217 Southern Territory 3 (2/2)

”The red clown!”

The clown had two bright red daggers on his hands and stabbed at White Eagle furiously, but his face was wearing the eerily calm grin the whole time, as if this was all an intricate dance routine he was used to*.

”Spiralling Smog.”

He shrieked as green haze burst out of his body, covering a huge area centering him.

White Eagle and Dale Quicksilver were immediately enclosed by the haze, choking them both.

”We need to meet up with Si Lan!” Dale Quicksilver screamed at White Eagle.

”No! He’s still here!” White Eagle paused to regain his equilibrium, but a red silhouette dashed on his left, leaving a burning wound on his arm.

Psst!

Dale Quicksilver was cut on his back as well.

”What can we do? Dammit!” White Eagle tried to suppress the anger in him. The situation is getting worse and more dangerous than ever. If even they were so badly hurt, then where Si Lan is… unimaginable!

**************

”Gah!”

Si Lan yelped and stumbled backward, clutching her chest. Her black outershirt was sliced open, revealing the white corset she was wearing underneath.

The opponent’s attacks were so unnaturally accurate, it was obvious that it was planned.

Right now, she’s trying to hide next to Yoke the appraisal expert in the crevice between two statues at the same time the clown in red costume was closing in on her.

”Yoke, I’ll hold him off, run when you can!” Si Lan whispered as calmly as she could. Her usual politeness and seriousness was slightly shaky, as she herself had worried written in her eyes.

”What about you?” Yoke wasn’t so sure about the plan. ”I can’t leave you here!”

”Just go, I have my own way to escape.” Si Lan pretended to be confident in her plan, but she knew, it would be over for her.

Since working with her most admired Detective Dale Quicksilver, this was the first time she was in such a pinch.

The enemy in front of her wasn’t just a normal criminal. He was from the top assassin syndicate in the world, the Joker Squad of Poker Organization.

What she couldn’t believe was the clown in front of her slowly took off his mask, and revealed a badly scarred face of a woman.

”Si Lan Reybier, it’s been so long, you’re grown up to be such a pretty girl…” The woman’s voice was dangerous and shrieky, ”It’s been what, twelve years since Dale Quicksilver and White Eagle forced me into desperation by the Nile River…”

Si Lan felt her throat went dry.

”You! You’re Kassidan!” How could she forget? Twelve years ago, when she was just a little girl, she was kidnapped. A huge amount of money were asked. The proprietor of the incident? Scarlet Spider Kassidan.

If it weren’t for Dale Quicksilver and White Eagle who passed by and saved her, her weed on her grave would’ve been as tall as an adult.

”You’re still alive!” Biting her lip, Si Lan spat out, ”And you even joined the Poker as the Joker!”

”Because of you… I didn’t die, I’m stronger than ever…” Kassidan’s eyes were wild, ”Do you know why I split you guys up?”

She chuckled and clapped her hands twice.

Soon, a dozen strong men waddled in from the hazy surrounding, all of them wearing the Joker mask.

”Unexpected, after chasing Dale Quicksilver’s tail for so many years, you’re still a virgin? What a shame… dying from this brutality at such a young age. You haven’t turned 25, have you? So young… tsk tsk tsk…”

The Scarlet Spider giggled, which soon turned into a nefarious shriek. Her right hand flicked, and a flying knife sliced a large hole into Si Lan’s shirt at her waist.

Another flick, the flying knife returned to her hand. Another, the knife darted between Si Lan’s legs and nailed itself on the stone statue behind her. Her fair thigh was exposed at the cut on her pants.

”Agh!” Si Lan staggered backward, her back pressing against the statue.

”Such smooth skin… Ah! Ah!” Scarlet Spider started moaning, reveling in her torture. ”Now! Deflower her to death! Don’t leave any holes undefiled!”

Hurr hurr…

The dozen of men approached Si Lan, rubbing their palms together and surrounding her.

”Si Lan, run!” The appraisal expert, Yoke barged into the circle, blocking in front of Si Lan.

Thud.

He was sent flying and fainted after having rolled on the ground.

”Yoke!” Si Lan’s face was white as ash.

*************

Garen, King of Nightmare and Andrela marched up to the central area of the fog and looked darkly into it.

”Blow it away!” Garen ordered.

”I’ll do it!” Andrela stepped forward and brandished his sword.

Shwoop!

Three silver mirrors appeared in front of him. Wind started blasting away at the green haze, unveiling the scene inside the chaotic area.

”Listen up!” King of Nightmare projected his voice. ”Give us the Jokers in ten seconds!” His voice boomed at everyone who were inside the green mist.

Translator's Thoughts

J_Squared J_Squared

1. Alternately “as if this was all a game to him”. Choose your preference between literal/poetic translation.