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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDVvsBRUHd
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJumV7PFeO
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZDIchu0UB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnWviVwGjb
"You ready to meet your maker, George?" Jed growled, his voice gravelly, with the faintest twinge of bitter humor.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNy1JCz8L2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OLA1wBxLF
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?"
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07LQn34EBU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJexnsLBV5
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph3aN1Vriz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJA1FfsFWmN
George's smirk grew, his tone almost sympathetic. "Justice. What a quaint little word for what we're doing here."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2ETMMeei4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtPOBrx5Xl
The countdown in their minds was deafening.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73lOLUBdeh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iRyRCzR4K
Three.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEYVbvYgf7
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuWLiyedet
Two.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnBYfQGxy5
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80zzmszAxl
One.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitbvCBr8Lf
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhmdv5XmwQ
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSgqj7GZUZ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIX7CW7Xxz
Jed moved forward, revolver trained on George. "Looks like you lost, boy."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCGWI8eDO4
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaQDGW5JyZ
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIYMWT3V2L
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBYaNXbEha
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR5ztk9bZi
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsDndqpKNr
"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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepLr3OrPqw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF8kUMOxzA
"You playin' dirty now, George," Jed spat, glaring at the man.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3D9YtwlTB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxjpyOwuqR
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcZJSRl9MM
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8AWMws3f2
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoRcmh6ng1
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj86Wjjul0S
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGy0H6NL41
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfldr0rwlW
Jed coughed, his voice weak but dripping with venom. "You said you wouldn't use your damn bugs. You lied."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJCe8q0WIz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNEs0VJihW
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVtSAB878i
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d4cFDkJUS
He raised his gun, aiming at Jed's head.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXmY7HGcuJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9cU4u48QT
"Goodbye, Jed."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG3alHfQKB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33lLORANXj
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9aLXAGyQk
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLZqKfHr1a
"George… you're under arrest," Cody said, his voice heavy with exhaustion and pain.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQzp9sEY4y
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBQkbk6PkY
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdQLqIOHHu
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWls0bzHafm
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIqi94OF2H
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4vCStuioS
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY0pdrvBBU
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkNDGCh4IG
"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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOh7hB4JGG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrrQqsfecm
Jed shook his head, his voice weary but firm. "Not for me. But my nephew… he might need it."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5zrdmpd9p
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dwRHbgo9k
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQD6bcLVMus
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjgOHKzllp
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?"
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nxeMn6Q5w
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedPIaYjjya
Cody smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah, old man. Name's Sheriff Cody. Coos Bay's finest."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCMivivJJO
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2698JRf7j
Jed's lips curled into a grimace as he muttered under his breath, "Coos Bay. Well, hell. Ain't that just my luck?"
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb20ODjg6vI
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6byzvV8q7c
Cody raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0GKXzLmT9
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rnrNMAHCR
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4SwuOAARq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIb5M2fgF3
Cody hesitated, staring at the glowing crystal. "You sure about this? We don't even know what it'll do to him."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu7shmjSRc
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBwwS8G5nK
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE4T4TAYER
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGac1yeKbP
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffdsLbQvUC
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SNO80yFsk
"What the hell does it say?" Cody asked, his voice uneasy.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DWvbKd4Uu
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXLVp3xvib
Jed shook his head. "Damned if I know. Guess he'll figure it out when he wakes up. If he wakes up."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C8TyLfeSL
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KV5cWZUYp
Cody leaned back, rubbing his neck. "Well, I'll leave that mess to you. I've got my own path to walk."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSHyAND6uV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyZVBTOpIa
Jed looked up, squinting. "And where's that? Thought you were plannin' to play nursemaid to this one."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE994fzFU7
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX20RNurgz
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwoHukDAxh
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDvc3kKZqv
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnqpf6beN5
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBJYdQHTqT
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyloRBPtxv
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTONFifnXg
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU1UalHb6b
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlZa3ZUxs1
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtwyqE8yZs
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSE7PTvDJ4
Jed grunted, watching Cody ride off into the fading light. "Luck ain't got nothin' to do with it," he muttered.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglc8jc4cAT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcexTmgux9
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc73lXTGO7Z
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ45vgALVt
"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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3640NG9uq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2NjfXD9GH
Jed crouched beside Charlie , his gruff exterior softening as he watched the boy's steady breathing. He adjusted his hat, sighing deeply.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UjdeHlHRX
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgGXF0W31B
"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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZH6NlBTbz
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uxa5J13wq
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsiCjDNLhb
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaHcuqKYNH
"Guess we'll see what tomorrow brings, won't we?" he said, his voice barely a whisper.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObXk6ovmFk
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa8kOUs8Qa
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnGiI6EFbJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTt2w5iEGi
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFdscdg5nL
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuR9JaJiA3
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ843j9rBAf2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGToIUMHPw9
"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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg7V1ye1RT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCd6pnDwczW
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdRHRrIwDC
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXqIsGIZyB
("You have earned it, Jacob. You are my most loyal man. I trust you more than anyone else.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlP04OeIqMb
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqVjyQ1qD6
Jacob bowed his head slightly, his scars deepening with the motion. "Danke, Herr General. Ich werde dich nicht enttäuschen."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A3jC6qcOg
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTWgw2ZeLe
("Thank you, General. I will not disappoint you.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj0UHNdzkPw
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajhMQHZse8
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfBjfrWYyt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmO5pFblV9
("Good. Now listen carefully.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepnJDYsm9m
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcBaRH1z1k
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."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcIHK1FGWJ
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30ZW3AbawA
Jacob nodded, his posture rigid. "Да, товарищ генерал. Мы отправимся немедленно."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzeIFKhq64
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQrzo7KICv
("Yes, Comrade General. We will leave immediately.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxzNS1uUUq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jUkwYzq6K
The General turned, his smirk barely visible in the flickering light. "Грядущая эпоха принадлежит России," he declared, his voice rising with fervor.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2BBb0n0Yy
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFOcG4fEH9
("The coming era belongs to Russia.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaDw3lH5UG
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEFhVKXV54
He paused, switching back to German, the shift in language almost seamless. "Und vielleicht auch Deutschland. Es ist schließlich meine Heimat."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1dsMZ8rMt
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFaetAmHku
("And perhaps Germany as well. It is, after all, my homeland.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1AcroCHmq
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC7LbjAh2o
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!"
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnCl9R9rrT
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vMHT1kbL5
("Glory to Russia!")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA0Yqtq8GV
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHB7mOlLHd
The General echoed the cry, louder, fiercer. "Слава России! Und die Welt wird unser sein!"
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WDhh4hJqB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo6Afgrms9
("Glory to Russia! And the world will be ours!")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdkLerNqJl
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhvMQN3qn8
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRORcRMik6d
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHz1vF7bvD
"Do not fail me, Jacob. Everything depends on this mission."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwLfTdrEv2
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNe8dPANfg0
Jacob glanced back, his expression resolute. "Я не подведу вас."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLi7t1XGWhB
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5qrjWik10
("I will not fail you.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOhUT2vr6U
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBW4LNoav9
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.
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeuadkkHSE
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRTEwoMBWf
"Скоро," he whispered in Russian, his voice almost a hiss. "Россия будет величайшей в истории."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjLSTJsE2D
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyyVNivVWU
("Soon, Russia will be the greatest in history.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAJoDjSYRF
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd961tVtmF
Then, almost as an afterthought, he murmured in German, "Und Deutschland wird nicht vergessen."
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41p4VO0y7J
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKoWRNydI2
("And Germany will not be forgotten.")
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbiHw76bMm
181Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocJEZYQcJV
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.
ns52.15.154.142da2
