Jed and George locked eyes, the tension so thick it felt like the world had gone silent. Jed's deathly cold stare bore into George, whose calm, almost casual gaze held a confidence that made Jed's skin crawl. Behind them, Jose scrambled on hands and knees, disappearing into the cover of nearby rocks, his ragged breathing the only sound breaking the stillness.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHSMoTC9Qw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dF8Gq9LJ6
They stepped toward each other, closing the distance to just a few meters. The dusty ground shifted under their boots, the dry air electric with the promise of violence.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn0JMXEVeD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtRaMPGt4J
"You ready to meet your maker, George?" Jed growled, his voice gravelly, with the faintest twinge of bitter humor.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaP6BTTGGv
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJMmrR2Cq6
George smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Funny, Jed. I thought the same about you. But you've always been too stubborn to die, haven't you?"
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPxjqFc9xx
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uSpKGK0fM
Jed flexed his fingers near the butt of his revolver. "That's one way to put it. But today ain't about stubbornness. It's about justice."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iZBxfb7jB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAeui1IPNE
George's smirk grew, his tone almost sympathetic. "Justice. What a quaint little word for what we're doing here."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVszoOMPxF
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZsS5z8Kxw
The countdown in their minds was deafening.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZxrmzpPD4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaMvSQMK5Z
Three.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjT08rvyzRT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObWNKy0kMe
Two.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DhiWfUq1s
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZfaPvokvh
One.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RYtz6IPjT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaFSSYn4gP
George's hand darted to his holster, but Jed was faster. His gun was out in an instant, the shot ringing out like a crack of thunder. George fell back, clutching his chest as he hit the dirt.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdmqpFVOiS
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCCQiWAA8E
Jed moved forward, revolver trained on George. "Looks like you lost, boy."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG4IeLW3Vy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJNyUcfT8z
But George laughed—a low, chilling sound that sent a shiver up Jed's spine. "You're quick, Jed, I'll give you that. But you never saw the bigger picture."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULkvcclInL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS7WzyFEhy
Jed's brow furrowed as he noticed the movement on his arm and leg—ants. They scuttled across his skin, small fragments of glass and metal fusing unnaturally into his flesh. He felt the sharp sting of the objects embedding themselves, followed by an overwhelming burn.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnnADyNO0x
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnRcqpbNVZ
"Damn it!" Jed cursed, his voice rising in pain and frustration. Without hesitation, he aimed the revolver at his arm and pulled the trigger. A shot to his leg followed as he dropped to one knee, blood oozing from the wounds but freeing him from the ants' grip.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamNBC9612m
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbKfK0jn8B
"You playin' dirty now, George," Jed spat, glaring at the man.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ9UUTFjF2
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pHhGPlrnn
George, still on the ground, grinned as he slowly sat up, revealing the untouched fabric of his shirt where Jed's bullet should have hit. "Who said I ever played clean, Jed? You should've known better than to trust a man with a dream."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiTh20ibBD
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfvTmnMLS5
Before Jed could react, George's revolver was up and firing. The bullet struck Jed square in the stomach, and he crumpled to the ground with a grunt of pain.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sVl9k7WKb
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag85EX49GC
George rose to his feet, brushing the dust off his coat. He lifted his shirt to reveal the ants crawling across his skin, the tiny creatures forming a protective layer over his torso. "They've got my back, Jed. Literally."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3hESb7Drj
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgvUHpiBYc
Jed coughed, his voice weak but dripping with venom. "You said you wouldn't use your damn bugs. You lied."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneP6rkjMjy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡriHFzbP2ig
George sighed, almost regretful. "I had to, old timer. You're too good. I couldn't beat you without them. And I have to win, Jed. For peace. For a chance to lie in the grass, feel the sun on my face, and finally let go of this world's suffering."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpdD4ZnjGy
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeLOPwqZAa
