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Novel Catalog
Chapter_253
The Hidden-Ghost Juggernaut raised his head, his gaze unflinching, and coolly asked, “Are you the real Smiling Grim Reaper?”
A chilling, suffocating aura washed over the room, one that made Zakariah’s skin prickle and his heart race. The murderous intent in the air felt palpable, though no one bled, the smell of rusted blood seemed to linger in every corner. Despite the sun being high in the sky, the temperature seemed to drop as if an invisible force was closing in, squeezing the life out of the room.
Zakariah and Brian instinctively shuddered, their bodies frozen by the sheer presence of the Hidden-Ghost Juggernaut. The students of the Hero Martial Arts School, too, felt an overwhelming pressure, as though an invisible hand had tightened around their throats. The air grew dense, and their breaths shortened.
“Is this… the true power of a Profound Reality Realm master?” Zakariah thought, his chest tightening with every breath. The realization settled over him, just how terrifyingly powerful such an individual could be.
Nash, however, was unshaken. He snorted with cold amusement before leaping into action, landing directly in front of the Hidden-Ghost Juggernaut. A wave of terrifying murderous intent emanated from him, washing over the room and overpowering everything else.
The Hidden-Ghost Juggernaut’s expression flickered. He had been a killer in his time, hardened by years of violence. In Grestin, where he had spent his youth in the fifties, he had claimed the lives of no less than eighty people. His murderous aura had been enough to dominate even Stage Five Grandmasters, forcing fear into their hearts. But Nash’s aura crushed his own completely, leaving him with no sense of dominance, no sense of control.
If the Hidden-Ghost Juggernaut’s aura could be described as the lazy flow of a river, then Nash’s was a violent storm—an ocean of relentless power crashing against him. The two auras could not be compared, not even in the slightest.
With a quick series of steps backward, the Hidden-Ghost Juggernaut shifted, his retreating movements a clear sign of caution.
Frank, seeing the unfolding events, realized the gravity of the situation. This was no imposter—this was the real Smiling Grim Reaper. Hurriedly, he grabbed his stunned son and began pulling him out of the mansion, away from the overwhelming presence of Nash.
Zakariah, still in shock, brushed away the goosebumps that covered his arms. His legs moved on their own accord as he rushed toward the stairs, unable to ignore the pull of curiosity and fear.
Nash, however, had no time for hesitation. With a quick leap, he bounded through Skadi’s window and landed inside her room, where Justin had been hiding behind the curtains. The room seemed less tense now, but Justin couldn’t suppress a small, sheepish grin as he gave Nash a thumbs-up.
“You were so cool, Nash,” Justin said with admiration. “I have no doubts now—you’d make a great Smiling Grim Reaper.”
Nash chuckled, removing the mask of the Smiling Grim Reaper and flashing a playful smile. “Anyone can become the Smiling Grim Reaper when they wear the costume. Didn’t the Watsons treat you like the real deal last night when you visited them?” he asked, his voice light.
The Smiling Grim Reaper’s image had become synonymous with power and fear. Once someone donned the costume, it wasn’t hard to project an aura of dominance. Just the sight of it was enough to make others uneasy, to make them question who they were truly dealing with.
Skadi, leaning against her bed’s headboard with a small smile playing on her lips, spoke with a bit of humor. “You know, you really do look the part when you wear that costume.”
Nash’s build and stature matched the Smiling Grim Reaper’s perfectly. It was uncanny how naturally the persona suited him. Combined with his mastery of the Profound Reality Realm, he exuded a quiet confidence that Justin couldn’t quite replicate.
Nash returned the costume to Justin and reminded him softly, “Don’t wear these too much. They may bring you honor and respect, but they’ll also bring danger. The Smiling Grim Reaper has plenty of enemies.”
Justin nodded in understanding, folding the costume neatly before exiting the room. As he opened the door, he nearly bumped into Bianca, who was holding a bowl of medicine.
“Sorry, Bianca!” Justin apologized quickly as he moved to the side.
“No worries,” Bianca replied half-heartedly as she entered the room, her expression unreadable.
Skadi’s face twisted into a slight frown as she eyed the bowl Bianca had brought. “Didn’t I just drink this medicine earlier? Why do I have to take more now?”
Bianca, flashing a playful smile, answered, “That’s a question you’ll have to ask your coach.”
Skadi groaned, the thought of more medicine unbearable. “How much longer do I have to drink all this?” she asked, her voice tinged with resignation.
“Another three days,” Nash responded calmly.
Skadi’s face fell. “Oh, God. You guys should just kill me.”
Despite the dramatic words, she obediently took the bowl, pinching her nose as she chugged the bitter contents. Her mind was already set on the fact that she had to recover quickly, for her grandfather and martial brothers were all deeply concerned about her health.
Elsewhere, at the Chateau Hotel, Olivia greeted Walter Watson, the wealthiest man in the country, with an air of respect and warmth. As they sat at the dining table, Walter spoke, his voice tinged with curiosity, “I’m sure you’ve heard about what happened to the Lane family’s patriarch last night, right?”
The mention of the incident immediately shifted the atmosphere in the room, and Olivia’s eyes sharpened. She was already aware of the significance of the situation, and it was clear Walter had more to reveal.