Ch. 1941..1950

Chapter 1941

Chapter 1941

Persephone awoke early the following morning, engaging in the kitchen despite her nearly non-existent culinary skills. The art of self-sufficiency had only become a part of her repertoire since her arrival. Previously reluctant, she now enthusiastically approached the task, humming as she cooked.

With a tablet perched on the windowsill, she meticulously flipped through images, faithfully following the recipe steps. An instinctive smile graced her face throughout the cooking process. Her motivation? Morpheus.

Each meal she prepared was an expression of her affection for him.

The fried egg bore the evidence of a slight mishap-she hadn't mastered the intricacies of frying. The milk flirted with boiling over. Yet, imperfections aside, she believed that her kitchen prowess would blossom with continued effort.

After all, wasn't it said that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach?

Grinning like a fool, she panickedly turned off the gas as the pan sizzled.

A knock on the door interrupted her contemplation of the next steps.

She rushed to answer and found Seamus dumbfounded at the sight of her perspiring in her apron.

"Miss-"

"Shh!" Persephone hushed him, gesturing. "Lower your voice. Morpheus is still sleeping! And didn't I instruct you not to use that title here?" Seamus nodded obediently. "Roger that."

Seamus was aware that Morpheus must be fatigued from yesterday's match and in no shape to serve her. As such, he had brought her breakfast. However, upon entering, a burnt aroma assailed his senses. A quick survey of the kitchen revealed a chaotic scene.

Yet, amidst the disorder, she managed to salvage a respectable meal. Fried eggs, toast with cheese, pancakes, and a bit of salad were presented. In the midst of her musings, she murmured, "Maybe I should try cooking steak..."

Seamus seized the moment, grabbing her hand.

Startled, she stared at him blankly. "What are you doing? You scared me!"

"Sephy..."

She observed disappointment, rage, and indescribable emotions in his eyes.

Confused, she asked, "What's wrong?"

He hesitated, choosing not to give it to her straight. Since she was young, she had been his little princess.

Staring at her, he felt pain seeing the blisters on her once pretty arms from splattering hot oil.

"I-I bought breakfast," he said. "Stop cooking and go eat."

"Really?" Her eyes lit up. "Did you buy steak? Morpheus likes steak."

Seamus gnashed his teeth and replied, "No."

"That won't do. I must cook him steak."

"You..." He almost snapped again but eventually suppressed his rage. "Don't do it. I'll cook for him!"

"But..."

Persephone hoped that Morpheus would see her cooking for him when he woke up.

Seamus could no longer hold back. "But what? Sephy, w-why are you making him breakfast?! Your family spoiled you back at home. They never let you do the dishes, but you're cooking for him?" "Why are you shouting?" She glared at him. "You know nothing. Stop butting in!"

"Your business is my business!"

"Seamus!"

"Sephy!" Seamus was furious. "Why are you doing this to yourself?"

Chapter 1942

Chapter 1942

"You..."

Persephone's face drained of color, fueled by anger. The hand gripping the pan trembled with intensity.

Seamus took several deep breaths in an attempt to regain composure. His gaze shifted to Persephone, and he forcefully seized the pan from her grasp, removing her apron before pushing her aside. Persephone couldn't recall him ever acting so boldly before!

"Step aside!" he bellowed. "I'll cook whatever he wants!"

"Seamus-"

Seamus glared at her sternly. "I'll serve him, alright? Just hoping he'll let you go and cease his enchantments!"

Unexpectedly, Morpheus' deep voice echoed. "I'm a humble man. I can't afford to be served."

Persephone stood stunned. After sleeping, he had somewhat recovered, but his face still looked pale. Some of his wounds had reopened, staining the gauze crimson.

Persephone searched for the first aid kit, but she stopped as he grabbed her.

Morpheus' demeanor was frigid, a stark contrast to the man who had embraced and kissed her the previous night.

"L-Let me clean your wound," she softly offered. "How was your sleep? I prepared breakfast, but Seamus brought food, too. Which would you prefer?"

He remained silent, casting an eerie stillness over the atmosphere.

