Jed and George locked eyes, the tension so thick it felt like the world had gone silent. Jed's deathly cold stare bore into George, whose calm, almost casual gaze held a confidence that made Jed's skin crawl. Behind them, Jose scrambled on hands and knees, disappearing into the cover of nearby rocks, his ragged breathing the only sound breaking the stillness.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaD3eK4hTD
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzOAiGEuYA
They stepped toward each other, closing the distance to just a few meters. The dusty ground shifted under their boots, the dry air electric with the promise of violence.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBd4q06wMI
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7O3aVCVZWc
"You ready to meet your maker, George?" Jed growled, his voice gravelly, with the faintest twinge of bitter humor.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8tyJd1WH7
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWeL2g3oTX
George smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Funny, Jed. I thought the same about you. But you've always been too stubborn to die, haven't you?"
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9LkXtvFu9
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ScbrISIvD
Jed flexed his fingers near the butt of his revolver. "That's one way to put it. But today ain't about stubbornness. It's about justice."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXfRxRVe3h
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IGX5h0NWt
George's smirk grew, his tone almost sympathetic. "Justice. What a quaint little word for what we're doing here."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQFZyLBOkh
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAjSZnc8Zl
The countdown in their minds was deafening.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6wc1rXOSp
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAAWGv6hZj
Three.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtjvieO9MX
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDVG5yebrc
Two.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIordPaMqQl
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNxhdr2rKZ
One.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfKT6hLFHt
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKf5AF30Hhk
George's hand darted to his holster, but Jed was faster. His gun was out in an instant, the shot ringing out like a crack of thunder. George fell back, clutching his chest as he hit the dirt.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggpFpvIMG0
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46LZBWt9mO
Jed moved forward, revolver trained on George. "Looks like you lost, boy."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHuvXXCJfd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ISiBk1eDk
But George laughed—a low, chilling sound that sent a shiver up Jed's spine. "You're quick, Jed, I'll give you that. But you never saw the bigger picture."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCzz6hZDWw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNw4hwhh7vW
Jed's brow furrowed as he noticed the movement on his arm and leg—ants. They scuttled across his skin, small fragments of glass and metal fusing unnaturally into his flesh. He felt the sharp sting of the objects embedding themselves, followed by an overwhelming burn.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivSP63qemR
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xCifx7dgz
"Damn it!" Jed cursed, his voice rising in pain and frustration. Without hesitation, he aimed the revolver at his arm and pulled the trigger. A shot to his leg followed as he dropped to one knee, blood oozing from the wounds but freeing him from the ants' grip.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbZMGZZHsd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK4jn7TciV
"You playin' dirty now, George," Jed spat, glaring at the man.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDsYsJrKaK
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeWF44S2rO
George, still on the ground, grinned as he slowly sat up, revealing the untouched fabric of his shirt where Jed's bullet should have hit. "Who said I ever played clean, Jed? You should've known better than to trust a man with a dream."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrl3zKzL1b
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eSu7uUHYQ
Before Jed could react, George's revolver was up and firing. The bullet struck Jed square in the stomach, and he crumpled to the ground with a grunt of pain.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49sMatknEL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8d2ovvoSX
George rose to his feet, brushing the dust off his coat. He lifted his shirt to reveal the ants crawling across his skin, the tiny creatures forming a protective layer over his torso. "They've got my back, Jed. Literally."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNiFLKlDXP
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYbojVPNJK
Jed coughed, his voice weak but dripping with venom. "You said you wouldn't use your damn bugs. You lied."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wMBM8sLXk
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcULH2x63B9
George sighed, almost regretful. "I had to, old timer. You're too good. I couldn't beat you without them. And I have to win, Jed. For peace. For a chance to lie in the grass, feel the sun on my face, and finally let go of this world's suffering."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbHBnDTTrB
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7bzMS9giP
