Before the teleportation gate, Kent, and his pets were left alone. In the distance the ladies from the No-Man Island stood in wait. While Kent was thinking about what to do next, the two ladies Ria and Chelli approached Kent
With an uneasy smile, Chelli broke the silence. “So, shall we take our leave now?” she asked, her voice low, the question hanging uncertainly between them.
Kent’s eyes narrowed. “What’s the rush? Besides, how can you even leave safely with the entire realm under lockdown?” he asked, tilting his head as he took a small step closer, his gaze flicking between the sisters. “There’s nowhere in this realm you’ll pass through unnoticed.”
Chelli hesitated, exchanging a quick look with Ria before offering a small, defiant smile. “I have a teleportation talisman. It’s our life-saving treasure and It can take us directly home.”
Kent scoffed, though his interest was piqued. “You had something like that all along? Why didn’t you mention it sooner? We could have escaped the capital with far less risk.”
“The talisman is bound only to us,” Chelli explained patiently. “It’s soul-bound magic, only works for No-Man Island women. It won’t work for anyone else.”
“Too many limitations and too much secrecy. Typical of No Man’s Island.” Kent muttered, shaking his head with mild frustration.
“Well then, shall we take our leave?” Ria spoke up at last. She looked him in the eyes for the first time.
With a rare smirk, Kent took a bold step forward, his eyes sharp and unyielding as they locked with hers. “Not so fast, Miss Ria. I might trust Chelli—but you, the famous Black Belle Miss?” His smirk turned into a steely look. “No, I don’t think I can let you leave without a vow. Promise me you’ll help in taking down the Quinn family.”
Ria’s composure shattered at his words. Her eyes widened, her mouth parting in shock. “How…how do you know that name?” she stammered, horror coloring her voice. “Black Belle Miss… How could you possibly know that?”
Chelli looked at her sister, confusion written across her face. “Ria, what’s going on? What is he talking about?”
Ria ignored her, staring at Kent like he’d spoken an ancient curse. “How do you know that name?” she asked again, panic slipping into her tone.
Kent gave her a mocking smile, folding his arms as he leaned back. “Let’s just say I have my ways, Ms. Ria Semen.” He let the name hang in the air, watching her expression darken. “And I know enough about your past. Perhaps it’s time you start practising some honesty and loyalty—especially if you’re about to work alongside me.”
Ria’s face drained of colour, but a sharp determination replaced her initial shock. She glared back at him, jaw set. “I don’t care how you know. Just don’t meddle in my business. As Chelli has promised, I’ll help you. But that’s where my cooperation ends. Do not pry into my past or my future.”
She turned, her gaze dark as she shot a fierce look at Chelli. “Use the talisman. Now.”
“Ria, wait—” Chelli started, clearly torn between her sister’s wishes and the tension hanging in the air. Her fingers hovered over the talisman in her palm.
But Kent, his gaze unwavering, stepped forward again, this time meeting Ria’s glare with equal intensity. “Remember my words, Ria. Any deception on your part, and you’ll regret it. This is your second chance! Don’t spoil it.”
A tense silence settled over them before, with a look of sheer frustration, Ria tore her gaze away from him. Chelli, still watching both of them in a state of bewilderment, finally relented. With a single motion, she crushed the talisman, and in an instant, the two women were gone, leaving Kent alone once more.
—
Meanwhile, in the Royal Palace of the Quinn Family…
In the grand throne room, the sound of murmuring voices echoed against gilded walls. Emperor Ryon sat on his throne, his expression unreadable as he gazed down at his gathered ministers.
The ministers looked worn, anxiety etched into their faces as they awaited his judgement on the lockdown that had brought the realm to a sudden halt.
The main minister stepped forward, bowing low before speaking. “Your Majesty, the lockdown has exacted a steep toll on the economy and our people’s patience. Three days have passed, and yet we’ve yielded no results. We humbly suggest lifting the lockdown and continuing the search through alternative means.”
Emperor Ryon’s face tightened, his fingers drumming against the armrest. But before he could respond, the heavy doors to the throne room opened, and a towering figure strode in.
Seven feet tall and armoured from head to toe in legendary artefacts, Lord Loki, the Commander of the 9 Realms Association, entered with a formidable presence. He held a scroll in one hand, his gaze steady and unyielding.
As he approached, the emperor sat up straighter, nodding as if a weight had been lifted. “Ah, Lord Loki. You are a sight for sore eyes,” he greeted, his voice imbued with relief.
Lord Loki gave a slight bow, then passed the scroll to a nearby attendant, who quickly unfurled it and began reading aloud.
“‘Lord Loki hereby announces his commitment to the search operation for the missing criminals. By the order of Jason Mama, Head of the 9 Realms Association, Lord Loki has been dispatched with a contingent of one hundred thousand elite soldiers, ready to conduct the operation at once.'”
A murmur of astonishment rippled through the room. The emperor’s face lit up, and he rose from his throne, extending a hand to Lord Loki. “To have the esteemed Lord Loki here in person is a great honor indeed,” he said warmly. “You are truly our last hope in ending this debacle. I trust you understand the urgency?”
“Your Majesty, I am here to serve. My men and I shall bring the culprits to justice, no matter the cost.” Lord Loki replied, his voice steady and unwavering.
The emperor’s shoulders relaxed, the lines of tension on his face easing. “Then I leave the matter entirely in your capable hands, Lord Loki. I’ve heard tales of your achievements within the association, and if even a fraction of them are true, then I am confident you will bring swift results.”
Lord Loki placed his fist over his heart, bowing his head as he accepted the emperor’s praise. “I shall not disappoint you, Your Majesty. Every resource at my disposal will be used to ensure these criminals are captured and justice is served.”
A minister approached with a slight bow. “Your Majesty, with Lord Loki’s forces joining us, shall we make an official announcement to reassure the people and ease the tension surrounding the lockdown?”
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The emperor considered it for a moment before nodding. “Yes, an announcement is in order. We must show that we are actively handling the situation and that powerful reinforcements have arrived.”
With a final bow, Lord Loki turned to leave, the heavy footfalls of his armor echoing as he exited the throne room. The ministers resumed their positions, but the room was now filled with a renewed energy, a sense of hope that their ordeal might finally come to an end.
–
Note: Thank You All for purchasing the privilege chapters. In respect to your support, I will release bonus chapters on this weekend. I hope my fellow friends were happy about Election result! All Hail
“T”
-PeterPan 😉