Random motel.
The lobby reeked of stale cigarette smoke and cheap disinfectant. Lexer lounged on a threadbare sofa, calmly sipping from a carton of milk, the picture of detached control. Around him, a half-dozen Serpent's Slaughter members stood ready, phones in hand, acting as communication relays.
Seth snatched up the buzzing phone first. He listened to the report.
"Vice Commander! They said they found Noah!" Seth announced, urgency tightening his voice.
"What? Really?" Lexer immediately stood up from his sofa, the carton crumpling in his grip. Milk dripped onto the stained carpet.
Another phone rang—Elliot answered it swiftly. "Vice Commander, another group was found, three Joker Roulette members," Elliot reported crisply. "What would you do?"
"I will let you guys handle them," Lexer snapped, laser-focused. "Where's Noah? Give me the details immediately!"
"Ethan's group was the one that found them," Seth cut in, already tapping his screen. "He saw Noah and Asher at the east side of the city, at the stone maze area. I will send the exact location to your phone."
"Great!" Lexer barked, energy crackling around him. "Nick, follow me. And Seth, tell other members who are close by to the location to gather there!"
"Alright," Nick said, jumping to his feet, ready to go anytime.
"On it!" Seth replied swiftly, fingers flying across his phone to mobilize nearby units, immediately contacting available members.
Lexer nodded, satisfied. He then strode toward the motel's grimy glass doors, followed by Nick.
Lexer and Nick burst outside into the harsh afternoon light. The motel lobby door slammed shut behind them. Two Serpent's Slaughter members snapped to attention, backs rigid, eyes fixed forward as Lexer approached. They stand near a dented black SUV.
"Vice Commander!" they called out in unison. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes," Lexer said, already yanking open the passenger door. "You two, come with me. And Nick, drive the car." His voice left no room for hesitation.
"Yes, sir," the three responded instantly. The guards scrambled for the back seats, fumbling with the handles in their haste. Nick slid behind the wheel, his hand already on the ignition.
The engine roared to life, a deep, angry sound that echoed off the motel's peeling walls. Nick didn't wait for seatbelts. Tires screeched against the hot pavement as he wrenched the steering wheel, peeling away from the curb in a cloud of burnt rubber and dust. The SUV fishtailed for a heartbeat before surging forward, swallowing the road towards the stone maze.
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Near Joker Roulette hideout.
The narrow backstreets echoed with pounding footsteps and ragged breaths. Ridley, Milo, and Gregory sprinted through a maze of alleys, garbage cans kicked aside in their flight. Behind them, the skittering of rats grew louder—unnaturally coordinated.
"Damn it!" Ridley growled, glancing over his shoulder at their pursuers. Sweat streaked his face. "How did they know our hiding place?"
"Those rats," Milo panted, adjusting his glasses despite the pace. His analytical gaze darted to the shadows where rodents swarmed. "I thought something was off about them. No wonder why they acted abnormal and appeared more frequently. Someone was controlling them."
"Well, this is the consequence of dealing with a big group," Gregory remarked, oddly calm as he rummaged inside his jacket pocket. He pulled out a handful of miniature objects—a tiny fridge, a washer, a vintage TV. "They have all kinds of power. That's why we need to be careful fighting them."
"This is so frustrating!" Ridley snarled, fists clenching. "I want to kick them already!"
"You sound like Owen," Milo said softly, a flicker of sadness crossing his face before resolve hardened it. "Let's not act too recklessly. Fighting them directly without finding out their powers would be suicide."
"I know!" Ridley shot back, though his steps didn't falter.
"Relax, you will get your chance," Gregory assured him. With practiced ease, he lobbed the miniatures high into the air. "Rain attack!"
The objects ballooned mid-flight—a full-sized refrigerator crashed down like a meteor, blocking the alley mouth. A washing machine shattered pavement. An old tube TV exploded on impact. Heavy cabinets and microwaves rained chaos.
The pursuing Serpent's Slaughter members shrieked. "What the hell was that?!" one yelled, diving for cover. Screams followed as debris found targets—cracking bones, crushing limbs. One pursuer fell silent, skull caved by a plummeting bookshelf.
"Good work," Ridley acknowledged, pausing to watch the carnage.
"That should slow them down for a moment," Gregory said, dusting his hands with a small smile. "I have a few more for good measure, but soon I'll need to resupply."
"Then let's find a place to do that," Milo urged, already moving again. They ducked into a covered passageway, the sounds of pursuit momentarily muffled.
Gregory nodded, falling into step. "Anyway, what about Liam?" he asked, concern threading his voice.
"Boss already met with Narcisa," Milo reported, checking his phone as they ran. "But halfway when he was about to go back, they were found by other Serpent's Slaughter members too."
"Damn, so they found Liam too?" Gregory cursed. "They really know how to collect information."
Milo nodded grimly. "Unfortunately," he confirmed, slipping the phone back into his pocket.
"Then what happened to him now?" Gregory pressed.
Milo's jaw tightened. "Boss said he will contact me after he's done dealing with them," he relayed, the words heavy with unspoken worry.
"If Liam and Narcisa are dealing with Serpent's Slaughter members too, it's better for us to do the same here," Gregory reasoned, slowing near a rusted fire escape. He glanced back—shadows moved at the alley's entrance. "Let's get rid of them before we meet with the boss again. Otherwise, we might merge them together and make them more dangerous."
"Fine," Milo agreed, adjusting his glasses with finality. He met Ridley's fiery gaze. "I guess you're right."
"Finally!" Ridley grinned, cracking his knuckles as he turned to face the approaching shapes. The alley walls seemed to lean in, hungry for violence. "Let's do this then!"
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