Chapter 593: Can we Talk?

ARC: Curse of the Royal Tribulation

Chapter 93: Can we Talk?

“Go home.”

Hearing Thales’ words, Aoschok took a moment to size him up and unleashed a cold, unabashed chuckle,

“Few are worthy of settlin’ down here, kid.”

Behind him, the Brotherhood’s thugs, bound in black bands, stood closely knit, their chuckles echoing in an eerie chorus. Their eyes gleamed as they maliciously stared down the trio trapped at the crossroads of the alley.^[1]

‘Little do you know.’

Thales curled his lips into a smile, unperturbed.

Ignoring Aoschok as if he were invisible, he locked his gaze straight ahead,

“Where’s your leader?”

“I’d like to have a word with him.”

Thunder Axe’s smile instantly faded.

“Your… Wya?” Glover’s expression twisted with concern.

‘What is this Prince scheming now?’

“Ah? Oh, right, w-w-Wya?” Kohen paused for a moment, his confusion turning into excitement that spread across his face. “What, what’s on your mind?”

‘An attempt to save the world again, just like in Northland?’

Thales turned back, a crooked smile playing on his lips.

“A friendly visit,” he declared.

“Don’t use the flare; just have my back,” he instructed.

Kohen and Glover were both dumbfounded, their surprise mirrored in their expressions.

“I’m the leader here.”

Aoschok’s eyes narrowed at Thales, his gaze growing increasingly hostile.

“Just talk to me,” he said, giving a dismissive shake of the axe in his hand, “or to it.”

Thales let out a sigh, about to reply, when the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the alley.

“They’re the ones!”

Several figures squeezed through the group of thugs and gathered beside Aoschok, the leader. Thales recognised them as the Brotherhood’s Sleepless, the ones they had crossed paths with on Red Street Market and who had chased them relentlessly to the Laya Club.

“I remember them,” Reidmore gasped for breath, pointing firmly at the trio. “Especially that stone-faced giant!”

Glover exhaled in annoyance.

“Do we know them?” Kohen turned around, perplexed, and asked Thales and Glover, “And do I really look stone-faced?”

Glover’s complexion grew even more sullen.

“Are you sure it’s them?” Aoschok, displeased by Reidmore’s sudden interruption, cutting him off mid-speech, grumbled, “With all of us here, ready to face off against the Red Bandanas, let’s not waste time over a few insignificant fish.”

Yet within the ranks of the Brotherhood, Layork’s voice chimed in softly, “Reidmore is a Sleepless. He wouldn’t mistake them.”

Aoschok cast an irritable stare at Layork.

“No doubt about it, it’s them!” Reidmore gasped for breath, straightening his posture and gritting his teeth.

“When we were on Red Street Market, they were lurking outside ‘One Night Stand,’ acting all sneaky, and then they slipped into the territory of the Blood Bootle Gang. And now, here they are… There’s definitely something off about them!”

“Holy shit!” Kohen blinked and whispered, sounding a bit surprised. “How does he know we came from Red Street Market?”

Glover let out a cold laugh, his voice rough and gritty. “Because you look exactly like the type who would resort to paying for sex.”

Kohen’s expression went from confusion to indignation.

Meanwhile, Thales turned his gaze, carefully observing nearly every person in the vicinity.

“We’re still busy, so the three of you,” Aoschok swung his axe and declared in a booming voice, “can either raise your hands in surrender and confess, or wait for us—”

“I told you!” Thales suddenly spoke up loudly, ensuring that every single person present could hear him clearly.

“Your rank is not high enough. Let the leader come and talk to me!” he demanded.

Aoschok’s gaze turned icy when he was interrupted. He glanced around, causing the whispering Brotherhood thugs to fall silent once again.

“Every year, there are always these spoiled noble lads who can’t sit still. They think highly of themselves and want to act like characters in a play. They dress up in disguises and come to this mysterious place to have a look,” Aoschok said coldly, his eyes fixed on Thales, the apparent leader of the trio despite his youthful appearance.^[2]

“All just to see how miserable we are and then feel satisfied with their little lives.”

His words ignited resentful glares from many of the thugs.

In a sudden shift in tone, Thunder Axe’s expression twisted into a wicked grin.

“Until they see how well we’re actually doing and how terrible their fates will be.”

As the tension rose, Glover sensed the growing hostility from the crowd around him, and he couldn’t help but grit his teeth in response.^[3]

“Enough.”

The Brotherhood’s ‘Steel Pricker’ Adrienessa took out a morning star, his words dripping with icy resolve,^[4]

“If you have something to say, say it while lying flat!”

Across from him, Kohen unsheathed his Load-Bearer, poised and vigilant.

“Listen, everyone!”

Thales had to clear his throat forcefully.

“Do we really have to resort to this?”

He exhaled deeply, his gaze sweeping across the tightly packed adversaries that seemed to fill every nook and cranny.

‘Close.’

So close, yet they paled in comparison to facing the fierce Disaster Swords, the awe-inspiring Lampard’s army formation, or the relentless onslaught of the orc horde.^[5]

“Honestly, I’m too old for that kind of thing,” Thales said with a sigh.

Aoschok frowned, but his gaze kept darting around, sizing up the shifting formations and calculating the perfect moment for a pincer attack.