He raised his gun, aiming at Jed's head.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed400Qswob
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCD7aOG5TB
"Goodbye, Jed."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wp34yeziv
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEsy5KOnre
Before he could fire, three rapid gunshots echoed through the air. George staggered, spinning around as blood blossomed across his side, shoulder, and leg. He stumbled, seeing Cody standing weakly in the distance, gun trembling in his hand.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MwG9Y4Y5B
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBO2ApTbho
"George… you're under arrest," Cody said, his voice heavy with exhaustion and pain.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS26wl4Fj0
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZmLkgU702
George's vision blurred, and he fell to his knees, his revolver slipping from his grasp. His mind drifted, and for a moment, he saw them—his sister, his parents—standing in a field of green grass under a brilliant sky. The sun warmed his face, and peace filled his heart.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC2QdNV6Dh
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJNUx1wwVC
But reality pulled him back, and he crumpled to the dirt. "Mom… Dad… Sister… I'm coming," he whispered, his voice barely audible as he flopped to the ground.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aUsrRXfqm
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOON7Z1DmaG
Jed, clutching his stomach, struggled to his feet. He stumbled toward George's lifeless body, grimacing with every step. Cody limped up beside him, holding a glowing Holy Crystal in his hand, and then symbols appeared on his arm.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz097HpKwU
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlCoQWQ3uD
"Here," Cody said, extending it to Jed. "I ain't lettin' you keep it, but… you can use it. Might give you some special power."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKYuhU6lrC
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd4dcoEAkD
Jed shook his head, his voice weary but firm. "Not for me. But my nephew… he might need it."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkXY9VhKxb
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy6pe4qbaI
Jed limped alongside Cody as they trudged through the desert night, their weary steps crunching over dry, cracked soil. They reached the spot where Charlie lay unconscious, his chest rising and falling faintly. The Holy Crystal pulsed softly in Cody's hand, its eerie glow illuminating their tired faces.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4F8i0LqzD
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr0nEkNgcF
Jed gave Cody a sidelong glance, his tone laced with suspicion and dry wit. "So, you're a sheriff, huh? That explains the high-and-mighty act back there?"
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zmj9PQ1Xx
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuoUmZa4Qn
Cody smirked, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yeah, old man. Name's Sheriff Cody. Coos Bay's finest."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWe8QrxBt3
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyl0ejblMo
Jed's lips curled into a grimace as he muttered under his breath, "Coos Bay. Well, hell. Ain't that just my luck?"
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoGtzh3nK2
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyolhN8hyCG
Cody raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvByOj9DPhh
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTraEIjKPh4
Jed waved him off, crouching down beside Charlie . "Means nothin'. Just reckon the only thing worse than my shootin' is your timing." He grunted, turning Charlie 's limp hand over. "Go on, then. Put that damn rock in his hand."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojYYkH4TNF
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgWSt6noRC
Cody hesitated, staring at the glowing crystal. "You sure about this? We don't even know what it'll do to him."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvaBRLmddT
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyTHPWzJuJ
Jed's gaze hardened. "Boy's been through hell and back. If this thing's got a shot at helping, we owe it to him to try."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzFyyhpr7q
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1eflkHass
Cody sighed, crouching beside Charlie . "Right, right." He gently placed the crystal into Charlie 's palm, the glow intensifying as it touched his skin. Suddenly, faint cuts appeared along Charlie 's arms, forming strange, unreadable symbols. Cody leaned in to study them, but the glow obscured the markings.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8syPstX7gb
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkb2BzSfN7
"What the hell does it say?" Cody asked, his voice uneasy.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq46T249l6
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsb0BAF1oxX
Jed shook his head. "Damned if I know. Guess he'll figure it out when he wakes up. If he wakes up."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8GFYigOTa
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PofKLJ2Fa
Cody leaned back, rubbing his neck. "Well, I'll leave that mess to you. I've got my own path to walk."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgQ08HcfFn
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXJHPt3mYl
Jed looked up, squinting. "And where's that? Thought you were plannin' to play nursemaid to this one."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcozgTLcnX5
