Chapter 43 The Day Is Here
“You see? We make the perfect match, don’t we, Eric?” Rudy said, wrapping an arm around my waist. My face was burning red as Eric turned at the sound of Rudy calling him.
“You seriously look good with the boss. Don’t you see how my boss is always flustered whenever you come around?” Eric said, grinning from ear to ear as if taking revenge for being used as my training dummy.
“You too, Eric!” I said in disbelief, but his smug grin only widened.
While I was berating Eric, Rudy suddenly kissed my forehead, snapping my attention back to him and making me go quiet. All my defenses were already gone, so I could only hope he’d let go soon.
“I wish you good luck, Layla,” he said in a low voice before unwrapping his arms from around me.
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★31st Aug, 3025
★Location: Unknown
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Today is finally the day the gun duel will take place. I am currently seated inside an armored vehicle, with Anna and Eric flanking me on either side, while Rudy and the chauffeur sit in front. In addition, several vehicles are ahead of and behind us, all carrying the best fighters of the Blade Clan and armed with some of the finest weapons made by Professor Claude.
On Anna’s lap rests a black suitcase. Inside are lethal weapons, personally crafted for me by Professor Claude to use and protect myself in case of unforeseen circumstances.
The ride was quiet the entire time as I fidgeted with my hands. Even though I was confident in my abilities, I didn’t dare underestimate my opponent. Since Rudy himself claimed the man was good and considering the concern shown by Professor Claude, I believed my opponent was not to be taken lightly.
The rest of the journey passed in silence, and after about thirty minutes, we arrived at the location. It was a large, decommissioned factory. As our vehicles rolled in, I noticed other SUVs without plate numbers parked around, with armed men standing guard.
“Sister, I’ll go down first. You wait until I tell you to come down,” Rudy said, turning to me. I nodded in acknowledgment.
The next moment, he stepped out of the car and walked toward one of the Blackjack members stationed outside. He spoke with them briefly before signaling, not to me, but to the Blade Clan fighters.
They exited their vehicles and stood in a silent face-off against the Blackjack members. There were far more Blackjack members than expected, and I could see sophisticated weapons in their hands. Although our men were also armed with advanced weapons made by Professor Claude, I couldn’t help but wonder who truly had the superior firepower, considering Blackjack’s leader was a weapons maker.
Moments later, Rudy signaled to me. Anna gently grabbed my hand.
“Boss, let’s go,” she said quietly, gripping the suitcase with her other hand.
Eric opened the car door, and we stepped out, walking toward Rudy, who was already heading back in our direction.
When he reached my side, I quietly told Anna to release my hand. As a leader, I needed to exude a certain aura and stand at the forefront alongside him. Anna would stay close behind me with my weapons.
Soon after, we began walking deeper into the factory. Before long, we encountered a group of men dressed in black. Seated among them was a man who suddenly stood up as we approached, revealing his face.
“That’s the leader of Blackjack,” Rudy informed me.
He was a black-haired man with neatly styled hair, sharp piercing green eyes, and a pointed nose set on an oval-shaped face, topped with a short, well-trimmed beard. He appeared to be around 6’2”, though the soles of his shoes added a few extra inches, giving him the illusion of being even taller.
I had to admit, he was very handsome. Not at all the kind of person I expected to lead Blackjack, the notorious and feared organization.
“Well, who do we have here? The leader of the Blade Clan,” he said as he walked toward me, stopping a few feet away when my guards blocked his path.
“Welcome, Layla. I never knew you would be bold enough to accept my challenge. I suppose the rumors were true that you’re also a student of that man,” the Blackjack leader said. I could see my men grit their teeth when he addressed me by name, but I calmed them by simply raising my hand.
The entire time, Rudy kept his hands in his pockets. I could tell he was furious and clearly disliked the situation, but since he didn’t want to lose his men, he chose to act with caution.
Suddenly, I stepped forward, with Anna following closely behind, the suitcase in hand. I stopped a few feet away from the Blackjack leader. Even as a woman, I was quite tall and not easily intimidated by him.
“You see, I don’t have a problem with challenges. But before you brag, let’s see what you’ve got. Also, since you already know my name, isn’t it only polite that you state yours as well? There’s no need for me to ask my men,” I said coldly as I removed my glasses.
Shock flashed across his face before slowly turning into a smile.
“As expected, Miss Layla. Just as they said, you didn’t even know the name of your challenger. How confident… Well then, this humble lad’s name is Victor Weasel.”