Page 81 of The Syphon King

“Below the top floor, you will find our academic realm, equipped with cutting-edge classrooms, labs, and creative studios, all dedicated to nurturing a diverse range of cognitive gifts.

Harlow’s eyes popped bigger with every description.

“The ground level contains expansive living quarters for our students and Kings, bordered above by tranquil glass houses that mimic natural ecosystems,providing natural light to the lowest floor and serene views.

“Our thousand-acre swamp estate comes with retractable pools and scenic wooden walkways, ensuring privacy and a profound connection with nature.

Harlow jacked his mouth open wider with his grin while Quantum held his robotic expression like a boss.

“Upon landing, we will provide a guided tour to showcase the full splendor of our facilities and the seamless blend of tradition and innovation that defines the Creole King Academy. We look forward to sharing more during your visit.”

Quantum eyed Harlow’s dramatic hyper-awe while their craft’s auto navigation lowered them into the opened roof. “Are you getting a little jelly, bro? A lil intimi?” Harlow asked, giggling like an eager kid finally touching down at Disney.

“Intimi?”

“Intimi-day-tid,” he said, marking the syllables with little head jerks and a fat laugh. “Nah, you’re too AI to be intimidated. Or is that some green-eyed envy peeking out of those digi-duds you call a face?” He jostled Quantum’s shoulder, getting his hand in a painful twist. He shrieked in agony then blasted him with anobnoxious laugh that finally cracked his austere veneer.

“Do not embarrass us, brother. This is too important.”

He aimed an offended look at him. “Like I’devershame my favorite brother,” he cried, grinning at him. “But remind me what the main directive is here besides seeing what our good Dr. Ubaldo has been up to?”

“To hopefully negotiate a deal with them.”

“Forwhat?”

“Their gifted. I’m not sure how many nuns will always be willing to evolve my soldiers and we want the best humans for it. The gifted qualify.”

Harlow’s head was already shaking.

“What’s the problem?”

“The problem is...” His head continued to shake but his brain withheld the defense. He pointed at him. “Thereisa problem.”

“Let me know when you figure it out,” he said as the jet door hissed opened to an odd line-up. The thirteen Creole Kings were easy to pick out but who were the rag-tag band of leathers?

“I will,” Harlow muttered, following Quantum out as Dr. Ubaldo appeared in the center of thetwo groups. All eyes were riveted on Quantum as one of the Creole Kings broke rank to offer his hand.

“Nidev King,” he greeted. A mediterranean accent? He shook Quantum’s hand then gestured to his twelve twins on the right. “My brothers. Full introductions will be made once we settle in the Sanctum.” He turned to the line of Rough Leathers on his right. “And these are the Marsh Kings. Our brothers who rule the South Swamp.”

“Welcome to our murky waters,” the leader said.

Quantum nodded with a, “Thank you,” as the interest knife got a little sharper. How andwhywould these odd brothers be connected? Had to be a woman. They were the only thing that could walk right through anything and take what they wanted. Sexy engineers of mouthwatering, gotta-have-it, chaos.

“I’m Legend King.” He turned a little to Harlow. “My brother Harlow King.”

Harlow saluted him and nodded at the Marsh King leader, allowing himself to finally look at the grinning face of a patiently waiting Dr. Ubaldo.

He suddenly approached, then his arms opened.

Come on, bruh. “If it isn’t my favorite Dr. Ubaldo,” Harlow said,surrendering to the hug the man was determined to give.

“Ohhh, mygoodDr. Harlow,” he said in his chest, his arms tighter than he liked around him. Was hecrying?

He finally released him, quickly wiping his face as he peered at him with a weird light in his eyes. He turned to Quantum now, his next hitjob.

Quantum extended a hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet the man responsible for helping my brother.”

Dr. Ubaldo looked at his hand then back at Quantum, then back at his hand, rubbing his legs.

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