A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 6024

Jared listened, mind racing beneath a mask of calm.

Aligning with Julian meant colossal risk; if exposed, neither would survive.

Yet the gains were clear—an ally inside the celestials' domain and a thread of hope for the Morse couple.

Big wagers didn't scare Jared; vengeance had already mortgaged his life.

He stood and crossed the last step between them.

Jared extended his hand.

His voice rang steady. "Your honesty earns respect. The Morse debts will be paid, and the celestials' secrets unearthed."

He tightened the offered handshake.

"When the moment comes, we'll stand together—for the manor and for everyone crushed under level thirteen's weight."

Jared clasped Julian's hand. Julian’s palm felt dry, his grip iron-tight, as though he wanted the pressure to brand the agreement onto skin.

Jared held on for a single heartbeat, aware of how fragile the alliance was, yet feeling it lock into place all the same.

Heat churned in Jared’s chest, rising behind a mask of composure.

The promise changed nothing; the flames of revenge and inquiry only licked higher, demanding more than a single handclasp could offer.

Hurting Clive once had been a start, not a finish.

Jared needed the envoy broken, stripped, exploited—only then would the scales begin to balance.

To do that, he had to reach the celestials’ marrow, not just bruise their skin.

He released Julian’s hand, drew in a slow breath, then spoke in a low, steady voice.

"Manor Lord Jade…"

Jared’s fingers fell away completely. His gaze sharpened, bright as a brand.

"Will Clive head straight back to the Divine Punishment Hall once he leaves?"

Julian shook his head, the motion firm but careful.

"No. His run is a routine collection of offerings and soul crystals across the eastern region. Jade Immortal Manor is only one stop."

"By protocol, he’ll continue to the next site—Profound Ice Valley in the northern reach—finish all errands, and only then return to make his report."

Jared tasted the name, then pressed on.

"Profound Ice Valley… how long until he gets there?"

Julian pinched his brows, thinking.

"Half a day if he pushes, a full day if he drags. The Jade Phoenix carriage is fast, but he’s hauling tribute and must follow checkpoints. He can’t rush it."

A crease formed between Julian’s eyes; realization dawned.

He muttered, "Jared, you’re not thinking of…"

Jared cut him off with a single word.

"Exactly."

Frost glittered in Jared’s eyes.

"I want the envoy to stay in that gorge—for good. After that, I’ll borrow his face."

Julian blurted, "Absolutely not!"

His expression tightened, voice sinking.

"Clive is upper-immortal sixth tier and a trained celestial elite. He isn’t someone you simply pick off."

"He travels with dozens of celestial guards, none of them mediocre. You hurt him once, but in a straight fight the outcome is uncertain."

"And if a celestial envoy dies out there, the Divine Punishment Hall will rage. They’ll send stronger hunters, and the blowback will be catastrophic!"

Jared, however, looked completely sure.

"Manor Lord, spare yourself the worry. In a head-on clash, I know my chances."

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