The Calm Before the Storm

(Samuel's POV)

As I walked away, leaving Abigail standing there in silence, I exhaled deeply, running a hand through my hair.

This cycle was getting tiring.

I had bigger things to focus on.

"System, please tell me how much time remains for the battle."

A blue holographic window flashed before my eyes.

---

[SYSTEM TIMER: PROJECT HADES]

Time Remaining: 12 Hours, 32 Minutes

---

I clicked my tongue. "Tch. Almost time."

Henry and I had spent days preparing for this. Leveling up. Eliminating threats. Sharpening our abilities.

Now, all that was left was the final battle.

I pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with a flick of my fingers.

Twelve hours.

That was all the time I had left to breathe before we were thrown into the abyss.

No more distractions.

No more past mistakes.

Just the war ahead.

Putting a Dog in His Place

(Samuel's POV – No Mercy for Parasites)

The London streets were quiet, the cold air biting against my skin.

I was just walking, minding my business, when I saw him.

Joshua Lenin.

The so-called "perfect man" in Abigail's life.

He walked toward me with rage in his eyes, his jaw clenched, fists tight.

"Why can't you just die?! You're a pain in the ass for Abigail's life!"

Before I could respond, the idiot grabbed my collar, as if he actually thought he could intimidate me.

I smirked. "Wrong move."

BAM!

I drove my knee straight into his balls.

He let out a strangled scream, his entire body collapsing like a sack of bricks.

"You… you bastard!!!" he gasped, clutching himself in agony.

I crouched down, staring at his pathetic, pain-filled face.

Then, I spoke, my voice cold and calm.

"Be a good dog and know your place."

His eyes widened.

I smirked. "I already knew that you don't love Abigail. You're just after her money. And once you have it, you'll throw her away like trash."

He paled. "W-What…?"

I leaned in closer, my emerald eyes glowing faintly under the streetlights.

"You're shocked, huh? If I know the truth, then why am I not doing anything?"

His breathing turned shaky.

I chuckled darkly. "You must be wondering—why haven't I told Abigail? Why haven't I exposed you yet?"

I tilted my head, my voice dripping with amusement.

"Because I don't care."

His expression twisted in confusion.

"I don't care if she becomes a beggar."

"I don't care if her billion-dollar company crashes again."

Joshua's face turned even paler. He could see it. I meant every word.

I exhaled, shaking my head. "You already manipulated her mind enough. And guess what?" I smirked. "Looks like even she's getting bored of her little dog."

He gritted his teeth, rage and panic mixing in his expression.

Then, I pulled something out of my pocket.

A tiny, hidden camera.

Joshua's entire face drained of color.

"This… this is…"

I smirked. "A recording of everything you just said."

He froze.

I casually twirled the small device between my fingers.

"So, here's the deal, Joshua." I leaned in close, whispering into his ear.

"You try to report me for domestic violence?"

I grinned.

"I'll ruin your entire career."

His breath hitched.

I stood up, dusting off my jacket.

"And this time, not even that bitch will be able to save your ass."

I turned and walked away, leaving Joshua frozen in fear.

Killing Time Before the Storm

(Samuel's POV – Checking In on the Only People Who Matter)

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[SYSTEM TIMER: PROJECT HADES]

Time Remaining: 6 Hours, 30 Minutes

----

I exhaled, watching the time tick down in my system interface.

Still a few hours left.

And I was getting bored.

Henry was off doing his own thing, and I had already put Joshua in his place.

I leaned against a streetlamp, staring at the dark London sky, then pulled out my phone.

There was only one person I felt like calling.

George.

I dialed his number, waiting for a few rings before he finally picked up.

"Took you long enough," I said with a smirk.

George chuckled on the other end. "And here I thought you forgot about us, Mr. Gebb."

I let out a short laugh. "Not a chance. Just been busy wrecking lives."

"Sounds like you."

"Damn right. Anyway, how are you, Kayla, and Lana holding up?"

George let out a breath. "We're adjusting."

I raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound too convincing."

"Kayla's doing better, but she still worries about you. Lana… well, she's grateful for what you did, but she's struggling with everything changing so fast."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Yeah, can't blame her. Waking up to a whole new life isn't easy."

George's tone turned more serious. "And what about you, Samuel? You sound… different."

I smirked. "Define 'different.'"

"Like you don't give a damn about anything anymore."

I chuckled. "I don't."

Silence.

Then George sighed. "Look, I don't know what the hell you've been through, but don't shut out the people who actually care about you."

I glanced at my reflection in a nearby store window, my emerald eyes empty.

"I'll think about it."

George didn't believe me, but he let it slide.

"Just… be careful, alright?"

I smirked. "Always."

Then I hung up, stuffing my phone back in my pocket.

6 hours and 25 minutes left.

And my mind was still restless.