"Hey!" She maintained a smiling facade, speaking flirtatiously. "You're in luck! This is my first time cooking, so you must try my food! Don't you dare touch what Seamus brought! "W-What's wrong, Morpheus?"

He seemed emotional.

Despite the unappetizing appearance of the spread and the likelihood that the flavors didn't meet his expectations, he cherished it.

The blisters on her arms, her disheveled, sweaty hair, her cheerful eyes attempting to uplift him...

His emotions were in disarray.

He fervently wished for just the two of them in this tiny house.

Yet, the vivid dream from last night lingered.

"She's a noble swan, and you're a dog stuck in the mud!"

A pang struck Morpheus' heart. He gnashed his teeth and forcefully pushed her arm away!

Persephone staggered, dumbfounded and confused by his sudden action.

"Morpheus..." After calming herself, she cautiously asked, "Does your wound hurt?"

She thought it irrational to complain about a scraped knee as a child, let alone someone covered in injuries.

How could a person with wounds all over find joy?

"Something's off with you!" She purposefully pouted and tapped his shoulder. "I get you're upset about being hurt, but taking it out on me is wrong! Be a good boy, have breakfast, and let me tend to your wound. I'll... consider forgiving you!

"Morpheus?

"Morpheus..."

"Go away!" he suddenly yelled, glaring at her. "I was kind enough to push you away. Stop irritating me. Don't make me hit a woman!"

Persephone's mind went blank as if lightning had shattered her beautiful day.

She couldn't control the tears, sobbing with a mix of anger, fear, sadness, and despair. Such a cascade of negative emotions in a single day was beyond her imagination.

Persephone was at a loss for words while shaking uncontrollably and sobbing.

Seamus stepped forward and confronted Morpheus, "I'm done with you! What do you want? What makes you think you can talk to her like that?!"

Chapter 1943

Chapter 1943

Morpheus clenched his fists as he stared at Persephone's teary face.

He thought since he could bear the pain that no regular people could bear on the battlefield and boxing ring, there wouldn't be any pain in the world that could hurt him.

Never had he thought there really was.

Her tears hurt him so badly.

Persephone was shaking, and so was he. However, he had to try his best to hold it in.

"What makes me think I can't talk to her like that?" Morpheus scoffed. "You'll have to ask her! She insists on lowering herself to make breakfast for a person like me. She kept clinging onto me... It's her fault that I'm doing this to her!"

"You!" Seamus was furious and threw a punch at him.

Morpheus was hurt, so he did not dodge in time and took his punch. He staggered into the chair before falling on the floor.

Seamus wanted to keep punching him, but Morpheus struggled to lift his arms, blocking his fist. Just then, his wounds tore significantly, and blood seeped through the gauze!

"No!" Persephone shouted and stood before Morpheus, blocking Seamus.

"Sephy-"

"Don't you dare touch him again, Seamus!" Persephone pushed him away while wailing, but she did not help Morpheus up-she stood there crying.

Persephone suddenly felt like she was a joke.

She could not understand it. Did he not kiss her yesterday?

She had put the medal he had given her under her pillow like a treasure.

Why did everything change when she woke up? Could everything that had transpired the previous day be just a dream?

Seamus' fist hung in the air-he was shaking from fury.

Nonetheless, he put his hand down eventually.

Persephone stopped crying and walked out numbly.

Seamus caught up to her.

Morpheus was left alone in the house, releasing a low, cold chuckle. He shed a tear as he chuckled and got up forcefully.

Looking at the breakfast on the table, he picked up a toast and ate it.

It was not good indeed...

It was burnt and not properly toasted.

There was a fried egg, which was also burnt. He preferred boiled eggs.

Apart from all that, she had even made pancakes. He smiled and shoved them into his mouth.

They tasted horrible!

Morpheus smiled and then cried. He shoved the dishes on the table into his mouth one after another...

Suddenly, he choked and coughed hard. Morpheus only managed to calm down after gulping a big glass of water.

'She even sliced a mango?' he wondered.

He picked up a fork and finished the plate of mango...

