… If I may, where do you come from, young warrior…? You don’t exactly look like you’re from around here…”
Hearing that, Gerald was momentarily at a loss, unsure of how to even reply.
After a brief awkward silence, Gerald came up with an idea, prompting him to say, “I’m… uhh… A traveler from a far-off land! I just happened to be passing by when I saw them attacking you, which is why I stepped in! The name’s Gerald Crawford!”
“Zianne Landis!” replied the woman, barely even registering that what Gerald had said was a lie…
Realizing that he had managed to dodge a bullet, Gerald breathed a bit easier as he asked,
“Either way… Where are you headed off to now, Miss Landis?”
“Oh, I’m going down the mountain to get some supplies in Heavenstar Town. What about you?” replied Zianne.
Chuckling in response, Gerald then said, “What a coincidence! Me too! Let’s head there together!”
Since Zianne was the first person he had gotten to know here, following her around would certainly be convenient. At the very least, he wouldn’t end up getting lost.
Either way, upon hearing that, Zainne simply replied, “Sure, why not?”
Following that, both of them began heading to Heavenstar Town…
When they finally arrived, Gerald’s attire instantly became the talk of the town. After all, not only were they unfamiliar with this person, but his garments were completely different from theirs! The awkwardness of it all made Gerald consider changing his outfit to blend in better with the locals… After all, who was he to be dressed so differently?
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After telling Zianne about his plight, she immediately got him some new clothes in town…
Thankfully, after putting them on, Gerald no longer looked out of place among the other inhabitants of the Autremonde Realm.
Now that he could blend in with the crowd, Gerald took the chance to ask, “Speaking of which, what specific supplies are you hoping to get here, Miss Landus?”
“Oh, I’m here to get some medicinal herbs for my master!” replied Zianne with a smile.
Watching as Gerald nodded, Zianne went silent for a while before eventually saying,
“Actually… Why don’t you follow me back once I’m done with this errand, Warrior Crawford? I still need to thank you properly for saving my life earlier! Who knows what those b*stards would’ve done to me had you not stepped in!”
While Gerald knew that she was just trying to be appreciative, he couldn’t help but ask in a worried tone, “Are… you sure I won’t end up being a bother…? And will your master get mad at you for bringing me over…?”
Gerald, for one, knew for a fact that sects didn’t really welcome outsiders. With that in mind, he was worried that Zianne would end up getting chastised if he followed her back. If that truly came to be, then Gerald would surely feel immensely guilty…
“Well, while my master does emphasize all the time that we shouldn’t bring outsiders into the abbey, you aren’t exactly an outsider. After all, you saved me! Due to that, I believe that my master will understand me bringing you over. Besides, my master always tells us to repay the kindness of others!” replied Zianne in a sincere tone.
Upon hearing that, Gerald went silent for a moment before finally saying, “I see… Well… alright, then. Since you’ve so graciously invited me, I guess I’ll follow you back! I don’t have any place to be today anyway, so I may as well stay overnight in your abbey!”
Hearing that, Zianne could hardly hide the joy on her face. After all, if Zianne was going to be completely honest, she was slightly attracted to Gerald. It was simply the common trope of ‘the beauty falling for the hero’ in play.
Even so, Zianne knew that she and Gerald would never be able to be together. After all, all disciples of the Purplefog Abbey were prohibited from falling in love. Hell, they couldn’t even hold hands with men or they’d end up getting severely punished or even getting expelled!
Whatever the case was, after Zianne bought the medicinal herbs she was looking for—together with Gerald—the duo left the town and headed straight for the Purplefog
Abbey…
The Purplefog Abbey itself was located at the peak of the mountain east of Heavenstar Town. As for why the abbey was called that, it was essentially due to the fact that the mountain it was on was always enshrouded in a magnificent-looking purple mist…
Either way, after about half an hour of ascending the mountain’s many steps—under Zianne’s lead—the Purplefog Abbey could be seen in the distance. By this point, Gerald had realized that the entire area looked quite similar to a place on earth called Mount Skygate…
Regardless, as the duo neared the gates of the Purplefog Abbey, two female disciples—who were standing guard there—instantly shouted, “Eldest sister! You’re back!”
After Zianne nodded with a smile, the two girls—who had noticed Gerald’s presence—couldn’t help but ask, “…Um… Eldest sister…? Who’s that…?”
They were rightfully wary since outsiders couldn’t just enter all willy-nilly. What more, this outsider was a man…!
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Not even waiting for Ziane to reply, the other disciple quickly added, “Have you already forgotten the rules of our sect? Master has told us time and again that we can’t bring outsiders into our abbey, especially men! With that in mind, what you’re currently doing is clearly against the rules, Eldest sister! You’ll definitely be punished if you bring him in!”
As the chief disciple of the Purplefog Abbey, Zianne had a rather high reputation in the sect. What more, she was also an idol to many of the sect’s disciples. With that in mind, the two girls were simply stepping in out of concern.
Understanding that they only meant well, Zianne then calmly explained, “He’s no outsider…
He’s my savior! Just so you two know, without his help, I would’ve surely perished earlier!”
Upon hearing that, the two girls were instantly caught in a dilemma…
Seeing that, Zianne then added, “Don’t worry, you two! I’ll explain all this to master, and if anything happens, I’ll be sure to take full responsibility! You can both be sure that you won’t end up getting into trouble!”
Before either of the girls could reply, Zianne was already leading Gerald into the abbey…
Gerald himself couldn’t help but feel that things would only continue getting even more awkward after this. With that in mind, he reached out to grab Zianne’s wrist—to stop her from going any further—and said, “I… think I’d better leave first… After all, it’ll be bad if I cause you any trouble!”
However, the second his hand touched her’s, Zianne instantly froze and her cheeks went beet red. After all, ever since she joined the Purplefog Abbey, she had never been touched by a man!
Only seconds later, several yells could suddenly be heard, saying, “Release our Eldest sister!”
“Unhand her, you b*stard!”
Before the two knew it, they were already surrounded by at least a dozen female disciples!
Since all of them had swords pointing at him, Gerald quickly realized that he had been rude to touch Zianne out of the blue.
Releasing her hand, Gerald then yelled, “I apologize, I didn’t mean to do that!”
Finally snapping out of it, Zianne herself ordered, “Lay down your swords!” “Don’t do as she says!” yelled another voice almost immediately after!
Following that, a woman donning the same purple garments as Zianne walked out from the crowd… Unlike Zianne, however, a veil covered her face, so Gerald couldn’t see what she looked like.
Either way, the woman then mocked, “So, not only did you bring back medicine, but also a man! Have you forgotten our master’s words?!”
“What slander! As if I would ever forget master’s teachings! You aren’t even giving me room to explain myself!” retorted Zianne.
The daring woman that had just shown herself was known by the name of Yoona Landis. Within the Purplefog Abbey, she was the second most senior sister, and she was also Zianne’s junior.
Even so, she had always been extremely jealous of Zianne, and had tried time and again to drive her out! After all, with Zianne out, she would finally be able to attain the position of chief disciple!
Since Zianne had made such a blunder today, perhaps it was finally Yoona’s chance to achieve her goal!
With that in mind, Yoona then snorted disdainfully before yelling with a smirk, “Hah! Is there even anything to explain? That man held your hand and we all saw it! To think that you’re still trying to argue after all that!”
Raising a slight brow, Gerald finally decided to step in and say, “I have no idea what your relationship is with your Eldest sister, but I assure you that I’m just her friend. Again, if I’m causing all of you more trouble than needed, I’ll just leave!”
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“Bullsh*t! Men can’t be trusted and all of them deserve to die! Also, did you honestly think that we’d just allow you to come and go as you pleased?” retorted Yoona as she glared at him while unsheathing her blade!
Leaping forward extremely quickly, Yoona then aimed her blade straight for Gerald’s chest!
Seeing that, Zianne immediately pushed Gerald to the side while yelling, “Careful!”
Naturally, Gerald could’ve easily dodged Yoona’s attack. After all, she was no match for him. Regardless, since he got pushed to the side, he could only watch as Zianne drew her own sword and clashed it with her junior’s!
Following that, a swordfight commenced between the two girls… However, since Zianne had earlier gotten hurt, she ended up falling to the ground when Yoona kicked her in the stomach!
Watching as Zianne covered her stomach in pain, Yoona took the chance to sneer, “Hah! Since when have you become this weak, Eldest sister? I guess having a man has truly made you lose yourself! No matter! I’ll teach you a lesson on behalf of master!”
Just as Yoona was about to launch another attack at Zianne, Gerald bolted toward Zianne, picking her sword up and sending an aurablade straight for Yoona!