He raised his gun, aiming at Jed's head.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxlAo50ixe
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04axkbVuH7
"Goodbye, Jed."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqu1b1YigG
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6kRAgfo3G
Before he could fire, three rapid gunshots echoed through the air. George staggered, spinning around as blood blossomed across his side, shoulder, and leg. He stumbled, seeing Cody standing weakly in the distance, gun trembling in his hand.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx5F0n9fyz
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDGOpzAYut
"George… you're under arrest," Cody said, his voice heavy with exhaustion and pain.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM2y7oJy0L
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyRmuk4h4Y
George's vision blurred, and he fell to his knees, his revolver slipping from his grasp. His mind drifted, and for a moment, he saw them—his sister, his parents—standing in a field of green grass under a brilliant sky. The sun warmed his face, and peace filled his heart.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxajrmYauY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgEoQyn7Ee
But reality pulled him back, and he crumpled to the dirt. "Mom… Dad… Sister… I'm coming," he whispered, his voice barely audible as he flopped to the ground.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzYDD9AMRs
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYiUG4qpiH
Jed, clutching his stomach, struggled to his feet. He stumbled toward George's lifeless body, grimacing with every step. Cody limped up beside him, holding a glowing Holy Crystal in his hand, and then symbols appeared on his arm.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96gTcVdP1N
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA8lKc3pPu
"Here," Cody said, extending it to Jed. "I ain't lettin' you keep it, but… you can use it. Might give you some special power."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LEPpE8uAY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALdLj4fzQV
Jed shook his head, his voice weary but firm. "Not for me. But my nephew… he might need it."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsIYWvw0dR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzikfZZAiT
Jed limped alongside Cody as they trudged through the desert night, their weary steps crunching over dry, cracked soil. They reached the spot where Charlie lay unconscious, his chest rising and falling faintly. The Holy Crystal pulsed softly in Cody's hand, its eerie glow illuminating their tired faces.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpz7slszX5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdzNlodEwU
Jed gave Cody a sidelong glance, his tone laced with suspicion and dry wit. "So, you're a sheriff, huh? That explains the high-and-mighty act back there?"
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH8kTbKFUl
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSswF6w5Ri4
Cody smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah, old man. Name's Sheriff Cody. Coos Bay's finest."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRusCfwwq36
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFluxayycM
Jed's lips curled into a grimace as he muttered under his breath, "Coos Bay. Well, hell. Ain't that just my luck?"
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU5rsE1SYM
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nMFGmCZss
Cody raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYlfIeYmC0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnWfgPyj79
Jed waved him off, crouching down beside Charlie . "Means nothin'. Just reckon the only thing worse than my shootin' is your timing." He grunted, turning Charlie 's limp hand over. "Go on, then. Put that damn rock in his hand."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCU12BLypW4
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkod9u1cA0
Cody hesitated, staring at the glowing crystal. "You sure about this? We don't even know what it'll do to him."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdvnHKIAZR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrRce6MXsK
Jed's gaze hardened. "Boy's been through hell and back. If this thing's got a shot at helping, we owe it to him to try."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXd1rtxnDa
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QFT4qjMWG
Cody sighed, crouching beside Charlie . "Right, right." He gently placed the crystal into Charlie 's palm, the glow intensifying as it touched his skin. Suddenly, faint cuts appeared along Charlie 's arms, forming strange, unreadable symbols. Cody leaned in to study them, but the glow obscured the markings.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnrVIZxeRh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO691wL03jK
"What the hell does it say?" Cody asked, his voice uneasy.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTJTpAwO76
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOkJGgdr7k
Jed shook his head. "Damned if I know. Guess he'll figure it out when he wakes up. If he wakes up."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwJFZHRCRK
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOkdbGfMfD
Cody leaned back, rubbing his neck. "Well, I'll leave that mess to you. I've got my own path to walk."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdq69mVG2W
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI9V1oaITl
Jed looked up, squinting. "And where's that? Thought you were plannin' to play nursemaid to this one."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv7EW7wCfe