Then, to everyone’s surprise, the young man spread his hands, completely ignoring the fierce looks from the crowd.

“You know what? I’ve grown up enough to not have to show off or prove myself just to impress others. I don’t want to act all fancy and scare my enemies or make people think I’m some kind of powerful hero. I don’t need to feel good about myself or get a thrill from all that,” he said.^[6]

Kohen and Glover glanced at each other.

“So, please, I’d rather not go down that road,” Thales remarked, sensing the growing number of thugs discreetly gathering behind them.

“I’m just not interested in that approach.”

Glover and Kohen spun around, widening their defensive perimeter, ever vigilant for any sign of movement.

“Oh? So, we have yet another very important young master in our presence, huh? Once you tell us who you are…”

A malicious glint flashed across Aoschok’s face as he interjected,

“…can we demand a higher ransom?”

However, the teenager simply smiled and shrugged it off.

“The truth is, I doubt my father would even bother paying a ransom for me—based on past experiences, he’d probably prefer to see me torn to shreds.”^[7]

Just then, another cold voice cut through the air,

“How do you know?”

Aoschok, once again interrupted, recognised the speaker and grumbled in annoyance,

“Layork…”

Thales smiled softly and looked at the familiar face that he had seen many times in the streets when he was a child.^[8]

His ‘old acquaintance’.

The ‘Silent Assassin’, Layork.

Back then, this man always had his head down, hands in his pockets, casually strolling into the brotherhood’s turf with a laid-back gait. Just like any other local thug.

But even the bossy and tyrannical Quide would think twice before crossing paths with him.

And every beggar knew—one should never meet his gaze.

Thales dismissed the echoes of his past, offering a light-hearted smile,

“Because I know my father all too well.”

However, the Silent Assassin shook his head.

“No.”

“What I’m asking is: How can you be so sure that Morris is the one leading us?”

Thales narrowed his eyes.

Witnessing his authority being questioned once again, Aoschok angrily warned,

“Layork!”

Yet the Silent Assassin didn’t spare Aoschok a glance, his gaze fixed solely on Thales.

Thales looked at the weathered and familiar face. Suddenly, he recalled the time when he was young and listened to the entanglement between him and Felicia.

“This guy,” Thales pointed at Aoschok.

“He made a name for himself during the era of the ‘Thirteen Generals’, serving as Roda’s trusted blade.”

Aoschok’s expression changed.

“Steel Pricke is a Cenza’s thug, and Layork, your dealings go through Morris,” Thales singled out each person, enunciating their names with familiarity and even a hint of nonchalance.^[9]

“And as for those Sleepless ones over there, they’re under Lance’s command.”

Layork, Adrienessa, and Reidmore frowned at the same time.

Glover wore a look of confusion. Even though he used to be a beggar in the Blood Bottle Gang, he didn’t know much about the inner workings of the Brotherhood. ‘How does the Prince…’

Kohen, however, remained calm.

‘Well, after all, the Jadestars know everything, don’t they?’

“Even though the Brotherhood is under such a big operation with all these arrangements, you all don’t report to one person. Instead, you serve under the orders of the four top dogs. Which means there’s someone else in charge.”

“As for the one closest to this place, the only one that comes to mind is Fatty Morris.”

Thales scanned the surroundings, raising his voice,

“Why hasn’t he shown up yet?”

But as Thales’ voice reverberated through the narrow passage, there was no response, only stirring the Brotherhood members’ curiosity.

Thales furrowed his brow, finding himself doubting.

‘Could I have guessed wrong?’

Adrienessa, in the midst of the crowd, let out a disdainful snort, “This brat sure knows how to run his mouth, but he doesn’t know…”

Before his words could fully land, his figure suddenly moved, launching a swift surprise attack!

Straight towards Thales!

An unforeseen turn of events that caught both Aoschok and Thales off guard, their faces showing a slight change.

However, in the blink of an eye, another figure flashed behind the young man, meeting Adrienessa head-on, resulting in a thrilling collision that sent waves of excitement through the air.

The clash of their weapons reverberated through the confined space of the narrow alleyway, resonating with a series of resounding metallic clangs, causing all those who bore witness to furrow their brows.

As the brief confrontation came to an end, Adrienessa gritted his teeth and stepped back. He stared at the wound on his right arm, a mixture of astonishment and anger filling his gaze.

In front of him, Glover, who was blocking Thales, coldly sheathed his sword, flicking off the blood that stained its blade.

A slight stir swept through the Brotherhood’s ranks, causing Aoschok’s expression to darken.

‘After all, this is none other than Cenza’s tough man, Steel Pricke, known for being good at fighting.’

‘Today’s plan… is getting harder and harder.’

“Holy shit!” Kohen’s eyes widened in surprise, his gaze now filled with newfound admiration for Glover.^[10]

“This guy might not be able to take me down, but damn, he’s kinda badass with a sword…”

Glover exhaled sharply through his nose as a scornful reply.

“I’ve seen those sword moves and footwork before…”

Adrienessa tore a strip of black band from his arm and tightly bound his wound, his eyes fixed on Glover with a mixture of fear and wariness.^[11]

“Have you served in the regular army?” he questioned.

