Chapter 1 I'm Getting Married Today

• In a certain café, Lucas Campbell sat idly scrolling through his phone. Suddenly, an international military news story caught his attention.
• The notorious Blood Shadow Mercenary Corps, known for their operations in the underworld, had been found completely wiped out on their island headquarters in the Serene Ocean. Reports stated that the Blood Shadow Mercenary Corps was incredibly powerful, leaving a trail of bloody crimes across various countries in recent years. Even the weakest of their eight leaders ranked 87th on the Death Rankings of the underworld!
• Based on the evidence at the scene, it appeared the massacre had occurred about two months ago.
• Strangely, though, no reports had surfaced of any large-scale military operation by neighboring countries. This led some to speculate that the Blood Shadow Mercenary Corps might have been destroyed by a single individual.
• However, military experts from various nations firmly rejected this idea. Given the mercenary group's formidable strength, only a coordinated military assault could have wiped them out. As a result, many believed that internal conflict was more likely the cause of their downfall.
• As Lucas read the news, he let out a mocking smile. "They're only finding it out right now? And they call them experts? What a joke."
• A moment later, a sharp, chilling glint flickered across his otherwise relaxed face, as a wave of bitterness and anger swelled inside him.
• Even if those bastards had been killed, what difference did it make? Cat, Monkey, King Kong ... could any of them come back to life?
• Lucas had been living on the brink of life and death for so long, he thought he was totally cool with the idea of dying. But it turns out, he was only chill about his own death.
• Losing so many close comrades who he'd fought with and trusted was a huge pain and blow that Lucas couldn't handle.
• "By the ancient trail, where smoke curls from graves of green, I dare inquire, what year is seen? Would you, dear friend, in dreams with me, to gates of valor?"
• At that moment, Lucas's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and frowned, hesitating for a moment before answering.
• "Hello?" Lucas said lazily.
• "You br*t, did your dad die or something? You sound half-dead."
• "Old man, cursing yourself isn't a great idea. I don't have a dad—just a mentor who's half a dad," Lucas chuckled.
• On the other end, he heard a curse followed by a heavy sigh. "Still not over it, huh? You've already taken down the Blood Shadow Mercenary Corps and avenged what needed avenging. It's time to let the past go."
• "I should have been with them on that mission," Lucas said, his voice heavy with regret.
• "Enough of that pointless talk. Get yourself back on track! I've received reliable information that Hades from the Heavenly Punishment Organization will secretly infiltrate our territory soon. This guy is ranked in the top 20 of the Death Rankings. It's your job to handle him!"
• "Seriously, I'm tired ... Really! The Daralian Kingdom has plenty of experts. They don't need me. Just let me live a normal life!" Lucas said, taking a deep breath.
• "That's ridiculous! Is that what I expect from Shadow Demon?"
• "I remember you saying that if I ever got married, I could go back to living a quiet life, right?"
• "I did say that. What's your point?" the tone on the other end grew serious.
• "Hehe, well, I'm getting married today!"
• Click!
• Lucas abruptly hung up the phone.
• Just then, a woman walked into the café, followed by two burly bodyguards.
• Lucas had seen countless beauties from all over the world, each with their own charm. Yet, when he saw this woman, he was still struck by her beauty.
• Her long, black hair cascaded naturally over her shoulders, framing her beautiful face. She had long, curvaceous legs, and her professional yet alluring outfit accentuated her figure perfectly. The silver high heels she wore further enhanced her graceful silhouette.
• A goddess—there was no doubt about it!
• A perfect mix of icy cool and hot, she could captivate countless men.
• However, Lucas was not one of those "countless men." After a fleeting moment of admiration, he quickly turned his gaze away.
• To his surprise, she approached him directly, took a moment to scrutinize him, and then gracefully sat down.
• Lucas blinked in surprise, assessing her with a grin as he asked, "What can I do for you, beauty?"
• "Are you Lucas Campbell?" she asked, her voice cool and melodic.
• "Yes, and you are?"
• Lucas raised an eyebrow, glancing at her with a hint of playfulness, gleaming with a hint of curiosity.
• "I'm the one you're meeting for the blind date today," she replied coolly.
• "You're Flora Collins? No way! You're way hotter than your photo. Tsk tsk ... "
• Lucas stroked his chin, checking her out with a sleazy grin.
• Her brows furrowed slightly at Lucas's lewd gaze and said expressionlessly, "The photo is fake. My name is not Flora Collins, my real name is Celine Xavier."