THE DEVIL HERSELF
Chapter 32

Lars dragged his weak body to bed, collapsing onto the mattress with a groan. His muscles ached, a testament to the physical exertion he'd endured. He glanced at Janet, who seemed unphased, almost energetic as she moved around the room, gathering her clothes.

After so many rounds, she still wants more? Lars thought incredulously. It makes him think that she's a sex machine. No woman had ever been able to withstand him after a night but Janet shocked the hell out of him.

"I'm going to freshen up and go out for breakfast. When you're done resting, meet me with the others," Janet said casually, her voice carrying an edge of authority that made Lars bristle.

He simply grunted in response, closing his eyes and allowing the exhaustion to pull him into a deep sleep. Janet glanced back at him, a smirk playing on her lips before she headed into the bathroom. #000 SAFE HIDEOUT ☐☐☐

In a dimly lit room, Rachel, Diego, Dracula, and Scarlet donned masks to conceal their identities. They positioned themselves around the camera, ensuring that Bruce would see only their masked faces and his terrified family in the background. Scarlet activated the video call, her voice cold and menacing. "Bruce Springsteen," she began, her tone brooking no argument. "You have something we want. And we have something you want. If you want your heir to survive, you will meet us at the address we send you."

Bruce's eyes widened with shock and fear as he saw his wife and children bound and gagged. "What the hell is this? Who are you?" he demanded, his voice shaking.

"That's not important," Scarlet replied smoothly. "What matters is that you follow our instructions to the letter. Fail to do so, and your family suffers. Do you understand?"

Out of panic, Bruce tried calling his guards, but none of them picked up his calls. Realization dawned on him-his family had been kidnapped, and if this leaked, it would surely damage his career. "Alright," he said, his voice laced with desperation. "I'll do whatever you want. Just don't hurt them."

"Good," Scarlet said, her eyes cold behind the mask. "You'll receive the address soon. Don't be late."

As the call ended, Bruce immediately contacted his assistant, ordering her to book the earliest flight to Italy. In his haste and panic, he neglected to inform Lord Ace about the current situation.

# 000THE SLAYERS CLAN 000

Meanwhile, at the Slayers Clan's compound, Bingo summoned all the members. It was the first time he'd called them together since the death of his brother. The room was filled with a tense silence as everyone waited for him to speak. Bingo stood at the front, his face a mask of determination. "I've made a decision," he began, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "We're going to merge with the Scarlet Scorpion Evo X Clan."

Murmurs of surprise and confusion rippled through the crowd, but Bingo raised his hand to silence them. "I know this might come as a shock, but it's the best course of action for us. We're too weak to run a clan on our own, and merging with them will make us stronger."

Vera, standing beside him, gave him a reassuring nod. She had been a pillar of support for Bingo during the difficult times, helping him realize that this merger was the best way forward.

One of the members, a burly man named Igor, spoke up. "Are you sure about this, Bingo? Can we trust Scarlet and her people?"

Bingo nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. Scarlet and her clan have proven themselves time and again. This is the right move for us."

With that, the members began to disperse, packing up their belongings and preparing for the merger. Bingo knew he had to contact Scarlet and finalize the arrangements, but he felt a sense of relief knowing that they were moving forward. #000 SCARLET SCORPION EVO X D

Back at the Scarlet Scorpion Evo X compound, Scarlet and her crew returned from their mission. Exhausted but triumphant, Scarlet headed straight to her room, hoping for a moment of peace. However, she was not alone for long. Arizona, having seen the weariness and determination on Scarlet's face, followed her. She knocked softly on the door before entering. "Scarlet, can we talk?"

Scarlet looked up, surprised but not displeased to see her. "What is it, Arizona?"

Arizona smiled warmly. "I was thinking, we've all been through a lot lately. We need to blow off some steam. How about a swimming competition, like we used to in the old days?"

Scarlet's eyes lit up at the suggestion, a spark of nostalgia and excitement flickering within them. "A swimming competition, huh? It's been a while."

