The Iron Guards arrived in overwhelming numbers-hundreds of them, clad in medieval iron armor. Their helmets concealed their faces entirely, leaving only a cold, expressionless void where their features should have been. They looked like death warriors straight out of the Middle Ages, their long swords gleaming in the faint light.
These were no ordinary men. Their posture and precision revealed their rigorous training. When they marched into the square and came to an abrupt halt, the ground itself trembled as if struck by a massive weight. Surrounding Kayden, Wood Faulkner, and Sophie, their sheer presence radiated an unshakable dominance that made the three seem small and defenseless.
Gavin straightened his back, his voice ringing with authority. “Do you know what you’re looking at, boy? This is the Iron Guards of Azure Cloud Resort! They are an impregnable fortress in human form, sworn to protect Azure Cloud Resort. Their armor is forged in volcanic heat exceeding three thousand degrees, making it impervious to any weapon. Even if you could slash with your bare hands or conjure a blade from thin air, you wouldn’t leave a scratch!”
He pointed a commanding finger at Kayden, his demeanor exuding the majesty of an emperor surveying his domain. “Today, your blood will stain Azure Cloud Resort. You’ve made the worst mistake of your life by daring to cause trouble here!”
Gavin had summoned the Iron Guards to end this fight swiftly. He didn’t want more bloodshed among his own people, knowing that further losses could destabilize the resort.
Wood Faulkner stepped forward, placing herself between Kayden and Gavin. Her icy gaze hardened as she spoke, her voice dripping with disdain. “A mere clown like you doesn’t deserve Mr. Scott’s attention. I alone am enough to deal with these worthless brutes.”
From within her coat, she pulled out a short blade. Earlier, she had already thrown one of her knives, killing an enemy. This was the last one she had left.
Gavin chuckled darkly. “Not bad, lady. All Iron Guards, listen up! Do not kill her-I want her alive!”
A sinister smile curled on Gavin’s lips. His intentions were clear to anyone who knew him.
Wood Faulkner’s expression grew colder, her proud features intensifying with a dangerous resolve. Her beauty, now accompanied by a fierce killing intent, made her seem even more formidable.
“Attack!” Gavin’s hand swept forward, signaling his men.
The Iron Guards raised their swords in unison, advancing toward Wood Faulkner with precision. Without hesitation, she charged into them, her short blade slicing through the air.
The clash was immediate and fierce.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Wood Faulkner’s movements were swift and practiced, but her blade couldn’t pierce the Iron Guards’ armor. Each strike was blocked by the impenetrable iron, leaving her unable to inflict any real damage.
The Iron Guards, however, found it equally difficult to harm her. Her reflexes were sharp, and her agility allowed her to evade every attack. She danced through the battlefield, always one step ahead of their strikes.
Despite their heavy armor, the Iron Guards moved with surprising speed and agility. They were anything but clumsy.
After several rounds of combat, Wood Faulkner retreated. She was breathing heavily, sweat glistening on her forehead. She turned to Kayden. “Mr. Scott, their armor is too strong!”
Kayden studied her for a moment, noticing her exhaustion. It was clear that her attacks had been ineffective against the Iron Guards’ reinforced armor.
Without a word, Kayden shook his sleeve, revealing a rusty, battered blade. He handed it to her. “Use this. Channel your energy through it, and you’ll be able to take them down.”
Wood Faulkner stared at the blade in disbelief. “Mr. Scott, how could I possibly use your weapon? This blade… it’s not just any weapon. I’m not even worthy to touch it.”
This was no ordinary blade-it was Kayden’s personal weapon, one that carried deep significance for him and those who followed him.
“Stop wasting time! Take it and kill them,” Kayden snapped impatiently.
Seeing his expression, Wood Faulkner didn’t dare argue further. She took the blade, and the moment it touched her hand, a surge of energy coursed through her body. Her exhaustion vanished, replaced by a newfound determination. Her spirit soared, her confidence renewed.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, four eyes watched the scene unfold.
Tony Scott and Clara had snuck into Azure Cloud Resort, taking refuge behind a wall. Tony held up his phone, snapping pictures with undisguised glee.
Seeing Kayden surrounded and outnumbered, a triumphant grin spread across Tony’s face. “Finally, Kayden is going to die! He’s finished!”
For weeks, Tony had lived in fear of Kayden’s vengeance. Now, he felt an immense weight lift from his chest. The Iron Guards had trapped Kayden, and not even a miracle could save him.
Tony had overheard Gavin earlier, mentioning that Kayden had lost his ability to command troops. That once-mighty presence Tony had witnessed in Hiphia was apparently gone for good.
Still, Tony couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Even in death, Kayden had two stunning women by his side. Tony sighed to himself, knowing that he could never match that. The only women he could have were the ones he paid for at bars.
But why envy a dying man? Soon, Kayden’s wife would be his.
The thought of Georgia made Tony’s lips curl in anticipation. He licked them greedily, remembering how close he had come to her last time. He had even touched her thigh, but that was as far as he got. This time would be different. Once Kayden was dead, Georgia would be his to claim.
The thought of her sent a thrill down his spine. Unable to contain himself, Tony let out a low, gleeful laugh.
Hearing him, Clara frowned. “What are you doing, Mr. Scott?”
Tony quickly composed himself. “Oh, nothing. Just taking a few pictures. Don’t you think those Iron Guards look amazing?”