Rashes spread all over his body like grass sprouting after the rain. He felt as if someone was strangling him. The moment he fainted, he seemed to have returned to the day he first met her. She wore a white dress, hiding a dagger in her boots. Like an arrogant cub, she had been under the impression she was a tigress, but in reality, she was just a kitten....

"Sephy..." he muttered with a smile. He seemed to see her in his blurry vision.

Seamus took Persephone to his place.

There were two other bodyguards that he had brought along from Centrolis. They got up as soon as they saw her, greeting her respectfully, "Miss!"

"Please give us space." Seamus went to grab an ointment as soon as he entered. "She is hurt. I must apply ointment on her wound right away."

Chapter 1944

Chapter 1944

The two bodyguards left immediately. Seamus and Persephone were the only ones in the house.

Seeing her battered appearance stirred anger and pain within Seamus.

"We brought a significant amount of ointment from Centrolis." He placed the burn ointment in her hand. "I noticed you burned your arm. I'm unsure if other parts of your body are affected, so I can't assist there. Examine yourself and attend to any injuries. I'll be waiting at the door. Call me when you're finished."

Persephone remained motionless, tears streaming from her vacant eyes.

"Miss!"

"Why did he do that to me?" She trembled. "He told me he liked me last night!

"He's been the one protecting me since I came to Flinge... How did he change so abruptly? Is he no longer protecting me because the breakfast I made sucked?

"Tell me why?!"

Finally, she cried out loud, wrapping her head around her arms and curling into a ball.

Seamus, who had been squatting in front of her, stood up slowly, his eyes revealing a complex mix of emotions.

Rather than offering comfort as he had before, he stood before her like a god in control of everything. His clenched fists seemed to hold her destiny...

'Indeed...' He chuckled. 'I should intertwine her destiny with mine!'

Seamus said softly, "Sephy, stop putting effort into something that won't work. He doesn't deserve you."

Persephone didn't even look up, turning her gaze away.

"Stay here like a good girl for these two days. We'll return to Centrolis soon," he added.

Bringing her back unharmed, whether it was the Hamertons or the Thompsons, would make them view him positively.

By then, his status would ascend. He would be extraordinary...

After calming down, Persephone felt as if her heart were frozen.

She tried her best to push Morpheus out of her mind, but his image persisted. The chair triggered visions of him sitting there while the cabinet brought back memories of his boxing gloves neatly stored inside. Even the plants and trees in the courtyard stirred recollections of the mountains and forests he had once shown her.

Though teary-eyed, she managed to restrain her tears.

The mystery of Seamus' whereabouts troubled her. He was consistently absent from home, leaving a rotation of peculiar-looking bodyguards in charge.

"Where's Seamus?" she asked, but they avoided meeting her gaze.

"Why the silence?" she pressed. "Tell me! What's Seamus up to that keeps him away all the time?"

"Miss, we don't know," one of them replied humbly. "He never informs us about his activities. But rest assured that you're his top priority no matter what he's engaged in."

Persephone eyed him suspiciously, a troubling thought crossing her mind. 'Could he be causing trouble for Morpheus again?'

The notion sent shivers down her spine. Without even changing her shoes, she dashed out in her house slippers.

"Miss!" they exclaimed, chasing after her.

They kept a respectful distance but persisted like annoying flies.

Persephone was unfamiliar with the streets of Flinge. She navigated through twists and turns, relying on her memory to lead her down a particular street.

Chapter 1945

Chapter 1945

Persephone knew this place better than the bodyguards.

An inexplicable hesitation gripped the bodyguards when they reached the street, causing them to falter in following her.

Persephone seized the chance and made a quick move to lose them. She sprinted toward a convenience store, deftly navigating through a couple of turns until she reached Morpheus' place. There, she encountered Wynn, who appeared in a rush as he descended the stairs.

"Sephy?" he greeted her with surprise and joy before swiftly becoming alert, pulling her behind him. After a cautious glance around, he whispered, "Nobody is following you, right?" "No!" she replied, panting. "How's Morpheus? Did Seamus come?!"