Due to the immense force, Yoona was sent flying backward, causing the disciples who were right behind her to topple to the ground as well!
As Yoona fell to the group—spitting a mouthful of blood out in the process—, Zianne herself could only stare wide-eyed at Gerald. To think that he had such terrifying power…! No wonder Johnny and his friends couldn’t win against him!
Whatever the case was, Gerald then stabbed the blade into the ground before glaring at Yoona as he growled, “What ignorance! To think that you’d dare to fight your Eldest sister even after I’ve told you time and again that there’s nothing between us!” At that exact moment, a sword suddenly flew out of one of the houses!
Though it came dangerously close to piercing through Gerald, the youth himself simply turned his body, causing the blade to fly right past his eyes!
Once the sword stopped moving—after stabbing through a door that was in its way—, everyone turned to look at the direction the sword had been thrown from…
Watching as a white-haired woman—donning an equally white robe—walked out the house, everyone except for Gerald immediately knelt before calling out, “Master!”
As it turned out, she was Fayth Quenelle, the matriarch of the Purplefog Abbey…
Glaring at Gerald, Fayth yelled in a furious tone, “No man has ever dared to step foot into the Purplefog Abbey… Who are you? And how dare you come over to cause trouble!”
Hearing that, Zianne quickly replied, “I was the one who brought him over, master! I sincerely apologize!”
Turning to glare at Zianne next, Fayth then retorted, “Zianne, are you not my chief disciple? You, of all people, should know the rules of the sect! How could you commit such a grave sin!”
Bowing low, Zianne then replied, “I’m well aware of my mistake, master!”
Before any of them could say anything else, Gerald took the chance to yell, “Hold it! Just you know, if it wasn’t for me, your chief disciple would’ve died by now!”
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Momentarily stunned to hear that, Fayth quickly snapped out of it before saying, “…Elaborate.”
“As she was heading to Heavenstar Town to get medicinal herbs, she was assaulted by a few men from the Whitehaar Abbey! Had I not stepped in to save her, your sect would’ve surely received a major loss in the form of your chief disciple!” explained Gerald.
Eyes widened, Fayth then turned to look at Zianne before asking, “Does he speak the truth?”
“He does! The assailants were Johnny and four of his Whitehaar Abbey friends! If you need proof, just have a look at the wounds they inflicted on me! Regardless, it was I who invited Warrior Crawford over to show my appreciation for saving me! Even so, I know I’ve done wrong, so do punish me if you feel the need to!” replied Zianne.
Hearing that, Fayth immediately calmed down before walking over to Zianne and helping her
up…
Turning their backs to Gerald, Fayth then slid Zianne’s clothes off—up till her shoulders—before realizing that there really was a bruise there. Zianne had been telling the truth!
Now that she realized this, Fayth instantly growled, “I recognize this bruise pattern… It was caused by a Dark Cloud Palm attack, an attack that’s exclusively used by those Whitehaar b*stards!”
Breathing a sigh of relief now that she knew that her master believed her, Zianne took the chance to hand Fayth the medicinal herbs—that she had stored safely in the inner layer of her clothes—before saying, “Speaking of which… here are the herbs you told me to buy, master!”
Nodding in response, Fayth then replied, “Thank you… Regardless, since you’ve already suffered enough, there won’t be any additional punishments! Come with me… and you as well, kind warrior! We’ll have a talk inside!”
Fayth, for one, wasn’t an unreasonable person, and she made sure to cast apologetic gazes at both Zianne and Gerald.
After hearing what their master had to say, the other disciples immediately began leaving the scene, though a few stayed to help Yoona up.
Yoona herself had a bitter expression on her face. To think that Zianne would escape punishment…!
Whatever the case was, Zianne and Gerald were promptly led into their abbey’s great hall…
Once inside, Fayth retrieved a bottle of ointment and handed it to Zianne before saying in a caring tone, “Here, this will help treat your wounds. Apply it for a few days and your wounds will be gone in no time!”
“Thank you, master!” replied Zianne almost instantaneously.
With that done, Fayth then gestured for both of them to sit as she asked, “Alright then… Now that that’s settled… May I know your name, young warrior?” “I go by Gerald Crawford!” replied Gerald.
“A fine name… Regardless, I apologize for misunderstanding you earlier, Warrior Crawford! I hope you’ll forgive me for that. Also, thank you for saving my eldest disciple today!” said Fayth in an apologetic tone.
“Don’t worry about it, Madam. I was only doing what was right. There was just no way I could ignore the fact that five men were attacking a single woman!” replied Gerald rather modestly.
“Speaking of which, could you perhaps be a foreigner…? After all, from your speech patterns and the way you look, you don’t seem to be a local… In fact, it feels like you don’t even come from our world! I wonder if I’m right about that…” asked Fayth.
“Well… let’s just say that I come from a far-off land!” replied Gerald with a chuckle.
“I see… Whatever the case is, I have to admit that your skills are astounding… Could I know who your master is…?” said Fayth who seemed to be trying to investigate further into his background.
After all, how had such a young man attained such a high level of cultivation?
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“…About that… My master told me never to reveal his identity to anyone… Due to that, I apologize in advance, Madam!” replied Gerald as he came up with an excuse on the spot.
After all, there was no way he could tell her that he had come from another world, right?
Then again, even if he did tell her, she probably wouldn’t have believed him…
“I understand… Regardless, Zianne! Lead Warrior Crawford to one of our rooms so that he can take a rest…” instructed Fayth, no longer trying to pry any further.
Hearing that, Zianne quickly nodded before leading Gerald out of the great hall…
Shortly after, the duo arrived at a small house… This was where Gerald was going to stay the night.
This was the first time a man had ever been allowed to stay the night in the abbey, so the Purplefog disciples were understandably surprised by their master’s decision. Still, they knew better than to question her, so they simply went on with their day…
After a good night’s rest, Gerald got up early to bid farewell to Zianne and Fayth. After all, he still had an important task to do, and he didn’t want to waste any more time here.
Besides, he was the sole male in an abbey full of women, and knowing that made him feel increasingly awkward the longer he stayed there.
Whatever the case was, after leaving the abbey, Gerald soon came across a town known as Heavencloud Town…
It was around then that he realized that he had one major issue. He didn’t have any local currency! All he had on him was money that could only be used on earth and a dead phone that was as functional as a brick now… How annoying!
Still, he did recall Zianne paying—for his clothes—yesterday with some blue stones…
Those holy stones were probably this realm’s form of currency. But where could he get them? Without any, he couldn’t even buy himself breakfast!
Just as Gerald was wondering how to get around this issue, the corner of his eye noticed a thin man—who seemed to be muttering every profanity in the book—getting dragged into an alley by three other men.
This was his ticket to breakfast!
Quickly heading to the alley, Gerald saw that the thin man was already getting beaten up by the trio!
Immediately stepping into the alley, Gerald then shouted, “Halt!”
Hearing that, the men then turned around… But when they saw Gerald, they didn’t look afraid at all. In fact, they had scowls on their faces as they yelled, “Huh? Who the hell even are you? Get lost and mind your own business!”
“I’m saying it one final time. Stop all this!” retorted Gerald as he pointed at them.
“…You asking for trouble, kid? Fine then! Let’s beat him up!” yelled one of the men, prompting all three of them to charge toward Gerald!
Despite being outnumbered, it didn’t change the fact that these men were nothing before Gerald.
It barely took him a second to pummel all three of them to the ground!
To think that Gerald was this strong… If they had known earlier, they wouldn’t have provoked him in the first place!
Whatever the case was, once they were done groaning in pain, the leader of the group looked up to Gerald before begging, “P-please spare us, big brother…! We know we’ve done wrong so please let us go…!”
Scoffing in response, Gerald simply warned, “If I ever catch you three bullying others again, I’ll make sure to have your heads!”
“L-loud and clear!” whimpered all three of them as they quickly bolted away…
None of them dared to stay there for a second longer for fear that Gerald would suddenly change his mind…
Chapter 1983
With the trio now gone, Gerald then walked up to the thin man and helped him up.
“T-thank you for saving me, brother…! I, Yale Zachrey, am indebted to you!” said the man.
“Don’t worry about it. I just happened to see you getting bullied while passing by, and there was no way I was going to leave without helping! Regardless, if you feel indebted, why don’t you just treat me to breakfast and we’ll call it even?” replied Gerald with a smile as he patted Yale on the back.
Though he was momentarily surprised by that simple request, Yale quickly snapped out of it before nodding as he said, “Sure thing! Speaking of which, what should I call you, brother?”
“You can just call me Gerald!”
