Chapter Seventy-Nine: First-Class Prize!

… Once Kevin and the other agents had all been “unsealed,” they immediately recognized the people before them! Ha! These wardens from the Infernal Prison were quite adept at disguising themselves! Yet what left Kevin and his companions a bit exasperated was that “Lord Bolster” and these wardens kept refusing to admit their identities. “I really am not Bolster. You’ve got the wrong person.” “Of course, of course, my lord,” Kevin replied with a sycophantic grin.

What a headache…

Lord Bolster wanted both fame and to show off.

Alas…

What to do? This Faceless One report would have to be written with considerable “artistry.”

First, all the credit for capturing Harold and the other wanted criminals had to be attributed to Lord Bolster… Well, he himself would take just a thirty-percent share of the achievements. Secondly, given Lord Bolster’s well-known penchant for seeing his name in the newspapers, he’d have to make sure all the major papers reported the matter too—just look, hadn’t this warden handed them all the materials? Even including the “Biography of the Faceless One” written by Lord Bolster himself.

The handwriting was unmistakably Bolster’s—he’d written it himself, Kevin could never have mistaken it. If you’re not the Faceless One, why write a biography? Still pretending…

“Stop calling me Warden. From now on, I am ‘Voodoo Marquis Ross.’” Stroking his beard, Ross squinted at Kevin and warned, “I’ll be taking over the Voodoo Gang outside. If anyone exposes my identity and gets in the way of the Lord’s plans, I’ll rip out his soul and turn him into a little doll! (A voodoo doll!)”

Looking at the fierce-eyed old man before him, whose body seemed as fragile as a clay figurine, the corner of Kevin’s eye couldn’t help but twitch. It was rumored that the wardens of the Infernal Prison were terrifying—especially those who accompanied Lord Bolster everywhere.

He used to think such tales exaggerated—after all, the most elite wizards in the world were specially trained agents. Other wizards, however strong, how much stronger could they really be than us? At most, they might know a few more dark curses. In a real fight, they wouldn’t be impossible to kill!

But this time, Kevin realized just how ignorant he’d been—“I’ve never seen any wizard who could single-handedly crush twelve elite agents with such ease!”

No wonder Lord Bolster could capture a criminal like Harold…

Those twelve combined might barely be a match for Harold.

As for this “Soul Harvester” inhabiting Ross’s body, he probably ranked in the top ten under the JQK.

Oh, no—Kevin glanced oddly at the crowd around the long table—maybe top twenty-two.

“It’s getting late. Let’s head out,” Louis said, checking his pocket watch, then glanced at the mirror that had just been set upon the table. “Stuart, from now on, Ross has free access to the Secret Realm.”

Ross gave his boss a slight bow, then flashed a carefree smile, waggling his fingers at the dozen or so wardens who were in the middle of push-ups and weightlifting. Next, he grabbed Kevin and stepped into the mirror.

The other wardens, seeing Ross getting to go out for a breath of fresh air, couldn’t help but burn with jealousy. They all raised their wands, sending a barrage of magical fireworks at Ross as they watched him depart.

When the group emerged from a mirror inside a tavern restroom, Ross swung his sleeves coldly. The dazed agents were instantly swept with a dizzying sensation, and in a flash, the twelve agents found themselves in a crimson private room.

“Appa—Apparition? Is that the Apparition spell?!” Kevin’s mouth hung open, staring in disbelief at Ross. He’d seen super-witches transport two, maybe three or four people at once, but never had he seen anyone Apparate twelve people at once!

And they hadn’t even been prepared or cooperating!

“Little ones, the world is vast,” Ross said, shaking out his robes and crossing his legs elegantly on the sofa. He fished out a dragonbone pipe from his pocket, glancing around the private room.

Inside, a few fox girls were performing a striptease, accompanied by several wizard patrons. All of them gaped in shock at the sudden appearance of thirteen new arrivals.

Ross narrowed his eyes and said blandly, “Go home early.”

His words were calm, but carried a terrifying power. As soon as he finished, the fox girls and wizards grew dizzy, numbly dressed themselves, and walked out.

Watching this, Kevin’s eye twitched hard—this was “Soul Command”! A textbook example of high-level black magic. But he’d never seen anyone use it so casually!

Thank goodness this man was Lord Bolster’s warden. With someone like that to keep him in check. Otherwise, out in the world, he’d be a top black wizard, the head of some evil faction!

He didn’t know how strong the real “Voodoo Marquis” Ross, the rumored true leader of the Voodoo Gang, might be. But how strong could a mere Four of Spades be? The twelve of them should easily capture him alive.

