NOVEL NEXT Chapter 129: A Dud
PLEASE DO NOT READ CHAPTERS 112 TO THE LAST ONE, FOR NOW.
I FELL INSANELY SICK FOR DAYS WAS UNABLE TO WRITE, AND DUE TO FEAR OF MISSING OUT ON DAYS OF MGS, I COULD NOT STOP WITH UPDATES. SO ADMITTEDLY I UPDATED DUMMY CHAPTERS
I KNOW ITS WRONG AND UNETHICAL BUT PLEASE I AM REALLY SORRY. I ONLY JUST RECOVERED NOT LONG AGO AND I AM CURRENTLY FIXING UP THE CHAPTERS AND EVERYTHING WILL BE SORTED BETWEEN THE 12TH to 14TH OF AUGUST, 2025.
I PROMISE THAT WILL NEVER EVER HAPPEN AGAIN ONCE THESE CHAPTERS HAVE ALL BEEN FIXED. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME.
...…
# Chapter: Convergence of Forces
## The Grand Hotel - Evening
The sun was setting over the city as three figures made their way through the luxurious lobby of the grand hotel. Lucy walked with the confident stride of someone who had never known defeat, her black leather jacket catching the light from the crystal chandeliers above. Beside her, Grimmface moved like a shadow, his massive frame somehow managing to seem both imposing and invisible at the same time. Behind them both, Edmund trailed nervously, still processing his dramatic fall from grace just hours earlier.
They entered the elevator together, and Lucy pressed the button for the top floor without needing to ask. She knew exactly where Dorian would be—he always preferred the highest rooms available, claiming he liked to look down on the world that had once rejected him.
"So Edmund," Lucy said as the elevator climbed, her voice carrying a hint of amusement, "I hear you've been demoted to cleanup crew."
Edmund's face flushed with embarrassment and anger, but he said nothing. What was there to say? Just yesterday he had believed himself destined to lead a faction, and now he was lucky to even be included in this reunion.
Grimmface spoke for the first time since they'd met at the airport, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Everyone gets what they deserve eventually."
The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and they walked down the plushly carpeted hallway to Dorian's suite. Lucy knocked twice, then once, then twice again—their old signal from the glory days of Grinning Dead.
The door opened immediately, as if Dorian had been waiting right behind it. His face broke into a genuine smile, the kind of expression that hadn't crossed his features in years.
"Lucy. Grimmface," he said warmly, stepping aside to let them enter. "Welcome back to the family."
The hotel suite was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city below. Dorian had clearly spared no expense in his accommodations. Lucy walked straight to the windows and looked out over the lights beginning to twinkle in the gathering darkness.
"Nice view," she commented. "Very fitting for someone about to reclaim his throne."
"I've missed your sense of drama," Dorian replied with a chuckle. "Come, sit. We have much to discuss."
They gathered around the suite's elegant seating area. Dorian took the central chair, naturally assuming his position as leader, while Lucy and Grimmface flanked him on either side. Edmund awkwardly took a seat on the far end, clearly understanding his new place in the hierarchy.
"First things first," Dorian began, his tone shifting to business mode. "I need to know what you've both been doing these past three years. Lucy?"
She leaned back in her chair with a casual confidence that hadn't dimmed despite their faction's previous downfall. "Freelance work, mostly. A few jobs in Europe, some corporate espionage in Asia. Nothing too exciting, but it kept my skills sharp and my bank account healthy."
"And you, Grimmface?"
The massive man was quiet for a moment before responding. "Underground fighting circuits. Some mercenary work. I never stopped training, never stopped preparing for this day."
Dorian nodded approvingly. "Good. I knew I could count on both of you to stay ready." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "Now, let me tell you what's changed since we've been apart."
For the next hour, Dorian explained everything that had transpired. He told them about his year of desperation, his encounter with Lena's organization, and most importantly, his acquisition of Kiyomi. He carefully detailed her abilities, her power, and the advantage she gave them over any enemy they might face.
"A djinn," Lucy whispered, her eyes wide with amazement. "I thought they were myths."
