Zeke was a little shocked.
The ten percent increase claimed by Fortuna was deceptively underestimated. As the saying goes, every inch of
advantage is magnified in the hands of a master. Fortuna's strength increase of a tenth in magnitude was enough
to defeat the vast majority of opponents whose strength was similar to his.
An increase in ten percent of Fortuna's strength essentially elevates him to the level of a deity.
I'd advise you to leave with me, Fortuna, Zeke said.
Fortuna was perplexed.
Haven't you noticed Daemonium's presence recently? Zeke continued. He would have already deployed his scouts
here who are most likely staring at you at this moment.
What? Fortuna exclaimed in surprise. I'm sure I would have noticed the presence of Daemonium of the
Netherworld.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtZeke was struck dumb with disbelief. You probably had your head so far up the dense cloud of yours that you
couldn't see what was going on outside.
I suppose that's likely, mused Fortuna. So what if Daemonium has his eyes on me? I hardly take him seriously
anyway!
Sounds like you and he would be better friends than you and I, retorted Zeke. Daemonium is treacherous,
despicable, and without honor. Are you not afraid of having a target on your back by the insidious tricks up his
sleeves?
In the face of absolute power, any insidious tricks are futile, Fortuna replied haughtily.
I advise you to reconsider, Fortuna. Just in case, that's all.
Fortuna's patience was exhausted. When did you become such a naggy wench? I'm staying. You can stay if you
want, but if you were leaving, I would like you to do so at once. I want to continue my cultivation in peace.
Zeke was outraged.
I am the Great Marshal, and you call me a naggy wench? Unacceptable! I only said it for your own good and now
you think you can dictate terms around here!
Having been strongarmed by Cesar earlier that day, Fortuna's insult felt like a sharper jab than most days.
Zeke was sullen for a while before deciding he would rather not waste his time on Fortuna. He ordered Rick and the
others to stay. “Continue keeping watch here, but don't patrol openly. Hide and watch from the shadows. Notify me
at once if anything out of the ordinary happens. Of course, your safety is of the utmost importance. You have my
permission to escape if your lives are under threat.”
Rick and the rest bowed. “Yes, Great Marshal.”
Zeke departed with Sole Wolf, who was a little gloomy. “Are we just going to let Cesar go, Zeke? This doesn't seem
like your style.”
Zeke laughed. “Let him go? You should know me better by now. I'm just loosening the leash, so to speak. Everything
is still under my control.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSole Wolf's expression relaxed. “I knew you weren't a pushover. Where are we going next, by the way?”
“Back to Linton Group!” Zeke announced.
With full speed, the pair headed toward Linton Group.
Along the way, Zeke mentally contacted Progenitor.
“How are the preparations, Progenitor?”
“Everything is in place and awaiting your order,” the Progenitor replied.
“Good. The plan officially commences. Meet me at Linton Group.”
“Hold on a minute,” Progenitor said. ”You're asking for my help and insisting that I come to you? I am disappointed
in your sincerity. Have one of your men receive me instead.”
Zeke's temper, already so close to the surface, began bubbling again. “Defying me, are you? Consider the
consequences of disobedience carefully.”
Progenitor scoffed. “And what consequences does that entail exactly?”
Zeke grinned wickedly. “This.”
Harnessing a burst of energy, Zeke lashed at Progenitor with his telekinetic whip who screamed as though he had
been struck by lightning.