Brothel Manager : Unexpected Encounter with A Hidden Family Heirloom

The war sirens echoed all across Hope Island, their mournful wails slicing through the early morning mist. As the sirens reverberated, General Harries, standing atop the watchtower at the central corner, looked out over the battlefield. His eyes narrowed with intrigue and suspicion. "Call for more snipers," he ordered his second-in-command. "And have them positioned at the forefront. Something is not right. The war might end today in the Taurus family favor." Beneath the towering cliffs and at the heart of the island, the armies of the Taurus and Farus families assembled. The army robes were a clash of colors—deep reds for Taurus, and gleaming silver for Farus. Spears and shields glittered in the soft morning light as the two factions aligned in attack formations, their angry faces and verbal exchange were a testament to their long-standing rivalry. The Taurus family stood tall and confident, basking in the dominance they had achieved in the previous day's spirit animal dominance. Ryon Taurus, the proud patriarch, surveyed the battlefield with a smirk. At his side, his wife Lady Maya stood silently, but her eyes glinted with anticipation. Today, she would lead the Scorpion spirit herself, intent on crushing the Farus family once and for all. Farus soldiers, on the other hand, brimmed with an unusual energy. Despite the losses, their morale soared. The wielder of the red sword, Das, the man known as a One-Man Army, was leading them today. General Long stood at the forefront, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly as he watched the Taurus army arrange itself across the field. Ryon's voice rang out. "You should have stayed at home, Long. Bringing your soldiers here will only mean their graves are dug deeper into this land." Long chuckled softly but with an undertone of smugness. "We'll see who goes home, Ryon. Perhaps it's time your soldiers learned not to cower behind the weapon spirit." The soldiers from both sides snickered and whispered among themselves, but there was a shared undercurrent of tension. They all knew what was coming. Finally, the war sirens rang as General Harries gave the signal. As the final preparations were made and both armies stood at the ready, Lady Maya stepped forward. Her long, black robes flowed like shadows behind her as she whispered to Ryon. "Let me lead the charge. The Scorpion spirit is eager to feed today." Ryon nodded. "Do as you will, my love. Just ensure that by the end of the day, there is no Farus left to stand." Before Maya could take the first step, a ripple of unease spread across the Taurus ranks. Heads turned as a single figure emerged from the Farus formation, casually strolling toward the center of the battlefield. Das walked alone, unarmed except for the cursed blood sword hanging from his waist. The weapon seemed to vibrate, as though alive, its deep crimson blade radiating a faint aura that sent shivers down the spines of the Taurus soldiers. Whispers swept through their lines. "That's him." "Why the hell is he fighting head on today?" "It's not him I fear—it's that sword." Das's steps were measured, almost lazy, as if he were out for a morning walk rather than stepping into the heart of war. His eyes gleamed with mischief, and the corners of his mouth twitched in the beginnings of a grin. General Harries was taken aback by Das's action. There is no bit of fear or concern on Das's face. Harries felt something was wrong. On the Farus side, Amara watched from behind the frontlines. Her hands tightened as she felt fear from the lazy action of Das who now held their family heirloom, the Fire Python ring. "He's reckless," muttered one of the Farus lieutenants. "Walking in like that with no shield, no armor." "He doesn't need any," Lily replied softly. "You'll see." Closer to the Taurus frontlines, Lady Maya narrowed her eyes. "He's trying to intimidate us," she said, though she could not deny the sliver of apprehension that crept into her chest. Das finally came to a stop, standing at the very center of the field, equi-distant from both armies. The battlefield fell into a strange silence. He cracked his neck and looked directly at Ryon and Lady Maya. "Are we going to start this, or should I head back for breakfast?" The insult hung in the air like smoke, and the Taurus soldiers shifted uncomfortably, their hands tightening around their weapons. Das's calm, almost playful demeanor was more unsettling than a full-frontal assault. "Fat chicken is dancing before the chicken shop. Everyone, raise your weapons." Ryon roared loudly to encourage his troops. Lady Maya stepped forward, her eyes blazing. "Do not underestimate the Scorpion spirit. This is not a game, young man." Das smirked. "I never underestimate my opponent, Lady Maya. I'm just a lion under goat skin. But it looks like your soldiers are already scared. Care to call them off?" Ryon growled. "Enough of this! Maya, summon the spirit. End him now." Lady Maya raised her hand, about to unleash the Scorpion spirit, when Das's hand fell to the hilt of his sword. The cursed blood sword trembled slightly, as if it had been anticipating this very moment. The battlefield held its breath. But before the spirit could be summoned, a single note of laughter escaped Das's lips. He let go of the sword and turned his back to the Taurus family, walking toward the Farus lines. "Not today," he called over his shoulder. "Go home while you can, Ryon. This war ended the moment I took the fire python spirit from the Farus family." The shock was palpable. Gasps erupted from both sides. "He's bluffing!" Ryon roared. "How can the Farus family give their spirit to outsiders? Also, the fire python spirit cannot be taken so easily." Das turned and stepped forward and held up her ring. With a single pulse of energy, the brilliant white form of the fire python spirit coiled protectively around him. The Taurus soldiers stood frozen, realization sinking in. Das kept walking, hands tucked behind his head casually. "Like I said—war's over. Pack Up!"