"Seamus?" Wynn was momentarily stunned, then shook his head. "Seamus didn't come, but Morpheus isn't doing great...' "What happened to him?"

"1

"His old wounds were still healing from the fight with Louis. He barely won the fight. Now, with new wounds on top of the old ones, he..." Persephone rushed toward Morpheus' house, oblivious to everything else.

Morpheus lay in bed, battling a high fever. Bandages covered the upper half of his body, saturated in blood.

His wounds had reopened and become infected, leading to the fever.

Tears streamed down Persephone's face as she approached him.

Wynn placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, managing a forced smile. "He'll be happy if he knows that you're here."

"I'd like to-"

"Stay here." Wynn decided for her. "I'll bring you food. Stay with him!"

She nodded, holding Morpheus' hands.

As his fever persisted, she stayed the night to care for him-administering medicine, changing bandages, and holding him for support.

Persephone hugged him tightly, tears flowing freely.

The night air was chilly, dispelling the day's warmth.

Persephone glanced out the window and observed Seamus leading his men in a search.

She knew he could track her down effortlessly despite not having her phone.

Her fists clenched.

This scenario felt like a recurring theme from her youth. Wherever she went, Seamus would unfailingly locate her first.

During a rebellious phase, she yearned to escape the confines imposed by her family and the ever-present bodyguards.

Yet, it seemed an invisible barrier surrounded her.

Seamus would find her no matter where she fled, delivering her intact to her family...

She relied on him, yet, on some level, she sought liberation not just from familial constraints and vigilant guardians but from him.

Persephone took a deep breath and composed herself.

Seamus suddenly halted in his quest to find her. He stood just below, his back to the window. He sensed her gaze but did not attempt to look back.

A sudden panic seized Persephone, and she hastily drew the curtain closed.

The ensuing silence echoed with the rapid beats of her heart.

After an indeterminate duration, she cautiously opened the curtain, peering through a slender gap. The courtyard was empty. "Sephy..."

A hoarse voice emanated from the room, and Persephone rushed to Morpheus.

Morpheus was in a fever-induced haze. He had half-opened eyes and persistently called out to her, licking his parched lips, "Sephy, Sephy..."

"I'm here!" she said and grasped his hands.

Morpheus turned his face. In the subdued lighting, he couldn't discern if he was dreaming.

"How are you feeling?" Persephone felt his forehead. It was still burning.

Chapter 1946

Chapter 1946

"This can't go on. What if it gets worse?" Persephone exclaimed in panic. "Let's get you to the hospital!"

Morpheus struggled to open his eyes, a childlike smile appearing when he saw her clearly.

Even if it was a dream, it felt sweet.

"No need." He gently held her hand. "This has happened before. I can get through it."

"Morpheus..."

"Stay with me." His breath weakened, drifting in and out. "Don't go... Sephy."

Persephone nodded, tears dripping onto the back of his hand.

"Are you willing to be with me forever?" he asked.

"Mm-hmm..." She choked.

Morpheus shut his eyes, exhausted. "Sephy... I need to tell you a secret... Don't go... Let me tell you a story," he said incoherently. "Mm-hmm!"

"I won't hide anything from you anymore... I-I must tell you the truth..."

Morpheus looked away, coughed intensely, and passed out again.

Persephone shook him, crying while sitting next to the bed. In a panic, she placed a cold towel on his forehead, fed him medicine, and changed his drenched clothes.

After a night of torture, she finally fell asleep sitting next to him as the day broke.

When Persephone woke up, she found herself in bed. Meanwhile, Seamus' worried eyes greeted her.

She sat up in shock but felt dizzy and fell back to the bed.

"Stop torturing yourself, miss!" Seamus' voice carried a mix of worry and fierceness.

"Where's Morpheus?" she asked.

Seamus glanced at her, his lips quivering with fury.

"I'll go find him if you won't tell me!" she insisted, attempting to get off the bed.

Seamus grabbed her, almost yelling, "He's safe! He's at the hospital. The doctor gave him antibiotics, so he'll be fine soon!" Persephone looked at him in astonishment.

