The Bookkeeper

Becky’s blessing of luck wasn’t only a cheat code that Freya and Speed might not be able to bypass, but it was also a major threat to Raiden—unless Levi, who remained invisible, could find a way to take her out completely. However, the lull before facing Jasper made Raiden reconsider a few strategies that could not only boost his odds of winning but would also escalate the stakes of their battle. A wager.

"And what would the wager be?" Old man Jasper asked as the others stood before each other, waiting for the final decision between the masters before their battles could begin.

Raiden stood there for a moment, but before he could speak up, Soul finally moved and wrapped herself around his waist in a tight hug. He was perplexed and uncomfortable, but after a moment, he smiled and patted her on the head. She wasn’t herself—she was afraid, and Raiden had to take that fear away.

Raiden tilted his head toward the old man with a confident expression. "Whoever wins both fights gets the first two strikes in our match. If it’s a draw, the person whose opponent falls first becomes the victor, and that leader gets the opening strike."

Raiden locked eyes with old man Jasper, his sharp gray eyes meeting the man’s flickering dark ones. All he needed was Jasper’s agreement, and he believed they could bypass Becky’s luck.

Jasper remained silent for what felt like an eternity, his gaze locked with Raiden’s without faltering even once. It was as if he could read his mind through the stare.

"I agree..." he finally spoke up with his trembling aged voice.

Raiden’s smirk widened even further. "Speed... Freya, I command you to crack their bones, let them feel the warmth of their own blood streaming down their skulls as they struggle to live."

His tone dropped deeper, but his expression only grew more psychopathic. "I command you, against all odds... kill them."

Jasper remained calm and composed as he watched Speed and Freya’s heads slowly drop to their chests, both muttering, "Okay, master." Like zombies.