“I bow before you in reverence, Mr. Rhys! Felix Miller, leader of the Charging Tiger gang at your service, sir!” As the crowd watched, Felix fell to his knees and prostrated before Dustin.
A hushed silence fell over the crowd. Chad was dumbfounded, as were Edmund, Abigail, and the onlookers. Even the members of the Charging Tiger gang were dumbfounded. Dustin found himself gaping at the sight before him.
No one had ever imagined that Felix Miller, the fearsome leader of the mighty Charging Tiger gang, known for being merciless, would publicly prostrate before Dustin. It was as though he had met someone whom he greatly admired and feared. It was quite unsettling and unthinkable.
“Wha-Is this for real?” Abigail stared wide-eyed.
“What on earth is going on?” The onlookers looked at each other in bewilderment and disbelief.
“Am I seeing things? The leader is prostrating before the little bastard?” Members of the Charging Tiger gang couldn’t believe their eyes. Their leader held such prestigious status that even among the prominent Fabulous Five, he walked with his head held high. Why then would he tremble and shake at the sight of the young troublemaker, so much so that he could not even stand on his feet?
“No… no way!” Chad shook his head violently, his entire worldview shaken to its core. In his eyes, his father was an upright and heroic figure, always remaining stoic and composed even in the face of adversaries. So how could such a great person assume such a lowly stance before another?
“What are you playing at?” Dustin wondered aloud as he stared at Felix. He was certain that he didn’t know this man. It was truly mind-boggling to have someone get down on their knees on the first meeting.
“I sincerely apologize for our behavior, Mr. Rhys. I hope you can find it in you to forgive us this once if we have offended you.” Felix smiled apologetically, fear evident in his eyes.
“Do I know you?” Dustin asked.
“You don’t know me, but I’ve had the honor of watching you fight. You were incredible at the Doyles’ yesterday. Truly impressive!” Felix praised him.
Dustin had indeed made a reputation for himself across Millsburg after the duel yesterday, and the Flame Dragon gang had risen in the ranks to become the most powerful gang in Millsburg overnight. 1
“Oh, so you were there too.” Dustin nodded with understanding. He finally understood what was going on. The reason Felix feared him so much that he was brought to his knees was that he was intimidated by Dustin’s powers. But that worked well for Dustin, too, because then, there wouldn’t need to be a massacre.
“Dad! What are you doing? You are the formidable leader of the mighty Charging Tiger gang! Why are you on your knees at this bastard’s feet?” When Chad finally came to his senses, he immediately ran up to Felix and demanded an explanation.
“Shut up!” Felix’s expression darkened as he jumped to his feet and gave Chad two slaps across the face. “You insolent child! Apologize to Mr. Rhys right now, or I’ll skin you alive!”
“Me? Apologize to him? Why should I?” Chad held his face in his hand, looking both unwilling and aggrieved.
“Why should you? Because he’s the leader of the Flame Dragon gang, that’s why! And because he’s defeated Terry Doyle! Is that reason enough for you?” Felix roared.
“What? He’s the leader of the Flame Dragon gang?” Chad stood frozen in place upon hearing that. His previous defiance was replaced by complete awe. Though he had never met Dustin in person, he had certainly heard of him.
Dustin had shown up at the dueling competition as the leader of the Flame Dragon gang at the Doyles’ yesterday, intimidating everyone with his presence. Even the elderly master of the martial world personally went up to him to greet him. His talent and strength had marked him out as a person who would undoubtedly emerge as the champion, earning the awe and admiration of countless people.
No wonder his father feared him. So this was the impressive figure who nearly turned the Doyle family upside down! With a thud, Chad’s knees buckled, and he, too, fell to his knees under the astonished gaze of the onlookers.
