Even though everyone already knew this guy was an imposter, the moment Kayden Scott appeared, the facade completely crumbled. Yet, hearing the imposter admit it aloud still left the crowd visibly stunned.
Everyone had expected him to hold his ground, grit his teeth, and insist on keeping up the act-maybe even attempt a standoff where no one could tell who the real one was. But who would’ve thought he’d cave so quickly?
The group protecting him was equally dumbfounded. The burly man who had spoken earlier turned to the youth and demanded, “Defender, what the hell are you doing?”
The young man smirked nonchalantly. “Haven’t you noticed? The organization has already abandoned us.”
The others froze in shock before the realization dawned. It was true-the organization had left them out to dry. If they hadn’t, this man, Kayden Scott, wouldn’t have been able to walk in so brazenly, let alone kill the member lying lifeless on the floor.
“What now?” the burly man asked, his tone as cold as ice.
The youth’s expression darkened. “We fight our way out. Don’t forget-we still have our trump card. As long as we make it out alive, the organization won’t discard us completely. This time, it’s all on us.”
Hearing this, the others seemed to rally. Deep down, their loyalty to the organization was unshakable.
Kayden, overhearing the youth’s words, didn’t react at all. His expression remained calm. He understood these were nothing but desperate ramblings. The notion of replacing him? Laughable. The youth would be lucky to survive the day, let alone step into his shoes.
While Kayden stayed composed, Greedy Wolf was seething. To him, this was blasphemy against the real Defender-the man he revered like a god. As one of Defender’s loyal followers, he couldn’t tolerate such slander. His fury ignited.
He stepped forward and roared, “What a load of crap! Trash like you dares insult the Defender of the South?”
Greedy Wolf turned back to Kayden Scott, his face solemn, and bowed with a clenched fist. “Defender, I request permission to slaughter them all! Let this serve as a warning to anyone daring to defy you, and bolster your unmatched might!”
Every word was filled with fiery determination, enough to ignite the blood of anyone who heard it.
Kayden, however, waved him off casually. “No rush. They’re dead men walking anyway.”
The bystanders shuddered at his words. There was no shouting, no grand theatrics, yet every syllable Kayden uttered carried a weight that sent chills down their spines. The way he exuded dominance without breaking a sweat was the true mark of a war god.
The crowd’s respect for him deepened as they watched.
Kayden then turned back to the youth and asked mockingly, “You confessed that easily?”
The young man tilted his head, snorted, and replied, “So what if I did? And so what if I didn’t? As long as you die, I’ll be the true Defender of the South. I’ve spent years building my reputation in Seclela-do you think I was just playing around? Plenty of people already recognize me as the Defender. Killing you now and taking your place? No one will even bat an eye.”
His confidence was almost tangible, as if victory were already his.
Kayden’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. He shook his head slowly, as if pitying the fool before him. “You clearly don’t know a damn thing about me.”
The youth froze for a moment before bursting into laughter. “I don’t know you? What a joke! I’ve studied everything about you-how you eat, how you walk, how you talk. Hell, I’ve even dreamed about becoming you! If there’s anyone qualified to replace you, it’s me!”
Kayden nodded slightly. “That’s your definition of understanding me? Pitiful. If you really knew me, you wouldn’t have said what you just did. Honestly, I thought Hellblazer would send someone formidable to impersonate me. Who knew they’d send a pathetic nobody like you? How embarrassing.”
His gaze hardened as he continued, “But none of that matters now. After all, you’re nothing more than Hellblazer’s discarded pawns.”
The youth’s expression twisted, his voice trembling as he asked, “What do you mean by that?”
Kayden didn’t bother answering. Instead, he glanced at his watch, nodded faintly, and said, “Well, since Hellblazer doesn’t care about you anymore, I’ll clean up the mess. I’ll kill every last one of you. Let everyone here understand one thing-no one messes with my wife.”
With that, Kayden began walking toward them. His steps were unhurried, his tone light and casual. Killing these people was as routine to him as having a meal.
Just as he took a few steps, Greedy Wolf called out, “Defender, let me handle this. Trash like them doesn’t deserve your attention.”
Without waiting for permission, Greedy Wolf strode forward, his eyes blazing with fury. He turned to the group and snarled, “Come on, you worthless scumbags-bring it on, all at once!”
He had been holding back for too long. A proud warrior of Battlefield, Greedy Wolf couldn’t stomach being toyed with by a shadowy organization. Now that their enemy was finally in sight, he wouldn’t waste the chance to vent his frustration.
Kayden didn’t stop him. He understood Greedy Wolf’s mindset. If he wanted to fight, let him fight.
“You’ll regret this,” growled one of the men protecting the youth. Stepping forward, the burly man pulled a gleaming machete from a sheath strapped to his side.
The blade gleamed under the light, sharp enough to cut through steel.
With a battle cry, he charged at Greedy Wolf.
Greedy Wolf stood his ground, calm and composed, his fists clenched. His sharp gaze tracked the charging opponent, his stance that of a seasoned warrior, ready to strike with precision.
In an era dominated by firearms, it was rare to see a duel fought with cold steel and bare fists. The audience was mesmerized, unable to tear their eyes away from this primal clash.
The man closed the distance in an instant, his machete slicing down with deadly force. The blade whistled through the air, poised to cleave flesh from bone.
But just as it reached Greedy Wolf, he sidestepped effortlessly, dodging the blow with a grace that was nothing short of breathtaking.
He moved with poise. With ease. With absolute mastery.