“Got it! I’ll be calling you brother Gerald then! Also… You don’t seem to be a local… Where do you hail from, brother Gerald…?” asked Yale who could already tell that Gerald was no ordinary person. After all, aside from his immense strength, Gerald looked rather different from the others in town as well.
Chuckling in response, Gerald simply replied, “Indeed! Let’s just say I’m a traveler from afar!”
“I see!” said Yale, not doubting Gerald’s statement in the least…
Following that, Yale led Gerald to a food stall—by the street—and ordered him some buns as well as a bowl of noodles…
After quickly finishing his breakfast, Gerald looked at Yale as he asked, “Say… Do you know any ways of earning holy stones quickly?”
“Hmm? You’re in need of them?” replied Yale in slight surprise, not expecting that question.
“Yeah… I ended up spending all of mine, which is why I asked you to treat me to breakfast! While I now have breakfast covered, I’ll still need more holy stones for my following meals!” muttered Gerald, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Though that was mostly a lie, he couldn’t just tell Yale that he was from earth! The secret needed to be maintained…
“I see… Well, there is one place, though I’m not sure if you’ll be willing to go!” mumbled Yale after hesitating for a bit.
“Oh? And what place is that?”
“Well… It’s a casino in town! You can definitely get holy stones quickly there, though it’ll be through gambling… Still, I’ll say it right now that you’ll need quite a bit of skill or you’ll simply end up losing even more holy stones!” explained Yale.
Hearing that, Gerald realized just how similar this place’s casinos were when compared to regular casinos back on earth. Well, aside from the different forms of currency. Still, the way the casinos were run were pretty much the same.
Regardless, he knew that gambling there was his best shot of obtaining lots of holy stones quickly.
With his mind made up, Gerald then said, “…Alright, do lead me there! Speaking of which, could you lend me some holy stones? I’ll pay them back to you once I make it big!”
After all, he couldn’t gamble without having any holy stones on hand, and he didn’t really know anyone else who would be willing to help him either.
Either way, upon hearing Gerald’s request, Yale hesitated for a moment before slipping his hand into his pocket and taking out a single holy stone…
“I… don’t have too many so I can only lend one to you!” muttered Yale.
“One is plenty!” replied Gerald with a firm nod as he took the holy stone.
Gerald was no stranger to gambling. To be quite honest, he was a rather competent gambler! With that in mind, he had no doubts that he would win big by the end of the day!
Chapter 1984
Either way, the two soon made it to the extremely crowded casino… As it turned out, gambling was something that many looked forward to, regardless of which world they lived in…
After using quite a bit of effort to squeeze through the crowd, the two eventually managed to inch their way to one of the gambling tables. With that, Gerald quickly began paying attention to how the games were played…
To his surprise, however, he realized that the games were exactly how one would gamble back on earth! Due to that, Gerald knew he could get started right away.
Placing the only holy stone he had on the table, Gerald then silently nodded at the casino owner, prompting the owner to begin shaking the dice in his hands…
To win the game, Gerald had to choose between the high slot and the low one… While he only had one chance, he would surely win big if he chose correctly.
Either way, after the owner stopped shaking the dice, he placed them on the table, prompting the rest of the gamblers at the table to start picking their slots.
While everyone else immediately bet on the high slot, Gerald made no attempt to rush his bet. After all, this was his only shot of winning.
In the end, Gerald ended up betting on the low slot. This was the risk he had chosen…
With that, the dice were revealed… and with the results now out, Gerald and Yale instantly cheered!
Gerald had won the bet!
“My god! You made a fortune with the single shot you got!” exclaimed the excited Yale.
Nodding happily in response, Gerald then quickly slid all the holy stones he had won into his pouch. All in all, the gamble earned him over a hundred of them, and Gerald was sure that that amount would be able to sustain him for quite a while…
“Alright, let’s go! I’ve won enough!” said Gerald, content with all the holy stones he had just earned. He, for one, knew that it was always best to stop gambling once fortune was earned…
Whatever the case was, he then grabbed Yale’s arm and began heading toward the casino’s exit.
However, leaving a casino was never easy if one had just won money. This proved to be true when a few tough-looking men stopped them from leaving.
Following that, a man—with a scar on his face—walked up to Gerald and Yale before saying in a sinister tone, “Gentlemen! You can’t just leave after winning so much!”
Gerald knew that this was just the casino’s way of making sure that they always profited from their customers. After all, he had witnessed similar tactics being used when he entered casinos back on earth.
Regardless, Gerald then glared back at the scarred man before replying, “It’s only fair that we get to leave whenever we want! Or are you trying to play dirty here?”
“Hah! It’s simply the rules of this casino! Look, you’ve got two simple options. Either you hand us the stones you just won, or you play till you have none!” sneered the scarred man before snorting disdainfully.
Being a timid man, Yale quickly whispered, “Let’s just leave the holy stones behind, brother
Gerald! These people can’t be messed with…!”
Of course, Gerald was never going to agree with that. After all, he had won these holy stones fair and square, and though Yale was frightened of these men, Gerald wasn’t.
With that in mind, Gerald then tied the pouch of holy stones around his waist before sneering, “If you want it, come and get it!”
Chapter 1985
Hearing that, the scarred man then signaled his subordinates to grab hold of the duo.
However, before they were even able to get close to him, Gerald took the initiative to attack! Within seconds, all of them were lying on the ground, unable to even get up!
Upon seeing that, the scarred man found himself stunned. To think that Gerald was this powerful!
Following that, Gerald glared at the scarred man, prompting him to immediately gulp before moving to the side. He wasn’t about to stop them from leaving after witnessing all that!
With that, the two successfully left the casino…
Eventually stopping by a riverside, Gerald then grabbed a handful of holy stones before handing them to Yale.
“As promised, I’m returning the holy stone I’ve lent! Consider the other stones as a form of appreciation for putting up with me till now!” said Gerald.
Staring wide-eyed at all the holy stones Gerald was giving him, Yale quickly knelt before excitedly yelling, “B-brother Gerald! Please allow me to be your follower! I’ll be subservient to you if my name isn’t Yale Zachrey!”
Naturally, this surprised Gerald. He, for one, hadn’t expected to take in any subordinates here, especially not Yale. After all, he still needed to return to earth one day.
With that in mind, Gerald took a moment to think about it before calmly replying, “While I’m flattered to hear that, I’ll be leaving this place soon. With that in mind, just take the holy stones and live your life well!”
Chapter 1986
“I insist, brother Gerald! After all, I don’t have a family to return to and I’m always alone… I’ve been living aimlessly for the longest time, yet you’ve managed to reignite my hope in life! With that said, please bring me along…!” begged Yale.
With how pitiful Yale looked, Gerald couldn’t help but feel sorry for him…
After thinking for a little while more, Gerald then sighed before saying, “…Fine! You can come along on one condition! You’ll have to be more courageous! After all, I have no use for a coward! Do I make myself clear?”
“…L-loud and clear!” exclaimed Yale, absolutely delighted that Gerald changed his mind.
For Yale, changing himself was nothing if it allowed him to become Gerald’s follower…
“Then it’s settled! With that out of the way, let’s find a place to stay first and have a meal while we’re at it!” said Gerald, prompting the duo to return to town…
Since they now had so many holy stones, looking for someplace to stay in was naturally what needed to be done next. Thankfully, inns were aplenty back in town.
After checking into a room, both of them then ordered some good food and wine before chatting while enjoying their meal…
To be quite honest, Yale had never been treated so nicely before. Since he was able to enjoy all this now, he felt that he truly had made the right choice in following Gerald.
What more, Gerald was extremely powerful, so with Gerald by his side, he would surely be able to stay safe…
Still, as the saying went, good things never lasted long.
Unfortunately for the duo, the saying turned out to be right this time. After all, the scarred man from before was now actively hunting them down with his gang!
Since Gerald had earlier beaten up his men, there was no way he was going to let Gerald and Yale off that easily. He needed revenge…!
Chapter 1987
It didn’t take long for the scarred man to locate the inn that Gerald and Yale were staying in.
Thankfully, upon hearing quite a racket outside their inn, Yale popped his head out of their room’s window… and immediately recognized the scarred man!
His face now fully pale in fear, Yale quickly turned to look at Gerald—who was lying on the bed—before whispering, “B-brother Gerald…! It’s the gang from the casino…! They’re here looking for us…! What should we do…?!”
Hearing that, Gerald headed to the window to have a look… and he was just in time to see the scarred man rushing into the inn with his men!
Frowning slightly, Gerald then turned to look at Yale while ordering, “Come quick!”
Just as Yale was wondering what Gerald meant, his eyes went wide when Gerald began climbing out the window!
