Amidst the uproar, all the inmates were thinking of the same thing. They wondered if Austin had gone crazy.A double hammer fist from Barette was powerful enough to crush even the toughest skull.And yet, Austin would pounce forward and meet the attack head-on rather than defend himself in such a grave situation.Many of the inmates could not help but close their eyes or look away as they realized that Austin was going head-to-head against Barette's attack.They were already expecting that Austin's head would be crushed into pieces like a watermelon.At the entrance of the prison, Brian suddenly smiled. "What desperation… This actually reminds me a lot of Aldus."When Austin rushed toward Barette, a trace of surprise could be seen flashing within Barette's eyes.Neither Brian nor any of the leaders from the nine other prison districts would have dared to face his hammer fist head-on like Austin.This newcomer sure was arrogant! Barette's fists did not slow down despite his co
Austin's calm demeanor in the face of danger was enough to convince everyone of his victory.Brian, who was still at the prison's entrance, shouted, "Bring Barette to the doctors."One of his men was taken by surprise as he explained, "But sir, the inmates aren't allowed to be given access to the medical facilities!" Everyone involved with the prison had already gotten accustomed to seeing corpses being moved out of the prison on the daily.Inmates within the prison were locked up like wild beasts and were denied any basic rights, including the right to receive medical treatment.Not even the leader of the prison could regain such rights.Even if Barette were to die, he would just be tossed out of the prison as a cold corpse like any other.Brian's expression sank as he shouted, "Rules are made to be broken. Just do as I say!"The rest of his team was slightly frightened, and no longer tried to argue with Brian. They immediately ran into the ring and carried the unconscious Ba
The man was none other than Barette!Austin frowned as he immediately stood up.He wondered if Barette was let into his cell by the wardens.Upon closer look, he realized that the cell's iron bars were already twisted out of shape.It was apparent that Barette had torn apart the iron bars by brute force alone to force his way inside.Nashville was visibly horrified as he asked, "What do you want, Barette?"The other four inmates within the cell were already cowering in the corner.Even if he was no longer the alpha wolf of the prison now, Barette's presence was still very much traumatizing for the inmates.Suddenly, Barette knelt down on one knee and angrily exclaimed, "Thank you… For sparing me."Austin was startled. "You're not here for revenge?"Nashville and the other inmates were similarly surprised and confused.Barette shook his head and explained, "I've come to thank you. Nobody would have faulted you if you had killed me after our deathmatch… But you spared my life.
Barette's eyes lit up as he smiled. "I've been the leader of the 9th district for two years now… I consider myself at the very least knowledgeable about the other nine leaders of the other districts. I am aware of some of their weaknesses."Although it won't be enough to secure a victory for you, I'm sure knowing about their weaknesses would still increase your chances of winning, Austin. Besides, I'm also friends with the fifth and the tenth district's Fenrir and Fallen Angel respectively…"He finished his explanation and just stared at Austin with anticipation.Austin greeted him with a casual smile. "I see. I'll allow you to stay by my side from now on."Being able to learn about the weaknesses of his opponents in advance would indeed increase his chances of winning.At the very least, Austin would not have to test the waters with the risk of injury like his deathmatch with Barette today.He also understood the implications behind Barette's words.It meant that he could even
"You can think of the 1st district's leader as… a special case even when it comes to our prison."Barette gradually lowered his voice as his eyes seemed to have lost their light. He chuckled and continued, "Austin, can you imagine an inmate being treated even better than the chief warden in this prison?"Austin felt as if a storm was raging within his heart.He tried his best to suppress his fear, but his fists were so tightly clenched that veins were popping out of his skin.Would an inmate still be considered an inmate if he was treated even better than the wardens?The self-mockery on Barette's face became even more apparent as he continued, "The leader of the 1st district has held onto the throne for two decades by overwhelming power alone. He had gained more authority than that of the chief warden over time. But then again, he could not freely enter and exit the prison."He's probably the only inmate that could achieve such a level of… 'Freedom.' And he's also basically the
The strong stench of disinfectant filled the room.Austin's face was rather pale, but he was already in stable condition as he was fortunately rescued in time.Right next to him was Cecily, whose appearance seemed haggard and exhausted.Further at the side were Dahlia, Ezra, Aldus, and Raquel.Everyone was staring at Austin with worried expressions.Austin smiled weakly with a hint of embarrassment. "What are you all staring at me for? The doctor already said I'm fine, didn't he?"Cecily tried her best to hold back her tears. "How can we not be worried? Do you know how much blood you lost? I've been so scared for the past few days…"She then threw herself into Austin's arms and started crying out loud.All of Cecily's suspicions about Austin had disappeared when he had blocked a knife for her.She now felt nothing but guilt and remorse for doubting Austin.Austin gently patted Cecily on the head and smiled. "I had to protect you, of course. I'd rather take the hit and bleed o
A satisfied smile appeared on Austin's face as he ended the phone call.He took a deep breath as he finally let out all of the pressure that he had accumulated within his mind and body. "As long as I make it to the 15th… I'll finally become Austin Campbell! All of the Pearson family's efforts will finally be worth it!"His soft murmur echoed across his hospital ward.Meanwhile, Cecily and the others had not yet left the hospital after leaving Austin's room.They had taken a detour to visit Vincent in another hospital ward.Cecily entered Vincent's ward to find an empty room with a messy desk. "You really hurt Yannis' feelings, you know?"Vincent had both his hands on the back of his head as he nonchalantly replied, "So what? Makes it easier for both of us, anyway. Guess it's karma for her being so nice to a murderer like me."Cecily was left speechless, while Dahlia and Aldus were both shaking their heads.Ezra smiled and scolded, "You brat, I know what's really on your mind."