“Close enough,” Glover retorted with a cold snort. He swung his longsword once again, blocking the path of the other two Brotherhood thugs.

“Guess again.”

Adrienessa furrowed his brow in contemplation.

Aoschok couldn’t contain his anger any longer and bellowed furiously,

“To hell with them! Attack ‘em together!”

With his words ringing out, the two thugs closest to them roared with rage and charged forward!

The surrounding crowd surged, clearly eager to join the fray.^[12]

Thales let out a sigh.

‘Was it inevitable to reach this point?’

Sure enough, without needing him to say a word, another powerful figure leaped over the teenager and confronted the attackers directly

With two bone-chilling muffled sounds, the two thugs at the front collapsed to the ground, blood flowing and cries of pain filling the air.

“Drag them back! Clean their wounds and bandage them. They might still have a chance…”

Kohen swung his flashy ‘Load-Bearer’ in a showy flourish and stared at the adversaries before him. He scoffed,

“Who else wants some?”

The thugs in his direction faltered, their eyes fixed on Kohen’s blood-stained blade, and none of them dared to charge forward.

On the other side, Glover calmly and effortlessly unsheathed his sword, striking down one opponent after another and pushing them back into the midst of their comrades, sowing confusion.

The precise and devastating efficacy of their strikes left the Brotherhood’s thugs exchanging uncertain stares, their advance momentarily halted.^[13]

Kohen let out a relieved breath. ‘Thank goodness street fights aren’t as strict as battlefields. If we can take down the toughest and most fearless-looking ones, it will scare the rest…’^[14]

However, Thales rubbed his face with a vexed expression.

‘Damn it all.’

Aoschok glared at his subordinates as they dragged away the fallen thugs. He was furious when he saw how cautious they were.^[15]

‘For now, let’s forget about how tough the opponents are…

But are the Brotherhood’s men in the Capital out of practise?

It should have been easy for someone to go all out and stop their attacks, even if it means risking their lives…

How annoying!

How did the Blood Bottle Gang end up with these two tough nuts?

Fine then…’

Aoschok glanced at Kohen and Glover, signalling to the others and gesturing at Thales with his chin.

Without delay, the Brotherhood adjusted their formation.

Kohen, seasoned from years of duty on the streets of the capital, astutely sensed their intentions. With a sweeping arm, he positioned himself in front of Thales, shielding him.

“No way you’re getting through.”

Glover, in agreement, took a step back, forming a protective barrier around Thales.

Yet Thales couldn’t help but let out a sigh of resignation.

“Alright, I’m being serious!”

Disregarding the disapproving expressions of his companions, Thales pushed their arms aside and wearily gestured towards Aoschok and Layork.

“Go and inform Morris that I can help him with the issues he’s facing.”

“I’ve already said it; I’m the one in charge here,” Aoschok retorted, his finger pointing assertively.

“And I’m not…”

‘Ah, never mind.’

Thales couldn’t be bothered to listen to Aoschok’s attempt to divert their attention with harsh words and seize the opportunity for an ambush.

‘From the looks of it, even if I outright say I’m a Prince, they will not stop and sit down to talk.’

‘I have to bring out the real deal.’

“Aoschok, Thunder Axe, isn’t that right?” Thales’ voice rang out.

“Since you’re working for Roda, I bet you must be familiar with the blacksmiths down on South Street, like Karashi?”

Aoschok’s arm hesitated in mid-air.

“I’m sure you’re feeling pretty lousy. After all, when he and other shops connected to your operations got raided out of the blue, your underground arms trade, especially the tricky business of fixing up old stock, suddenly hit a wall, making every step an uphill battle.”^[16]

Thales smirked. “But I reckon there’s more than just that one thing making your life miserable, isn’t there?”

To Thales’ satisfaction, as soon as those words left his lips, the expressions of not only Aoschok but also Adrienessa, Layork, Reidmore, and several other members of the Brotherhood changed.

Glover’s confusion deepened. ‘How do you know all this?’

“He does really know something. It seems he’s not a small fly,” coldly remarked the Northlander, Adrienessa.

“Take him down, no matter the casualties,” he commanded.

The people behind him immediately stepped forward, but Thales turned his head at the opportune moment,

“Adrienessa!”

The young man’s voice rang out clearly,

“You are Cenza’s number one go-to man, the one who has been working alongside him in the Northern Territory and the Land of Cliffs, more precisely, fighting for territory against the Blood Bottle Gang.”

Adrienessa snorted.

“And over these years, especially since the Broken Dragon Fortress high alert was lifted and peace returned to the borders, you’ve had an easy time, making the Blood Bottle Gang retreat again and again.”

“Yet here you are, sent back by Cenza.”

Thales shook his head slowly.

“Because he knows, he knows the reasons behind your years of triumph, and he knows the key to the Black Street Brotherhood’s growth.”

“Especially now, when your progress has hit a roadblock.”

Just as the words echoed, a flicker of movement caught their eyes!

With a metallic clang…

Adrienessa’s spiked mace clashed against Glover’s sword, locking them in a deadlock.^[17]

“Fuck!”

Steel Pricke, the Northlander, clenched his teeth, his face contorting with fury.

“I fucking hate nobles!”