Though Gerald then easily leaped onto the roof—from the windowsill—, Yale was far weaker than him. With that in mind, though Yale eventually managed to get to the windowsill, he simply couldn’t get up the roof! In the end, Gerald could simply sigh as he yanked the man up… and just in time, too.
After all, the second Yale got beside Gerald, the duo heard their door being kicked open! Of course, the deed was done by the scarred man.
Regardless, after the scarred man and his subordinates entered, they immediately began searching the room… To their surprise and annoyance, the two were nowhere to be found!
Frowning, the scarred man then glared at the innkeeper before growling, “Where the hell are they?”
“H-huh…?! B-but they never left their room! After all, I was downstairs the entire time and I never saw them leave!” exclaimed the astonished innkeeper.
Raising a slight brow, the scarred man noticed—at that moment—that the room’s window had been left open. Squinting his eyes, he then headed to the window and looked out…
Meanwhile, Gerald and Yale—who were still hiding on the roof—made sure not to make a single sound… In fact, neither of them even dared to breathe for fear that it would expose their location.
Thankfully, it didn’t take long before the duo heard the scarred man shout, “D*mn it all! They must have escaped through the window! Give chase! We’re getting them if it’s the last thing we do!”
Following that, the group of angry men then bolted out of the inn…
Seeing that, Gerald then lifted Yale up and brought both of them back into their room…
By that point, the innkeeper was already cleaning the room up… When he saw Gerald and Yale jump in from the window, however, his eyes instantly widened.
Though the innkeeper’s first instinct was to yell in surprise, Gerald swiftly covered the innkeeper’s mouth before growling, “Hush. Just pretend we aren’t here…! Listen, no matter who comes over asking about us, tell them that you don’t know anything. If word about us gets out, I’ll make sure to end you before they take me away. Got it?!”
Hearing that threat, the innkeeper immediately nodded. After all, he was simply a businessman trying to make a living. He would very much prefer following Gerald’s orders rather than losing his life!
Before the innkeeper left, Gerald made sure to say, “Again, if you say even a word about us, you and your inn are vanishing off the surface of the planet! Understand?”
Gulping in response, the innkeeper then replied, “Y-yes! I got it the first time…!”
With that said, the innkeeper then left the room, making sure to properly close the door behind him… For his sake, he knew it was best to just pretend that nothing had happened…
Either way, now that the innkeeper was no longer here, the worried Yale couldn’t help but ask, “A-are we going to have to hide here forever, brother Gerald…? Also, are you sure those men won’t come back…?”
While Gerald couldn’t say for sure, their best bet of losing their trail was to stay here for now. After all, as the saying went, the most dangerous places were usually also the safest….
Chapter 1988
After thinking for a while, Gerald eventually said, “…Don’t worry, we’ll leave first thing in the morning!”
Hearing that, Yale instantly agreed. To him, the sooner they left the town, the better…
Fast forward to nighttime, Gerald and Yale didn’t dare to sleep. After all, there was always the chance of getting attacked in their sleep. Still, Gerald couldn’t help but feel that this truly was an ancient place.
After all, once night fell, not a soul could be seen on the streets. The people of the
Autremonde Realm didn’t really have a nightlife, and he had to admit that the quietness felt rather unusual…
Regardless, the duo instantly set off once dawn broke. The earlier they left, the less likely they were to accidentally bump into the scarred man…
Thankfully, all it took was about an hour for Gerald and Yale to successfully leave the town…
Now that they had made it out safely, Yale was prompted to ask, “So… Where to now, brother Gerald…?”
Yale was naturally curious to know since he was going to be following Gerald around.
Upon hearing that, Gerald couldn’t give an immediate response. After all, was new to the Autremonde Realm, and he didn’t really know this place well.
With that in mind, Gerald simply replied with his own question, “…Tell me, where can we get to from here? Also, among the options we have, which would you pick?”
“Um… Well, we can get to Shontell if we head east… If we head west, however, we’ll arrive in Yahath. As for which I’d personally choose, I’ll have to say Shontell!” replied Yale.
Hearing that, Gerald then nodded before declaring, “Hmm… Well, it’s decided then! We’re heading to Shontell! Lead the way, Yale!”
With that, the duo began their journey to Shontell…
As they journeyed on, Yale made sure to detail everything he knew—about Shontell—to
Gerald. After all, it was always good to know what to expect in new places. Regardless, Shontell was apparently a large country in the Autremonde Realm, and it was also the home of Gardale City, a large and prosperous area…
Fast forward to a few hours later, the duo—who had taken a few short rests in between—finally arrived at a small jungle located near Gardale City…
By this point, it was already a little after noon, and since the duo hadn’t had their breakfast, they were practically famished by this point. Thankfully, they came across an inn while traversing the jungle. From the looks of it, the inn had been built there specifically for weary travelers who were in dire need of rest…
Whatever the case was, the duo immediately entered and ordered some food.
While they were eagerly waiting for their meals to arrive, both of them couldn’t help but notice a horse cart—that was heavily guarded by a group of men—that had just stopped before the inn…
Even from inside, the two could see that the cart was loaded with chests of all sizes, each of them labeled with seals…
Guessing that the chests contained valuable items, Gerald then turned back to look at Yale before asking, “Any idea what they’re up to, Yale?”
“Oh! They’re just a delivery team, brother Gerald! Since the seals on the chests are labeled, ‘Shontell Treasury,’ it’s only fair to assume that they’re from the Shontell Delivery House, and that the chests contain holy stones!” explained Yale as Gerald nodded in response.
As it turned out, the people of the Autremonde Realm were still using delivery services, just like how people—back on earth—used to do in the olden days…
Either way, Gerald and Yale were just about to resume talking about something else when all of a sudden, a dozen men—dressed fully in black—leaped out from the bushes!
Seeing that, Yale’s eyes instantly widened as he hid under the table before yelling, “R-robbers!”
Chapter 1989
Gerald himself didn’t move an inch, and simply sipped on his tea. By this point, scenes like this were completely normal to him…
Whatever the case was, there appeared to be over a dozen men in black, and all of them looked fully prepared to attack the bodyguards.
From what Gerald could tell, the men in black looked quite strong and skilled. With that in mind, he doubted that the bodyguards would be able to take them on… and after a while, it was made apparent that Gerald’s guess was right.
With most of the bodyguards either heavily injured or already dead, one of the middle-aged ones turned to glare at the men in black before growling, “Who are you people?! I’ll have you know that I’m Tanner Junas! The head of the Juans’ Bodyguard Institute in Shontell! Daring to even attack the bodyguards of Shontell… Do all of you have a death wish or something?!”
“Cut the cr*p and just hand us the holy stones if you want to live!” scoffed what appeared to be the leader of the men in black.
Upon hearing that, Tanner couldn’t help but frown. To think that these men would attack them when they were still pretty close to Shontell! No wonder his men had made it through the rest of the journey without issue! The enemy had been hiding in plain sight!
“F*ck off! If you haven’t already noticed, we’re only a few miles away from Shontell now! I’m sure the Armored guards of Shontell will be arriving any second now, so if you don’t beat it, you’re all going to be dead by the end of the day!” roared Tanner with an unwavering glare.
“Hah! We’ll see who dies first!” sneered the leader of the men in black.
Hearing that, the other men in black took that as their cue to begin attacking again! With that, the battle resumed…
Unfortunately, Tanner and his men were already in pretty bad shape. With that in mind, it wasn’t long before Tanner ended up having his arm almost getting sliced clean in half!
Seeing his chance to strike the weakened man, the leader of the men in black was just about to deal the finishing blow… when all of a sudden, a figure bolted forward and stood right before him!
Before the leader could even register what was happening, the figure—who was obviously Gerald—launched a force palm attack right into his chest, causing the sinister man to instantly vomit a mouthful of blood as he was sent flying a good distance away!
Watching as their leader then crashed to the ground, dead, the other men in black were prompted to charge toward Gerald next!
Even so, as usual, none of them were anywhere near as strong and capable as Gerald. With that in mind, it only took him a few seconds to finish off the rest of them…
By that point, Tanner and Yale were already staring wide-eyed at all the dead men in black lying all over the ground…
Tanner, for one, hadn’t expected someone like Gerald to take on all those powerful men on his own…!
Quickly snapping out of his astonishment, Tanner then walked up to Gerald before respectfully saying, “T-thank you for your help, young man…!”
Hearing that, Gerald simply gave a casual smile as he replied, “Don’t worry about it. I’m just doing what’s right!”
“Such humility… Please tell me your name, young man!”
“You can just call me Gerald!”
“I see! I go by-”
Before Tanner could finish his sentence, Gerald cut him off with a chuckle before saying, “I heard you declaring it earlier. Tanner Junas, the head of the Juans’ Bodyguard Institute in Shontell, right? It’s an honor to meet you!”
