JacQuarius's mind raced with suspicion and caution upon hearing the man's unexpected revelation. He remained on high alert, ready to react instantly to any threat that might arise. Transmitting multiple messages to Kiyomi and Tela, he ensured they were prepared for potential trouble.
As he contemplated the situation, questions flooded JacQuarius's mind. How had the GEI located him so swiftly? The organization's reputation for power and corruption made their appearance always unsettling. Could this man have been planted as a spy in the US Military all along, or was it merely a coincidental encounter?
Determined not to be manipulated or caught off guard, JacQuarius concealed his uncertainty behind a facade of composure.
"Nigga, I know that already. Why did you think I was about to beat your ass, now what the fuck do you want?" He stated boldly. Despite being in a horrible situation, JacQuarius felt no fear. In the worst case, if they fought again, the other Platinum Ranks would join in and help the undercover GEI agent fight JacQuarius and his group.
JacQuarius possessed a valuable artifact tailored for the formations in his businesses—a teleportation device that allowed him, Kiyomi, and Tela to swiftly relocate as long as they had the necessary Qi and artifact. However, its one-minute cooldown posed a tactical challenge, requiring them to defend themselves post-teleportation if caught.
The man's offer on behalf of his boss sought to recruit JacQuarius into their organization, promising him anything he desired. Yet, JacQuarius saw through the transparent ploy, recognizing their intent to exploit him just as they had done to Daniel, who was now paralyzed from the neck down due to JacQuarius's previous actions.
JacQuarius's response was immediate and firm. He declined the offer without hesitation, fully aware of the organization's ulterior motives to leverage him for his Primordial Reaper inheritances before discarding him.
"Hell nah, get the fuck outta here with that bull shit. Leave before I slap the fuck out you!" JacQuarius yelled as he stood up and gave off a hostile gaze to the undercover GEI agent.
The agent, seething with anger at JacQuarius's brazen defiance, was poised to retaliate when his boss intervened with a transmitted message.
"Leave for now. We'll have our opportunity later. It's inevitable that we'll be working together eventually. At least he's still himself. Return and resume your duties. I'll handle Daniel's situation. It appears his punishment has run its course," the boss's voice echoed through the agent's device.
Reluctantly, the agent composed himself and acknowledged the command. He shot JacQuarius a final glare before turning on his heel and departing.
JacQuarius, now aware of the organization's persistence, remained vigilant. He knew this encounter was just the beginning of a larger confrontation, but he was determined to stay one step ahead of their schemes.
Next Morning At A Hospital
Daniel and Selena lay in their hospital beds, both trapped in their own nightmares. Selena's anguish manifested as a continuous stream of screams, tears, and tremors, persisting for two agonizing weeks beyond the expected duration of her ordeal.
Meanwhile, Daniel's punishment continued unabated. A chilling video concluded with a man entering his room and suspending his father's severed finger in his line of sight, adorned with his mother's wedding ring. Confronted with this gruesome tableau, Daniel descended into the same state of despair as Selena, his days marked by unremitting screams and tears.
Helpless hospital staff, faced with the inexplicable torment of their patients, began seeking recourse in mental asylums. Despite witnessing the grim display of Daniel's father's finger, they felt compelled to turn a blind eye, aware that their facility was financially entwined with the enigmatic organization, GEI, and fearful of jeopardizing their own financial incentives.
A man entered the room, his snap cutting through the air and jolting Selena awake.
"Good morning, Selena. Your punishment is officially over! Wake Daniel up, so we can discuss the upcoming plans for you two," he said.
Selena, now alert, hurried over to Daniel's bedside. Knowing he couldn't feel anything below his neck, she resorted to a sharp slap to rouse him.
Daniel startled awake, his eyes darting around the room, searching for the source of the unexpected jolt.
"Good morning, Daniel! Now that you're both awake, let's discuss your future plans," the man began, his tone filled with enthusiasm. "While you two were enduring your punishments, Ian completed his solo mission. He successfully assassinated Japan's Prime Minister, setting the stage for World War III. Daniel, your new mission is to become a war hero—a stepping stone on your path to becoming Japan's next Prime Minister. Once you're instated, we'll have control over this continent and weaken the USA!"
Daniel and Selena exchanged fearful glances, apprehensive about the man's ambitious goals. His missions were not just dreams; they were geopolitical strategies with real-world consequences.
"As for World War III, it will likely pit the USA against Japan. China or Russia might intervene, but it's unlikely. Ian will return tomorrow. You two can stay here, discuss, and prepare. Once he arrives, he'll use the Healing Skill Medicine to heal Daniel's paralysis, and then you'll all enlist in the Japanese Military. Goodbye!" With those parting words, the man vanished into thin air.
Daniel and Selena sat in stunned silence, contemplating the weight of the tasks ahead and the gravity of the world-changing events unfolding around them.
Selena received a notification and checked her phone to find a text message containing a video. She watched it, and then turned to Daniel with a serious expression.
"Daniel, you need to see this," she said, holding the phone up to show him the video. Daniel watched in shock as the video revealed the conversation between JacQuarius and the undercover GEI agent from the previous night. The gravity of the situation settled over him, causing a noticeable shift in his demeanor. He finally realized he had made himself a pawn inside the GEI's game of Chess!