Chapter 61
Stellar was taken aback as he entered the room, immediately noticing its soft, delicate interior. His gaze quickly snapped to Nash, who had already changed into a black outfit. Nash wore a white mask with a strange, smiling face, sending a cold shiver down Stellar’s spine.
Despite his extensive experience in battle, facing countless life-and-death situations, Stellar could not shake the eerie feeling that crept up his back.
The Smiling Grim Reaper.
The name was no exaggeration. Nash truly embodied his reputation.
“Let’s go,” Nash said, his voice coming through deeper, amplified by the voice changer in his mask. In a blink, Nash pulled up his hood and stood directly in front of Stellar, catching him off guard once again.
Stellar quickly composed himself and led Nash outside the estate. The black Cullinan was parked by the roadside, waiting. As the two got into the car, the driver pressed the accelerator, and they sped off.
Stellar wasted no time. “The Blood Fiends sent eight operatives. They’ll be among the guests at the birthday banquet. You must protect the Warden!”
Nash’s response was cold, his voice carrying a chill. “This isn’t my first time protecting someone. You don’t need to tell me what to do.”
The deep, mysterious tone in his voice only heightened the sense of fear. Stellar felt the unease growing.
“Kid, you’re the first one to speak to me like that…” Stellar muttered, eyes narrowing.
Nash glanced over his shoulder at him, his gaze sharp and intense.
Stellar immediately fell silent. The reality of Nash’s identity had become too clear in recent days—he was the White Grim Reaper. First on the Dark Web Killer List, ninth on the Blood List. Seventy-two missions completed. Not a single failure. And every target was a murderer, someone on the red list.
The weight of that reputation was like a tangible presence in the air. In that moment, Stellar felt as if he were facing the Warden himself.
One hour later, they arrived at the Jonford Private Estate.
The entire estate was heavily guarded. Guards stood three steps apart, sentries every five steps. Armored vehicles patrolled the perimeter, while drones hovered above, scanning the area. Snipers hid in the shadows, their eyes trained on every movement. The security was so tight that not even a mosquito could get through.
At the entrance of the estate, three powerful figures were gathered: Zakariah, the Head of the Martial Arts Association; Henderson Zink, the Chief of the Jonford Inspection Office; and Grant Zell, a member of Jonford’s wealthiest family.
“Is the Smiling Grim Reaper really that terrifying?” Grant asked, skepticism clear on his face.
Henderson Zink, his expression tense, exhaled sharply. Zakariah, stroking his beard, gave a wry smile.
“His strength is comparable to a level nine grandmaster. And there isn’t a single grandmaster like that in Jonford.”
Henderson’s eyes widened. “How strong is a level nine grandmaster?”
Zakariah’s eyes gleamed as he explained. “Balanced, invulnerable. A level nine grandmaster could take down an enemy general in the midst of a thousand troops.”
The gravity of his words sunk in. Henderson and Grant exchanged uneasy glances. Zakariah was not one to exaggerate, and the way he spoke about the Smiling Grim Reaper made it clear that Nash’s strength was unparalleled.
As they discussed, a Cullinan slowly rolled up to the estate gates. Stellar emerged from the car, wearing his mask. The sight of the strange, smiling mask sent a ripple of discomfort through the group. Even these powerful figures couldn’t help but shudder.
Stellar gave a slight nod. “Let’s go inside first…”