Momentarily stunned to hear that, Tanner then quickly snapped out of it before placing his fists together and praising, “It’s an honor to meet you too, Gerald! Still, to think that a young man like you would be so agile and powerful! It’s simply astonishing!”
Chapter 1990
Simply chuckling in response, Gerald then said, “No need to be so modest, captain Juans!
Either way, you should really tend to your wounds first!”
Upon hearing that, Tanner realized that he was still pretty badly injured. With that, he then sat down and began treating his wounds…
Shortly after, a troop of horseback soldiers arrived at the inn. From the looks of it, these were the Armored guards of Shontell that Tanner had previously mentioned about…
Seeing them, Tanner immediately got to his feet and greeted one of the armored men, “General Lucarl!”
General Kay Lucarl was the commander of the Shontell’s Armored guards, and upon seeing how wounded Tanner was, he couldn’t help but say in astonishment, “Captain Juans! That’s a pretty nasty-looking wound there!”
“It’s only a scratch!” replied Tanner with a chuckle.
Instead of laughing along, Kay simply got off his horse and began looking at all the dead bodies on the ground… While he was definitely sure that a fierce battle had been fought here, he couldn’t help but notice that all the enemies were dead.
With that, Kay was prompted to ask, “Did… any of the bandits get away, Captain Junas? And are the holy stones safe?”
“Negative. All the bandits are dead! Also, none of the holy stones got stolen!” replied Tanner.
“What? You managed to kill all of them?” exclaimed the astounded Kay.
“Well, it wouldn’t be fair to claim all the credit. Truth be told, this young man here is the one who took most of them out! If it wasn’t for him, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have lived to tell the tale!” explained Tanner as he gestured toward Gerald.
Raising a slight brow as he looked at Gerald, Kay then replied, “You’re… saying that this lad here killed most of these men?”
“Indeed! I witnessed all of it with my very own eyes!” exclaimed Tanner as he nodded.
Naturally, this surprised Kay. After all, how powerful did one need to be in order to single handedly take out so many men? Kay, for one, knew that not many in Shontell were this capable…
After a brief pause, Kay shook his head before ordering, “…Men! Go through their bodies and see if we can identify them!”
Doing as they were instructed, it was only a short while later when one of the soldiers returned to Kay’s side before reporting, “General! Those men in black seem to be from Mount Tygress!”
“Mount Tygress? So, it’s them again…!” growled Kay.
Mount Tygress was the name of a group of bandits that had been terrorizing Shontell for ages. They specialized in robbing escort cars and due to the fact that all of their members were extremely capable, not only had they successfully robbed several escort cars before, but Shontell’s army was unable to permanently shut them down. It definitely didn’t help that the path to the bandits’ lair was so winded and windy…
Thinking about it for a while, Kay then walked up to Gerald—who was currently enjoying his tea—before saying, “…I heard from Captain Juans that you took all these people out… If I may, who exactly are you, and where did you come from?”
Hearing that, Gerald then calmly replied, “I’m merely a vagabond who just so happened to be here when all this was happening. As for why I helped, isn’t it common courtesy to help those in need?”
Gerald’s response simply made Kay more and more curious. In all honesty, he still hadn’t gotten over the fact that Gerald had taken out all those strong men—from Mount
Tygress—on his own…
Chapter 1991
Still, just from the way Gerald looked and talked, Kay knew better than to doubt him.
Whatever the case was, seeing that Kay was about to escort them back to Shontell—to ensure that the holy stones wouldn’t get stolen by other bandits—Tanner took the chance to walk up to Gerald and say, “Speaking of which, are you headed for Shontell, Mr. Crawford?” “Indeed, we are!” replied Gerald with a nod.
“I see! Then… Why don’t you come with us? After all, I still need to properly thank you for saving us!” suggested Tanner in a sincere tone.
Chuckling in response, Gerald then said, “You’re being way too cordial, Captain Juans! Regardless, I’d rather not get in the way of your work! Don’t worry about us, we’ll head there later on our own!”
“Well… Alright then, but if you need anything or require any assistance in Shontell, you know who to look for!” replied Tanner in a slightly disheartened tone. Still, he wasn’t going to force Gerald to go along with his plan.
With that, Kay, Tanner, and the rest of their men left the scene…
Gerald and Yale themselves only decided to set off once they were done with their meal.
While making their way to Shontell, Yale couldn’t help but ask, “…Um… Why didn’t you accept Captain Juans’s invitation earlier?”
Yale, for one, felt that Gerald should’ve definitely accepted it. After all, he deserved the reward, and anyone else would’ve surely been overjoyed—to receive the invitation—and gone along with Tanner’s plan.
Simply laughing in response, Gerald then said, “Didn’t you see the look on General Lucarl’s face just now? He clearly has trouble believing that I was the one who took all of those scoundrels out! With that in mind, it’s best if we just go our separate ways to avoid any misunderstandings.”
Though Yale now understood Gerald’s point of view, he still couldn’t help but feel that it was a pity that he had declined. After all, Gerald had let go of what could have potentially been a major favor from an influential person!
Now, if Tanner had asked him instead, Yale would’ve surely allowed Tanner to properly thank him! Dreaming about the scenario, Yale felt that Tanner’s appreciation could’ve very well been at least a thousand holy stones!
While Yale was only thinking about riches and fame, the thoughts had barely even crossed
Gerald’s mind. He simply wasn’t that kind of person…
Either way, after walking for a few miles, the two of them finally made it past the city gates of Shontell…
As it turned out, Shontell was just as large as Yale had previously described. The people here definitely lived prosperously as well, judging from how well-dressed everyone on the street was…
Regardless, as they walked on, Yale suddenly began tugging Gerald’s arm toward a notice board of sorts while saying, “Brother Gerald! Look there!”
Raising a slight brow, Gerald then looked at the board to see what all the fuss was about… and soon enough, he saw what Yale was so excited about.
Of the many announcements on the notice board, one of them wrote, ‘Come join the
Shontell Martial Arts Competition! The grand prize is a hundred thousand holy stones!’
Naturally, Gerald knew for a fact that Yale was just after the holy stones. With that in mind, he turned to look at the skinny man before asking, “A martial arts competition, huh? What, are you interested in joining, Yale?”
“As if! Jokes aside, you should definitely join, brother Gerald! After all, there’s a hundred thousand holy stones up for grabs!” replied Yale excitedly.
Still, as if someone like him would ever participate in such a competition! Being so proficient in martial arts, did Gerald even need to ask? Whatever the case was, if Gerald participated, he would definitely get the grand prize!
To Yale’s dismay, however, Gerald simply said, “Sorry, not interested!”
“But… But why? With a hundred thousand holy stones on hand, we won’t have to worry about not having enough ever again!”
Chapter 1992
Looking at how disheartened Yale was, Gerald could only sigh as he thought about it for a moment before replying, “…Fine, I’ll participate!”
Naturally, the second he heard that, Yale instantly broke into a smile.
Regardless, the duo then began heading toward the arena where the martial arts competition was being held…
Upon arriving, they were slightly surprised to see how crowded it was. At the time, a woman and man were competing against each other, and each move they dealt gained loud cheers from the audience.
Shortly after, the woman landed a kick right in the man’s chest, sending him flying out of the arena!
Following more loud cheers, what appeared to be the judge then stood up before declaring, “And Miss Yalinda Juans scores another victory! Is there anyone else who wishes to challenge her? Remember, if you win, a hundred thousand holy stones will be yours!”
Despite the promise of so many holy stones, the crowd instantly went silent. After all, they had all seen how powerful Yalinda was, so none of them even dared to dream about challenging her!
Seeing that nobody was stepping up, the judge then cleared his throat before saying, “Nobody at all? Well, I guess it’s high time we announce the winner then! Now, without further ado, the champion of the martial arts competition is-”
“Hold it!” yelled out a voice from the crowd at the very last minute.
Surprised to hear that, everyone then turned to face the source of the voice… and standing there, was none other than Gerald.
Making his way through the crowd before leaping into the arena, Gerald then looked at the judge before saying, “I’ll up for a challenge!”
Hearing that, the crowd instantly went into an uproar! As many of the audience members began discussing who this person was, the judge himself was momentarily stunned speechless, clearly not expecting anyone else to challenge her.
Whatever the case was, Yalinda herself simply scanned Gerald from head to toe before disdainfully scoffing, “Look, just give up and save yourself the embarrassment! I assure you that you’re nowhere near capable of beating me!”
Raising a slight brow, Gerald simply replied, “Well someone sounds sure of herself…”
Before Yalinda could say anything else, the judge—who had finally snapped out of it—walked over to Gerald before asking, “Um… Are you ready, mister?”