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7vM9jONQT
Cody smirked, brushing dust off his coat. "Mexico. Got to get that 2nd crystal. Maybe I'll see you two around if you make it that far."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAA9xwfPYQ
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVjjH260Fb
Jed chuckled dryly, his voice rasping with weariness. "This boy's been yappin' about Mexico ever since we left the damn farm. Says he's got dreams down there." He shook his head. "Guess we'll see if they're big enough to survive the road."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL287MPWCxw
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUgQB9NIFm
Cody adjusted his hat, his expression turning serious. "Just so you know, old man, if it comes down to it, I'll be the one takin' that crystal."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIRgbR4yAO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwNirSkUS6
Jed shot him a wry smile. "Well, we'll see about that, won't we? Hate to break it to ya, but this 'old man' ain't as easy to put down as you might think."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMpk4roeXT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPASlR3Vle
Cody tipped his hat, calling for his horse. The animal trotted up, and Cody hoisted himself into the saddle, wincing at his still-fresh wounds. "Take care of yourself, Jed. And keep that kid in line. He's lucky to have you, even if you don't believe it."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPXkhLiynH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNg9kMaigq
Jed grunted, watching Cody ride off into the fading light. "Luck ain't got nothin' to do with it," he muttered.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj58OvhcHCt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwUs3hzcL7
Meanwhile, Jose nursed a drink at the dimly lit bar, his sharp eyes watching from the inside. Everyone in the bar glared at him, but Jose ignored them. His focus was on what he'd just witnessed: the power of the Holy Crystal.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m4o3YzjKB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vflKwVU8Q
"So," he murmured to himself, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "The crystal gives abilities, huh?" A sly smile crept across his face as he leaned back, letting the shadows of the room conceal his expression. "Guess that means I'll be the one takin' it. One way or another."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nj8T169IB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXUT0PxC76
Jed crouched beside Charlie , his gruff exterior softening as he watched the boy's steady breathing. He adjusted his hat, sighing deeply.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQKSIIsleC
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2CAX5kfCp
"Well, kid," he muttered, his voice low and reflective, "looks like you and I are still breathin'. Don't ask me how, but we are."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazk5ujHgFU
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUtoydMEaD
The night stretched out around them, silent and vast. For a moment, Jed allowed himself to feel the weight of everything they'd been through—the blood, the pain, the losses. Then he shook his head, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBUEVuKjiX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJncvMYlBT
"Guess we'll see what tomorrow brings, won't we?" he said, his voice barely a whisper.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WXvEYeMEB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5xVy7E8zS
The snow fell in thick, relentless sheets, blanketing the Russian countryside in a cold, unyielding silence. The mansion, an imposing structure of dark stone and frosted iron, stood as a testament to power and wealth. Inside, the warmth of flickering firelight battled against the cold draft that seeped through the ancient walls.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHK8h0KwXp
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRMe3SBxs7
In the heart of the mansion, a study dominated the eastern wing. The room was vast, its high ceilings adorned with carved wooden beams. Bookshelves lined the walls, crammed with dusty tomes in Russian, German, and Latin. A large oak desk sat near the back, but the real focus of the room was the pair of armchairs by the roaring fireplace. The General occupied one of them, his silhouette imposing as he held the Holy Crystal in his hand, its faint glow casting eerie shadows.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHd5KEdbpi
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJwzSyy6aV
Jacob, the scarred man, stood just a few steps away from the fireplace, his tall figure outlined by the golden light. The scent of aged leather and smoke hung heavy in the air.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVXMjEP6ZO
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS0LUv3kYu
"Sir," Jacob said, his voice steady but tinged with reverence. "Thank you for granting me the honor of touching the Holy Crystal. It has...changed me." He flexed his fingers, as if still feeling the lingering power from the artifact. His Russian was fluent, precise, but his tone betrayed a mix of awe and ambition.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGgjo84xmq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aJ7KlXVQm
The General switched to German, his words deliberate and laced with a faint accent. "Du hast es dir verdient, Jakob. Du bist mein treuester Mann. Ich vertraue dir mehr als allen anderen."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQgERYlSmX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA50vWK1EF
