Chapter 668

669
“Russell,” Wade urged sharply, “place that contract now. I’m calling dibs, and nobody else gets this job.” Hearing that, Emmett rubbed his temples in exasperation.
Clutching his daughter’s lifeless body, Tyree gazed between Aria and Russell like a serpent sizing up its prey.
Owen stepped squarely in front of him. “Mr. Tyree Remar,” he warned, “don’t mistake your enemy. Otherwise, we wouldn’t hesitate to help the Solemnity Guild fulfill that contract.”
To Tyree, Owen was also a person of interest. Tyree shot him a look that could kill. Then, venomously, he thought, ‘Once I’m done with Russell, none of them will get away alive.’
Wilson frowned at Tyree, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes.
Rosalie watched Tyree’s retreating figure, her gaze sweeping over the three, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
Echohawk’s departure from the Solemnity Guild wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. At least, she had people who had her back. Even if she didn’t need their help, their presence was comfort in itself.
Once Tyree’s footsteps faded away, Wade shot Russell a quick reminder. “Don’t forget to place the contract.” Then he strode over to Aria. “When are we starting our duel?” he asked, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.
Aria looked up at him and asked, “So, what kind of duel do you have in mind? Are we sticking to the old Solemnity Guild rules?”
Wade shook his head. “No, those old challenges are way too played out. Let’s spice things up with something new.”
Aria said, “Your call.”
Wade grinned. “Ladies first, your call.”
Aria said coolly, “Let’s settle this with a single shot.”
Wade bit back a curse. “The Solemnity Guild just mapped out a new challenge course, and no one’s tried it yet. Whoever makes it through first takes the crown.”
The assessment site was set at Mount Soultaker, a treacherous landscape teeming with deadly beasts and venomous creatures. Many had ventured in, but few ever made it out alive.
Still, the Solemnity Cuild wouldn’t send its members on a suicide mission. The chosen route avoided the most perilous central zone; anyone who made it through within three days passed the test.
Aria nodded in understanding. “Works for me.”
Emmett was pleased with the challenge format and said, “It’d be too boring with just the two of you. Pick ten more people, and each of you leads a team. You’ll only succeed if everyone makes it out safely.
“If even you two can’t bring your teams through safely, then there’s no point in opening this assessment route at all.”
Wade readily agreed. “No objections,” Aria said coolly.
“Count me in,” Owen cut in abruptly.
Wilson shot his hand up. “Me, too!”
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Joel and Harry exchanged a glance, then said in unison, “Count us in!”
Seeing this, Rosalie let out a soft chuckle and said, “Count me in, too. That makes five of us.”
Emmett sighed helplessly. “Rosalie is allowed, but the rest of you must be members of the Solemnity Guild.”
He paused, then offered a wry smile. “Of course, if you’re willing to join our ranks, that would also qualify you.”
The four fell silent and instinctively stepped back. With Aria already out of the Solemnity Guild, there was no way Owen would risk joining it.
As for Wilson, Joel, and Harry, who were from Arressto agents, joining another organization would be signing their own death warrants. A flicker of disappointment flashed in Emmett’s eyes as his attempt to win them over failed.
Wade said, “Then I’ll just pick Team One.”
Team One’s former captain retired two years after Aria’s retreat. With his outstanding performance, Wade defeated all challengers and took over as the new captain of Team One.
Aria used to be the captain of Team Six. Team Six wasn’t on any missions, so the members said without hesitation, “We’re with Echohawk!”
Emmett chuckled. “With your established teamwork, the odds would be too good. Where’s the fun in that? All present who wish to participate, we’ll draw lots to decide.”
“I’m in!” someone immediately declared. With Echohawk and Wade leading, only a fool would pass up this chance.
Emmett issued the orders, and the teams were promptly finalized. To everyone’s surprise, Rosalie drew Wade, while Team One’s second-in-command, Saintiger, drew Aria.