Marvel's master of cosmic magic

Chapter 578

"I’m not afraid of dying," Martin Gray said quietly. "I just don’t know how to face him."

He let out a long breath, the weight of decades settling into it. "This should’ve been dealt with years ago. I’ve been running from it ever since. If this is how it ends... then so be it."

He looked up at Rowan Mercer. "My King, may I ask one thing of you?"

"Say it," Rowan replied.

"If Lucan Kade decides to kill me in the end," Martin said, his voice steady despite the words, "don’t stop him. That would be what I deserve."

Rowan nodded without hesitation. "All right."

He had no intention of judging the tangled history between Martin Gray and the old Trinity Sect. Some conflicts didn’t have clean lines of right and wrong. Often, there was no truth at all, only choices and consequences.

Rowan was an outsider to that past. If Martin believed he was guilty, then that was his burden to carry. Rowan’s role was simple: fulfill his agreement with Lucan Kade.

If Lucan chose to kill Martin, then so be it. Death was not irreversible to Rowan anyway.

And Rowan’s willingness to intervene later had nothing to do with moral judgment. Martin was Mae Jenson’s grandfather. Mae was a former Nason Guard and now the island’s commander. Martin himself was no weak man. If he survived this, he would be useful.

"All right," Martin said at last. "Let’s see him. Let’s finish this."

Rowan moved them in an instant.

They appeared inside the palace conference chamber, where Mae Jenson and Zachary Ford were still negotiating the final details of the partnership.

"How’s it going?" Rowan asked.

"Almost done," Mae replied respectfully. "Just a few remaining points."

She outlined the unresolved issues. Rowan waved them off.

"Don’t get stuck on details. The general direction is enough."

Mae hesitated. She understood the danger of loose terms. Rowan was here now, and his strength could crush any future dispute. But someday, when he was gone, the next king might not have that luxury.

What she didn’t know was that Rowan had no intention of aging, let alone dying.

"Zachary," Rowan said, turning to the chairman, "I’m taking Martin to see Lucan Kade."

He briefly explained the history between the two men.

Zachary frowned and spoke immediately. "Your Majesty, if needed, the company can mediate. Lucan Kade is a reasonable man. There’s no need to escalate this."

From Zachary’s point of view, this was dangerous territory. Martin Gray was tied to Nason Island. If Lucan killed him, the fallout could threaten the partnership. That was unacceptable.

Under normal circumstances, the company would never pressure someone like Lucan Kade. But these were not normal circumstances. If the company pushed hard enough, even the most entrenched factions would yield.

Rowan shook his head. "No. The company stays out of this."

He continued calmly. "Martin intends to formally leave the Anarchists and accept the trial. Announce it to the community and handle the logistics. Don’t mention Nason Island. Let it proceed as it normally would."

If Rowan wanted to force the issue, he wouldn’t need intermediaries. But this wasn’t about force. Martin wanted this resolved on its own terms.

Zachary paused, then nodded. "Understood. We’ll handle the notifications and maintain order."

There was no formal exit process anymore, but in the past, those who wanted to leave the Anarchists followed an unspoken ritual.

The announcement would go out first. A time and place would be set. Respected witnesses would attend.

For seven days leading up to the event, anyone could participate for any reason.

And during that time, the one seeking to leave had no rights.

Any demand had to be accepted. Any challenge endured. Even death.

Most who chose this path didn’t expect to survive. It wasn’t about escape. It was about paying the debt they believed they owed.

"Three days from now," Martin said quietly. "The valley behind the old Trinity Sect site."

"So be it," Rowan replied. "Let’s go see Lucan."

They appeared outside the Kade estate.

Rowan sent a message inward.

The response was immediate.

The gates exploded outward as Lucan Kade burst through, his presence sharp and dangerous, power coiled tight around him.

"Easy," Rowan said mildly. "Not here to fight."

Lucan stared at Martin, eyes burning. "Killing you now would be too easy," he said coldly. "Something like this deserves thought."

He exhaled and let the tension drain from his body.

Rowan spoke. "Martin has asked the company to announce his withdrawal from the Anarchists. Three days from now, at the valley behind the old Trinity Sect. If you want to kill him, do it then."

Lucan’s gaze hardened. "Leaving the Anarchists? Didn’t expect you to grow a spine this late in life."

Martin laughed, genuinely this time. The sound carried relief rather than bitterness.

Lucan turned to Rowan and inclined his head. "Thank you for bringing him. Our agreement is complete. When you have time, come by for tea. The Kade family will welcome you."

Then he grabbed Martin’s arm and pulled him toward the house.

"If you’re going to die in three days," Lucan said grimly, "then stay here until then. We’ll talk. Properly."

"Then let’s talk," Martin replied.

He glanced back once. "Thank you, my King. You can return. I’ll be fine here."

At that moment, Lucan’s granddaughter Lucille Kade and his grandson Lucas Kade ran out, confusion written across their faces.

"What’s going on?" Lucille asked.

"You’ll understand in a few days," Rowan said with a faint smile.

Then he vanished.