"Exactly," Arizona said, her enthusiasm infectious. "We need to remind ourselves of who we are and what we can do. Plus, it'll be good for everyone to relax a bit."

Scarlet considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, let's do it. Gather everyone and meet me by the pool in fifteen minutes."

#000 SWIMMING POOL 0

The pool area was soon bustling with activity as clan members gathered, curious and eager for a bit of fun. Scarlet, still in her tactical gear, stood at the edge of the pool, a smirk playing on her lips.

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! "Alright, everyone,” she called out, getting their attention. "We're going to have a swimming competition. The winner gets bragging rights and a bottle of the finest wine we have."

Cheers and laughter erupted from the crowd as they began to prepare for the race. Arizona, already in her swimsuit, stood beside Scarlet, grinning from ear to ear.

"Let's see if you've still got it," she teased, nudging Scarlet playfully.

Scarlet chuckled. "Oh, I've still got it. Don't you worry."

Diego and Rachel joined them, both looking eager for the challenge. "This should be interesting," Diego said, stretching his arms.

"I'm in," Rachel added. "I could use a good swim."

Dracula, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but smile at the sight of his comrades replaceing a moment of joy amidst the chaos. He decided to join in, shedding his shirt and stepping up to the edge of the pool. "Alright, on my mark," Scarlet said, raising her hand. "Ready... set... go!"

The racers dove into the water, the pool erupting with splashes as they powered through the lanes. Scarlet led the pack, her strokes strong and confident, but Arizona was right on her heels, determined to give her a run for her money. Rachel and Diego swam with equal intensity, their competitive spirits driving them forward. The crowd cheered them on, the atmosphere electric with excitement.

As they reached the final lap, Scarlet and Arizona were neck and neck. With one final burst of speed, Scarlet touched the edge of the pool just a fraction of a second before Arizona, securing her victory.

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers as Scarlet emerged from the water, a triumphant grin on her face. Arizona laughed, shaking her head. "You still got it, Boss."

Scarlet laughed too, the tension of the past days melting away in that moment of camaraderie and fun. "Thanks, Arizona. That was just what we needed."

#000 COMPUTER ROOM

As the others celebrated by the pool, Chance was still in the computer lab, eyes glued to the screen. His fingers danced over the keyboard, piecing together information about Bruce Springsteen and his family. He called Scarlet's ear pod. "Boss, I've got more information on Bruce. He's got some hidden assets and properties we can leverage. This might be the key to turning the tables on him and the Hunter's Clan." Scarlet listened, her smile fading as she refocused on the mission at hand. "Good work, Chance. Keep digging. We need every advantage we can get"

# 000 HIDEOUT

Later that evening, in a secure location in Italy, Scarlet and her team prepared for the meeting with Bruce Springsteen. They wore masks again, hiding their identities, and positioned Bruce's family where he would see them immediately upon entering.

The door opened, and Bruce stepped in, his eyes widening as he saw his family bound and guarded by masked figures. "You," he spat, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and rage. "What do you want?"

Scarlet stepped forward, her voice cold and commanding. "We want you to do exactly as we say. You've been hiding from us for too long, Bruce. It's time you faced the consequences of your actions." Bruce's eyes darted around the room, his mind racing. "And if I refuse?"

Scarlet's eyes narrowed. "If you refuse, your family pays the price. And trust me, we won't hesitate."

Bruce swallowed hard, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. "Alright," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "What do you want me to do?"

Scarlet handed him a piece of paper. "You're going to meet with us and provide the information we need about the Hunter's Clan. You will cooperate fully, or your family suffers."

Bruce nodded, his resolve crumbling under the pressure. "I'll do it. Just... don't hurt them." Thinking that he can this opportunity to call Lord Ace, he suddenly felt something hit and everything went blank

# *******************

Back at the compound, Bingo finally managed to get through to Scarlet. He explained his plan to merge the Slayers Clan with the Scarlet Scorpion Evo X Clan, hoping for her approval.

Scarlet listened carefully, then smiled. "We'll welcome you with open arms, Bingo. Together, we'll be stronger than ever." Bingo sighed with relief.