HBWnovel Chapter 177
Chapter 177
Upon seeing what Ethan just did.
The assassin's eyes widened in disbelief, cold sweat breaking across his forehead as ancient symbols began glowing along Ethan's staff. His hands trembled, decades of training forgotten in the face of true power.
'Impossible'
his thoughts raced frantically.
'The Staff of King Cobra? No one has activated it in centuries!'
Power radiated from the artifact in waves, making the very air crackle with energy. The assassin's enhanced senses screamed danger as the staff's serpentine markings seemed to writhe with life, each symbol pulsing with an otherworldly blue glow.
From his hiding spot, Noah watched in horror as pure energy began pouring from the artifact.
Immediately his face drained of color, his legs started shaking so badly he had to brace himself against the wall. Cold sweat soaked through his designer clothes as he witnessed power beyond his comprehension. The staff's golden glow cast twisted shadows across his terrified features.
"This can't be,"
the assassin whispered, his ultimate technique forgotten, his voice cracking with fear. His perfectly maintained composure shattered completely.
"That staff wasn't just a legend... a myth..."
Ethan moved with liquid grace, the staff becoming an extension of his will. His eyes glowed with the same energy that coursed through the artifact, face eerily calm as he wielded power that hadn't been seen for centuries.
One precise strike was all it took - the legendary assassin of the silver family, crumpled to the ground like a puppet with cut strings. His masked face registered shock in his final moment, body dissolving into shadow as life extinguished in an instant.
immediately Noah's muffled gasp echoed in the sudden silence, his hands clasped over his mouth to prevent him screaming.
Noah collapsed to his knees, all of his arrogance evaporating like morning dew.
His designer clothes soaked with cold sweat, his expensive shoes scuffing against concrete as he tried to crawl backward.
"Please,"
he whimpered, voice cracking like a child's.
"I'm sorry... you should have finished me in the warehouse, why did you let leave.."
At that moment his perfectly maintained heir facade crumbling completely.
Ethan's approach was silent, the staff still glowing with otherworldly power.
The cobra markings seemed to watch Noah with ancient hunger. However Noah's final plea died in his throat, eyes widening with terror as the cobra staff flashed once, leaving his body crumpled beside the assassin.
His hands still raised in a final, futile gesture of protection, but he was lifeless.
The boss's voice trembled slightly. "That's..."
Paper rustled as he presumably calculated the total.
"They died protection me, that is the least I can do for them."
Ethan's words cut through the air, each syllable sharp as a blade. His free hand clenched as he remembered their loyalty.
"Their families shouldn't suffer for his deception. Ten million each. No exceptions."
The cobra markings on the staff seemed to writhe with approval, glowing brighter as Ethan issued this final command.
"Let their deaths serve some purpose."
he thought, watching the last warmth fade from their bodies.
"Sir..."
the gang boss's voice cracked with emotion, decades of hardened street life crumbling.
"This kind of generosity..."
He paused, clearing his throat roughly. His calloused hand could be heard running across his face through the phone.
"When men talk about loyalty..."
His thoughts raced wildly as he did the mental calculations - ten million dollars per family would change lives forever. Children could go to college, widows would never want, parents could retire in peace. His scarred hands trembled slightly as he gripped the phone tighter.
"With respect,"
the boss continued, his voice stronger now, carrying the weight of someone who'd seen too many families left with nothing.
"If the boys hear about this..."
He took a shaky breath.
"They'd walk through fire for you. Take bullets without hesitation." His breath caught slightly, emotion making his usual gruff tone waver. "Hell, I'd do it myself, sir. Without question."
Ethan ended the call as he stepped out into the cool night air, the staff's glow dimming to match the shadows.
Then he turned the staff into a pen.
At that moment he gaze around, and couldn't find serenity, although he wasn't expecting to see her which he's happy about, because she would have definitely ask about Noah, but at the same time she wonders if everything is okay with her.
At that moment his phone buzzed again - Naomi's name flashing on the screen.