As Ezra’s figure disappeared into the distance, Black Cougar stood frozen, his face etched with pain.
If he refused to submit to Ezra, the entire leadership of the Wizards would face extermination. When that happened, the Wizards would be finished.
But if he agreed to submit, knowing Ezra’s character, it would only lead the Wizards to ruin.
Meanwhile, outside the dungeon, Tim Peters, the Vice House Lord of the Dragon House, approached with a furrowed brow. “Master, this Black Cougar is Aiden Enyart’s trusted confidant. He might not agree to your terms.”
“Hmph!” Ezra let out a cold snort. “I don’t believe Black Cougar can hold out for long. He’s the House Lord of the Cougar House and highly respected within the Wizards. If he doesn’t yield, I’ll never gain the full loyalty of the Wizards.”
Ezra’s eyes gleamed with malice. “Make sure to kill Aiden Enyart. Once he’s dead, retrieve the Hall Master’s medallion from him. That medallion is the symbol of the Hall Master’s authority, passed down through generations of the Wizards. With it, I can claim the Hall Master’s position without question.”
Tim Peters nodded. “Understood, Master.”
—
Later that evening, Chris reunited with Lynx and the others. Lynx had already gathered intelligence on the Wizards’ current state.
“The entire leadership is imprisoned at the Wizards’ headquarters,” Lynx reported. “And there are frequent roars of beasts coming from within. Those sounds are undoubtedly from the Super Warriors.”
However, due to the tight security at the Wizards’ headquarters, Lynx hadn’t been able to infiltrate it. He couldn’t determine how many Super Warriors were inside.
After discussing their plan in detail, Chris and Lynx’s team decided to split up.
Aiden Enyart turned to Chris and asked, “Mr. Shelby, what’s our next move?”
Chris glanced at him and replied calmly, “If I’m not mistaken, someone will come to kill you soon.”
“Kill me?” Aiden Enyart frowned. “Mr. Shelby, are you saying Ezra will send someone after me?”
Ezra had already betrayed Aiden Enyart. Killing him was the only way Ezra could secure the Hall Master’s throne.
Just then, Aiden’s phone rang.
He picked it up and saw that it was Ezra calling him.
“Hall Master,” Ezra’s mocking voice came through the line. “I heard you’ve arrived at Star Continent. Why didn’t you join us when I sent someone to pick you up last time? No matter, I’ve sent someone again. The brothers are all eager to see you-you wouldn’t want to disappoint them, would you?”
Aiden Enyart replied evenly, “I’m at the Grand Star Continent Hotel now. Send your men here.”
After hanging up, Aiden turned to Chris. “Mr. Shelby, as you predicted, Ezra is sending someone to fetch me.”
Chris nodded and instructed Tiger, “Go make the preparations.”
“Yes, Master,” Tiger responded.
Chris sneered. “We’ll deal with Ezra’s men first.”
—
About ten minutes later, a convoy of black cars pulled up in front of the Grand Star Continent Hotel.
One by one, members of the Dragon House stepped out of the vehicles. At the head of the group was Tim Peters, Ezra’s most loyal subordinate and the Vice House Lord of the Dragon House.
Tim Peters scanned the group and barked, “Listen carefully! When you see Aiden Enyart, kill him immediately! Once he’s dead, our House Lord will ascend to the Hall Master’s throne. You’ll all be well-rewarded for your loyalty.”
“Yes!” the members of the Dragon House answered in unison.
Though their faces betrayed complex emotions, they all understood the stakes. They were Wizards members who had betrayed their Hall Master, Aiden Enyart, to side with Ezra.
If Aiden regained control of the Wizards, their fates would be sealed-they would all be executed as traitors.
Before long, Aiden Enyart and Chris appeared.
Tim Peters’s expression lit up with joy when he spotted Aiden. He quickly approached and greeted him with feigned enthusiasm. “Hall Master, our House Lord sent me to bring you back.”
Aiden nodded and asked, “What’s the current state of the Wizards?”
Tim Peters replied, “Hall Master, as per your instructions, we’ve gone into hiding. Everything is under control.”
Hearing this, Aiden smirked inwardly.
Turning to Chris, Aiden said, “Tim Peters, let me introduce you to someone-this is Chris Shelby, Primus of Amerosia.”
“What?!”
Tim Peters stared at Chris in shock.
Chris Shelby was a name he knew all too well. The former Hall Master of the Wizards, Ron Jefferson, had been killed by Chris. Tim never expected Chris to return to Star Continent alongside Aiden Enyart.
Ezra’s ambitions to claim the Hall Master’s seat suddenly seemed far more complicated.
Noting the shift in Tim’s expression, Aiden knew exactly what he was thinking.
Aiden continued, “Tim Peters, Mr. Shelby and I have been discussing matters. We suspect the Wizards suffered such a devastating defeat because of a traitor in our ranks.”
Tim’s face turned pale.
A traitor? He was the traitor.
Taking a deep breath, Tim said, “Hall Master, I have something important to report. Black Cougar, the House Lord of Cougar House, has betrayed us.”
Aiden’s expression darkened. “Black Cougar? Impossible. He’s one of my most trusted men.”
Tim insisted, “Hall Master, I wouldn’t believe it either, but all the evidence points to him. According to Lord Ezra’s investigation, Black Cougar’s betrayal allowed the enemy to crush us.”
Aiden sighed deeply. “It’s true that you can never fully know someone’s heart. I wouldn’t have thought Black Cougar would betray me.”
Inwardly, Aiden scoffed. He already knew the truth-Ezra was the real traitor, not Black Cougar. Lynx had uncovered everything.
Feigning sorrow, Aiden said, “Tim Peters, the Wizards are at a critical moment. I’m grateful to have you and Ezra by my side.”
“Hall Master, we should leave now. Lord Ezra is waiting for you.”
“Very well.”
Aiden and Chris got into one of the cars.
—
After about thirty minutes of driving, Aiden frowned and asked, “Tim Peters, where are you taking us?”
The convoy was traveling down a deserted road, far from any signs of life.
Tim Peters explained, “Hall Master, Daniel Williams has been hunting us relentlessly. Lord Ezra had no choice but to hide with the brothers in a remote location.”
Twenty minutes later, the cars stopped in front of an abandoned factory.
Tim Peters and over a hundred Dragon House members stepped out, followed by Aiden and Chris.
Looking around, Aiden nodded. “Tim Peters, this place is well hidden. It’s unlikely anyone will find you here.”