Once Gerald nodded, the judge nodded as well before declaring, “Well… Without further ado, let the next battle begin!”
The second the declaration was made, Yalinda wasted no time and launched herself toward Gerald, aiming a punch straight for his chest!
While Yalinda was undoubtedly fast, she was nowhere near as fast as Gerald.
With that in mind, Gerald easily dodged her attack… though instead of moving away, he instead grabbed her by the wrist before using her attack’s momentum to toss her into the air!
Of course, Gerald made sure to catch her before she fell to the ground. After all, he of all people knew how painful landing from such a height could get…
Regardless, as Gerald allowed Yalinda to get to her feet again, he soon realized that the entire arena had gone silent.
Then again, it wasn’t all that surprising. After all, who wouldn’t be stupefied to see the great Yalinda getting taken out with only a single move? It was simply unheard of!
Yalinda herself had her eyes wide open. To think that Gerald was this powerful… There was no way she was going to be able to defeat him!
Shaking his head, Gerald then turned to look back at her before saying, “Well… it’s my win!”
Upon hearing that, Yalinda instantly frowned. She wasn’t about to let him attain victory so easily! With that, she then yelled, “…That…! That didn’t count! We start another round!”
Squinting his eyes slightly, Gerald then growled, “I beg your pardon? Didn’t count? How exactly did that fail to count?”
Chapter 1993
Gerald, for one, really hated sore losers, and Yalinda had very clearly lost the match.
That fact was only made even more apparent by how the audience didn’t step in to defend her. After all, anyone with the most basic common sense would be able to see the massive difference between their power.
Whatever the case was, after hearing Gerald declare that in the presence of so many people, she finally realized that she had messed up.
With that in mind, she stomped her foot before fuming as she growled, “You…! Fine! You win! Big deal! Just you wait and see…!”
Following that, everyone then watched as the girl turned to quickly leave…
Instead of cheering for Gerald, however, for some reason, the crowd now seemed to be more worried for him if anything. After all, all of them knew that in Shontell, Yalinda wasn’t someone to be trifled with…
The judge himself quickly walked up to Gerald and handed him the holy stones before shaking his head. Following a sigh, the man then said, “It’s best that you take the holy stones and leave Shontell while you can, mister! Miss Juans really isn’t someone you want to pick a fight with…”
Before Gerald could even reply, the judge had already hurried off. The audience members themselves left shortly after, none of them daring to stay in his presence.
In no time flat, Yale was the only one left standing before Gerald in the arena…
Naturally, this left Gerald extremely bewildered. After all, he had won such a big competition fair and square! Why was he being given such cold shoulders?
Despite what Gerald was feeling, Yale himself seemed completely oblivious to everything that had just taken place, and he simply cheered, “You did it, brother Gerald! You were so awesome earlier!”
Hearing that, Gerald simply sighed in resignation as he walked over to Yale and handed him all the holy stones.
After staring at the skinny man for a while, Gerald then grumbled, “Seriously, what’s so good about having so many holy stones? If you see any more of these competitions, you’re on your own!”
Gerald was rightfully grumpy. After all, winning a competition was supposed to be a joyous event! Despite that, everyone had simply ignored him… How couldn’t he feel gloomy?
Still, Gerald had to admit that having all those holy stones would surely make their coming days much more comfortable…
Regardless, moving back to fuming mad Yalinda, she had just gotten home when she bumped into her father.
Had Gerald been there with her, he would’ve surely recognized him. After all, Yalinda’s father was none other than Captain Juans!
Seeing that his daughter was back, Tanner took the chance to ask, “Hmm? Ah, Yalinda, you’re back! How was the competition? Did you win?”
Watching as she simply snorted in response before walking off, Tanner could already tell that his daughter must have lost. Still, he wanted to make sure of that, so he followed her to her bedroom before adding, “…I’m assuming you lost?”
“…I did… I could’ve won, you know…? But some random b*stard just showed up at the very last minute and took me down with a single move! I… I’ve never lost in such a humiliating way…! Did you have any idea how embarrassing it was…?” muttered Yalinda as her eyes began to tear.
“…Oh? Such a powerful person participated?” replied Tanner in surprise.
He, of all people, knew how powerful his daughter was, even among those in Shontell. With that in mind, to think that someone could defeat his daughter in only a single move! That person was definitely exceedingly powerful…
Regardless, the fact remained that his daughter had lost, and he wasn’t about to be a sore loser about it…
Chapter 1994
“…Either way, there’s no helping it. That person won fair and square, and we just have to accept that!” replied Tanner as he consoled his daughter, knowing full well that in the world of martial arts competitions, nobody could remain at the top forever…
Though Yalinda looked like she wanted to refute, she finally realized that there was a terrible scar on Tanner’s arm! With that in mind, she quickly asked, “Huh? When did you get injured, dad? What happened?”
Hearing that, Tanner simply chuckled indifferently as he waved his good hand and said, “It’s just a scratch! Regardless, I got the wound from some of Mount Tygress’s bandits on my way back!”
“Those bandits? They’re really getting more and more chaotic by the day! Either way, do consider increasing the number of men with you while you’re out delivering things! If you don’t, I swear I’m going to start coming with you as extra protection!” mumbled Yalinda after a short pause.
Simply patting his daughter’s head in response, Tanner then dotingly said, “It’s alright.
Besides, I’d rather my daughter remained safe!”
At that moment, a guard’s voice could be heard anxiously calling out from outside, “C-captain Juans!”
Raising a slight brow, Tanner then walked out before asking, “Yes? What’s all the commotion about?”
“T-there are two men out there who wish to meet you! Though they claimed that they saved your life earlier, I wanted to make sure with you first before letting them in!” replied the guard.
“…Oh? Where are they now? Lead me to them!” ordered the surprised Tanner.
Nodding in response, the guard then began jogging over to the door, with Tanner following closely behind. Curious, Yalinda tailed along as well. After all, what kind of person was capable enough to save her father?
Either way, once they arrived at the door, Tanner’s eyes immediately widened. As it turned out, Gerald and Yale truly were standing—with their backs facing him—at his front door!
“Mr. Crawford! What a pleasure!” declared the excited Tanner.
Tanner, for one, had earlier assumed that Gerald would never come over, causing him to be rather bummed out by that. It certainly explained why he was so glad to see Gerald at his doorstep.
Hearing his voice, the duo then turned around… and the second their faces were in view, Yalinda was so shocked that she couldn’t help but point at Gerald while exclaiming, “I-it’s you!”
Gerald himself was quick to point back as he incredulously yelled, “So it’s you again!”
Seeing this exchange, the confused Tanner was prompted to ask, “You… know Mr. Crawford, Yalinda…?”
“Yeah! He… He’s the one who defeated me earlier!” yelled Yalinda, her voice getting increasingly angry.
Upon hearing that, Tanner immediately laughed out loud.
As it turned out, the one who had taken her out was Gerald! It all made sense now! After all, Gerald had ungodly strength!
Whatever the case was, Tanner quickly cleared his throat before saying in a serious tone, “…Now, now, Yalinda, let’s not be rude! Remember, Mr. Crawford is still the one who saved my life! Had it not been for him, I would’ve perished by now!”
When she heard that, Yalinda simply snorted angrily before leaving the scene, not wanting to see Gerald any longer than she needed to.
Worried that Gerald would get displeased by his daughter’s behavior, Tanner then turned to look at the youth before saying, “Please don’t take her words and actions to heart, Mr. Crawford… My daughter’s just like that!”
“Don’t worry about it, Captain Juans… She’s only behaving that way since I defeated her, so I hope you’ll forgive me for that!” replied Gerald with a subtle smile, feeling slightly
embarrassed…
Chapter 1995
“Ah, don’t worry about that, Mr. Crawford! It’s normal to lose in a competition!” replied Tanner with a smile before inviting Gerald and Yale into his home…
Since the Martial Arts family was merged with the Juans Delivery House, it only made sense for Tanner and his daughter to live in the delivery house
Regardless, Tanner and Yalinda were both quite famous in Shontell. After all, the Juans Delivery House provided reliable service, and many of Shontell’s residents tended to look for them whenever they needed holy stones or other goods delivered.
Due to their good name, it really was no wonder why those who used their service treated Tanner and Yalinda so politely. In fact, the Juans Delivery House even had several parties backing them up in Shontell.
Whatever the case was, once they sat down together in the lobby, Tanner found himself asking, “So… What are your plans now, Mr. Crawford?”
“First off, Gerald’s fine… Calling me Mr. Crawford is a bit awkward…” replied Gerald with a subtle smile.
