The RT28 sniper rifle is extremely heavy, and after modification, it is at least half the height of an average adult man. The weight, as with most large caliber sniper rifles, makes it difficult to carry. However, this intimidating weapon is even more terrifying from a distance, with its cold, black barrel that makes every muscle in your body tense up just by looking at it.
Such heavy firepower was capable of disabling a tank with a single shot, making it rarely seen in regular gunfights. It was more commonly used in battlefield sieges, a weapon essential for breaching fortifications. Those who carried it were usually incredibly strong, capable of perfectly concealing it and keeping their position as still as possible. It was typically hidden within fortresses, for even the slightest movement could require two soldiers to carry it.
The only people Nicholas had seen who could hold such a gun with one hand and move quickly were two individuals. The first was Arabella, when she gained fame in her earlier years. He had seen her in the chaos of war, dressed in a black tactical jacket, wielding this heavy weapon, taking down a helicopter with a single shot.
At this moment, he saw such a scene in Julius. Amidst the swirling smoke, the sharp silhouette of his figure seemed to momentarily overlap with Arabella's. In terms of combat ability, Julius was indeed a match for Arabella.
The town Julius and Nicholas met is a small town located at the corner where the borders of Doma and Jingle meet. Being in the gap between three countries, it became a no-man's land. The town is known for its rugged people, most of whom are refugees who fled after committing crimes like robbery. Over time, many of them grew up learning to steal and rob, and by adulthood, they often formed criminal gangs. Any trade convoy passing through the area between the three countries was almost always robbed.
However, this town is the only border crossing for trade between Doma and Jingle. By passing through this town, one can head north to Jingle or south to the capital of Doma. When Arabella escaped from Julius, everyone's first instinct was that she would head to Jingle. Therefore, various forces have stationed themselves in this area, waiting for her at the border.
Who could have predicted that Arabella would actually cross the deadly Mountain range along the border and come out unscathed? It's likely that soon, the entire world, both underworld and the law, will hear of it. Arabella's fame will probably skyrocket.
By the time Nicholas arrived, Julius had already worked himself into a rage. He had been feeling frustrated lately, and his pent-up desires had nowhere to go. This group of fools had just stumbled into the eruption of his fury.
The ground was littered with corpses, disfigured and incomplete, a sight too gruesome to endure. The smoke had yet to dissipate, but his fully equipped and capable subordinates were already dispersing in pairs, eagerly chasing down the remaining prey.
After all, the men in the town had been killed, but the women could still be kept for some entertainment.
As Nicholas and his men arrived by car, Julius removed his mask and suddenly smiled. He had exuded an air of menace, but with that smile, his narrow eyes lifted slightly, giving him a rakish, devil-may-care charm—elegantly mischievous and carefree.
"You're late," Julius said, his voice a bit hoarse from the recent exertion. With a smile, his words carried a hint of sensuality, drifting into Nicholas's ear like a teasing breeze.
Nicholas scanned the area and pointedly asked, "Aren't you worried about exposing your identity?"
Julius glanced around, observing his men scattered across the area, transforming into beasts, wreaking havoc wherever they went. He lowered his gaze to his hands, still smelling of gunpowder from the recent shots. The scent was unpleasant. He pulled a clean handkerchief from his side pocket, always meticulous in his habits. As a man of refined upbringing, a scion of a prestigious family, he was usually a governor, but when it came to murder and mayhem, he became AE.
"The dead don't speak," Julius remarked coldly.
Nicholas raised an eyebrow, understanding that Julius was about to slaughter the entire town. He could certainly pull it off, but the noise would be a problem. Wouldn't this attract the attention of the three countries' governments? The town was belong to a small nation, with eighty percent of its economy relying on white powder, which meant that Julius controlled the nation's lifeline, making him untouchable. However, Jingle and Doma wouldn't let him off so easily.
After the recent action, Julius felt his blood boiling. Indeed, for a man, only stimulation, conquest, and adventure were the best cures. Next time, he would make sure to have Arabella in bed, since ever since she blew up his hideout, it felt as if a hole had been blasted into him. That damn thing below his waist had been throbbing with heat, nearly becoming a machine gun. When he saw Arabella again, he would have to "burst" all over her.
Perhaps Nicholas's gaze was too obvious, so Julius paused and added, "Are you trying to attract Arabella's attention with a poor hand?"
This was indeed a valid point, and Nicholas completely agreed with it. However, his thoughts were devious, and he could easily see that Julius's menacing posture was clearly an outlet for his frustrations. His vast network of intelligence was something he had built for Arabella. As long as she remained high and mighty, he would willingly support her, serve her, and forever remain devoted at her feet. He hid his malicious thoughts deep in his eyes, but through his gaze, he could clearly see Julius's frustration over his lack of arousal lately.