“Quite the coincidence,” Glover in a fierce struggle with his opponent, yet still managing to respond under his breath, “So, do I.”

But on the other side, Kohen suddenly trembled. His instincts kicked in as he swiftly turned, sword raised high, to parry a blade that materialised out of nowhere with a sharp metallic clash!

Layork’s form quickly moved back, like a ghost in the sunlight, disappearing with a single touch.

In an instant, the tide of battle shifted, cries of combat filling the air.

The Brotherhood’s thugs closed in from all sides.

Glover and Kohen roared in fury, their voices echoing through the chaos. With Kohen in front and Glover behind, they formed an impenetrable barrier around Thales, unleashing their full repertoire of skills to ward off the relentless onslaught of blades and flashing steel.

Thales sensed the impending danger, but he had been in similar situations many times before, and he believed in Glover and Kohen’s skills. So he let go of his worries, and with a calm…

“Layork!”

…he called out.

“You’re here with us, fighting. Aren’t you worried?”

Layork’s gaze flickered through the crowd.

“And what about Felicia?” Thales asked, his voice steady. “She just escaped. Shouldn’t you go check on her?”

Layork’s expression shifted, and he released his tight grip on the blade, halting his men behind him.

“Or perhaps the news she brought back has left your leader feeling uneasy?” Thales continued, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

Layork’s face contorted once again, but this time, a resolute determination surfaced. He issued a command to his men, “Attack, but leave him with a tongue to speak.”

Thales’ smile wavered.

‘Fuck.’

On the other side, Glover and Adrienessa parted ways once more. Glover’s longsword danced with precision, tracing arcs of crimson, felling two would-be opportunistic assailants and thwarting the advancing enemies who sought an advantage.

Meanwhile, Kohen bellowed in fury, wielding his sword with a calculated force, repelling the relentless onslaught of adversaries and sending them stumbling back into their ranks.

“Are you not going to show yourself, Morris?” In the midst of the battle cries, Thales summoned forth the Sin of Hell’s River, his voice piercing through the throng.

But the situation still didn’t change.

“Look after yourself,” Aoschok taunted coldly. “You chatterbox of a young master!”

A shiver ran down Thales’ spine.

“I mean… Wya,” Kohen gasped for breath,

“Those flares—is there still no need for them?”

Although Kohen and Glover appeared to be handling the situation with ease, Thales couldn’t help but feel anxious as the enemies relentlessly poured in from all sides.^[18]

“What about Lance? The Sleepless Eye of the Brotherhood?”

The Prince appended a name and thundered,

“I think the news Felicia shared struck a chord with him the most, didn’t it?”

“Doesn’t he wish to ‘go back home and see for himself’?”

In the moment his words trailed off, a calm and distinct voice filled the air, as if it were right next to them,^[19]

“Stop!”

Thales took a deep breath, staring intently at the relentless crowd.

Finally.

A corpulent figure emerged from within the crowd, his words carrying an undeniable authority that quelled everyone’s clamour,

“Everyone, step back.”

The thugs, amidst the tumult, were momentarily perplexed, but soon, from back to front, they gradually laid down their weapons and ceased their actions, stepping back.

The cries of battle slowly came to a stop.

Glover sheathed his sword, leaving behind two pitiful wretches writhing on the ground.

Kohen, catching his breath, knocked down a last frenzied thug with his elbow and looked up.

The crowd at the alleyway entrance parted slowly, revealing a short and stout yet sturdy man approaching with calm strides.

Thales recognised the visage and felt a weight lift off his heart.

‘Six years.

I see him again.’

“Boss Morris!”

Thales’ expression hardened upon spotting the arrival.

“We’ll soon be able to take them down…” Aoschok began, but Morris just tugged at the corners of his mouth, unveiling a ferocious grin.

“Can’t you see, Ax?” Morris, one of the six Powerhouses of the Brotherhood, reigning over the Lower District city of the Royal Capital, tapped Aoschok’s shoulder.

He turned his head coldly, looking straight at Thales.

“He’s not like those weaklings you’ve kidnapped before.”

“Those spoiled young masters who think they’re the main characters but crumble into trembling wrecks once they lose their status, power, or fancy weapons.”^[20]

Thales locked eyes with Morris, a coldness flickering within his gaze.

During his days as a beggar, it was this seemingly benevolent and kind-faced man who held sway over Black Street—the very birthplace of the Black Street Brotherhood—and controlled the entirety of the underworld operations in the Lower District. Every time he appeared, most of the Brotherhood members Thales had encountered, like Layork, Felicia, Rick, Locke, Quide, or Behrs, would bow down and obey his orders.

He would occasionally grace the Sunset Pub with his presence, leaving Jala visibly on edge and the boss with a grim expression.

Oh, and let’s not forget that Morris once kept a savage and vicious wolfhound that nearly claimed Thales’ life.

But all of this paled in comparison to one of Morris’ gravest act: in front of the watching eyes of many, he had callously snuffed out the life of a runaway beggar.

Since then, both members of the Brotherhood and their enemies held Morris in awe and fear. Whoever faced the merciless smile of this fat man, who had no qualms about harming children, couldn’t help but feel a shiver down their spine.

Under Quide’s warning, the beggars cowered and shrank away, fearful of attracting his wrath.

