Dano? Zayne frowned. That name sounds oddly familiar.
He was just named one of Old Shipyard Port's Top Ten Outstanding Philanthropists. He was on TV. Ravi reminded him quietly from the side.
Zayne fell silent.
No wonder it sounded familiar. A public philanthropist on the surface, the true ruler of every underground faction in private. Fine. Just fine.
At the same time, a dull ache formed in Zayne's head. Being targeted by someone like that meant the days ahead would not be easy.
All he could hope for was that the black market boss had told the truth and had not passed the information on to Dano. Otherwise, once Dano learned about his regenerative organs, it would not be hard to infer his immortality. That would be a real disaster.
Zayne was not arrogant enough to believe he could take on the underground king of Old Shipyard Port. That would be sheer delusion. Who knew how many powerful Awakened Dano had under his command.
Strength. In the end, it always came down to strength. If he were level fifty or sixty right now, Dano would be nothing more than a single Forbidden Spell away.
Brother, I have told you everything I know. Can you let me go now? Ravi asked, trembling.
Zayne shot him a cold glance. Get lost. I do not kill cowards.
Thank you. Thank you. Ravi scrambled to his feet and tried to flee.
Stop.
Zayne's voice rang out suddenly. Ravi's heart lurched and his face drained of color.
W What is it? Ravi asked shakily.
Do you have any cash on you? Take it all out and give it to me. Zayne said calmly.
Yes. Yes. The rush of surviving made Ravi break out in cold sweat. He hastily pulled out a few thousand in cash and shoved it all into Zayne's hands.
Alright, get lost. Why are you so scared? I told you, I do not kill cowards. You think I would lie to you? Zayne rolled his eyes impatiently.
Yes. Yes. Sorry. I judged a gentleman with a petty mind. I will leave right now.
Ravi hurried away. But after only a few steps, a wave of searing heat surged from behind him.
Purple red Hellfire swallowed Ravi whole in an instant. He let out a single scream. Within a few breaths, his body was reduced to ash.
My blade really does not strike cowards. Unfortunately, I also know a bit of Forbidden Spellcraft.
Zayne spoke kindly as he watched the flames, then slowly raised one hand.
Forbidden Spell Infernal Overdrive.
Forbidden Spell Hellfire Armageddon.
Zayne's face visibly turned pale as a breathtaking yet terrifying fire lotus took shape in his hand.
The moment the lotus bloomed, boundless Hellfire engulfed the entire farm, raging uncontrollably.
Perhaps some of the people here were innocent. But Zayne had no way to tell. When his own survival was at stake, all he could do was give them a death that was not too painful.
At such extreme temperatures, the human body would be vaporized almost instantly. In a sense, it was painless.
After erasing all traces, Zayne withdrew Necrotic Dominion and vanished into the night, leaving behind nothing but a stretch of charred earth.
Back home, Zayne splashed water on his face. He took several deep breaths, yet his churning emotions refused to settle.
He had killed people.
This was different from killing monsters or other inhuman things. This time, he had taken the lives of living, breathing humans.
Even more unsettling was the retaliation that would surely come from Dano.
Fortunately, he would be taking part in the national entrance trial in three days. Once he entered the trial, he would be safe. Even Dano would not dare touch him then.
The problem was where he should go for the next three days. Staying at home would be no different from waiting to die.
Just as Zayne was struggling with the dilemma, someone knocked on his door again.
His heart skipped a beat. Had Dano's retaliation come this fast?
He did not open the door right away. Instead, he slipped out through the window, circled around to the front, and held a Forbidden Spell ready in his hand.
If it was Dano's people outside, he would throw a spell and run, hoping to take a few of them with him.
Just as Zayne was about to strike, he finally recognized the figure at the door under the moonlight.
It was Francis.
Why was this guy here?
Then it hit him. His problem of where to go might just be solved.
Seeing that it was Francis, Zayne relaxed and dismissed the Forbidden Spell. He climbed back through the window and opened the door.
You are finally back. Francis looked excited when he saw Zayne, completely unaware that he had just walked past the gates of death. I talked to my dad. Five million dollars is possible, but
Say no more. Money is a small matter. You are my little brother now. Let us go to your place. You already called me boss, so I have to protect you personally from now on.
Zayne slung an arm around Francis and dragged him outside.
The Ward Group was one of the top corporations in Old Shipyard Port. No matter how powerful Dano was, he could not just storm into the Ward Group and abduct someone.
Really? Francis still could not believe his ears. A strong sense of accomplishment rose in his heart.
His father was right. Zayne was proud and broke. With just a few words, he had tricked himself into a free bodyguard.
Yes. You are my boss. Come home with me.
The two walked off with their arms around each other like close companions. In that moment, both of them, each with their own schemes, felt they had struck gold.
As Zayne got into Francis's car and drove away, a shadow slipped out of a dark corner and vanished into the night.
...
Old Shipyard Port Underground Black Market.
A man with a thick cigar clenched between his teeth sat back in a sofa chair. A voluptuous woman knelt before him.
The man wore slicked back hair and had grown slightly heavyset. When he smiled, he looked benevolent and kind. Without being told, no one would guess that he was Dano, the ruler of Old Shipyard Port's underground black market.
Dano took a puff of his cigar. His brows furrowed briefly, then relaxed. His pupils lost focus as he stared blankly at the ceiling. After a long moment, clarity returned to his eyes.
Why has Zion gone silent? It is just a high school kid. How is he still not done with it?
The woman stood up and wiped her mouth with a damp tissue.
We lost contact with him half an hour ago. When our people arrived, the farm was already burned to ruins. Judging by the damage, it was done by an Awakened. And five minutes ago, that high school student Zayne was taken away by Francis from the Ward Group.
The Ward Group? They are involved too?
Dano's expression darkened and shifted.
Earlier today, Zion, the man in charge of organ trafficking under him, had told him that he had discovered something unusual about a high school student. That student might be hiding a massive secret.
When Dano asked for details, Zion refused to elaborate, only saying that he would report everything once the student was captured.
Then Zion disappeared.
What secret could that student Zayne be hiding, for even the Ward Group to step in?
Dano leaned back slowly, a vicious glint flashing in his eyes.
It seems I have been inactive for too long. Even the Ward Group dares to provoke me now. Perhaps it is time to remind everyone in Old Shipyard Port who truly is the eternal king of the underground world.