“Well, Gerald it is! Regardless, I’m assuming you don’t really have a place to stay yet since you did say you were vagabonds before this. With that in mind, why don’t you stay with us first? Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to treat you well!” suggested Tanner after thinking about it for a bit.
“…Well, if you insist! Thanks for having us!” replied Gerald, feeling that staying here wasn’t a bad idea. Besides, it wasn’t as if they had found someplace else to stay in yet…
Fast forward to nighttime, Gerald, Yale, Tanner, and his daughter found themselves having their dinner together in the lobby…
Since Gerald and Yale hadn’t eaten anything for most of the day, the second the food arrived, they immediately began munching down like there was no tomorrow.
Yalinda herself could only glare at Gerald in her annoyance. After all, she still couldn’t get over the fact that Gerald was actually the person who had saved her father’s life! While she was thankful about that, the fact that he had defeated her so humiliatingly made it much harder for her to just treat him nicely.
Despite his daughter’s annoyance, Tanner was in a jovial mood, and he couldn’t help but laugh as he said, “Slow down, the food’s not going anywhere! If you need more, just say the word!”
Upon hearing that, Yalinda took the chance to scowl, “He’s right! What are you two, pigs?” Hearing her statement, Yale immediately stopped eating, now feeling rather awkward.
Tanner, on the other hand, raised a slight brow as he grunted, “Yalinda! Where are your manners?”
Seeing that Yalinda then promptly fell silent, Gerald cleared his throat before saying, “…Miss Juans, I hope you don’t take this morning’s events to heart. After all, had I known that you were Captain Juans’s daughter, I wouldn’t have challenged you in the first place! With that in mind, please forgive my insolence and let’s move on from it!”
Watching as Gerald then held up his wine glass, Yalinda—who had noticed how intense her father’s glare was—knew she had no choice but to have a toast with Gerald…
Once their glasses met with a ‘clink,’ Yalinda finished her wine in a single gulp before placing it down and declaring, “Let’s have another match right after this meal!”
This, of course, caught Gerald by surprise. To think that this girl would still want to compete with him!
Sighing as he shook his head, Gerald then replied, “Look, don’t you think having another competition is rather unnecessary-”
“No, it’s not. Unless… Could it be that you’re afraid that I’ll win this time?”
Chapter 1996
With his sentence cut short by Yalinda’s prideful and taunting tone, there was no way Gerald was going to say no now. If she wanted a fight, she was getting one, and he was going to make sure she never challenged him again!
“Fine, I accept! However, I have one condition!” replied Gerald.
“State it!”
“If I win again, you’ll have to start addressing me as brother Gerald. Needless to say, I hope you’ll start treating me less coldly by that point! Seriously… Do you have to keep glaring at me like I owe you all the money in the world?” declared Gerald.
Understanding how much of a sore loser Yalinda was, Gerald knew that he had to set clear rules or Yalinda would simply challenge him again in the future.
Whatever the case was, Yalinda immediately replied, “Deal!”
“Glad to hear it! Also, I’m sure you heard all that clearly, right, Captain Juan?” said Gerald as he turned to look at Tanner. With her father bearing witness to all this, Gerald was pretty sure Yalinda wouldn’t have the guts to be a sore loser once she lost.
Tanner seemed to catch Gerald’s drift as well, and he simply nodded…
Once dinner was over—and after a short rest—the group of four then headed to the garden together…
Momentarily staring at Gerald as he stood opposite of her, Yalinda took in a deep breath before growling, “Ready?”
“As ready as you are!” replied Gerald in a casual tone.
Hearing that, Yalinda immediately bolted toward him, using all of her strength to attack straight off the bat!
Even though Yalinda was clearly using all that she had, to Gerald, she was still lightyears away from his level. In terms of strength, she couldn’t even come close to comparing!
With that in mind, Gerald calmly took a step back as Yalinda’s kick flew right past him… and with a swift grab, Gerald held Yalinda’s leg in hand! As Gerald then yanked it downward, Yalinda quickly made a split, hoping to avoid getting hurt.
Unfortunately for her, Gerald’s immediate reaction to that was to pin her legs to the ground! Since she was now incapacitated, Gerald smiled faintly before saying, “Well, looks like it’s my win!”
Upon hearing that, Yalinda’s eyes instantly widened as she went red in embarrassment. To think that she had lost so easily again!
“I-”
“There’s nothing else to say, Yalinda! You lost, so it’s only fair that you accept it!” declared Tanner—who had been watching everything from the side—, not even giving his daughter a chance to refute.
Tanner, for one, could tell that his daughter was never going to be a match for Gerald. Aside from that, he was also well aware that Gerald had gone easy on her.
Whatever the case was, after hearing Tanner’s words, Gerald then released Yalinda before adding with a subtle smile, “Your father’s right, Miss Juans! Best not be a sore loser again!”
“H-humph! Who’s being a sore loser? I admit that I lost!” scoffed Yalinda before running off, clearly having a temper.
‘…Is this girl serious…? Ahh… To hell with all this!’ Gerald thought to himself in resignation. What the hell happened to that deal where she wouldn’t remain angry at him if she lost? As if that wasn’t enough, she was even victimizing herself despite being the bully!
Chapter 1997
Shaking his head as he watched his daughter walk off, Tanner could only smile rather awkwardly as he turned to face Gerald before saying, “…Please don’t take her childishness to heart, Gerald!”
Naturally, Gerald wasn’t going to. After all, had he truly wanted to pick a fight with her earlier, he wouldn’t have gone easy in the first place. As the saying went, ‘true gentlemen didn’t fight with women,’ and Gerald fully agreed with that.
Regardless, he wasn’t even going to bother further arguing with Yalinda.
Either way, with that done, Tanner got Gerald and Yale a rather spacious room to stay the night in…
It was later that night when Yale sat on his bed before saying with a wink, “Say, what do you think of Miss Juans, brother Gerald?”
Turning to look at Yale with a slightly raised brow, Gerald then replied, “What? Do you have a crush on her or something? If you do, go ahead and woo her without involving me!”
“A-as if I’d even consider such a thing! Besides, she’d never fall for someone like me! Regardless, I’m asking this for you! After all, with your immense strength, you’ll definitely be able to win the heart of a woman like her!” exclaimed Yale.
Upon hearing that, Gerald simply rolled his eyes. After all, he knew for a fact that Yalinda was as stubborn as a mule when she put her mind to something. Feeling a headache coming the more he thought about her, Gerald simply sighed before saying, “Look, I’m not someone like her!”
Gerald wasn’t kidding about that either. Not wanting to continue the pointless conversation,
Gerald then laid in bed, looking at the ceiling for a while before eventually closing his eyes…
Dozing off shortly after, it was only the next morning when he awoke again due to the sounds of vigorous knocking…
Still slightly dazed, Yale—who had also awoken due to all the noise—was prompted to ask, “Who is it…?”
“It’s Yalinda! Open up!” called out Yalinda from behind the door.
Hearing that, Yale got out of bed and quickly ran to the door…
The second it was opened, Yalinda rushed toward Gerald, leaving Yale—who was still standing at the door—completely at a loss.
Naturally, Gerald was surprised as well. After all, it was still extremely early.
‘Could she be looking for trouble again…?’ Gerald thought to himself as he turned to look at her.
“…So… why exactly are you here this early in the morning, Miss Juans? Are you hoping to duel with me again…?” asked Gerald in a helpless tone.
Upon hearing that, Yalinda didn’t reply. Instead, she immediately knelt before Gerald! Cupping her hands together, Yalinda then respectfully said, “Please take me as your disciple…!”
Of course, Gerald was instantly stunned to hear that. Who could’ve guessed that she, of all people, would want him to be her master!
It took him a while, but once he snapped out of his confusion, Gerald—who had no idea what was going through her head—was prompted to ask, “…And why me specifically?”
“Because you’re much more powerful than me!” replied Yalinda causing Gerald to go speechless.
What kind of reasoning even was that? Then again, her words did make slight sense… After all, powerful people were always looked up to and even worshiped by others.
Still, that would signify that Yalinda was a simple and crude person, and Gerald knew for a fact that she wasn’t someone who liked fawning on others.
With that in mind, Gerald paused for a moment before eventually saying, “…Even so, I’m not looking to take in any disciples!”
“I’ll keep asking till you accept me then!” declared Yalinda, her determination unwavering.
Realizing that she was just going to continue annoying him, Gerald sighed before saying,
“…Just… give me some time to consider it at least!”
Chapter 1998
Seeing how hesitant Gerald was, Yalinda then proposed, “…Look, to prove how serious I am about this, please allow me to treat you two to breakfast! Just so you know, there’s a particular bakery in Shontell that serves the most scrumptious bread on the planet! I’ll treat you to a meal there, and after that, you’ll take me as your disciple! How’s that?”