Yet, in that very moment, Thales suddenly realised that he himself stood right there, meeting Morris’ gaze directly.

“This is a noble,” Morris continued his advance, effortlessly making his way through the crowd as the Brotherhood’s enforcers bowed their heads and stepped back. “the true kind.”

“Not like those useless, pampered fools that the Red Bandanas like to cosy up to.”

At last, Morris stood before Thales.

Kohen and Glover dutifully stood their ground, intercepting the seemingly ordinary fat man before Thales and issuing a stern warning.

Morris looked at the two bodyguards blocking his path, a cunning smile playing on his lips, the hallmark of a seasoned businessman.

In that moment, Thales felt his heart race!

“That’s it.”

The young man’s voice abruptly broke the silence, betraying a hint of agitation.

“That’s close enough!”

Thales warned the two men, “Be careful, this guy’s psionic ability—”

But Thales’ words were cut short as Morris arched an eyebrow, squinting his eyes with a smirk.

“Yes, it’s close enough.”

In the blink of an eye, Kohen and Glover’s faces turned pale, and they both stumbled back!

Their weapons made a dull sound as they hit the ground at the same time.

Thales stood there transfixed as he watched Glover tremble, pulling at his collar, gasping for breath.

“…can’t… breathe…”

Morris simply smiled at him with half-closed eyes, as if he were watching a child next door play a game.

‘Damn it!’

A mixture of shock and anger consumed Thales. Morris’ psionic ability—it had such a long range!

On the other side, Kohen’s face turned crimson, his veins pulsating as he struggled to support himself on the ground.

“I remember… now… the Brotherhood… fatty boss… psionic ability… air…”

‘Damn it. If I had just one more chance, I wouldn’t have to be in such a pitiful state in front of His Highness. I only need one second to strike…’

“But you don’t have that second.”

The words of Master Zedi in the Tower of Eradication rang in his ears.

“If you don’t take it, it’s gone.”^[21]

you don’t take it, it’s gone

Kohen pounded the ground in frustration and agony, but it only made it harder for him to breathe.

“Oh, now I remember. You’re from the Western City cops’ den, the infamous ‘stupid idiot police officer’.” Morris carefully looked at Kohen, whose hood had fallen, and clicked his tongue.

“To think you’ve actually made it this far, huh? Your father must have had a tough time,” he remarked casually.

Kohen trembled all over, his body filled with anger.

“Fuck—”

Glover’s face twisted into a fierce expression as he struggled to breathe, his eyes fixated on his own hands.

‘Shit, if it weren’t for these whip wounds, I could…’

Morris straightened up, and now he looked directly at Thales with a smile that didn’t fade, but his eyes turned cold.

“Spill it, kid,” the fat man said with a contemptuous tone.

“Who are you?”

Or, to be more straightforward—who is your boss, or even more simply, who is your father?”

Thales took a deep breath, realising that he was not within Morris’ reach of psionic abilities.

‘However…’

He raised his head and gazed at the grinning Morris.

And behind him, with a sinister smile, stood Aoschok, a discontented Adrienessa, and the brooding Layork.

He thought Morris wasn’t a big threat—just someone who managed things in the Brotherhood, rarely getting his hands dirty. But it was quite the opposite. If used skillfully, Morris’ psionic ability could even bring down two supra-class elites.

But…

Thales closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

‘Six years ago, I didn’t even have a chance to face him, did I?’ Back then, Morris’ dog alone could have killed him.

But now…

Thales opened his eyes, his gaze serene and crystal clear.

“Your trick is quite intriguing.”

Morris let out a satisfied “hmm” and eagerly looked at the young man.

“You’ve got some nerve,” he said.

However, Thales’ next sentence quickly wiped the smile off Morris’ face,

“So, the Black Sword went through such experiences?” Thales asked, a smirk curled on his lips.

“Because of your air psionic ability, he practised similar challenging situations countless times, improving his resilience through continuous training. That’s how he manages to face Asda confidently every time and escape unharmed.”

Black Sword

Asda

Morris frowned deeply.

But a few seconds later, he burst into laughter.

“Well, over the years, I’ve had more than one person bring up Black Sword in front of me.”

With a clang echoing twice, Glover and Kohen couldn’t hold onto the sword handle any longer and fell to the ground, using their arms to support themselves.

The air was thin, and their signs of oxygen deprivation became more noticeable.

Thales felt a sense of urgency in his heart, but he forced himself to stay calm, looking straight at his opponent.

But Morris just scratched his chin and had a wistful look on his face,

”They always had this smooth, experienced way of talking, trying to impress and make connections, as if they were important and doing big things—It’s as interesting as saying, ‘Do you know the Kingdom’s Wrath? I used to joke around with him.’”^[22]

the Kingdom’s Wrath

The thought brought him to the man who carried him and fearlessly charged into enemy lines, full of power like a raging volcano. He frowned.

‘In this world, there’s probably no one who can joke around with that guy.’

With such thoughts, he suddenly burst into laughter amidst the dire circumstances.

“I know better,” Thales replied, his expression tinged with nostalgia.

“You won’t fall for that kind of trick; you and the Black Sword go way back, quite familiar.”

“Maybe since about twenty years ago, when you both worked as mercenaries in the Great Desert?”

