The Indomitability Represented by the Snake - III

Marlina brought her fingertips together and calmly stated:

"Authority."

Bang!

In the increasingly tense moment between Rodent and Vulture, Hyena abruptly plunged a dagger into the table, standing up with a fierce and wildly sinister grin.

"The fact that Hyena has forcefully swept through the slave markets is established; Vulture and Rodent now face two choices: retaliate or accept Hyena's terms."

"If it were me," Marlina began, smiling as her fingers touched, "I wouldn't inform them that I've found a new backer. I'd let them believe this is a desperate final stand before madness... unless truly cornered, businessmen are loath to engage in a fight to the death with a madman."

"Promises of unequal benefits to the splitters."

Rodent and Vulture stared at the gem on the table, silent.

"A thunderous strike without the slightest reaction."