Austin was standing still on the ring with a calm expression.He stared at the opponent lying on the ground who had a twisted left foot.Barette's intel had proved useful. The opponent's carelessness and arrogance had allowed Austin to secure his victory in just a few minutes."You… How did you know? You couldn't have possibly known!"The muscular man on the ground seemed to be under immense pain as sweat dripped down his face. The severe pain coming from his broken left foot caused him to grit his teeth.The pain, however, was less than that of the amount of shock his heart was going through at the moment.The injury on his left foot had originally developed from all the battles he had fought within the prison.Any injury could be fatal as he fought for his life within the Grave Prison.Everyone would try their best to hide their shortcomings in order to appear tougher than they really were.It was the same concept as how animals showing signs of fatigue in the wild would imm
Austin never expected that Nancy would come back.As he returned to the Tetra Club, he remained sullen, his eyes dark with unresolved anger.Seeing Austin like this, Cecily felt a pang of sadness.She gently tried to comfort him, "It's all in the past now, isn't it? I'm here with you, and we have our baby on the way.""I can't just let it go," Austin shook his head."The best I can do is not seek revenge against them, but to truly forgive and forget—I can't do that."The actions of Nancy's family were still fresh in his memory.Austin wasn't someone who sought revenge for every slight, but he was far from the kind of person who could simply forgive and forget, moving on with a carefree "Hallelujah."Dahlia's despair as she lay in bed, the arrogance and cruelty of the Welch family…In the eyes of the Welch family, Dahlia's life wasn't worth as much as Harvey's wedding.Even when the time had passed and he was about to finally be happy with Cecily, the Welch family not only dem
After leaving this city, Nancy put in a tremendous amount of effort to "rebirth" herself.Meeting Ethan had shown her a different side of life.While he wasn't part of the uppermost echelons of wealth and power, he had enough. Most importantly, he treated her with the utmost respect.She understood Ethan's background, which made that respect all the more valuable.A man of his stature could have any woman he wanted in his bed the same night.Yet Ethan had shown her incredible patience, making her question whether the rumors about him were true.Tonight, returning to this city was her way of bidding farewell to the past and embracing the future.After all, people need to look forward, don't they?Meanwhile, Ethan was feeling more dejected than he'd ever been.Lying in his luxurious bed in Brook Villa, he couldn't sleep, tossing and turning restlessly.He had hoped to establish a connection with Austin. A figure like him would be incredibly valuable to have on his side.He tho
The river breeze was cool, and the lights reflected on the water flickered softly.The figure in front of them wore a long black coat, standing quietly by the railing. Her fair, delicate profile, partially obscured by a few strands of windblown hair, carried a hint of melancholy."Sir, Mrs. Campbell, is something wrong?" Aldus noticed the change and quickly stepped forward to inquire."Let's go home," Austin suddenly said, his previously cheerful expression now somber, with a touch of disdain.Go home? They had just arrived.Aldus was surprised and quickly followed Austin's gaze. When he saw what Austin was looking at, he immediately understood.Without a word, he turned to leave with Austin.But a soft hand gently grabbed Austin's arm."It's been so many years, aren't you going to say hello?" Cecily asked."I have no desire to greet her," Austin said, his disdain clear and unhidden.Three years of marriage, filled with nothing but pain.Even when Dahlia was gravely ill, Nan
After a busy day, just as Austin was about to finish up, a new invitation appeared on his desk."Who delivered this?" Austin asked."Ethan," Wolf replied.Austin chuckled, didn't bother opening the invitation, and instead tossed it directly into the trash."I've got to get home to Cecily."When he returned to the Bamboo Parlor at Tetra Club, Raquel had already prepared a delicious dinner.The dishes were beautifully presented, with vibrant colors and enticing aromas.After dinner, Austin and Ezra stepped out into the courtyard."Mr. Lockwood, any news from the Campbells about my dad?" Austin asked, the text message from Walter still weighing heavily on his mind.Considering the Campbells' efforts to find Walter, and given their intelligence resources, they should have been some leads by now.But Ezra shook his head. "Nothing, Not a trace.""The Campbells' intelligence network has never been this weak, has it?" Austin frowned, speaking in a low tone.Ezra gave a wry smile. "