Morris’ eyes narrowed.

Thales chuckled softly,

“Am I right, Nine Powerhouses?”

In that very moment, a web of perplexity entangled the minds of the Brotherhood’s members.

Morris refrained from uttering a word.

He just pressed his lips together and stared at Thales with a solemn expression.

The young boy also looked back at him quietly.

But suddenly, Morris let out a snicker.

“You’re just trying to sound smart by dropping hints here and there about trivial things, making people think you’re well-informed and so mysterious.”^[23]

“I’ve seen this show-off act before.”

Thales didn’t show any change in his expression, watching Morris hiss and shake his head,

“It’s very childish.”

With a careless flick of his hand, Morris said,

“Tie him up and bring him in.”

However, in that very moment, a new wave of unrest surged through the Brotherhood!

The commotion wasn’t coming from behind.

Thales lowered his head, equally surprised.

At some unknown point, Kohen lifted his gaze, his eyes fixed intensely on Morris.

The ‘Glory of the Stars’ pulsated with a frenzied fervour without any regard for the cost, pouring forth from deep within, casting a sparkling sheen upon his skin.

It provided him with an incessant surge of additional energy, enabling the police officer to forcefully inhale far more oxygen than usual.

Despite his trembling and unsteadiness, nothing could impede him as…

He rose to his feet.

Kohen clenched his teeth, his sword twirling in his hand, as his vision gradually turned crimson, veiled in a haze.

‘It’s time to get back at them.’

Meanwhile, Glover rose to his feet in a slow and deliberate motion. His Power of Eradication surged through his entire being, melting away his body’s fuel source, dampening any physical discomfort, numbing his pain and soreness, and transforming his countenance into a cold, detached mask.

Zombie’s lifeless eyes froze in a vacant stare, fixated solely on Morris.

As always, his pain dissolved into nothingness.

His emotions gradually dulled.

His body…

Turned back into a merciless and cruel state, an unscrupulous instrument of destruction.

‘It’s time to kill.’

Aoschok and Layork gazed at the two figures before them with surprise—they knew first-hand the harm and strain Morris’ psionic power could cause to the frailty of a human’s body.

‘This… can’t be possible, can it?’

Morris was just as amazed to see these two men break free from the shackles of his ability.

“I didn’t expect this,” Morris said quietly. “That is a skill and resilience honed only through blood-soaked battles.”

“You are both seedlings of supreme class.”

Black Sword was right after all.

‘Psionic abilities may catch one off guard.^[24]

Yet, they cannot sway the final outcome.’

Watching the two rugged men rise to their feet once more, Morris couldn’t help but sigh in resignation, his hand gently touching his forehead as a helpless smile crept across his face.

“Ah, why is it that the elites always end up on the enemy’s side?”

Thales nodded in agreement, understanding the sentiment all too well.

But this time, he wasn’t on the receiving end.

“Can we… talk now?” he asked, smiling genuinely.

Morris’ smile momentarily faltered.

Behind him, Aoschok and Layork tightened their grips on their weapons.

Kohen and Glover’s expressions grew even more ominous.

Finally, the fat man drew a breath and spread his hands open.

Kohen and Glover immediately felt the air around them become pleasant again. They took deep breaths and calmed down.

“Don’t worry, I don’t like childish tricks either.” The change in the situation put the Prince’s mind at ease, and he declared aloud, “We are all adults here, after all.”

Morris gazed at Thales’ youthful face, and an eyebrow made its way up.

Thales realised his slip and coughed.

“You know, during the Age of the Empire, men became adults at the age of fourteen. They could go to war and start families.”

The young man took a step forward.

“So, I don’t want to use my position or share scary news to frighten anyone,” Thales looked at him seriously, “Let me say it again, Morris. I’m here to help you.”^[25]

Morris rubbed his hands together, his gaze sweeping across the area as the agitation among the Brotherhood’s thugs subsided.

He let out a contemptuous chuckle. “And how exactly can you help?”

Returning to the battlefield he knew so well, Thales took a deep breath.

“Though the Black Street Brotherhood may be influential, it’s unnecessary to gather all four big shots just for a mundane street robbery—even if the other side has a pair of muscular henchmen,” he stated.

Kohen was shaking his head, while Glover gave his arm a quick shake, snapping out of their previous trance-like states.

Thales, reflecting on the events of the past days, spoke in a hushed tone, “There’s only one reason that could make all of you so on edge.”

Morris stared fixedly at the young man.

“You’re spouting nonsense,” he said.

Thales paid no attention to his words and smirked.

“But what if it’s not them?” he challenged.

Morris’ restless hands came to a halt.

“What if the people who took Felicia on your territory, the ones who have been messing up your business, slowing down your progress, and causing you nothing but problems, aren’t the old rivals you thought they were…” Thales continued.

His voice grew sharp. “What if it’s not the Blood Bottle Gang?”

Morris didn’t respond, but those behind him—Aoschok, Layork, Adrienessa, and others—had different reactions.

“Of course, you already know this—straight from the lips of Felicia,” Thales uttered with a chilling tone. “It’s not that you’re unaware, but rather at a loss for what to do.”

“Given how powerful your adversary is this time,” he pressed on. “it seems futile to resist.”

