Memphis John understood their intentions clearly. Though he wasn’t from a prestigious family like the Hermits, he wasn’t a fool either. He knew that this organization behind him was trying to entangle him, first offering him benefits to entice him, only to exploit him later.
For now, it seemed he had gained some advantages-constant favors and goodwill from them. But one day, they would surely turn the tables, leaving him with nothing but regret and no place to cry.
Memphis John hated being controlled. To him, controlling his own fate was the only way to ensure security and freedom. He had made up his mind. He had to refuse everything they offered-no matter how tempting. And refuse, he would.
With a heavy nod, he declared, “Yes, I refuse!”
“Lucy! Show them out.” Memphis John barked his command without hesitation.
The man’s face darkened, his expression turning icy. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “Mr. John, are you sure you won’t reconsider?”
As he spoke, the ornate boxes they had presented were retrieved and returned to their pockets. The tension in the room thickened.
Memphis John’s eyes grew sharp, glaring at the group with unwavering determination. “No need to reconsider. I don’t like being someone’s lapdog. I prefer to be my own master and take charge of my destiny.”
“In that case, Mr. John, are you determined to go against us?” the man asked, stepping forward. His movement was subtle, but his intent unmistakable-he was ready to act.
Memphis John laughed heartily. “Go against you? I have an entire nation behind me.”
“Very well! Since Mr. John has decided, don’t blame us for being impolite.”
Finally, the man dropped all pretense. At his words, the three others with him stepped apart, forming a triangular formation. The four men stood like wolves, their eyes fixed hungrily on Memphis John and his family. The cordiality from earlier evaporated, leaving only cold, vicious intent.
“Today, we will destroy the John family completely. Not a single one of you will leave alive!”
As soon as the words fell, the man stomped his foot violently, creating a deep crater in the ground. Behind him, a visible whirlwind began to form, spiraling into the air.
It wasn’t just him. The other three followed suit, each summoning their own whirlwinds. In unison, they moved with eerie synchronization, their actions precise and simultaneous.
At first, the whirlwinds were small, as though gathering strength. But as they spun faster, they grew larger and more ferocious.
The John family estate, renowned for its beautiful indoor greenery, bore the brunt of the rising storm. Leaves scattered like rain, branches bending under the fierce winds. The once pristine interior turned chaotic in seconds.
The whirlwinds grew taller, towering like serpents rising to the heavens. Without any special effects, one could clearly see the awe-inspiring violence of the storms with the naked eye.
“Master, be careful!” Lucy stepped forward, positioning herself protectively in front of Memphis John.
“Guards!” she shouted, her voice echoing through the chaos. Members of the John family rushed from all directions, filling the room.
“Protect the master!” Lucy commanded without hesitation.
The guards spread out, surrounding the four intruders. But the strength of the whirlwinds was undeniable. The gusts blew fiercely, forcing many to squint or shield their eyes.
Though they formed a circle around the attackers, unease gnawed at their confidence. Who were these four men? What kind of monsters had they encountered?
The room, once brightly lit, began to flicker. The whirlwinds disrupted the magnetic field, causing the lights to dim and flash erratically. The eerie glow heightened the tension, making the air feel heavier.
Lucy’s brow furrowed as she glanced at the flickering lights. “Such tremendous power,” she murmured to herself.
She took a step forward, her posture shifting into a combat stance. Her eyes were sharp, unwavering.
“Kill!” the leader of the group commanded. His voice, deep and guttural, carried a chilling edge that felt like it came straight from the depths of hell.
At his order, the three others sprang into action.
Lucy’s expression hardened. She turned to the guards and shouted, “Protect the master!”
Obeying her command, the guards retreated slightly, forming a protective barrier in front of Memphis John and his family.
“A bunch of useless fools! Do you really think you can stop us?” The leader’s voice, dripping with disdain, echoed through the room. With that, the four men charged forward.
The John family guards didn’t back down. They unsheathed their weapons and moved to intercept.
But as soon as they approached, they were met with an invisible force. The whirlwind struck them like a hammer, throwing them violently backward. The gusts carried a cutting edge, slicing through them as if a thousand blades were embedded in the wind.
Within moments, the ground was littered with fallen bodies.
Lucy’s eyes narrowed as she muttered, “Wind blades.”
She watched as more guards were flung into the air, their injuries far worse. Some didn’t survive the attack.
“The Gale Riders!” Lucy whispered, her tone grim as she stared at the four figures.
The leader smirked, his eyes gleaming with arrogance. “Impressive. You actually know who we are.”
“Enough!” Lucy barked as she halted the remaining guards from charging to their deaths.
She stepped forward, pulling at her dress to free her movements. Her eyes blazed with determination. “Let me handle them.”
In her hands, two small knives appeared. She took a graceful step forward, her movements light yet purposeful.
“Foolish woman! Do you think you can get close to us?” the leader sneered. “If you know we are the Gale Riders, you should also know that within five meters of us, nothing survives.”
Lucy ignored his taunt. She raised her knives, spinning them deftly in her palms. The blades moved faster and faster, glowing with a golden light as their speed reached near-impossible levels.
With a flick of her wrist, Lucy hurled the glowing blades forward. The knives tore into the whirlwinds, creating sparks as they clashed against the raging winds. Metal and wind screeched against each other, sending fiery sparks flying.
Using the diversion, Lucy darted forward, her steps nimble, her figure like a blur. She plunged into the midst of the four men, a lone figure battling the storm.
A fierce skirmish erupted. Lucy, with her dual knives, faced the four Gale Riders head-on.
But could one woman truly hold her ground against these four men?