Before Gerald could even reply, Yale—who hadn’t moved from the door—nodded excitedly before saying, “I agree with her! After all, we haven’t had breakfast yet, brother Gerald!”
Raising a slight brow, Gerald then paused for a moment before reluctantly saying, “…Fine! I can’t deny that I’m a little hungry too! We’ll talk more about this once we’re done with breakfast!”
Following that, the trio began heading to the bakery Yalinda was talking about… Upon arriving, Gerald and Yale could immediately tell that Yalinda hadn’t been exaggerating. After all, the entire place was crowded!
Regardless, upon noticing Yalinda’s presence, the owner of the bakery immediately led the three upstairs and arranged a table for them. The owner then walked off for a while before returning with a plate of freshly baked bread…
Seeing that, Gerald and Yale began enjoying their breakfast…
Realizing that Yalinda wasn’t eating, Gerald was prompted to ask, “Not having any?”
“I’ve already eaten! Either way, if there isn’t enough bread, I can always order for more!” replied Yalinda.
“This is the most delicious bread I’ve ever tasted! Please order two more plates, Miss Juans! I just can’t have enough of this!” exclaimed Yale, smiling like a kid the entire time. Nodding in response, Yalinda then yelled, “Boss! Two more plates of bread please!” “Coming right up!” replied a voice from downstairs almost instantaneously.
Soon enough, two more plates of pleasant-smelling bread were placed before Gerald and Yale…
Watching as Yale continued digging in, Yalinda couldn’t help but look at Gerald as she asked, “So… is he your disciple too, master…?”
Upon hearing that, Gerald was momentarily at a loss of how to reply. After all, he only saw Yale as a subordinate.
“Not at all! I’m just brother Gerald’s subordinate! I make a living with him!” replied Yale almost a bit too proudly…
Turning to face Yale next, Yalinda then asked, “Oh? Then I’m assuming you’re proficient in martial arts as well?”
“…Nope! I… don’t even have the basics down…” muttered Yale, now feeling slightly embarrassed.
“What? You don’t know martial arts? Then why are you even by master’s side? What were you thinking when you accepted him, master?” asked the now wide-eyed Yalinda. After all, if all that Yale had said was true, then Gerald had just accepted this random nobody into his party!
Ignoring Yalinda’s question, Gerald instead asked back, “…Either way, what’s the real reason you’re so persistent on getting me to be your master? Just so you know, I don’t have much to teach!”
“As I’ve said before, it’s simply because you’re much more powerful than me! That alone is enough to make me want you to be my master!” replied Yalinda determinedly.
Hearing that, Gerald simply nodded with a sigh before saying, “…Fine! I’ll be your master under two conditions!”
“Please state them, master! I promise to do all that you say…!” exclaimed Yalinda as she nodded excitedly, glad that Gerald was finally willing to take her under his wing…
Chapter 1999
To Yalinda, as long as Gerald was willing to be her master, any conditions he stated would be fair. After all, she had never met a more powerful person than he was in Shontell. With his help, she would definitely stand a better chance in achieving her true goal…
And that goal was to participate in the competition between cultivators! With his tutoring, she would most definitely stand a better chance of winning in the competition…
Whatever the case was, Gerald then declared, “First of all, you can’t tell others that I’m your master! Secondly, you can’t have another master other than me! Can you do those?” “Definitely!” replied Yalinda without a second thought.
“Very well, then! From today onward, you’ll be my disciple!” said Gerald with a satisfied nod.
Gerald, for one, understood that Yalinda wasn’t someone minor in Shontell. Aside from the fact that she had the Juans Delivery House on her side, Captain Juans was also her father. Now that he was her master—which would most definitely improve his relationship with her and her father—, his position in the Autremonde Realm would surely become more secure…
Fast forward to noon, Gerald could be seen resting alone in the garden when Yale—who appeared to be holding onto a piece of paper—suddenly came running toward him while yelling, “B-brother Gerald…!”
Raising a slight brow, Gerald was prompted to ask, “What’s wrong, Yale? Why so anxious?”
Handing the paper to Gerald, Yale then explained, “J-just look at this pamphlet I received! It’s about a competition between cultivators that’s going to be held here soon, and Miss Juans’s name is on it!”
Scrolling through the list of participants on the pamphlet, Gerald soon realized that Yale was right.
Putting two and two together, Gerald finally understood why Yalinda wanted him to be her master so much. As it turned out, she was probably thinking of learning a few new martial arts skills from him to secure the win in the competition!
It was at that moment when Yalinda came walking into the garden…
Upon seeing her, Gerald hid the pamphlet behind him and looked at her as he asked,
“Yalinda… Are you hiding anything from me?”
Though she was momentarily stunned to hear that, she quickly smiled as she replied, “Nothing at all, master!”
Seeing that she had no intention of fessing up, Gerald then presented the pamphlet to her before saying, “Then care to explain this? Since your name is already on this pamphlet, I’m assuming you became my disciple to learn a few moves before the competition?”
Surprised that Gerald had managed to get his hands on the pamphlet, Yalinda lowered her head before awkwardly replying, “That… Where… did you get that, master…?”
“I gave it to him! They were making an announcement about the competition a bit earlier, and I just so happened to be there! After receiving a pamphlet and seeing your name there, I rushed back to tell brother Gerald about it! Regardless, why didn’t you tell us you were participating in this? Brother Gerald and I would surely have come along to watch!” explained Yale.
Hearing that, Yalinda couldn’t help but glare furiously at Yale. After all, she was sure that she had done a pretty good job concealing that fact from Gerald. To think that Yale would find out instead and even show the pamphlet to her master…!
Chapter 2000
Knowing that Gerald would definitely be angry at her now for lying to him, Yalinda immediately bowed before declaring, “I apologize for hiding it from you, master!” “Yalinda, I get why you’re doing all this, but I’m slightly disappointed that you planned on participating in that competition without notifying me about it! After all, there’s no reason for you to hide it! I’d have helped all the same!” replied Gerald while shaking his head.
“I-I understand master! I truly apologize for not telling you about it! I swear on my life that I’ll share everything with you from this moment onward, master!” declared Yalinda with a nod.
“That’s what I like to hear! Regardless, since you’re participating in that competition, I’ll make sure that the first prize is yours to take!” replied Gerald, seeing no reason to be mad at her anymore.
“R-really? How wonderful!” exclaimed Yalinda excitedly.
“Indeed. Regardless, is the registration period for the competition between cultivators over?” asked Gerald.
“Nope, though it’ll be ending this evening!” replied Yalinda.
“Lead me there!” instructed Gerald, prompting Yalinda to immediately lead the duo to the registration area…
The three of them soon found themselves at the large entrance of Gardale City, and sitting there, was Jaymes Sudberg, the counselor responsible for the competition’s registration process.
Upon being told that Jaymes was the one he needed to talk to, Gerald walked over to him and declared, “Good day, I’d like to register for the competition!”
“Register? Which sect are you even from? Do you have any references?” asked James in a casual tone as he scanned Gerald from head to toe…
“Not that I know of-”
“Actually, he’s with the Juans Delivery House!” replied Yalinda with a faint smile before Gerald could even finish his sentence.
“The Juans Delivery House? Aren’t you the sole representative of the delivery house, Miss Juans? Why’s there a second person?” asked Jaymes as he raised a slight brow.
“Please make an exception for him, councilor Sudberg! The truth is, he’s my master…” replied Yalinda as she took a holy stone out from her pocket and sneakily handed it to Jaymes.
Realizing what she had just done, Jaymes quickly nodded before saying, “…Fine! What’s your name?”
“Gerald Crawford!” replied Gerald, prompting Jaymes to write Gerald’s name on a wooden token of sorts…
After handing it to Gerald, Jaymes then said, “Here, take this and keep it safe. It’s proof that you’ve registered and you won’t be able to participate if you fail to show up with it! Got it…?”
It was three days later when the opening ceremony for the competition between cultivators
commenced…
While there were quite a number of participants, Gerald’s attention was only caught when the announcer declared, “Next up, Yudele Mullington, the chief disciple of the Thundering Cloud Sect!”
Following a cheer, everyone watched as a woman with a longsword in hand—donning white, goddess-like clothing—walked past the city’s gates…
Walking behind her, were two other women who had their faces covered with veils, and they were clearly her attendants…
YOU ARE READING
The Invisible Rich Man by: Two Ears is Bodhi
FanfictionGerald also received a text message stating that someone had transferred money into his bank account! "[Daxtonville Bank] Nineteen years. The balance of your account ending in 107 is USD 1,500,000.00." Gerald was stunned when he looked at the series...