"So did I," Dorian replied. "But she's very real, and she's the reason we're going to succeed this time where we failed before."
"What about the opposition?" Grimmface asked pragmatically. "USOV hasn't gotten weaker in our absence."
"Actually, they have," Dorian said with a wicked grin. "They've become comfortable, complacent. They think they understand the game because they won once. But they've never faced us when we had this kind of power backing us up."
He stood and walked to the windows, gesturing for them to follow. The city sprawled out below them, millions of lights representing millions of people who had no idea their lives were about to change forever.
"Three years ago, we were driven out because we were chaotic, unfocused. We let our egos and personal grudges cloud our judgment," Dorian continued. "This time will be different. We have a plan, we have power, and most importantly, we have leverage."
"What kind of leverage?" Lucy asked.
"The kind that makes even the Director of USOV dance to our tune," Dorian replied cryptically. "But that's a story for another time. Right now, I need to know—are you both completely committed to this? Because once we begin, there's no going back. USOV will come at us with everything they have."
Lucy didn't hesitate. "I've been waiting three years for this chance. I'm in."
Grimmface nodded solemnly. "We finish what we started."
"Excellent," Dorian said, turning back to face them. "Then let's discuss our first moves."
## USOV Headquarters - Same Evening
Three floors underground, in USOV's secure conference room, Director Grey sat at the head of a long table surrounded by his most trusted agents. The room's stark lighting cast sharp shadows on the faces of everyone present, giving the gathering an appropriately grim atmosphere.
Kent sat to Grey's immediate right, a stack of surveillance reports in front of him. Across the table, Agent Quinn had returned from her mission just in time to be briefed on the developing crisis. Several other senior agents filled the remaining seats, all of them wearing expressions of focused concern.
"The situation has escalated beyond our initial projections," Grey began, his voice carrying the weight of command. "Our intelligence confirms that Dorian Graves is not just returning to Michigan—he's actively rebuilding Grinning Dead with his original core members."
He gestured to Kent, who stood and activated the room's large display screen. Images of Lucy and Grimmface appeared, along with detailed profiles of their known abilities and past operations.
"Lucy Hartwell, known as 'Phantom Strike,'" Kent read from his notes. "Specializes in assassination and infiltration. Her visor abilities allow her to phase through solid matter for brief periods, making her nearly impossible to contain or corner."
The image switched to show Grimmface's imposing figure. "Marcus 'Grimmface' Stone. Enhanced physical capabilities beyond normal visor levels. His strength and durability make him effectively a one-man army in close combat situations."
"These aren't just random criminals," Grey interjected. "These are elite operatives who worked together seamlessly for years before we managed to break them up. Together, they represent a threat level equivalent to a small military unit."
Agent Quinn leaned forward. "What about their numbers? Are we looking at just the three of them, or should we expect more recruits?"
"Unknown at this time," Kent admitted. "But we have to assume they'll be actively recruiting. Dorian's reputation in the underground community remains strong despite his previous defeat."
Grey stood and moved to the display screen, pointing to a map of Michigan with various locations marked in red. "These are confirmed sightings and suspected safe houses. As you can see, they're not hiding. Dorian wants us to know he's here, wants us to feel the pressure of his presence."
"It's psychological warfare," Quinn observed. "He's trying to force us into making mistakes."
"Exactly," Grey confirmed. "Which is why we need to be smarter this time. Three years ago, we reacted to his moves. This time, we're going to anticipate them."
He turned to address the entire room. "I'm authorizing elevated threat protocols. All leave is cancelled, all agents are to remain on standby. We're also coordinating with the White Hunters—this threat affects more than just USOV."
A younger agent near the end of the table raised his hand. "Sir, what about Agent Liam? Shouldn't he be briefed on this situation?"
Grey hesitated for a moment, remembering Dorian's specific threats regarding Liam. "Agent Liam will be informed on a need-to-know basis. For now, his focus should remain on his regular duties and training."
The agent looked confused but didn't press the issue. Grey made a mental note to speak with him privately later to ensure the message was clear without revealing too much.
"Are there any other questions?" Grey asked, scanning