The battlefield fell utterly silent in the wake of the survivors of Platinumion laying down their arms.
Scar Face maintained order while Phoenix and Apollyon were doing the death count.
Apollyon chuckled. “Will you go back on your word when Mr. Williams brings Platinum back, Phoenix?”
“Preposterous! I am famed for my reputation of keeping my word. I always deliver on my promise!” Phoenix replied haughtily. “However, I am concerned that he would be beaten to death by Platinum. Even if he survived the beating, his empty-handed return here would be humiliating. Hah! I am going to give Zeke the lambasting of his life, and don't you dare defend him. I'll go harder on him if you do.”
Apollyon was confident. “I still have faith in Mr. Williams. He has never let me down.”
“Is that so? Why don't we have our own wager, Apollyon?” Phoenix suggested.
Apollyon laughed. “All right. What would you like to bet on?”
“If Mr. Williams captures Platinum, I will do whatever you ask. If he fails, both of you will have to call me Grandma. How about that?”
Apollyon considered it before making up his mind with a chuckle. “I don't mind since I've lost all my dignity during my years in the outermost districts anyway. I would even worship you if you so wish. Here's my term: if Mr. Williams does capture Platinum, you spend the night with him. How about that?”
Phoenix's anger blazed. “How dare you propose such nonsense? Scoundrel! I'll tear your tongue out!”
Apollyon shrugged. “I can't force you to agree to it. We'll call off the bet, then.”
“Hang on! I'll do anything else; just change the term. What you want me to do is disgusting!” Phoenix protested.
Apollyon shook his head. “No, it has to be this. Make up your mind. I don't have time for meaningless wagers.”
You...
Phoenix could not bear Apollyon's torment any longer. “Fine, I promise,” she said while gritting her teeth.
“It's a deal, then.”
Apollyon was gleeful.
Mr. Williams would be delighted if he knew of the stake and might even give me better tips in my cultivation!
As he was lost in thought, a thump suddenly sounded behind Phoenix.
What was that?
Phoenix jumped in surprise before turning around, and her heart began to race when she got a good look.
It's a corpse!
The deceased had died a gruesome death, it seemed. The body was covered in blood, and his stomach, chest, and face were covered in irregular ruptures as if his insides had tried to explode out of him.
“Who the f*ck did this?” Phoenix screeched, livid.
Apollyon was also unnerved. “This man just fell from the sky... Hang on. I think I know who did it,” he uttered with a gasp.
“Who?” Phoenix demanded.
“Mr. Williams, if I'm not mistaken,” Apollyon replied.
Phoenix frowned. “How do you know?”
He pointed. “Look closer. Is this Platinum?”
Eh?
Phoenix's eyes seared as they gazed upon the corpse.
Then, she grew nervous.
The outfit was indeed Platinum's. She had not recognized it immediately as it had been dyed red with blood.
Also, his frame and disfigured face were very similar to Platinum's.
Is this a coincidence, or could Zeke have really caught up to and killed Platinum?
Another thud sounded behind her as she was lost in thought.
Phoenix jumped. Whipping around, she found herself face-to-face with Zeke.
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