Chapter 116

"Goddamn!" The wealthy businessmen attending the celebration realized Monte planned to kill Larry and Blade. Unprepared and terrified, they fled, hiding behind the Cedar Gang's members.

"Hall Master, we're in trouble! Our only option is to fight our way out!" Draco Hall's twenty or so men, though rattled, glared fiercely at their opponents. Larry's companions were the strongest of their group, having long since cast aside any fear of death.

"This is a bad day for Larry and Blade!"

"It is. If they die, Draco Hall will be disbanded, and the Cedar Gang will likely become the strongest force!" The wealthy businessmen, cowering behind the Cedar Gang, whispered amongst themselves, convinced Larry and his men were doomed. Their pessimism was understandable; the Cedar Gang numbered two to three hundred highly skilled fighters.

"You may have avoided the poisoned wine, but you won't escape today!" The crowd parted to reveal seven men—masters from the Blood-Drinker Gang of Riverson.

Larry recognized one immediately. "Sinbad, also known as Ironclaw!" The man was a highly skilled Blood-Drinker Gang member, his hand adorned with an extremely sharp iron claw.

Blade also knew him and glared at Monte. "Where's your humanity, Monte? Didn't our three groups agree never to collude with outside forces? You're bringing wolves into the fold by allying with Riverson!"

Monte snorted coldly. "Winners become kings, losers are banished. Is that so difficult to understand? I want to win, and I'll share the spoils. After destroying Draco Hall, the Cedar Gang will be the strongest!"

Kevin sneered, stepping forward. "Ruthlessness begets stability. Isn't that your mantra, Blade?"

Blade gritted his teeth, knowing they were hopelessly outnumbered.

Larry, equally pessimistic, looked at Severin. "Mister Severin, can we fight our way out?"

Severin smiled faintly. "Why bother escaping?" He looked at the crowd with disgust. "When I was in prison, any inmate could have killed everyone here. Yet, before me, they cowered like mice before a cat."

Ironclaw laughed, stepping forward. "Everyone boasts, kid. Let's fight one-on-one. Let my iron claw taste your skills!"

Severin smiled, picking up a spoon. "Let's bet on whether I can kill you with this."

"Arrogant fool!" Ironclaw lunged, his iron claw a blur.

In a flash, Severin dodged the attack and stabbed the spoon's handle into Ironclaw's neck. It pierced him effortlessly.

"You" Ironclaw fell, disbelief etched on his face, stunned by Severin's speed.

(The final two lines are promotional material and should be removed.)