Morris tightly pressed his lips together, his gaze firmly fixed on the teenager beneath the hood.

Thales pushed past Glover and Kohen, stepping forward despite their worried glances. He approached Morris, coming within an arm’s reach, and locked eyes with him.

To his surprise, it turned out that he was already as tall as Morris.

And the gaze of this intimidating and feared fat man before him… Was it full of fear?

Thales felt a moment of confusion but quickly regained his focus and spoke firmly.^[26]

“But I am here, and I’m your only hope in this difficult situation that the Brotherhood is facing.” Thales declared. “Now, can we talk?”

Having spoken his piece, Thales fell silent, waiting patiently.

The air grew still.

Morris remained wordless, his gaze growing darker.

Everyone involuntarily tightened their fists or gripped their weapons.

Layork’s cold gaze met Kohen’s, while Glover locked eyes with Adrienessa, exchanging a defiant stare.

Finally, amidst the oppressive silence, Morris erupted into boisterous laughter.

Perhaps due to his air psionic power, his laughter reverberated through the narrow alley, unsettling those who heard it.

Layork pressed his ears in discomfort and gritted his teeth. “Boss—”

But suddenly, Morris turned back!

“Retreat!” he commanded.

The fat man wore a gleeful expression, joyfully waving his arms around. “Let’s go home! Everyone, go about your business!”

The members of the Brotherhood were left dumbfounded.

Thales let out a breath, a smile forming on his face.

In the next moment, Layork, who had followed Morris for years, decisively turned around and gave the order. Amidst the sound of shuffling footsteps, Morris’ men dispersed without hesitation.

Reidmore and his Sleepless remained expressionless but silently melted into the shadows, vanishing into the labyrinthine and clandestine alleyways.

Adrienessa hesitated briefly, but then nodded and turned with his men.

Glover and Kohen finally released a sigh of relief.

The grand spectacle of people in the alleyway instantly dissipated, leaving only a small remnant behind.

“Boss Morris…” Aoschok looked at Thales with a hint of reluctance in his eyes. “Are we still going to Red Street Market today?”

Morris paid no attention to him, his gaze fixed on Prince Thales with an intrigued expression. He repeated, “Retreat.”

Aoschok took a deep breath and said, “Boss Morris, since we’ve already mobilised such a large force, shouldn’t we come back with something? We could at least take a stroll through Red Street Market and send a warning to those Red Bandanas…”

Morris, as if suddenly recalling something, responded slowly, waving his hand casually. “Oh, right. That’s a good point. Go ahead then; it’s all up to you.”

Aoschok paused, looking at the meagre group behind him with a hint of hesitation.

“But Boss, if we’re going after the Blood Bottle Gang, we need more people. We need numbers. Boss Roda, he…”

“Oh! Roda! My old friend!” Morris, like a hard-of-hearing elder, slowly tapped his ear. “Is he here too?”

Aoschok pursed his lips. “No, Boss, but-“

Morris’ expression darkened. “Then why are you wasting your breath?”

The fat man casually turned his head, his gaze filled with coldness. “Do you happen to be a Roda as well?”

Aoschok’s face instantly turned pale.

However, he quickly assessed the situation and decided not to dwell on it. He decisively turned around and led his followers away.^[27]

What was once a formidable force of the Brotherhood now dwindled down to just three people: Morris, Layork, and another subordinate who had cleared the way.

“Well then…” Morris rubbed his hands together, a gleeful smile on his face as he looked at Thales. “Our good-looking and charming…”

“Why?” Thales interrupted him, his voice cutting through. “Why did you say that this is a ‘true noble’?”

Morris paused, his eyes darting around.

“Because I’ve seen it,” he replied.

Thales squinted his eyes.

A chuckle escaped the lips of the affable, fatty man from the Brotherhood, “The true nobility isn’t about how you look or where you come from. It’s about something deep inside your soul and bones.”

Morris’ smile dimmed slightly, replaced by a glimmer in his small eyes. “Even if they’re stuck in the mud, born into lowliness, or stripped of everything…”

“They’re meant to be nobles.”

Thales pondered these words.

Morris fidgeted with his clothes and approached, extending his hand in a courteous manner. “Well, let me introduce myself. I’m Morris; no last name,” he chuckled. “Just a lowly street thug.”

Thales observed the other’s attitude and was suddenly overwhelmed with a whirlwind of emotions. ‘A lot can change in six years.’^[28]

The young man decided not to dwell on it and responded with a smile, shaking Morris’ pudgy fingers. “I am Wya Caso,” he stated.

Morris kept his cheerful smile until Thales uttered the next words, “I am the attendant of the Prince of Constellation, representing the noble and respected Duke of Star Lake, known for being kind and wise, the Second Prince…” Thales’ face turned serious,

“His Highness, Prince Thales Jadestar.”

Morris’ hand halted.

Glover and Kohen glanced at each other.

Facing Thales’ calm yet confident gaze, Morris seemed a bit confused.

He blinked and took a step back, his ears catching a murmur from one of his men.

After a few seconds, the plump man turned back, his expression instantly changing.

“Oh, oh, so you’re the Prince’s attendant, right?!” Morris grasped Thales’ hands once again, shaking them vigorously, his face brimming with delight.

