Chapter 804: Facing the Local Gang On the streets of the island, two silhouettes were closely following Nox and Eve. They moved with care, secretive enough to fool most people, but not the two they were trailing. "All this while we have just been hearing how powerful Andre is, but the thing is, we would never find out if we do not face him," Nox said as they headed back toward the inn where they were currently staying. For now, the two had decided to return to the inn and explore the island further before making a decision. "You are right," Eve replied. "But even if we somehow defeat him, what makes you think they would allow us to leave this island unscathed?" "That is something we will think about later," Nox said calmly. "For now, we need to figure out why those two are following us." Nox’s steps slowed almost imperceptibly, but Eve noticed it immediately. The bustling streets gradually thinned as the two moved farther away from the inn district. Lanterns became fewer, chatter faded into the background, and soon only the sound of their footsteps echoed faintly against the stone road. When they finally reached a deserted area between abandoned warehouses, Nox came to a stop. Eve halted beside him without saying a word. The silence lingered for two breaths. Then clapping echoed from the shadows. Slow. Deliberate. Mocking. One man stepped out from behind a broken wall. Then another. And another. From alleyways, rooftops, and narrow gaps between buildings, figures emerged, encircling them in a loose circular formation. They wore rough clothing, their faces were scarred, and weapons were held openly without fear. The only description Nox could associate with them was local gangs. At least, that was what they appeared to be. Eve’s gaze swept across them calmly, her expression unreadable. "So this is how the island welcomes guests." The man at the front let out a short laugh. He was broad shouldered, with a jagged scar running down his cheek and a curved blade resting casually on his shoulder. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖 "You foreigners really do have money written all over you," he said. "Nice clothes. Calm eyes. Too calm. We figured it would be a waste not to check." Nox did not move. His hands remained at his sides as his eyes locked onto the man. "You followed us from the inn," he said flatly. "Who are you, and how did you find us?" The leader grinned, showing a missing tooth. "Straight to the point, huh? I like that." He shrugged exaggeratedly and added, "Since you are going to die anyway, I guess it does not hurt to let you know." Eve’s eyes narrowed slightly. "It was the receptionist," the man continued. "The moment you checked in, he sent word. Foreigners do not come here often. And when they do, they are either important or rich." A faint chill passed through the air. Nox’s gaze sharpened. "That still does not explain why you knew our movements so precisely." The man’s grin widened. "Because we are not just local trash." Before he could say more, a soft, slow clap echoed from behind the group. This time, the sound was elegant, nothing like the rowdy gang members in front of them. The gang members parted instinctively, lowering their heads as a familiar figure stepped forward. When Nox saw the person, his eyes flashed. It was none other than Serene. She emerged from the shadows with a gentle smile on her lips, her posture relaxed, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "I knew it," she said softly. "When they told me a foreigner came to the island just after we left with your friend, I suspected it was you." Her gaze settled on Nox, a confident smirk slowly spreading across her lips. "Bad idea," she added, tilting her head slightly. "It is the dumbest decision you have ever made." Eve’s fingers twitched, but Nox lifted a hand slightly, stopping her. "So they are not just gangs," Nox said calmly. "They are your minions." Serene’s smile deepened. "Secret ones. Not everyone deserves to know who they serve." The gang leader laughed loudly, mockery clear in his tone. "See? You should feel honored. Lady Serene does not show herself for just anyone." "That explains the eyes on us," Nox said with a slow exhale. "The way the streets suddenly felt narrower." Serene stepped closer, her tone light. "You should have stayed hidden in your small kingdom. Maybe you would have been able to hold on for a couple of seconds before Father destroys it." That piece of information struck Nox. In truth, he had suspected it. He had suspected that the empire would eventually come for Cromwell because of their hatred for the beast taming class. Hearing it confirmed only proved that coming here was not in vain. Now that he was here, he would make the most of it. With a cold, arrogant tone, Serene continued, "Cromwell will fall, just like every other place that dares defy us." For a moment, no one spoke. Then Nox chuckled softly. It was low, calm, and almost amused. "So that is it," he said. "You planned on attacking the barony all this while, did you not?" He did not allow her to answer before continuing. "Well, I foresaw this a long time ago and have already been preparing for it." Serene smiled. "That plan can only become fruitful if you escape this island alive." Nox looked around at the circle of men, then back at her. The air suddenly grew thick with tension. But before either side could move, Nox took a step forward, his presence subtly shifting. "You made one mistake," he said quietly. Serene raised a brow. "Oh?" "You assumed we did not know we were being followed." Eve smiled faintly as the gang members stiffened. Nox’s gaze locked onto Serene. As he stretched out his hand, frost energy surged forth. The element he had copied back in the dragon realm activated, and a greatsword made entirely of ice formed in his grasp. "Master," Nox said without looking at Eve. "Yes," Eve replied. "I want to face all of them," Nox continued calmly. "There is a personal score I need to settle with her and her brother for laying their hands on my mother."