?Chapter 950:


    A single brow lifted as the shaven-headed man responded, “So, a Cooper, is it? That does make things… slightly more delicate.”


    That small reaction stirred something in Mnie. For a second, she dared to believe he might reconsider.


    Her hope barely had time to form before it was crushed by his next words. “But the dead don’t tell stories. If no evidence remains, your precious family will just assume you vanished into thin air.”


    That sentence hit harder than a blow. Mnie’s legs gave out, and she would’ve fallen if Ethan hadn’t stepped in and steadied her.


    Trying to mask the tremor in his voice, Ethan forced out his question. “What are you nning to do with us? We have never crossed you, have we?”


    Augh echoed in the space between them, low and twisted. “All in good time. The answers wille soon enough.”<fn196a> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? fin?novel</fn196a>


    Then, without waiting for a reply, the man pivoted and started down a corridor, passing through several heavy iron doors.


    The hallway grew darker with every step. When they reached a narrow entryway that reeked of rust and sweat, he came to a stop and looked back at them. His words sliced through the stillness. “Step inside. If you can defeat the opponents you’re about to face, you’ll be allowed to leave.”


    Opponents? What did that mean?


    Confused nces passed between Ethan and Mnie, neither of them understanding whaty ahead. Baylor, on the other hand, was frozen in ce, too shaken to move an inch.


    “Time’s almost up. Step forward, or I’ll end this right here.” A low growl came from the shaven-headed man as he drew a dagger from his belt.


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    That threat jolted Ethan and Mnie into motion. Without looking back, they sprinted ahead, while Baylor’s frightened voice echoed after them. “Don’t leave me! I’ming!”


    Blinding light met them as they emerged from the tunnel, the roar of a crowd crashing over them like a wave.


    Ethan spun around, taking it all in. They were standing at the center of a massive circr arena, the floor beneath them packed and scarred from past battles.


    Although their faces were hidden behind borate masks, the crowd buzzed with barely contained thrill.


    “Ladies and gentlemen, get ready! The challenge round is about to begin right here in our exclusive underground arena. A million dors is on the line for anyone who can oust our champions.” The host gave the pages a dramatic shake before adding, “What I’m holding are signed death waivers from each of the neers. They knew the risks. They agreed to y. Odds have been calcted. Probabilities are in. It’s time for everyone to ce their bets — put your money where your mouth is!”


    That statement sent the crowd into a frenzy, their cheers bouncing off the walls like thunder.


    “I put my money on Tyranting out on top!”


    “I’m backing Tyrant as well!”


    “These contenders today are pathetic! There’s nothing thrilling about this at all.”


    When thosements reached his ears, a memory shed in Baylor’s mind — being forced to stamp his fingerprint on some papers inside the car earlier that day.


    Not in his wildest thoughts had he expected things to turn out like this.


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