"But you..." Seamus gnashed his teeth, holding back what he wanted to say.

It would be futile to continue. No matter how mad he was, it wouldn't change her mind.

He had been suppressing his emotions and holding back for many years, so why would he care for Morpheus?

This man threatened him for the first time when he thought he would never be threatened.

"You've lost weight." He handed her a bowl of soup with vegetables. "Eat some. You'll have to take care of yourself too while taking care of him."

"What..." Persephone asked softly, "What happened to me?"

"I heard from Wynn that you fainted at Morpheus' place," he replied flatly. "He found out and called me, so I brought you here."

Persephone's heart was in a mess while stirring the soup with a spoon. She remembered Morpheus begging her not to leave last night. He had even said he had a secret to tell her, that he would no longer hide from her....

However, he told her nothing.

Seamus sighed. "Sephy, it's time to go home."

"Hmm?"

He looked into her eyes and enunciated word after word, "We must leave. It's time to go home!"

Chapter 1947

Chapter 1947

Persephone remained silent, holding her head low in contemplation.

The stark reality unfolded before her-Morpheus and she came from different worlds. He was the untamed beast in the jungle, while she resembled a delicate flower spoiled within the confines of home. His world embraced freedom, while hers revolved around dreams.

Like an unplanned melody, their love story began as a pure accident. Yet, she couldn't let it go, holding onto the hope that it would endure.

"Sephy..." Seamus summoned his courage, reaching out to hold her hand.

However, she evaded him, recoiling as if an electric shock coursed through her the moment he made contact. Her gaze spoke volumes, indicating that he had overstepped a boundary. Seamus bit his lip. "I'm sorry."

Guilt washed over Persephone as she recalled the countless kind gestures he had made since her youth. Apart from her family, perhaps no one else would exhibit such unwavering loyalty.

In her younger days.

Persephone would play tricks on him, creating chaos.

The most extreme instance involved sending him to the beach to search for a pink shell she claimed to have seen in a fairytale. He took it seriously, scouring through corals and getting stranded in the ocean during high tide, unable to swim. It was a near-death experience.

Her parents intervened, imparting a severe lesson. She had endured the harshest punishment-no food, an entire day in time-out, in a distant and chilly place where the sounds of wild birds and a cold night breeze prevailed.

Alone and sobbing, she assumed no one would come to her aid. Then, Seamus, battling a high fever, stumbled in. Despite his fall, the candy he held remained intact.

Additionally, Seamus knew her dislike for the usual tea, so he would prepare hot Earl Grey milk tea for her.

Persephone felt a lump in her throat as she softly held his hand.

"Miss..."

"I should be the one apologizing." Her voice softened. "I caused a lot of mischief, and you had to clean up the mess for me every time. I..."

"Don't say that." Seamus smiled gently. "I'm your bodyguard. It's my job to do anything for you!"

Persephone looked at him. The way he gazed at her remained unchanged from her youth-gentle and attentive. Yet, for some reason, she sensed he was hiding something. Unlike Morpheus, whose deep eyes revealed his soul, Seamus remained a mystery.

She shook her head, pushing thoughts of him away.

"Oh yeah. Didn't you mention there was a mole? Did you find him?" she asked.

"I did." Seamus brought her favorite cheese spread and delicately applied it to the toast.

Persephone stared at him. "Who is it?"

He paused, hesitating.

"Tell me!"

He met her gaze and uttered, "Ryan."

Her mind went blank. "What?!"

Ryan Frazier had grown up with them, though not as close to Seamus. He had been Greta's childhood companion.

She had brought him to Flinge because of their closeness, assuming he shared her desire to find Greta.

Never did she imagine he was a traitor...

Chapter 1948

Chapter 1948

"Why did he do that?" Persephone's heart pounded. "Is he not happy with our family? Did anyone bully him? Why..."

"Calm down." Seamus held her shoulders. "There are many reasons why people do what they do. Nobody bullied him. Perhaps there are some distorted desires that he can't fulfill." "What do you mean?"