"Childhood?"Austin stopped his workout, wiped the sweat from his face, and smiled bitterly.His childhood had been bleak.Only Dahlia had brought some light into the darkness.Seeing Austin's pained smile, Aldus immediately realized his mistake.He quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Sir. I spoke without thinking. You don't need to answer that.""It's fine," Austin replied, gesturing towards a nearby bench, and inviting Aldus to sit with him.Once they were seated, Austin slowly began to speak. "There's not much to tell about my childhood. It was mostly just being called an 'illegitimate child' and living day to day, never knowing where my next meal would come from."If it weren't for my mom fighting tooth and nail to raise me, I'd probably be dead by now."With just a few simple words, he conveyed a world of suffering.Aldus felt a wave of guilt. He had only been trying to find clues from Austin's past that might explain his exceptional combat instincts and incredible physical
Austin's gaze softened as warmth flooded his heart.Who hasn't longed for a light left on just for them in a sea of lights? But in reality, how many actually have that?Cecily did that for him.Given her background, the fact that she went to such lengths truly surprised Austin.In the three years he spent in the past, he had never experienced something like this.His nose tingled with emotion as he pulled Cecily into his arms, speaking softly, "Thank you. Marrying you is the greatest fortune of my life.""Alright, alright, I asked Raquel to prepare breakfast earlier this morning. You go to the dining room, and I'll have her bring it over," Cecily said as she gently slipped out of Austin's embrace, her graceful smile lighting up her eyes."Doesn't Bamboo Parlor have a kitchen?" Austin asked, curious.Cecily gave him a playful look. "The chairs in the living room are so hard, and you spent the whole night on one—how could you have slept well? If Raquel had been clattering around
The room fell into a heavy silence."Deactivating the phone number… was Dad trying to prevent me from tracking his location?" Austin murmured with a frown.Ezra pondered for a moment, his voice low and serious. "Perhaps he was more concerned about someone else tracking him."Austin's eyes widened in realization.Of course—if Walter could send him a message to let him know he was safe, he wouldn't be worried about Austin tracking himDeactivating the phone was likely to prevent others from tracing his location."But who is he trying to avoid?"Ezra shook his head, remaining silent.Having followed Walter for many years, he knew the man's temperament and habits. But this time, he was truly baffled.He couldn't even begin to piece together a clue.Taking a deep breath, Ezra forced a bitter smile. "I'm afraid I'm at a loss this time, sir. There's no sign of anything unusual from the Campbells either."This statement only deepened Austin's confusion.If there were anyone who cou
Austin knocked softly on the door.Almost immediately, he heard the sound of shuffling from inside.Ezra opened the door, his face full of curiosity. "Sir, what's going on?"Austin quickly made a shushing gesture, worried about disturbing Cecily.Then he gently pushed Ezra back into the room."Sorry to bother you so late, Mr. Lockwood," Austin said.Ezra smiled. "It's no trouble at all. The older you get, the less you need. I was just reading."Austin glanced at the book on Ezra's bedside table and couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.This old rascal!Ezra blushed and quickly shoved the book under his pillow.Austin sat on the bed and pulled up the text message from Walter, showing it to Ezra."I just received this message."When Ezra read the text, his eyes lit up with a sharp gleam, and he was overjoyed. "This is from Mr. Walter!"Austin nodded, his expression serious. "But I've sent several messages back, and there's been no reply. I called twice—once it was immedi
"The underground king of Eastbrook bows down."This news swept through Eastbrook like a storm.Ethan knew that by doing this, he would become the laughingstock of the entire city. But he also knew he had no choice—he had to do it!Even if he became a joke, he would remain the underground king. But if he refused to lower his head, he would end up a dead man.He understood the situation perfectly.In fact, that very night, a message was released from Brook Villa.No one is to compete for the land!This is a clear warning to all real estate companies in Eastbrook. It was also a gesture of goodwill toward Austin.But Austin didn't pay it much mind.If not for Derrick's involvement, he had no idea how Ethan would have responded—but Austin knew his response would have been much tougher.A mere city's underground king? He didn't even compare to the richest man in Basin City or the capital—he wasn't even worthy of carrying their shoes!After leaving Brook Villa, Austin didn't linger