The gang leaders were furious but dared not voice their anger. Many found Elisa an eyesore, but their resentment remained unspoken.

"I'll have someone bring pen and paper," Elisa sneered. "Submit to my family, sign your name and leave your handprint. Refusal means no signature." She continued, "Afterward, I'll conduct a roll call. Those uncalled... are on their own. In three days, the Lotus Sect will destroy any gangs that didn't submit. They will vanish from Lannopolis!"

Her threat only deepened their displeasure, but Elisa remained unmoved. She had a book brought forth for signatures and handprints, many enduring considerable humiliation. Some hesitated, but ultimately chose submission. The Chandler family was a minor threat, but the Lotus Sect was an insurmountable force. The Sect might not eliminate large gangs, but eliminating their leaders was easily done.

In the end, only a handful refused, Dustin among them. Seeing nearly universal submission, Elisa smiled smugly, urging the others to hurry. The book was returned upstairs.

"I'll begin the roll call. Step forward when your name is called," Elisa announced. "The Waterbay Gang, Charles Cane. The Resonance Gang, Philip River. The Clearriver Gang..."

Those called stepped forward, leaving only about six at the back. Elisa's face soured as she froze, staring at one.

"Dustin! How dare you come here?!" she roared.

"You summoned Lannopolis's entire underworld; how could I resist?" Dustin retorted mockingly.

"Enough sarcasm!" Elisa sneered. "Who do you represent? The West family? They're hardly qualified to receive my summons. Are you here for self-humiliation?"

"The organization I represent is... significant," Dustin smiled, "but you wouldn't dare invite them. So, I came for fun."

"Oh?" Elisa sneered. "Which organization?"

Dustin chuckled.

"He represents Hell Hall!" A loud voice commanded attention. The assembled gasped, recognizing the speaker.

"It's Orville Wane, the black market manager!" someone exclaimed. "He's from Hell Hall!"

Even Chad and Robin were shocked. They hadn't expected Orville's appearance. Their summons targeted Lannopolis's local gangs. Powerful though they were, these gangs wouldn't defy the Lotus Sect. But Hell Hall was different. No one dared challenge them.

Hell Hall was a formidable organization, ruling vast, prosperous territories. They shouldn't have any interest in a bordering province like Lannopolis. Why was Orville here?