Kameron had never actually met Kayden Scott. He only knew that this guy had killed his protege, Damian Morgan.
Kameron had a particular way of doing things. He never wasted time investigating the identities of his targets. Once he decided someone had to go, all he needed was a glance. In his mind, he was untouchable, the best of the best-no one warranted a second thought. He hadn’t even done his homework on Fletcher Atkinson; he simply put the word out, then went in for the kill.
To Kameron, researching someone’s background before striking was a sign of insecurity. If he didn’t believe in his own skills, he’d have no right to call himself a master.
In his worldview, no one could match him. He was convinced that no one could take him on-well, maybe except for that organization.
“Yep, I’m the one who killed Fletcher Atkinson,” he announced, stepping forward like he owned the place.
What a cocky old bastard, thought Kayden Scott, studying Moreno as he moved forward too, slowly closing the gap.
Seeing this, Enoch Bernard couldn’t help but call out to Kayden from behind, “Defender, he’s different. It’s like he’s got some dark powers. When he came here, the streetlights went out, and the wind picked up out of nowhere.”
To Enoch, the whole scene was over the top, way beyond anything natural. Even though Kayden had kicked Moreno moments before, Enoch figured it had been a lucky shot.
“Hold it right there!” came a voice, sharp and commanding. Another man emerged from the hospital, his presence unmistakably one of authority. He glared sternly at Enoch and said, “Are you questioning Defender’s power?”
Enoch’s face went pale, and he stammered, lowering his head, “No, no, that’s not what I meant, I just…”
“That’s enough!” barked Greedy Wolf, taking several steps forward. His voice boomed as he said, “Defender, let me handle this trash. This guy doesn’t even deserve to be killed by you. It’d be an honor he’s not worthy of.”
Kameron’s cheek twitched at those words. Wasn’t that his line? When had others started using his own bravado against him? His sharp gaze settled on Greedy Wolf. This guy, too, was a seasoned fighter. But how dare he, just some wannabe tough guy, speak to him like that? Moreno narrowed his eyes to slits.
“And who the hell are you supposed to be?” he asked coldly.
Greedy Wolf stomped forward, preparing to shout his name proudly, but Kayden Scott cut him off.
“Enough talk. I’ve got a few questions for you, Moreno,” Kayden said with an unshakeable calm. “Answer me honestly, and you walk away. If you try to dodge, all that awaits you is death.”
Moreno felt his blood boil. This punk! He was totally out of line! Moreno opened his mouth to retort, but Kayden was faster, firing off his questions.
“First, are you here on Hellblazer’s orders to kill Firefist? Second, why is Hellblazer targeting me? And third, who’s running Hellblazer?”
The trio of questions made Moreno freeze for a moment. This guy knew about Hellblazer? It seemed Hellblazer had underestimated him, thinking he was clueless about them.
But how arrogant could this kid be? Did he think that just because he was some Defender in the Battlefield, he could run the show? The kid was delusional.
Moreno burst out laughing, the sound echoing as streetlights flickered and a fierce wind whipped around. The lights buzzed and crackled, looking like they might burn out completely.
His laughter ceased, and his face turned sinister as he glared at Kayden. “You think just because you managed a cheap shot, you can interrogate me? You think I’m scared of your ‘Defender’ title? Kid, you’re way too young to know what true power is,” he sneered, clenching his fists. “Let me teach you a lesson, punk. In your next life, maybe you’ll learn some respect.”
A warning, huh?
Kayden nodded calmly, his voice unruffled. “So, what you’re saying is, you’ve decided to pass on your one shot to walk away alive?”
From the moment he went after Fletcher Atkinson, Moreno’s fate was sealed. Kayden valued his Zodiac Generals like family. He had already lost Flood and wasn’t about to let another one of them fall.
Moreno felt a surge of anger at Kayden’s words. This guy didn’t know his place!
“Arrogant little punk!” he sneered, pointing at Kayden. “You think you’re untouchable because you’ve seen a few battlefields? I was going to take down your men one by one before coming for you. But it looks like you’re impatient. Fine! Let’s get this over with, and I’ll show you what real power looks like!”
Taking a stance, Moreno drew in a deep breath, his robe billowing as he struck a dramatic pose, hands extended in a complex gesture.
Seconds later, a gust of energy surged from his hands, taking the shape of a snarling wolf as it lunged toward Kayden. But Kayden, calm as ever, lifted a hand and swatted the wolf aside as if it were nothing more than a wisp of smoke.
Moreno was momentarily stunned, then leaped forward, fists clenched tight as he prepared to pound Kayden with everything he had. If this kid took his punch, he’d be just as broken as Fletcher Atkinson had been.
But just as his fist closed in on Kayden, he noticed something strange-Kayden was raising his own fist in return.
What’s he planning to do? Moreno wondered. He couldn’t seriously think he could match my punch.
That would be… ridiculous. Absurd!
Moreno’s full strength went into his punch, slamming into Kayden’s raised fist.
Crack! The sound of shattering bones echoed through the night, and Moreno’s face twisted in agony.
“Argh!”