("You have earned it, Jacob. You are my most loyal man. I trust you more than anyone else.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOrHUHDxec
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYioMJaqgXO
Jacob bowed his head slightly, his scars deepening with the motion. "Danke, Herr General. Ich werde dich nicht enttäuschen."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCgJUZMVkh
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UKoOen7rp
("Thank you, General. I will not disappoint you.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aulXYmwJb
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5p3J45U6M
The General smiled, though it was more a baring of teeth than an expression of warmth. He leaned back, switching to Russian as he ran his thumb over the smooth surface of the crystal. "Хорошо. Теперь слушай внимательно."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8a65h00ey
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4giGofa3l
("Good. Now listen carefully.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQJ1uTamOL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmdw6Nb1Jp
The General stood, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the room. He paced to the window, gazing out at the swirling snowstorm as if lost in thought. "I need you to go to Mexico," he said, his voice steady but heavy with command. "Take Paw-law with you."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95eR9G8ma1
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt4hb00FoH
Jacob nodded, his posture rigid. "Да, товарищ генерал. Мы отправимся немедленно."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2jMAEuXAY
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxlxq93tYN
("Yes, Comrade General. We will leave immediately.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxlwKSiIY5
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH2XyldEuk
The General turned, his smirk barely visible in the flickering light. "Грядущая эпоха принадлежит России," he declared, his voice rising with fervor.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoCu1zOXK9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuef98uTuu
("The coming era belongs to Russia.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QkwucIL55
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MupitvSUT
He paused, switching back to German, the shift in language almost seamless. "Und vielleicht auch Deutschland. Es ist schließlich meine Heimat."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPMeHl2SHH
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEc37Qy6Ik
("And perhaps Germany as well. It is, after all, my homeland.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkAqsNOk1u
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NfuNLy6xp
Jacob met his gaze, the fire in his eyes matching the General's intensity. He clenched his fist and shouted in unison with his leader, "Слава России!"
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e8RpGkoh0
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLNnwnpunR
("Glory to Russia!")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hJURS4ZZ9
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUGUekYpws
The General echoed the cry, louder, fiercer. "Слава России! Und die Welt wird unser sein!"
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4ZR63ePsV
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HSUH6OGz2
("Glory to Russia! And the world will be ours!")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeIX2YZbHT
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcN220pdZ6
Jacob turned on his heel, his boots echoing sharply against the hardwood floor. As he reached the door, the General called out one last time, his voice softer but no less commanding.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElGP86uPPL
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfbBvUahaR
"Do not fail me, Jacob. Everything depends on this mission."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH2yL6ROvt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYsBzMmJFR
Jacob glanced back, his expression resolute. "Я не подведу вас."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCs9dSiU6f
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK5J3H2wqq
("I will not fail you.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTILDDxpQIX
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQKvzqiR7b
The door shut behind him with a heavy thud, leaving the General alone in the room. He stood by the window, watching the snow swirl against the darkened glass. A faint, satisfied smirk played on his lips.
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGQzFhD9Zf
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy23LfDX5WR
"Скоро," he whispered in Russian, his voice almost a hiss. "Россия будет величайшей в истории."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytnkkBwDqB
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFzvPTlyC0
("Soon, Russia will be the greatest in history.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfm0CWePzpq
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIWCuceiAI
Then, almost as an afterthought, he murmured in German, "Und Deutschland wird nicht vergessen."
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmVOVcBjkR
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTREO3FyT5
("And Germany will not be forgotten.")
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtqprSaREt
180Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UxewVlX0u
The General's hand tightened around the Holy Crystal as he stared into the storm, his vision of conquest reflected in the frost-covered pane.
ns3.142.243.141da2
