Chapter 198: Trap

Chapter 198: Trap



At those words, Jaxon's expression turned ice-cold in an instant.

"These guys have been hiding pretty damn deep!"

"General Storm, why don't we just mobilize our forces and take them out one by one? Wipe them all out."

Jaxon shook his head at the suggestion.

"No, the timing's not right. We still don't have the full picture. If we go after them now, something could go wrong."

"Since they're so interested in Prime, we'll leak the information to them. While we're at it, we'll let slip that I killed Cole. I want to see if these bastards can still sit still after that."

Nightshade nodded gravely and agreed immediately.

Sure enough, once the news got out, the members within Crest Security Syndicate became instantly agitated.

At first, they hadn't taken Jaxon seriously at all. After all, they'd clashed with him plenty of times before, and they'd almost always had the upper hand. They just never expected things to flip this time.

After releasing the information, Nightshade kept close tabs on their movements.

He'd expected it to take some effort, but surprisingly, it didn't take much time at all.

Once he'd compiled all the intel, Nightshade didn't waste a second before finding Jaxon.

"General Storm, I've got everything. They're gathering at an abandoned munitions factory on the outskirts—the one deep in the mountains. The location's well-hidden and easy to defend, hard to attack."

"Besides that, they've got another operation right in downtown Frostkeep—an intelligence front. Most of the people there are Crest Security Syndicate members."

Listening to Nightshade's report, Jaxon nodded thoughtfully.

"Interesting. Looks like I underestimated them. They've been hiding in plain sight all this time!"

"Get our people ready. We'll hit that front company first."

Jaxon's philosophy was simple: if they were part of Crest Security Syndicate's operation, there was no reason to let them off the hook.

A cold glint flashed in Jaxon's eyes, but Nightshade looked troubled.

"General Storm, taking them out wouldn't be hard, but there's one problem. Sure, there are plenty of Crest Security Syndicate members there, but there are also civilians. If we go in hard, we might hurt innocent people."

At that, Jaxon smiled.

"I figured as much. That's why we need to draw them out!"

At those words, Nightshade's face lit up with curiosity as he stared at Jaxon, clearly puzzled.

"What's your plan, General Storm?"

Under his gaze, a wicked smile spread across Jaxon's face.

"Since they're so interested in Prime, we'll just release the data publicly and invite them to come see it in person. I don't believe they'll be able to resist that bait."

Understanding dawned on Nightshade instantly.

"General Storm, you've thought of everything. I get it. I'll make the arrangements right away!"

Jaxon nodded, then added, "Good, but if you're going to put on a show, do it right. Don't leave them any reason to be suspicious, or it'll cause problems later."

"Don't worry, General Storm. I know what to do."

With that, Nightshade immediately left.

Jaxon knew that while they couldn't eliminate everyone directly, the bait he was dangling would definitely take out most of them. As for whoever was left, they wouldn't pose much of a threat.

Soon enough, word that Jaxon was releasing the Prime data reached the enemy's ears.

They'd been watching Jaxon closely for days, so when they heard he was going public with the information, they immediately snapped to attention.

Before long, they selected dozens of highly skilled operatives to attend the event.

They didn't expose their true identities, though—they came under the cover of their front company.

That was exactly the result Jaxon wanted. After all, aside from them, everyone else was just there for show.

Among the attendees were people who'd crossed paths with him before—Audrey, Wesley, and others.

Inside the banquet hall, watching as people gradually arrived, Jaxon's lips curved into a cold smile.

"You really aren't even trying to hide anymore, are you? Fine. Today, I'll make sure none of you leave here alive."

A murderous gleam flashed in Jaxon's eyes. Nightshade had already drawn his weapon, ready for battle.

"General Storm, should we move now?"

Nightshade was clearly itching for action, no longer interested in dragging this out. But Jaxon shook his head.

"These few? I can handle them myself. You go deal with the rest of their operation. Clean it up thoroughly."

"Every single Crest Security Syndicate member—don't let a single one escape. But don't hurt any civilians."

At those words, Nightshade nodded in agreement.

"Understood. I'm on it!"

After speaking, she gripped her blade and immediately left.

As Nightshade departed, Jaxon had already positioned his people, ready to silence all those bastards for good.

At that moment, the targets were still in the lab, eyes glued to the experimental data.

"So, gentlemen? Finding this worthwhile?"

Hearing his voice, they nodded excitedly.

"As expected of The Main Storms! This stuff is incredible. We've learned a lot."

Hearing their response, Jaxon smiled.

"Glad you're getting something out of it. Now that you've had your look, it's time to get down to business."

Hearing that, several of them looked curious and instinctively turned around.

Before they could figure out what was happening, one of them had his throat slit in a single stroke.

Blood sprayed out as he collapsed to the ground, eyes wide open, dead.

The others' faces went pale with shock. The leader glared at Jaxon and demanded coldly, "Jaxon, what the hell is this? Why are you attacking us!"

"Why am I attacking? Don't you already know the answer? You really think your little tricks could fool me?"

Seeing Jaxon's mocking smile, they realized something was wrong. But by the time they thought to fight back, it was already too late.

Not only did they have no advantage here, but Jaxon had caught them completely off guard.

More importantly, everyone present was one of Jaxon's people.

Within seconds, all of them had been eliminated.

The leader, covered in blood, his face filled with panic, glared viciously at Jaxon and snarled through gritted teeth.

"You knew who we were and you still dared to do this? Crest Security Syndicate won't let you get away with this!"

Hearing the threat, Jaxon snorted.

"Too bad you won't get the chance. Even if you didn't come looking for me, I was planning to settle the score with you myself. All these years of bad blood—it's time to end it."

Jaxon's gaze was sharp. Without giving the man another chance to speak, he lunged forward and snapped his neck.

The man's eyes went wide, his face frozen in unwillingness, but there was nothing he could do now.

---

Meanwhile, Nightshade had launched her own operation.

The remaining members at the front company never dreamed Nightshade would strike at this moment.

By the time they realized what was happening, some were already dead, others wounded.

Seeing Nightshade's ruthless efficiency, the survivors dropped to their knees.