Shieda Kayn

Pero couldn't bear to think how long his Red Hat would last against an army like this. An army and a gang were two entirely different things. From the information he'd gotten from the man who'd narrowly escaped with his life, Pero knew that this was a well-trained army, not some gang thrown together on a whim. Whenever gangsters got into a fight, they were always cursing and swearing. No gang was an exception. These thugs loved nothing more than to burn, kill, and plunder, but this organization called the Dark Sea Throne was frighteningly quiet.

Aside from Jiang Chuan, Pero was the only one who knew that the scroll was a World Rune. Years ago, while Pero was enjoying himself in the Serpent Isles, he'd accidentally saved an old man, who told him about it in gratitude. Since then, Pero had been discreetly searching for news of the World Rune. He'd finally learned that Caro had a map in his possession, only for someone else to snatch it away. Pero was furious. It was like having a bandit steal a field he'd worked so hard to cultivate!

Pero drained his glass in one gulp. His parched throat was like a drought-stricken land finally nourished by rain. He summoned one of his men and ordered, "Stop all our intelligence-gathering operations. Focus everything on investigating the Dark Sea Throne."

The subordinate asked, confused, "Boss, what about keeping an eye on the Iron Hook Gang?"

Pero waved a hand. "Leave a small team there. Put most of our people on investigating the Dark Sea Throne."

"Yes, boss."

Staring at the moon outside the window, Pero grinned viciously. "You dared to steal from me, Pero. Even if you're a tiger, I'll make you bite down on a broken tooth!"

Bloodfang Island...

Jiang Chuan said to Kendi, "From now on, no one from the Dark Sea Throne can show their faces. Even when handing out food, they must wear a mask or a face covering. We stole something from the Red Hat, and they definitely won't let it go. Construction on the island isn't finished yet, so we can't let the Red Hat find out our base is on Bloodfang Island."

Kendi realized how serious the situation was. "Understood, President. I'll head back to Bilgewater now and notify everyone."

Jiang Chuan said coldly, "Our equipment still isn't up to my standards, but the new gear will be ready soon. For now, you need to keep your heads down. Don't let the Red Hat catch us slipping. Make absolutely sure the ammunition shipments are well concealed!"

"Yes, President." After receiving his assignment from Jiang Chuan, Kendi left the office and hurried straight to the Iron Anchor Gang.

Jiang Chuan told Kate, "Your team's duties are the same as before. Keep up with your lessons and training."

After finishing his instructions, Jiang Chuan went to Sarah's quarters to discuss the Red Hat with her. When he knocked on the door, Sarah opened it wearing a sexy nightgown and yawned as she complained, "What is it? What is it? You'll pay for disturbing my sleep this late at night!"

Jiang Chuan forcibly dragged his attention away from Sarah's figure. "How much do you know about the Red Hat?"

Sarah flopped onto the bed and answered impatiently, "The Red Hat is one of Gangplank's gangs. They're strong, numerous, and skilled at gathering intelligence. A lot of their people are good at keeping watch. They may be a little weaker in a fight than other gangs, but they'll monitor your every move, find your weak spot, and then strike it. It's best not to mess with them. Otherwise, when you're sitting on the toilet, someone might be watching your ass from just outside the window."

Jiang Chuan frowned. "I've already crossed them. I stole something from them, and it's important enough to shake all of Bilgewater."

Sarah glanced at Jiang Chuan. "Then you've got a lot of trouble ahead. Unless you deal with the Red Hat, they'll know how many times you snore in your sleep."

Jiang Chuan gave a helpless smile. "Looks like that's my only option."

Sarah waved him away. "The Red Hat's leader is named Pero. He's a coward who wears a suit of armor under his clothes even when nothing's going on. He won't be easy to deal with. That's all I know, so don't disturb my sleep."

After learning the basics about the Red Hat, Jiang Chuan returned to his office to draw up a detailed plan against them. Leaving them alone was like keeping a sharp knife poised over his head.

Jiang Chuan sat in his chair, tapping the desk as he said, "Pyke? Nautilus? Or... Kayn?" In this world, hiring an assassin was as easy as picking through garbage. Even among the heroes, assassins made up the majority. Jiang Chuan's favorite assassin was Kayn. Kayn had mastered Zed's Shadow Magic, and his ability to pass through walls made him exceptionally sought-after.

Kayn would need to work with the First Army to wipe out the Red Hat. On his own, he couldn't take on the entire gang.

Jiang Chuan smiled. "I wonder if Rhaast is already in Kayn's hands."

In the game, Kayn had to gather energy to transform. But in this world, Jiang Chuan didn't know how to help Kayn master the Darkin and transform into the Shadow Assassin.

Jiang Chuan mused aloud, "I wonder if it works like it does in the game, building up energy by damaging ranged champions."

Shieda Kayn had been a child soldier in Noxus's campaign against Ionia—in other words, cannon fodder. On the battlefield, Kayn had already learned every kind of killing technique. After Zed taught him, Kayn became an out-and-out killing machine, able to wield every kind of weapon with skill. He was also hailed as the finest student of the Order of Shadow. Having Kayn kill Pero was undoubtedly the best choice.

Jiang Chuan wasted no time. He went to the woods on the island and summoned his favorite hero from the game.

After a flash of white light, Kayn appeared before Jiang Chuan. Seeing the Darkin corruption on Kayn's right hand and the scythe in his grasp, radiating a vicious, bloodthirsty aura, Jiang Chuan knew Kayn had already encountered Rhaast. He smiled. "Kayn and Rhaast, welcome to Bilgewater."

Kayn looked at Jiang Chuan and asked coldly, "Who are you?"

Rhaast said, "Hey, stranger. You'd better kill him quickly, or he'll kill you."

Jiang Chuan smiled. "I summoned you because I want to make a deal with you."

Kayn tightened his grip on the scythe. "What deal?"

Jiang Chuan smiled. "You work for me, and I'll help you control Rhaast."

The offer was tremendously tempting to Kayn. But to Rhaast, it was even funnier than the jokes drunkards told in taverns.

Rhaast laughed. "Hahaha! Pathetic human, how could you ever control a mighty Darkin? You're dreaming!"

Jiang Chuan replied evenly, "As an Ascended of Shurima, a mighty god-warrior revered by the people of Shurima, shouldn't you at least know how to greet someone when you first meet them?"

Rhaast fell silent. Kayn laughed. "Rhaast, what's the matter? Are you scared? This isn't like you."

Rhaast said in a low voice, "Weak human, how do you know? That was thousands of years ago. Now I'm a Darkin!"

Jiang Chuan smiled. "What, did a Twilight Spirit defeat the mighty Rhaast? I know far more than just that."

Rhaast sank into his memories. Once, he had been an Ascended revered by thousands, basking in the admiration and worship of Shurima's people. If those foolish Icathians hadn't opened that accursed purple abyss, he wouldn't have ended up like this, trapped inside this damned weapon for countless years. Rhaast had always wanted to kill the Twilight Spirit and those bastards of the Titan Race with his own hands. He had always wanted to return to his homeland, Shurima, and see its glory once more!