“It’s such an honour!” he exclaimed.

“The honour is mine as well,” Thales responded, allowing Morris to shake his hand, his voice tinged with a sigh. “You probably can’t even imagine…”

Morris leaned closer, listening carefully.

The young man looked at the friendly Morris in front of him, sincerely reflecting, “But a long time ago, I never thought that one day I would be here, talking to you like this,”

Thales gave Morris’ hand a strong grip, “Boss Morris.”

Morris’ grin seemed to stretch all the way to the back of his ears as he shook his head, letting out a playful sound, “Oh my, you’re being too kind…”^[29]

Glover and Kohen observed how they acted overly respectful to each other, and both displayed a look of scorn.^[30]

“Just one little thing, though…” Morris flattered and playfully laughed, causing a slight curve to form on Thales’ lips.

“As the son of Count Gilbert Caso, the Prince’s attendant from a prestigious family, Sir Wya Caso turns twenty-four this year,” Morris excitedly spoke, but his words made Thales’ face change suddenly.

“And he definitely doesn’t look like you.”

Thales’ expression became stiff.

“Well, at least he’s not as handsome and charming as you!”

Morris joyfully patted the young man’s hand and awkwardly performed a clumsy bow, his eyes shining brightly,

“The noble and respected, the embodiment of kindness and wisdom…”

“Your Highness, Prince Thales?”

[1] ‘closely knit’; 密密麻麻, as thick as stalks in a field of flax; close and numerous; thickly dotted.

[2] ‘spoiled’; 呼来喝去, to call to come and shout to go (idiom); to yell orders. ‘think highly of themselves’; 自命不凡, consider oneself special; have an unduly high opinion of oneself; think no end of oneself.

[3] ‘growing tension’; 剑拔弩张, lit. with swords drawn and bows bent (idiom); fig. a state of mutual hostility.

[4] ‘morning star’ is a type of weapon historically used in warfare. It consists of a spiked metal ball attached to a long handle or chain. The spikes on the metal ball are used to inflict damage on the enemy. It’s basically a spiky mace.

[5] ‘the awe-inspiring’; 威风凛凛, have an awesome bearing; have a commanding presence.

[6] 拿腔拿调, speak in an affected tone; 故作高深, pretend to be learned and profound; give oneself learned airs; look wise; 屁滚尿流, to piss one’s pants in terror (idiom), terror-stricken; 顶礼膜拜; to prostrate oneself in worship (idiom). The original version this speech is this but fancier.

[7] ‘torn to shreds’ is actually to kill a hostage (usually held for ransom), 撕票, lit. to tear the ticket. English is failing me, I don’t know how to find a better equivalent.

[8] ‘seen many times’; 街头巷尾, top of streets, bottom of alleys (idiom); everywhere in the city.

[9] ‘with familiarity’; 如数家珍, as if enumerating one’s family valuables (idiom), fig. to be very familiar with a matter.

[10] ‘filled with newfound admiration’; 刮目相看,(idiom) filled with newfound admiration.

[11] ‘with a of fear and wariness’; 溢于言表, (idiom) (of feelings) show clearly in one’s words and manner.

[12] ‘eager to join’; 跃跃欲试, to be eager to give sth a try (idiom).

[13] ‘exchanging uncertain stares’; 面面相觑, to look at each other in dismay (idiom); gaze at each other helplessly. ‘advance momentarily halted’; 裹足不前, to stand still without advancing (idiom); to hesitate and hold babac

[14] ‘strict’; 令行禁止, lit. if he orders you go, he forbids you stop (idiom); fig. to demand exact compliance with instructions.

[15] ‘cautious’; 瞻前顾后, peer ahead and look behind—.

[16] ‘uphill battle’’; 举步维艰, to make progress only with great difficulty (idiom).

[17] ‘deadlock’; 进退不得, can’t advance or retreat (idiom); no room for maneuver.

[18] ‘handling the situation with ease’; 游刃有余, handling a butcher’s cleaver with ease (idiom); to do sth skillfully and easily.

[19] ‘distinct’; 与众不同, to stand out from the masses (idiom).

[20] ‘wrecks’; 一无是处, (idiom) without a single redeeming feature; devoid of any merit; having no saving grace.

[21] If these quotes exist in the original translation, I couldn’t find it, sorry.

[22] ‘joke around’; 谈笑风生, talk and laugh cheerfully (or merrily).

[23] ‘trying to sound smart’; 故作高深, pretend to be learned and profound; give oneself learned airs; look wise.

[24] ‘catch one off guard’; 出其不意, to do sth when least expected (idiom); to catch sb off guard.

[25] ‘scary news’; 耸人听闻, (idiom) deliberately exaggerate so as to create a sensation.

[26] ‘unwavering determination’; 斩钉截铁, lit. to chop the nail and slice the iron (idiom), fig. resolute and decisive.

[27] ‘assessed the situation’; 审时度势, (idiom) (judge the hour and) size up the situation; take a realistic view of the situation.

[28] ‘whirlwind of emotions’; 百感交集, all sorts of feelings well up in one’s heart.

[29] He is using the formal ‘you’.

[30] ‘overly respectful’; 前倨后恭, first supercilious and then deferential; to switch from arrogance to deference (idiom).

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep