The Invincible Mercenary King (Haylan Jaber)

Amid the crowd, an elderly gentleman in his sixties stood up, his eyes wide with fear and a faint quiver in his frame. Sporting a pair of gold- rimmed spectacles, his fair skin and elegant attire added to his distinguished appearance, exuding an energy that conveyed his elevated status among the crowd.

Despite approaching the age of sixty, his countenance boasted a rosy hue, his hair a lustrous black, all thanks to the diligent application of medications and traditional medicine.

His eyes flickered with dread and apprehension at that precise moment, his body quivering involuntarily as fear took hold of him.

“Emmett, huh? Well, why don’t you mosey on over here and have yourself a seat, Buckminster grinned.

Enunett’s gaze filled with terror, his legs engaged in a futile battle, leaving him completely paralyzed and unable to make a single move.

“Utterly worthless!”

Fletcher approached and firmly grasped Emmett with a determined stride, lifting him off the ground like an eagle snatching its prey. Swiftly, he marched toward the gambling table where Buckminster sat, forcefully slamming Emmett onto the table in front of Buckminster.

“Well, now, Mr. Tucker, we share a couple of letters in our names. That tells me we must have been kinfolk five hundred years ago.”

Buckminster produced an adult game, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward Emmett. “Seeing as we’re all part of the same family, how about you take the dealer’s chair for a Blackjack game?”

“Time to take charge and deal the cards.”

“Buckminster, since we’re all part of the same family, so let’s have ourselves a straight talk. You name the price, and I’ll hand it over to you without a fuss. No need to play me for a fool, you hear?” Emmett’s voice trembled as he spoke.

“Listen here. We may be family, but rules bind us. It wouldn’t be right to take your money, for that would make us no better than a band of thieves.”

Buckminster’s expression remained composed as he chuckled. “Well, now, it appears we’ll have to settle this matter on the gambling table, where the fate of wealth is determined, wouldn’t you agree?”

BANG!

Fletcher’s hand slammed onto the gambling table, his voice commanding as he rebuked, “Enough with the idle chatter! If Mr. Payne wishes to engage with you, consider it a mark of respect. Now, deal the cards promptly, or don’t be surprised if I show you no courtesy!”

“Quit wasting time!”

His voice boomed like rolling thunder, shaking Emmett to the core and making his whole body quiver with fear.

Emmett, now too afraid to say another word, hastened to shuffle and deal the cards, distributing them to Buckminster and himself.

Without glancing at his cards, Buckminster spoke up, “Given your seniority, I’ll address you as Mr. Tucker. We had an understanding, didn’t we? If you happen to lose, your assets become mine.”

“If I come out on top, will you honor your word and set me free? Emmett questioned.

“Sure thing, I always keep my promises,” Buckminster nodded firmly.

cancel

A broad grin spread across Emmett’s face, his delight evident.

Such words offered him a lifeline, a sliver of hope amidst the uncertainty.

With the cards dealt, he gingerly picked up those two cards from the adult game, feeling their weight as if they were heavier than a mountain. His hand trembled uncontrollably, filled with fear and anticipation, while his heart pounded like thunder. His hands sweated with nervousness, his heart threatening to burst from his chest as it pounded relentlessly.

“It must be a winning hand, without a doubt!”

Emmett uttered a silent prayer in his mind, then clenched his teeth as he reached for the deck of cards and glanced at his hand.

Upon taking a look, his eyes widened in disbelief. A wide grin spread across his face as he burst into raucous laughter, triumphantly flipping the two cards open and slamming them onto the table. “Haha! I won! I’ve won!”

All eyes turned toward his hand, revealing an Ace and a King, the classic pair for a perfect Blackjack.

Adding to his stroke of luck, he was also the dealer, ensuring his triumph in this very round!

Buckminster cast a glance at Emmett’s cards, then without even bothering to look at his own, he broke into applause and chuckled. “Well done, you’ve won.”

Emmett gazed at Buckminster, his eyes brimming with hope. “Does that mean I can go?”

Buckminster nodded affirmatively and commanded, “You’re free to leave. Make way for Mr. Tucker!”

With his commanding voice, the mercenaries stationed at the main gate swiftly yielded, clearing a path before them.

“Much obliged, Mr. Payne! Much obliged, Mr. Payne!”

Emmett, overcome with exhilaration, didn’t waste a moment as he burst out of the scene with uncontainable delight.

However, as he made a break for the exit, Fletcher swiftly produced a revolver, pointing it directly at the back of Emmett’s head, his finger tightening around the trigger.

BANGI

The gunshot crack echoed through the air, and in an instant, his head erupted in a gruesome blossom. He crumpled to the ground, lifeless and beyond salvation.

Even in death, his eyes remained wide open, staring in disbelief, unable to comprehend the tragic end that had befallen him.

“Apologies, Mr. Tucker, Buckminster laughed. “I promised to let you walk away, but my companion, Fletcher, seems to have a different idea.”

Josef, Sharvin, and the rest of the onlookers watched in horror as their hearts plummeted to despair.

Now, they were utterly confounded, unable to fathom the true intentions of Buckminster.

If this man had any intentions of acquiring wealth, it didn’t make sense for him to end Emmett’s life ruthlessly. After all, by doing so, they would be deprived of any chance to claim their assets.

cancel

However, against all expectations, Buckminster eliminated the wealthiest magnate from Malachia.

What on earth were their intentions?

All eyes were fixated on Buckminster, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. His enigmatic demeanor left them pondering, unable to truly grasp his motives.

“Alright, let’s go through the roll call once more.”

Buckminster’s ‘s expression remained composed as he gestured for others to carry Emmett’s lifeless body away. Holding the list in his hand, he spoke in a steady tone, “Alright, moving on, we kindly request the presence of Miss Labenz!”

cancel