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBesL9ohkta
Cody smirked, brushing dust off his coat. "Mexico. Got to get that 2nd crystal. Maybe I'll see you two around if you make it that far."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElY3IuNGH8
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDEhYuTk9n
Jed chuckled dryly, his voice rasping with weariness. "This boy's been yappin' about Mexico ever since we left the damn farm. Says he's got dreams down there." He shook his head. "Guess we'll see if they're big enough to survive the road."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPN503cegM
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG6ib8CKWX
Cody adjusted his hat, his expression turning serious. "Just so you know, old man, if it comes down to it, I'll be the one takin' that crystal."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dMNaH3NCh
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMufnWAULUN
Jed shot him a wry smile. "Well, we'll see about that, won't we? Hate to break it to ya, but this 'old man' ain't as easy to put down as you might think."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bGDT9jKJO
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mi53xl4ma
Cody tipped his hat, calling for his horse. The animal trotted up, and Cody hoisted himself into the saddle, wincing at his still-fresh wounds. "Take care of yourself, Jed. And keep that kid in line. He's lucky to have you, even if you don't believe it."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aHJ3Ws7jB
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVzlH2FVGW
Jed grunted, watching Cody ride off into the fading light. "Luck ain't got nothin' to do with it," he muttered.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlON4rmVPw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjuGKnj5Vt
Meanwhile, Jose nursed a drink at the dimly lit bar, his sharp eyes watching from the inside. Everyone in the bar glared at him, but Jose ignored them. His focus was on what he'd just witnessed: the power of the Holy Crystal.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQCwOHEOim
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSeDgcrxjy
"So," he murmured to himself, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "The crystal gives abilities, huh?" A sly smile crept across his face as he leaned back, letting the shadows of the room conceal his expression. "Guess that means I'll be the one takin' it. One way or another."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhRpUZdfGFR
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE0FbQ7I3R
Jed crouched beside Charlie , his gruff exterior softening as he watched the boy's steady breathing. He adjusted his hat, sighing deeply.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrOrFyer56
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlp3JMvBjcl
"Well, kid," he muttered, his voice low and reflective, "looks like you and I are still breathin'. Don't ask me how, but we are."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRhzurtHt5
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWGhSQa5ug
The night stretched out around them, silent and vast. For a moment, Jed allowed himself to feel the weight of everything they'd been through—the blood, the pain, the losses. Then he shook his head, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPRGx1Pc5y
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkz9S9kYSM
"Guess we'll see what tomorrow brings, won't we?" he said, his voice barely a whisper.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniu3mUCTio
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ReBW0JGer
The snow fell in thick, relentless sheets, blanketing the Russian countryside in a cold, unyielding silence. The mansion, an imposing structure of dark stone and frosted iron, stood as a testament to power and wealth. Inside, the warmth of flickering firelight battled against the cold draft that seeped through the ancient walls.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvZfl86IJq
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZxscIAkrj
In the heart of the mansion, a study dominated the eastern wing. The room was vast, its high ceilings adorned with carved wooden beams. Bookshelves lined the walls, crammed with dusty tomes in Russian, German, and Latin. A large oak desk sat near the back, but the real focus of the room was the pair of armchairs by the roaring fireplace. The General occupied one of them, his silhouette imposing as he held the Holy Crystal in his hand, its faint glow casting eerie shadows.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3YcukXWhX
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcW0k23YaM
Jacob, the scarred man, stood just a few steps away from the fireplace, his tall figure outlined by the golden light. The scent of aged leather and smoke hung heavy in the air.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviQflUiQ0d
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP2NuAXJ6A
"Sir," Jacob said, his voice steady but tinged with reverence. "Thank you for granting me the honor of touching the Holy Crystal. It has...changed me." He flexed his fingers, as if still feeling the lingering power from the artifact. His Russian was fluent, precise, but his tone betrayed a mix of awe and ambition.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2Ccx2gdDe
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcVMH1MIbt
The General switched to German, his words deliberate and laced with a faint accent. "Du hast es dir verdient, Jakob. Du bist mein treuester Mann. Ich vertraue dir mehr als allen anderen."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9IAB1GZZk
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwp8LRRnv5M
