Chapter 48: Do Not Be a Hero

"What insolence!" Walter slammed his hand on the table, his fury erupting. The guests were terrified by his outburst. Seeing Walter's rage, Luca leaped to his feet, positioning himself between Walter and Tommy.

"You court death challenging Mr. Grange, Steven!" Luca's menace was palpable; his bones audibly cracked.

Steven halted his advance, frowning. "You might not defeat me in a fight. Furthermore, I have dozens of men with me!"

"Hmph! We'll see about that!" Luca snorted, instantly adopting a fighting stance. "I didn't want to make an enemy of you, Mr. Grange, but you leave me no choice. The Crimson Dragon Gang is not easily defeated! If it comes to it, we'll fight to the death. No one leaves alive!"

Steven's eyes gleamed coldly; he seemed prepared to die. Walter's face was crimson, and he trembled with rage. No one in Horington had ever dared defy him, yet he had been thoroughly humiliated. However, seeing the dozens of menacing men behind Steven, he hesitated. Steven was clearly prepared for a fight, making a direct confrontation risky.

"Let me deal with Steven, Mr. Grange. You needn't intervene."

Tommy sensed Walter's hesitation. He attacked Steven, launching a lightning-fast punch. The blow carried his full force. He knew he couldn't hesitate against Steven.

Steven sneered, meeting the blow head-on.

Bang!

Tommy's fist struck Steven's chest. Tommy stumbled back three steps, but Steven remained unmoved, unscathed. Tommy's face paled; Steven was even stronger than before.

"Haha Tommy, that was a tickle! Hit me again!" Steven roared with laughter, utterly unconcerned.

Tommy, a formidable figure, couldn't endure the insult. He charged again, this time wielding a wooden chair.

Smash!

The chair shattered on impact, yet Steven didn't flinch.

"I've mastered the Impenetrable Skill. You can't hurt me. Now, it's my turn!" Steven kicked Tommy, sending him flying. Tommy coughed up blood, collapsing in agony.

Jared frowned, wanting to help, but Josephine stopped him. "Don't be a hero! He's exceedingly skilled; you're no match for him!" She feared he would be injured. She was unaware of Jared and Tommy's relationship, and didn't realize Jared wouldn't stand idly by.

Before Jared could act, Walter ordered, "Teach him a lesson, Luca!"

Luca nodded, lunging at Steven. Steven, no longer relaxed, couldn't afford to stand passively. Luca's punch was far superior to Tommy's in speed and power; it was a devastating blow.

(Note: I removed the repeated "Search the FindNovel.net" lines as they appear to be promotional material and not part of the story itself.)