Episode 54
Simon pressed a blade to Zeke’s throat.
“Never thought you’d actually make it this far.”
Despite the knife at his neck, Zeke remained unfazed, speaking to Simon with calm confidence.
“Once I saw the trap involving a wizard, I had a hunch.”
Zeke’s composure only served to heighten Simon’s tension.
Zeke continued, “This is Don Juan’s doing, isn’t it? Trying to eliminate me before things get out of hand.”
Simon’s grip on the knife tightened against Zeke’s neck.
“The boss plans to dismantle the Pavela Cartel. And that’s not something a central guy like you can fix by running wild.”
“That’s rich. If it weren’t for me, you’d have lost your distribution network to the Pavela Cartel with your eyes wide open.”
Simon spoke slowly, “The Syndicate will continue moving the cartel’s goods through a woman named K. Of course, only McCain’s goods will be transported, just like now.”
“So, they need the Syndicate’s network but not me. Just as I thought.”
Don Juan liked to project an image of boldness and masculinity, but his nature was far from it. At the slightest hint of danger, he’d withdraw or eliminate the threat. This caution was precisely what had elevated him to the top of the dangerous cartel world.
Zeke addressed Simon, “Then why don’t you just kill me already?”
Zeke’s audacity made Simon’s hand tremble slightly.
“Simon Zapatero. Or should I say, the Shadow Ghost.”
Simon was startled to hear his old alias from Zeke’s lips. It was a name from his outlaw days on the border, known to almost no one now.
In a low voice, Simon asked, “Who the hell are you? How do you know that name?”
Zeke replied calmly, “That’s not all I know. I also know why the Shadow Ghost is working under Don Juan.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Isn’t it to protect the last bloodline of the Cusco Kingdom?”
Simon’s knife wavered for a moment.
In that instant, Zeke reinforced his neck with dragon scale armor and twisted Simon’s arm.
Crack!
Simon dislocated his own joint to escape Zeke’s hold.
Now, Zeke and Simon faced each other in the cramped space, daggers drawn.
“Who are you, really?”
Zeke looked at Simon and said, “My name is Zeke Draker. I’m a direct descendant of the Draker line.”
Simon’s eyes widened at the name.
“You’re not… the youngest Blue Rank on the continent, are you?”
“Well, yes, that’s me.”
Realizing Zeke’s identity as a Draker darkened Simon’s expression. Even the McCain Cartel would be wiped out if a Draker got involved in earnest. While eradicating all the southern drug lords was impossible, cleaning up the McCain Cartel was certainly within reach.
Noticing Simon’s troubled thoughts, Zeke spoke up, “Don’t worry. The Drakers aren’t involved in cartel business. This is something I’m doing on my own.”
Simon, still wary, asked, “Why are you telling me this?”
Zeke slowly lowered his dagger and replied, “Simon Zapatero, join me instead of Don Juan. I’ll help you protect the Cusco bloodline and even rebuild the kingdom.”
Simon was taken aback by the unexpected offer.
“You expect me to believe that?”
“Compared to a drug lord like Don Juan, a Draker is a bit more trustworthy, don’t you think?”
Zeke gestured toward the window. “The Pavela Cartel’s men are swarming in like bees. After you kill me on Don Juan’s orders, how do you plan to escape? Did Don Juan promise to send reinforcements for you?”
There were no such promises. As always, Simon would have to rely on his own strength to escape.
Zeke, seeing Simon’s silence, continued, “If you follow me, I promise to get you and your men out of here safely.”
“Even if we escape, Don Juan’s pursuit won’t end.”
Zeke grinned, “You don’t know me well. Do you think I’d be afraid of someone like Don Juan? Once we leave here, I’m heading straight for McCain.”
Simon’s face hardened at Zeke’s words.
“You’re targeting Don Juan?”
“My goal is to pit McCain and Pavela against each other. I’ve already wounded Pavela; now it’s McCain’s turn.”
Simon was bewildered. The seemingly invincible McCain Cartel was being toyed with by a single man.
Zeke addressed Simon again, “Simon, I’m serious. I want you to join me.”
In his past life, Zeke had only felt genuine camaraderie with Simon in the cartel. They weren’t quite master and apprentice, but they were trustworthy allies.
Simon, the last captain of the Cusco royal guard, had fled with the infant princess when the palace was attacked during a civil war ten years ago. He hid with her in the lawless southern borderlands, working as a hitman to protect the Cusco bloodline. He joined Don Juan as a hitman to gather funds and forces to restore the princess to her rightful place before she came of age.
In his past life, Simon had confided in Zeke before his death, entrusting the princess’s safety to him. But Don Juan had already known Simon’s past. By the time Zeke went to rescue the princess, Don Juan had sold her to the Cusco rebels for ransom, and she was executed as the last royal bloodline.
Knowing this, Zeke was determined to extract Simon from the cartel.
Simon slowly lowered his dagger.
“Can you swear on what you said?”
Zeke nodded, “I swear on my honor as a knight.”
Simon knelt before Zeke, “Simon Zapatero, captain of the Cusco royal guard, pledges allegiance to Lord Zeke Draker.”
Simon pledged his loyalty to Zeke, who nodded and helped him to his feet.
“Let’s discuss the details once we’re out. Where are Mateo and your men?”
“Mateo is secured over there. My men will activate the explosive scrolls and scatter to the escape points once I signal them.”
“Can you gather all your men?”