Hearing Kevin and the others’ thoughts, Ross curled his lip—Grandpa here really is a Four of Spades. But do you really think those of us who mix in the dark world are like you Ministry types, with higher ranks meaning more power?

Real werewolves keep a low profile.

Taking a puff from his pipe, Ross saw the youngsters still dazed and said,

“Alright, little ones. Go find your contacts and discuss your business. Then have your people arrange an identity for me… Once I help your contact take over the Voodoo Gang in Knockturn Alley, old Ross will be homeless—make sure you report to the Ministry and have Grandpa’s wanted poster taken down.”

Kevin smiled. “Of course, Warde—cough, Lord Ross, with your decision to turn away from darkness, the Ministry will welcome you with open arms. The Voodoo Gang will be wiped out in this operation—Carter, go invite Miss Sakura Bell. She probably doesn’t know we’re here yet. The Red Fox Den is protected by special spells, normal people can’t Apparate in…”

After Carter left, Kevin and the agents sat together, poring over the documents to discuss the “Faceless One Anomaly Investigation Report.”

Ross lounged nearby, puffing his pipe, his eyes showing a hint of melancholy.

The Voodoo Gang needed to disband. It had grown too ostentatious over the years and had attracted all sorts of riffraff. This was a good opportunity for a fresh start—a phoenix rebirth.

A rebirth… Only the elite needed to be kept.

This time, he would be selective, keeping only the best people. Once they were all settled into a few of the Ministry’s secret safehouses like the Red Fox Den, he’d not only guarantee them a living, but also clear their names.

That little fox Sakura Bell had recently bought quite a bit of property, hadn’t she? There would be plenty of venues needing staff in the future.

The Ministry needed people too.

Later, he’d find a way to get his best people Ministry agent identities as well. For now… he’d join the Ministry himself and have a look around.

Which department, though…

Soon, Miss Sakura Bell entered, dressed in a red cheongsam, her long legs striding forward, accompanied by Lilith and Zinnia, two little foxes. The agents all greeted her, and she acknowledged them with a reserved nod and a smile before sitting down calmly.

Taking the pipe Lilith handed her, Sakura Bell drew on it gently, smiling as she began to chat with the agents.

Watching that little fox cub, Ross’s smile turned sly.

Damn it.

Back when Grandpa came all the way from Portugal and revealed his identity to this brat, after their conversation, everyone got “introduced” to the Hydra—he’d hidden so deeply, how many actually knew Grandpa was the Voodoo Marquis? Hm?

Meanwhile, the boss was looking for artisans. As soon as he’d finished visiting her, the boss had summoned him.

How’s that for coincidence?

Now that Grandpa’s out, the boss wants him to place his people here—yet she claims she has nothing to do with the boss? Claims she didn’t set Grandpa up on purpose back then?

Isn’t it all obvious?

Damn it…

Let’s see if Grandpa can’t startle her a bit today!

Sakura Bell didn’t notice Ross’s murderous glare, but Lilith did. Her face went pale, she gripped Sakura Bell’s arm, and her tail quivered in fright.

Frowning, Sakura Bell followed Lilith’s gaze. When she saw the old man in the corner, puffing his pipe and smirking at her, her mind buzzed, her body shook, and she shot to her feet as if to run.

Wait, wait… What am I afraid of?

Now she truly was the Faceless One’s lover!

Sakura Bell sat back down, though she still felt anxious inside—was this Demon Star really sent by her master’s side?

Her master had never mentioned it… he never said anything… last night, he’d barely spoken a word…

All she remembered was his scent…

And Ross seemed to carry “his” scent…

Her master and Ross must have met just a few minutes ago!

He probably really was sent by the master!

The little vixen was nervous inside, but her face regained its haughty composure. She snapped open her fan with a flourish, fanning herself briskly while raising her chin and regarding Ross with arrogant pride.

Ross smacked his lips and turned away with exasperation—so he had scared her out! She really was the boss’s kept woman!

Damn—what a stroke of luck.

As Ross turned away in frustration, Sakura Bell, sweating coldly, also turned away and fanned herself furiously.

Damn, damn, damn it, Wolf Board—!

He really was sent by the master!

This terrifying Demon Star hanging over Foxhead!

And now he was her follower? Her bodyguard?

At that thought, Sakura Bell trembled with excitement—she really had won the jackpot!

Yesterday, she’d just finished currying favor with the master, still sore from it—and everyone thought the master had forgotten her.

Yet today, the master sent her this massive investment!

Who could she fear now in Knockturn Alley?

Sakura Bell felt as if she were in a dream.

It seemed she truly had someone powerful to rely on now…

Of course, she was the master’s favorite Barbie doll. She’d have to behave herself from now on, whimper whimper…

…….

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