"I don't know." He shook his head. "But I know that he has done everything since coming here. Including the first day we arrived when we ran into a gang!"

She shuddered, feeling a chill crawling on her back.

There was a saying: "It's difficult to guard against a thief within one's house."

The person who had said that was wise. The one who would harm you would usually lurk around you.

"Ryan might have clues about Greta," Seamus lowered his voice and beat her to it, "But we can't stay here looking for her! You'll bring many troubles to the Hamertons and Thompsons!"

"Seamus-"

"The gangs here have great conflicts. They want to rule, and nobody wants to yield. It's lawless here. The police have less power than they do. If any gangs have ill intentions and capture you, they'll have leverage on the Hamertons and Thompsons. Get it?!"

Persephone looked at him before lowering her head slowly.

"If that really happens, they'll have the right to negotiate with the Hamertons and Thompsons. They'll definitely win! There'll be trouble waiting for us if they manage to do that!"

Each word he uttered poked her heart.

Her identity brought her glory, as well as endless worries.

Perhaps that was what the philosophers meant by it all depended on how one looked at things.

"Got it." Persephone pursed her lips. "I won't stir trouble for my family again. I'll listen to you and go home soon."

"Great." Seamus smiled at her. "I'll make the arrangements right away!

"About Greta..." He paused. "Since Ryan has clues, we'll seize the opportunity to find out!"

"I want to ask him myself!" she demanded.

"You don't have to do insignificant things like this," Seamus said gently, "You'll get soft. Meeting him and hearing him talk about the past could lead to forgiveness."

"I..."

"Let me handle this, miss!"

Persephone was stunned.

What Seamus said was determined. He did not sound like he was discussing with her but ordering her.

Sometimes, she thought he was weird. His demeanor scared her, making her yield.

There was a voice deep inside her saying that she wanted to run away from him, but he would catch her back eventually.

Seamus softened his voice. "Miss, eat more."

She nodded. "But can we return safely this time? We almost died last time!"

"It was an accident. I'll arrange everything properly this time.

"Also..." He handed her a glass of warm milk and said softly, "I know you can't let him go."

"What are you talking about?!" She was dodging his eyes. "Since I've decided to go home with you, I won't see Morpheus again."

Seamus sighed. "Miss, say goodbye to him."

"You..."

He forced a smile. "We'll leave in two weeks. I found out that he has a match the day before we leave. I believe... He's hoping to see you there."

Chapter 1949

Chapter 1949

There was a dimly lit office on the other side of the underground arena. It belonged to Fat Jim, who loved the dark.

At that moment, he held a cigar while shaking his legs on the table. The vinyl player was broken, but that did not stop him from smiling.

The case of cash in front of him was the source of his happiness. He didn't calculate how much money there was, but he knew it was the amount that made him happy. He didn't care who the person trading with him was. All he knew was that it didn't matter if Morpheus died-his profit was endless.

Earlier.

"Kill Morpheus."

That was the first thing the mysterious man said as soon as he came in.

Fat Jim was stunned at first, thinking that the man had come to the wrong place. Just when he was about to get his men to chase him out, the man placed the case agilely on the table.

The cash in the case made one fall into a daze.

Fat Jim frowned. "What's this..."

"You're the boss of this underground arena. You call the shots for who lives and dies." The man chuckled. "I'll give you more if this isn't enough to buy Morpheus' life. Name your price."

Fat Jim picked up a stack with his chubby hand. The cash was new-there was a smell of ink, a smell that would charm one's heart.

"You underestimated me, sir." Fat Jim tossed the cash back into the case. "I won't betray my buddy!"

"You consider Morpheus your buddy?" The man smirked. "Don't go blowing your own trumpet."

Fat Jim's eyes dimmed, and he smiled slyly.

"Morpheus' life is valuable." Fat Jim scoffed. "He hasn't made enough money for me, so how would I bear to let him die? Do you think a case of cash is enough to buy the life of the slayer of the boxing ring?"

"I told you to name your price." The man's voice was cold, "There are fighters everywhere, but you won't find the opportunity to make fast money lying around!"