The chaos that ensued could only be known to him through his vast network of intelligence. Were it to spread, it was likely that Julius would find himself at the center of a scandal, a farcical joke in the making.
"What about your cards?" Nicholas asked. "Let me hear them."
*
On the garden bench of the general's residence, Arabella sat with her legs casually spread apart, one hand holding a long wooden stick, the other resting on her knee as she doodled in the dirt, embodying the innocent demeanor of a young girl. Her pale skin made her appear even more delicate and youthful, and in contrast, Priscilla, walking toward her with graceful poise, seemed almost like an older sister to Arabella.
The older sister walked over, her fragrance wafting through the air. Every movement of hers carried charm, with a curvaceous figure, every inch of her body perfectly placed. When she swayed, it was mesmerizing.
"Master Unknown, are you free today?" Priscilla made the invitation, bending down slightly to give a full view of her chest.
Arabella didn't rise, merely lifting her head slightly, casting a casual glance at Priscilla's chest. Her smile curved faintly, her pale face half illuminated by the light, the other half shrouded in shadow, adding an air of mystery to her expression.
Even though Arabella didn't make any movements, Priscilla felt a tingling sensation on her scalp, a sense of danger rising within her. That night, she knew her brother had gone to see Arabella. She, too, had sent someone to assassinate her in retaliation, only to have Arabella present and wipe out all her men.
Back and forth, Arabella seemed neutral, with no intention of favoring either side. However, after witnessing Arabella's skills that night, Priscilla was determined to win her over. Perhaps women have an innate sharp intuition, and she felt that Arabella was leaning toward her side.
"What new activities does Miss Cardew have today?" Arabella's voice was gentle and soft, carrying a sense of calm and composed ease.
Arabella knew full well that Priscilla specifically came when George was out of the office. After that night, the siblings had become more determined, like performers in a play, one taking the stage after the other, with all the drama and excitement.
"Today is the annual Moni Festival, our country's most distinctive holiday. Would Master Unknown do us the honor?"
Arabella accepted Priscilla's invitation. Recently, everyone had been busy—Raven had handled the follow-up weaponry and personnel expansion with remarkable speed and efficiency. Taras, likely born for the underworld, had successfully absorbed two major gangs through sheer skill, now surrounded by followers, exuding an impressive air of power. Caracal was like a shadow, always present yet unobtrusive. Arabella had given him so many tasks that he scarcely had a moment of respite.
The progress of Bramwell in Jingle was also going smoothly. A few days ago, he sent a secret report saying that the hidden base had been found and subtly inquired when she would go.
Arabella had no intention of leaving just yet, for two reasons. First, the complex and scheming antics of the Cardew siblings intrigued her, and she remained a passive observer, carefully watching the unfolding drama. Afterward, she would employ her own methods to ensure her maximum benefit. The second reason was the secret telegram from Nicholas, offering a rather sincere gift. Not long after, Julius sent his own gift, and it was clear the two were conspiring together—this time, however, to discuss peace rather than war.
Two interesting men, especially Julius. When Arabella received his message, she was alone in her room drinking. When alone, her fierce demeanor showed clearly, her deep eyes radiating pure malice and ruthlessness. Julius had managed to come back to her, and the hair on her body stood up, realizing that he had fully regained his strength.
In the completely dark room, she sharpened her knives, thinking about how to take down the other person while quickly calculating his potential value. After considering it for a while, she had to admit that he had the arrogant ability to back it up. This unspoken value of mutual benefit was clear between them. In the end, as she stepped out into the light, Arabella smiled and replied to Julius, signaling her agreement to discuss peace.
The Moni Festival in Doma is a very important national holiday, with a two-day public holiday to celebrate. During these two days, the streets are bustling with people, filled with laughter and joy. For a moment, it seems as if the country was at peace, and all wars, disasters, poverty, and suffering have vanished.
The Moni Festival was also a great time for young people to court each other. The ancestors of Doma were nomads, conquering the world on fighting. As a result, the people are passionate and love to sing and dance. Arabella walked along the street with Priscilla, who had changed into traditional ethnic attire, vibrant red and dazzling, drawing everyone's attention. She didn't bring any guards, as having Arabella with her was stronger than an entire guard unit.
"Master Unknown—let's go take a look there." Priscilla hooked her arm around Arabella's, smiling brightly.
Arabella had also changed into traditional attire, the same red color and style, but her appearance was rather plain, a far cry from the radiant Priscilla. Additionally, Arabella wasn't particularly tall, and from a distance, she resembled a younger sister being pulled along by her older sibling.