“I can signal them.”
“Good. I’ll handle Mateo. You signal your men to blow the place and head for the sewers we came through.”
“Understood.”
As Simon moved, Zeke headed to the room where Mateo was held.
Mateo was bound hand and foot, a gag in his mouth.
Zeke removed the gag.
“You bastards!”
As soon as the gag was off, Zeke punched Mateo in the face.
Thud!
Mateo’s face caved in with a single blow.
Zeke demanded, “Where’s the ledger?”
Even with his face crushed, Mateo tried to spit at Zeke.
Seeing this, Zeke drew his dagger and activated an electric skill.
Crackle!
Electricity coursed through Zeke’s dagger, shocking Mateo’s body.
“Aaargh!”
Mateo convulsed in agony.
Zeke, exuding the aura of a dragon, threatened him again.
Finally, Mateo, trembling, revealed the location and code of the secret vault.
“This is the end for the cartel. Go to hell.”
With those words, Zeke swiftly beheaded Mateo.
He carved the McCain brand into Mateo’s forehead with his dagger. Killing him was a service to the world, given his many crimes.
Zeke placed Mateo’s body in a conspicuous spot and went to find the secret vault.
Click!
Inside, he found cash, ledgers, jewelry, and items. He swept them all into his inventory and returned to Mateo’s office, where Simon awaited him.
“Boss, I’ve sent the signal. The place will blow in ten minutes.”
“Good. Let’s move.”
Zeke and Simon concealed their presence and exited Mateo’s room.
By then, cartel members had swarmed the area.
“Intruders!”
“Shoot them!”
The cartel members, armed with repeating crossbows, began firing wildly.
Thwip! Thwip! Thwip!
Dozens of bolts rained down on Zeke and Simon.
Zeke activated a button on his scabbard, unfurling it.
Ping! Ping! Ping!
The dwarven-crafted Golinge shield deflected all the bolts.
Zeke drew his sword and unleashed a field of fire.
Fwoosh!
The corridor was engulfed in flames.
Simon, behind Zeke, was astonished to see the sword spewing fire.
“A magic sword?”
Such a powerful magic sword was worth a fortune.
Zeke swung the flaming sword, clearing a path.
Then, explosions echoed throughout the mansion.
It seemed Simon’s men had activated the explosive scrolls.
Zeke called to Simon, “Simon! Grab onto me.”
Without understanding, Simon grabbed Zeke.
Zeke sprinted toward the mansion window and leaped out.
The building was quite tall, and jumping from it would undoubtedly result in injury.
That’s when Zeke conjured a field of wind.
Whoooosh!
The air cushioned their fall, allowing Zeke and Simon to land safely.
Simon’s eyes widened as he watched Zeke’s sword, which could unleash both fire and wind.
Screeeeech!
The sound of alarm whistles echoed from all directions.
“Capture the intruders!”
“The fire is spreading! Put it out first!”
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Scrolls exploded in succession.
While the cartel members were in disarray, Zeke and Simon made their way down to the underground sewers.
Fortunately, all of Simon’s subordinates had managed to escape unharmed.
Seeing Simon with Zeke, they sensed a change in plans.
Simon addressed his men.
“Pay your respects. This is our new boss.”
Simon’s unit consisted of knights who had secretly joined forces to protect the Cusco dynasty.
At Simon’s word, they bowed to Zeke without hesitation.
“Greetings to our new leader!”
Zeke nodded, accepting their salute.
“Let’s save the celebratory drinks for after we get out of here safely.”
They planned to use the underground waterways to exit, just as they had entered. Although it shouldn’t pose a major problem, the heightened security meant any delay could lead to the area being locked down.
Thus, escaping quickly was crucial.
Zeke reopened the map and navigated through the sewers.
After hours of wading through filth, they neared the city’s edge.
Woof! Woof! Woof!
The sound of barking dogs reached them from afar.
Zeke signaled for a halt.
Using his keen vision, he saw that pursuers were already closing in.
He turned to Simon.
“I’ll create a diversion. Take your men and get out of here. Don’t head to Mekain; go to the central continent and join up with Syndicate’s Kay.”
Simon shook his head.
“I can’t do that. The princess is still in Mekain.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already arranged for her to be evacuated.”
He had contacted the Reinhardt side to instruct the Gorka Rangers to ensure the princess’s safety.
Simon was taken aback.
“You anticipated this situation?”
“Why do you think Don Juan sent you and me here together? He knew everything. He planned to eliminate the troublesome Cusco knights and hand the princess over to the rebels.”
Simon and his men clenched their jaws in anger.
“Don Juan… that bastard…”
“I’ll protect the princess with my life, so don’t worry and go.”
Simon nodded.
“Boss, don’t die. I have too many questions for you.”
“Understood. Now go!”
Zeke dashed forward.
The scent led the tracking dogs toward him.
He shouted at his bracelet.
“Bucephalus!”
As the mythical horse appeared, Zeke mounted it and led the pursuers away.
Woof! Woof! Woof!
The dogs and torch-bearing pursuers relentlessly chased after him.
Once he confirmed they were focused on him, Zeke adjusted Bucephalus’s speed to draw them further away from Simon’s group.
When he had gained enough distance, Zeke halted Bucephalus and drew his sword.
The tracking dogs and pursuers brandished their weapons and charged at him.
A massive storm erupted from his blade.
With a sly grin, Zeke said, “Alright, let’s have some fun.”