"Erik Cavanaugh!" Nicholas voice echoed down to Hollow Creek. "I'm calling you out! Come out here you coward!"Erik's eyes widened in surprise as he heard Nicholas's voice calling out to him from afar. The shock washed over him, quickly replaced by a mix of anger and disbelief. He had considered Nicholas a coward, incapable of facing him on the battlefield. Yet here he was, defying Erik's expectations.He stepped outside and snatched his binoculars from the nearby guard. He found Nicholas on the mountain hills with a megaphone. Erik slowly brought down his binoculars and turned to face the others. "Get me a mega phone and double the security. There's no telling what could be out there."As the guards scrambled about, Erik took out the detonator device and held it in his hands. If Nicholas goes on the offensive, this entire ghost town would go off in flames. Nicholas having gotten Erik's attention, he spoke with a determined expression, his voice filled with anger. "You sick bast
The gunshot echoed through the air, signaling the start of Nicholas and Lazarus Mann's carefully planned operation. They had been waiting for this moment, strategizing and preparing for the rescue of the hostages.Nicholas turned to Lazarus, "That's the signal. Julia and Yumi must've deactivated the last bomb."Lazarus Mann looked convinced, "I believe so too. Let's end this. My men are ready whenever you are."Nicholas, with Lazarus Mann's men, took the lead as they moved swiftly and fast down the outskirts of Hollow Creek. They had to go through the maze of Erik's men, who were stationed throughout the town, ready to defend their leader at all costs.But there was a flaw in Erik's part. His men were disorganized by Julia and Yumi's intrusion. This distraction was part of Nicholas plans all along. A distracted group cannot function. The few vigilant terrorists opened fire at Lazarus Mann's charging men. Both parties exchanged gun fires. As gunfire erupted in the distance, chaos
Peace had finally returned to the United Republic of Niklauria after the turbulent times under the Cavanaugh brothers' rule. Nicholas took charge of rebuilding the nation, working tirelessly to repair the damages caused by years of instability and terror under Harry's reign. Infrastructure was restored, homes were rebuilt, and essential services were reinstated. The scars left by the Cavanaugh brothers began to heal, and a sense of security and normalcy returned to the lives of the citizens.Over the course of two months, the nation gradually recovered from the aftermath of the conflict. Four months had gone by since the Crimson raiders was dissolved and Erik, arrested and sentenced. Nicholas's reign as king over these past couple months had been marked by resilience, compassion, and dedication. .During that period of time, The Phoenix family prospered in the wake of the conflict. With the restoration of peace and stability, they were able to focus on rebuilding their lives and
Nicholas slowly opened his eyes, his surroundings coming into focus. He found himself in a hospital room, its pristine white walls adorned with paintings that exuded a sense of calm and serenity. The room was spacious and well-equipped, befitting a facility of exclusive standards.As Nicholas glanced down, he noticed the thin tube connected to his arm, leading to a drip that was steadily delivering fluids into his system. The faint beeping of medical equipment filled the air, serving as a constant reminder of his current situation.His gaze shifted, and he saw his father, William, sitting beside his bed, his face etched with concern and relief. The sight of his father brought a sense of comfort amidst the confusion that clouded Nicholas's mind."Dad?" Nicholas's voice was weak, a mere whisper as he struggled to speak.William's eyes widened with surprise and joy. "Nicholas, you're awake!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a mix of emotions. "You're in the hospital, son. You coll
Hans stared at the official document in Nicholas's hand, his mind racing with a torrent of conflicting thoughts. Imaginations of his newfound freedom began to form in his mind. No more prison walls, no more chains weighing him down. The advantage of being free again was enticing, a chance to regain all that he's lost. His days in prison had been a harrowing ordeal, filled with resentment and bitterness. The sense of being trapped, confined to a life stripped of authority and influence, had eaten away at his soul. The prospect of stepping back into the world as a free man, with all the opportunities it entailed, ignited a fire within him.But deep down, he felt a nagging sense of caution. There was a catch, a price to pay for his newfound freedom. Nicholas had always been cunning, and Hans knew better than to believe that his nephew would grant him a pardon without expecting something in return.The tension in the room was palpable as Nicholas and Hans locked eyes.Uncertainty
Preparations for Nicholas's departure to find the antidote for his poison were underway. The room buzzed with activity as servants gathered necessary supplies, while Nicholas organized his thoughts and intentions. William observed the commotion with a mixture of concern and disbelief.His expression turned to shock as Nicholas declared that he would be joining Hans on the journey."Nicholas, you can't be serious!" William exclaimed, his voice filled with a combination of worry and frustration. "You're already in a delicate state of health. Venturing out in search of a cure is far too risky. You should be resting, conserving your energy."Nicholas's face hardened with determination as he met his father's gaze. "Resting won't save me, Father. I refuse to sit idly by while the poison consumes me from within. I have to take matters into my own hands. Hans and I will find a way to save my life, no matter the cost."William's concern deepened, and he took a step closer, his voice tinged w
Nicholas, accompanied by Hans and Yumi and a team of loyal subjects embarked on his private jet, prepared for his journey for a cure. With determination etched on his face, he turned to face Hans. "I hope you understand the situation we're in. If we find the cure to my poison, you will be set free and highly rewarded. If I end up dying, you get nothing."Hans brows lowered into a frown. "Just say you have doubts. I can understand it.""I don't have any doubts I can be cured," Nicholas replied, his eyes watchful. "I just want you to be as fired up at this journey as I am."Hans picked up a glass of cocktail that was served to him on the jet and he took a long pull from it. He smacked his lips in delight. It has been a long time since he tasted anything this good. "I have more to lose than you, Nicholas," Hans said. "I will get you that cure even if it's the last thing I do."Nicholas smiled. Hans was a vain easy man. Still it beats him why Hans would have it in mind to murder his gr
Nicholas stood on the balcony of the grand hotel, gazing out across the sprawling city of Valeria. The streets below painted a bleak picture, with dilapidated buildings and worn-out infrastructure. The city seemed to wear the scars of poverty and crime prominently.The atmosphere was heavy with an air of desperation and survival. Criminal activities were the only means for many to make a living around here.The sight of Valeria's crime-ridden streets reminded Nicholas of the state his own country had been in during Harry's reign. It pained him to witness such hardship and suffering once again, knowing the toll it took on the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.Nicholas turned to face Yumi, who stood patiently beside him, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination."Yumi," Nicholas began, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency, "tell me more about the current president of Alora. I want to understand the man who has held power for thirty long years, subjecting