Fat Jim glanced at him. The man had a cold bearing, and his skin was terrifyingly fair.

Morpheus was cold, as well as intimidating. However, he was a gunpowder barrel beneath the snow mountain that could explode at anytime.

This man was different. He was like a millennial corpse, a cursed mummy. People would get a fortune for getting close, but they might die, too. Nevertheless, Fat Jim loved money more.

What was one's life even? Even more so when one was living in Flinge, lives were cheap.

Fat Jim chuckled coldly after falling into a long silence. He closed the case and looked into the man's eyes as he uttered, "Deal!"

"This is my contact number." He left a note. "Call me anytime you want more money."

"Okay."

"I don't only want his life. Most importantly, make him lose his reputation! You get what I mean, right?"

Fat Jim nodded while giggling. There were endless ways to ruin a person in this place. It was a cakewalk. Fat Jim smiled. "But sir, people have no reputation to begin with here. Ruining him... It's meaningless." "It's meaningless to you." The man tidied his collar casually, "But to me, it's enough for her to see that."

"Who?"

The man scoffed and did not respond. "Also, I need you to get rid of a person for me."

"What?" Fat Jim was stunned. "You'll have to pay me more for that!"

The man said nothing and merely clapped. Soon, someone brought a tied man in. He was kicked and fell onto the floor in a kneeling position. He wanted to struggle, but the man pulled his hair and smashed his head on the floor!

Chapter 1950

Chapter 1950

Fat Jim stood stunned momentarily, then turned to his trusted subordinate. The guy shrugged, indicating he didn't know what was happening either. Fat Jim then looked at the man again. "What's the meaning of this?"

"This person is yours." The man chuckled. "You just mentioned that this is a different price?"

"Um..."

"I'm giving you this person for free," the man said, looking at Fat Jim. "He's in excellent health. His annual check-ups show all his readings are perfect."

The bound person had a cloth stuffed in his mouth, making muffled sounds while glaring resentfully at the man. The man turned and harshly slapped him across the face.

"There are many useful things in him! Such a good container of organs is right in front of you. Do you still want to name another price?"

"Well..." Fat Jim grinned, his eyes shining with avarice.

Indeed, the captive was sturdy, struggling up from the floor several times, although the man pushed him back down each time. This indicated his good health. Placed in a boxing ring, he might even be the next Morpheus. However, the income from a single match paled in comparison to the price of an organ.

Fat Jim's grin turned more sinister. To him, the organ trade was like watching pigs run-he hadn't eaten pork himself, but he had seen pigs running and others pinning them down to eat.

He had waited too long for this opportunity. It seemed he had pleased some lucky stars today. It truly was a case of sincerity opening the doors of chances. He was blessed with this huge fortune! "Well... thank you, sir!" Fat Jim smiled fawningly.

A malevolent glint flashed in the man's eyes. He abruptly tugged the cloth from the captive's mouth. The captive instantly let out an angry roar akin to a trapped beast. "You animal! You're not human!" The man, expressionless, watched him go mad. After a while, he smiled.

"You... You traitor!"

"Sorry." The man squatted down, gripped the captive's throat, and enunciated each word, "In everyone else's eyes, you're the traitor. Hahaha!"

"You... You'll meet a terrible end!"

"A terrible end?" The man sneered. "Even if you scream for retribution, will God grant it to you?"

"You-" Before he could speak more, the man crumpled the torn cloth and stuffed it back into his mouth.

"I'll leave him to you."

"Sir, rest assured, I won't treat your kindness lightly!"

The man walked away indifferently, leaving behind the room filled with mournful cries.

"Enjoy a few more days!" Fat Jim looked at the barely conscious captive, kicking him once more. "I'll deal with Morpheus first, then see how much I can get for what you've got!"

Fat Jim cackled. A haunting, eerie tune played from an old-style record player, chilling and discordant. He swayed his obese body, dancing to the rhythm.

He wouldn't be stuck in this underground arena anymore. Perhaps there was a place for him in the wider world!