Chapter 201

Chapter 201



Before long, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed up from below.

Howard arrived with his men, dragging Isabelle and Winnie along. They reached the volcano's midpoint without incident.

The area was wide and flat, paved with ancient bluish-gray stones.

Massive broken columns towered all around them. The collapsed outline of a stone palace bore intricate carvings in an archaic style—remnants of a lost civilization steeped in exotic, ancient grandeur.

These were the long-lost architectural ruins of the Aetherian Empire!

Among the crumbling walls, a thick sense of history hung in the air, tinged with an aura both mysterious and imposing.

The true entrance to the treasure lay hidden somewhere within these ancient ruins!

At that moment, Howard arrived with his forces!

Behind him stood the current leaders of the seven elite overseas mercenary organizations!

Every one of them was a ruthless killer whose hands were stained with blood!

They represented Shade Coven of Crows, Crimson Skull Legion, Wastestone Ironride, Nightthorn, Soulshade Mercs, Emberwind Squad, and Blacktide Hunters—all under new leadership.

Because Kane had personally killed their predecessors.

The seven leaders stepped forward, eyes fixed greedily on the massive stone disk embedded in the center of the platform, its surface carved with ancient grooves. Their faces radiated excitement and arrogance.

"After years of planning, we finally stand before the Aetherian Empire's treasure!"

The Crimson Skull Legion's leader threw his head back and laughed.

"Who would've thought we'd play the great Mercenary King like a fool!"

The Wastestone Ironride leader sneered mockingly.

"Kane's probably already trapped on Ironspire Island by now. Dead for sure!"

"The best move? Grabbing his daughter! Pure Aetherian Empire bloodline. Without her, nobody can open this treasure!"

They were brazen and cocky, completely dismissing Kane as if he were already finished.

As if endless riches and absolute power were already in their grasp.

"We really owe Howard for this. Without him, we'd still be hiding in some godforsaken corner!"

"No kidding!"

"Howard's even more impressive than the Mercenary King!"

Howard stood at the center of the group, soaking in their flattery. A smug smile curved his lips, and his chest swelled with pride.

But while everyone else basked in their imminent victory, the leader of Shade Coven of Crows remained tense.

He stepped forward and spoke in a low, warning tone. "Gentlemen, don't celebrate too soon. We need to stay sharp."

"Who is Kane?"

"He's 'the' Mercenary King!"

"He's dominated the mercenary world without a single defeat. His tactics, his cunning, his combat skills—they're all beyond what normal people can imagine. He's not going down that easily."

His words briefly silenced the group, but then the other leaders burst into laughter.

"You scared of Kane or something?"

"Right! He beat you years ago, scattered your forces, and Kane killed your old boss with one punch. Still got PTSD from that?"

"He's trapped in a death trap and you're still cowering!"

"It's over. He's a dead man. What's there to worry about?"

They mocked him relentlessly, their voices dripping with ridicule.

Howard's confidence was unshakable. He spoke with smug authority. "I've stationed layer upon layer of troops across Monarch Isle. The seas are crawling with hidden sentries!"

"Even if Kane somehow survives Ironspire Island and makes it here, he's still walking into his grave!"

"He won't make a ripple!"

"Besides, he's still stuck on Ironspire Island. By the time he figures it out, it'll be too late!"

The others quickly agreed.

"Exactly!"

"Howard's right!"

"Even if Kane lives, he can't stop us from taking the treasure!"

Despite their reassurances, the Shade Coven of Crows leader couldn't shake his unease. The sense of impending danger only grew stronger.

He had a sinking feeling that the legendary Mercenary King wouldn't go down this easily.

This victory felt too smooth. Too convenient. Something was wrong.

No one paid attention to his concerns. Howard was already moving forward eagerly, pulling out the Coronation Sword.

The blade was ancient and heavy, etched with old Aetherian Empire patterns, gleaming coldly in the dim light.

Gripping the hilt with both hands, he thrust the Coronation Sword firmly into the specialized slot at the center of the massive stone disk.

The ancient sound of grinding gears echoed softly. The entire stone platform trembled slightly, and faint light traced along the carved patterns.

But the entrance to the treasure vault remained motionless.

"Blood sacrifice. Open the entrance!"

Howard barked the command.

Immediately, two black-clad thugs stepped forward and roughly grabbed the trembling but defiant Winnie.

Winnie shouted, "My dad won't let you get away with this!"

"Is that so? I'm waiting."

Howard pulled out a sharp dagger, his eyes vicious, preparing to slash Winnie's palm.

"No! Let go of my daughter!"

Isabelle's eyes turned bloodshot. She broke free from her captors and lunged forward desperately, throwing herself in front of Winnie.

"Stupid woman!"

Howard's rage flared. He lifted his leg and kicked viciously toward Isabelle.

At that critical moment!

From within the crowd of mercenaries standing at the side of the platform, one tall figure suddenly raised his arm!

He lifted his hand, aimed his gun, and squeezed the trigger!

The entire sequence flowed like water, fast as lightning!

'Bang!'

A dull gunshot exploded through the air, the bullet slicing through the silence!

The bullet struck Howard's raised right leg with perfect precision!

Blood sprayed.

The sharp dagger flew from his grip and clattered to the ground.

Howard screamed in agony.

Clutching his mangled wrist, he staggered backward several steps, staring in disbelief at the masked mercenary!

Searing pain radiated through his entire body, twisting his face into a pale grimace.

He roared at the mercenary, "What the hell are you doing? You had an accidental discharge? Are you trying to get yourself killed?!"

Fighting through the pain, he turned and glared at the seven mercenary leaders, demanding furiously, "Whose man is this?! Take him down immediately!"

All eyes locked onto the mercenary, finally settling on the Nightthorn leader.

The Wastestone Ironride leader said coldly, "He's one of yours! Your guy's a complete idiot—an accidental discharge?!"

The Nightthorn leader's expression darkened instantly!

He stepped forward, eyes blazing with murderous intent, and roared, "You worthless bastard! What the hell do you think you're doing?! Are you looking to die?!"

Before anyone could respond, he yanked a sharp combat knife from his belt and threw it at the mercenary's feet. His voice was ruthless and final. "Do it yourself! Kill yourself right now and apologize, and I'll leave your corpse intact!"

The cold blade embedded itself in the ground, quivering.

Every eye in the clearing locked onto the masked figure.

But in the next second, the mercenary slowly bent down and picked up the knife. He toyed with it casually, completely unbothered.

Then, a cold laugh emerged from beneath the mask. "Kill myself? You think you're worthy of giving me orders?"

That familiar laugh cut through the air like a hurricane!

The temperature around them plummeted to freezing.

Everyone's faces changed drastically!!

In that instant, the Shade Coven of Crows leader—who had been uneasy all along—felt his entire body go rigid.

That voice!

That presence!

That overwhelming pressure he knew so well!

He recoiled as if struck by lightning, clutching his head and screaming, "It's Kane! It's the Mercenary King!"