Chapter 70
Skadi and Hera immediately perked up. Skadi quickly opened her inbox and clicked the email, which contained several links. Hera whispered, “It’s not a virus, is it?” Skadi, unconcerned, clicked a link. They found themselves on the dark web; an account was already active. The webpage refreshed, redirecting them to the Dark Web Assassins Leaderboard. A profile picture of a smiley face ranked first, accompanied by a flag indicating the assassin's country of origin. The Smiling Grim Reaper's KDA (Kill/Death/Assist) appeared: 999-0-9999.
Skadi's hand trembled, and she dropped her phone onto the red carpet. Hera's face paled; her throat constricted. She had inadvertently crossed paths with the dark web's top-ranked assassin? What did a 999-0-9999 KDA signify? Did it represent 999 kills, or assistance in 9999? The memory of the old woman shot through the chest dried Hera's mouth. She instinctively looked up at the masked man; he was looking at her. His cold eyes radiated an aura as terrifying as the Grim Reaper itself. Terrified, Hera hugged Skadi.
Nash subtly averted his gaze, a barely perceptible smirk playing on his lips. Skadi, the granddaughter of the martial arts association head, had connections; they could likely identify him. Nash rarely appeared publicly as the Smiling Grim Reaper, daring to wear the outfit only because of his anonymity. Besides Cain and the sniper, those who had seen him in this attire were deceased. Images of his outfit, however, were ingrained in the minds of foreign assassins. After three years of seclusion, he was unaware of the Blood Leaderboard's power or which members had joined the Blood Fiends. He donned the outfit to inform old associates that the warden was under his protection; any attempt on the warden's life would be met with swift retribution.
"Warden… I apologize for my late welcome. Please accept my sincerest apologies!" Joseph bowed deeply in apology. The rest of the Lee family followed suit, demonstrating the sincerity of their remorse.
Grant smirked. "You're truly special, Joseph. You didn't even bother showing the warden respect…" The Lee family held high standing and maintained amicable relations with the Watsons; the Watsons and Zells, however, were bitter enemies. The Zell family would naturally seek to oppress the Lees.
Joseph bowed humbly, appearing close to tears. The warden waved a hand, smiling. "I'm just an ordinary person outside the battlefield. No need to be so formal… Mr. Lee was a wonderful mentor, and I'm here as his student to celebrate his 88th birthday…"
Joseph's knowing glance at Grant preceded his respectful reply, "Thank you for your consideration, warden… This way, please…"
Grant stood dumbfounded, surprised by the unexpected connection between Mr. Lee and the warden.
"Watch your tongue, Zell!" Walter, hands clasped behind his back, glanced nonchalantly at Grant. "I wonder who gave you the audacity to jeopardize the warden's relationship with the Lee family!"
An ugly expression contorted Grant's face, but he dared not voice his anger. Zakariah remained silent on the sidelines, unwilling to intervene in the powerful families' conflict.
The group proceeded toward the wheelchair at the mansion's entrance. Joseph knelt beside his father, whispering, "Dad, the warden is here to wish you a happy birthday!"
Mr. Lee struggled to lift his head, tears welling in his eyes as he looked at the warden. The warden's expression shifted upon witnessing Mr. Lee's condition. "What happened to Mr. Lee?"
"Father suffered a stroke seven years ago, leaving him paralyzed. He was also diagnosed with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's several years later…" Joseph explained, his face grim.