("You have earned it, Jacob. You are my most loyal man. I trust you more than anyone else.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76e5l4y6mD
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFbFV9OuNU
Jacob bowed his head slightly, his scars deepening with the motion. "Danke, Herr General. Ich werde dich nicht enttäuschen."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8cjFNyZkq
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXk4T11a93
("Thank you, General. I will not disappoint you.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzdWHxRR2p
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s4UFGvMD5
The General smiled, though it was more a baring of teeth than an expression of warmth. He leaned back, switching to Russian as he ran his thumb over the smooth surface of the crystal. "Хорошо. Теперь слушай внимательно."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5Wh2W7VtK
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnOJt4iizQ
("Good. Now listen carefully.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBrhV5xj8B
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmgoUQKz6e
The General stood, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the room. He paced to the window, gazing out at the swirling snowstorm as if lost in thought. "I need you to go to Mexico," he said, his voice steady but heavy with command. "Take Paw-law with you."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVeSNrfPL9
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9oezCbxHX
Jacob nodded, his posture rigid. "Да, товарищ генерал. Мы отправимся немедленно."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBc282z7a2H
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfCjuaLgNi
("Yes, Comrade General. We will leave immediately.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqpAUiiQyd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcqHKY2p99
The General turned, his smirk barely visible in the flickering light. "Грядущая эпоха принадлежит России," he declared, his voice rising with fervor.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ161FYKIrnL
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkmzf0z29I
("The coming era belongs to Russia.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIveOcqF70a
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvIUtoBcZM
He paused, switching back to German, the shift in language almost seamless. "Und vielleicht auch Deutschland. Es ist schließlich meine Heimat."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSF1YRrMD6
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡow6s4HozWG
("And perhaps Germany as well. It is, after all, my homeland.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UgRL1xVFd
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxHjfTS1eN
Jacob met his gaze, the fire in his eyes matching the General's intensity. He clenched his fist and shouted in unison with his leader, "Слава России!"
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hVzgXT9t7
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfNrxLH1k5
("Glory to Russia!")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnEGKlnAdY
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1Pirem7J9
The General echoed the cry, louder, fiercer. "Слава России! Und die Welt wird unser sein!"
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzaQxsYgFC
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AYcL4v4oy
("Glory to Russia! And the world will be ours!")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxZUTuWdGP
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnkGQ6OinHO
Jacob turned on his heel, his boots echoing sharply against the hardwood floor. As he reached the door, the General called out one last time, his voice softer but no less commanding.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RZBOqreRV
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYQnxDDkTP
"Do not fail me, Jacob. Everything depends on this mission."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEMdcuyLqQ
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1EynkOWFdK
Jacob glanced back, his expression resolute. "Я не подведу вас."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQijzWIjj72
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz10fPFmu0
("I will not fail you.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dudYxPVad
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85683THkT3
The door shut behind him with a heavy thud, leaving the General alone in the room. He stood by the window, watching the snow swirl against the darkened glass. A faint, satisfied smirk played on his lips.
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMp10xgMrG
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgVDGb4Kvu
"Скоро," he whispered in Russian, his voice almost a hiss. "Россия будет величайшей в истории."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcG6P5XtMy
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqVznATIun
("Soon, Russia will be the greatest in history.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH6TBSdCGw
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJEdAo7QAI
Then, almost as an afterthought, he murmured in German, "Und Deutschland wird nicht vergessen."
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUDM8NLmWc
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CkrwxYNLZ
("And Germany will not be forgotten.")
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D1g18IzFi
213Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPYW5AMXUr
The General's hand tightened around the Holy Crystal as he stared into the storm, his vision of conquest reflected in the frost-covered pane.
ns216.73.216.224da2
然後按「加至主畫面」