But before existential dread could fully settle in, the four generals stomped toward him through the back hall with triumphant smiles and suspiciously red eyes.
General Maru grabbed him by the shoulder and grinned like a proud father.
"You lost, boy. But you didn't lose."
General Riki patted his back. "You gave us the best match of our lives. It was art. It was poetry. It was a good reason to cry in public."
General Hong Fei cleared his throat and shoved a card into Damien's hand. "Here. From the four of us. Call it… hazard pay."
Damien glanced at the card.
Transfer authorization: 2,000,000 dollars.
He blinked. "Wait, you're just giving me… Two million dollars?!"
"For services rendered," General Liang interrupted, holding back a sob. "And as a farewell gift."
Damien raised an eyebrow. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Oh, you are," General Maru said bitterly. "The Black Asura's seen you now. You think you get to stay in Beijing after that?"
