In the center of Cipen, at the Marlow Hotel, was where the grand event was to take place tonight. In a 1km radius around the hotel itself, the roads were completely closed. Only those that lived in the area or were invited to the event itself were allowed to enter. This way, no media, no outside people, or anything else would be involved in the celebration—only those of importance. Gary was nervous; his hands were sweating as he was in the car with Park. "Everyone’s already there, right? That means they’re all going to focus on me?" Gary asked. "Well, not everyone. General guests will come and go, but everyone in Slough is already there," Park explained. "I picked up your family earlier, but Kai told me to pick you up at a different time. "He said it wouldn’t be right for the main person to come before everyone else." Gary pouted, wondering what was wrong with Kai sometimes. For someone who took this whole underground business very seriously, there were times when he did things like this. When Gary got irritated like this, he would also furiously scratch the side of his head. "What’s wrong? Are you nervous? You can’t be, right?" Park asked. "I mean, you walked into that ring when fighting against Harvor. Clearly, dealing with the One Gang, Sin, and all of that would have been harder. This is just an event, and most of them are friends." Gary let out a big sigh. Park just didn’t understand why he hated these types of things. In his mind, maybe it was because things happened far too fast, but he was just a normal guy. "I have to say as well, you do look nice in that black and gold suit that Kai got you. Still representing the group’s colors but looking a cut above the others. If I were Xin, I wouldn’t let you go." "Hey!" Park laughed as the car pulled up at the Marlow Hotel. Outside it, there were a number of One Gang members standing guard, not that anyone would do anything in this type of situation at this event. Heading up the stairs, the guards that were members of the One Gang bowed toward him, and Park had followed behind. They were in the reception area, which was mostly empty, with signs leading to the main hall. Following the signs, they went up to the second floor, a large hall that was made for corporate events and weddings at times. As Gary pushed through the double doors, he was now in a room filled with hundreds of people. In an instant, they all stared Gary’s way, looking right back at him. Gary gulped at the sight. ’They really did invite everyone. Everyone from AJ Entertainment is here. Those that I met at the Altered Academy, even Clem. I thought they said no press, but I guess she isn’t filming.’ ’Everyone from the Howlers is here as well, including Von, and it’s nice to see Tom as well. Heck, Elijah and Kanu are here too, and Izzy, Ian, and Numba. His father even decided to come.’ ’I guess this really is a celebration.’ There were more that Gary recognized, people he had met along the way of his great journey, and it was overwhelming to him. Next, he could hear the people in the room starting to cheer and clap. "Hey, hey, Gary’s here!" "He’s looking sharp. I think that’s the first time I’ve seen him in a suit." "He doesn’t look like a kid anymore; he finally looks like an adult." Gary could hear all of the words, including those from his family and the women in the room, due to his sensitive hearing. Because of that, he gave an awkward wave to everyone as he quickly went to one of the tables with food where Kai was at. Soon though, everyone got to talking to each other, mingling, and just enjoying the grand day. "Hey, what are you doing just standing next to me? Why don’t you go talk to everyone? It’s been a long time since they’ve all seen you," Kai said. "Right, but I just needed somewhere to hide for a bit. It was awkward while everyone was paying attention to me." "Well, look at you. I think this is the first time you’re actually wearing something fit to be called a King," a voice said. Turning around, Gary noticed that it was Daphne, who was wearing a slimming blue dress. It was strange to see her relaxed and like this after all the times he had seen her before. What surprised Gary even more, though, was towering right by her side: Apollo. "Thanks for the kind words, and thank you for sticking to your side of things," Gary replied. "Hey, it’s good to have one set of Kings agree not to fight over each other. Fighting isn’t good for any side, so I’m just happy we managed to solve it all with minimal matters. I was just talking to Apollo here as well; he said you left him in charge of the leftover One Gang matters?" Daphne asked. "Right," Kai answered. "Apollo expressed interest in joining the Howlers. There wasn’t much choice for him in terms of where to go, and he is a good fighter. You should know as well, with new territory, it’s hard to find trustworthy, strong people to expand such a place." "We put someone too weak, then it means someone will try and take over. So Apollo was the perfect choice," Kai explained. "Right, right, if he can stay loyal," Daphne said. Apollo’s face changed when he heard those words, and it looked like he wanted to say something to Gary, but Gary was the first one to speak. "It’s okay, Apollo. I heard what you did. I understand the situation you were in; it was a tough one. You’re a good person, or at least a better person than most. I hope you do well in the Howlers. It’s a big job that Kai has given you, and this guy is a workaholic." After a bit more small talk between the two, Daphne and Apollo eventually left. "There’s a lot of people here. Who didn’t you invite?" Gary asked. "Haha, it’s just friends, family, connections—everyone who is good with the Howlers. But there was one person that didn’t turn up. I haven’t had the time to fully check things up with him either." "Oh, who’s that?" Gary asked. "It’s Midwak," Kai answered. --- *** For updates on MWS and future works, please remember to follow me on my social media below. Instagram: jksmanga When news of MVS, MWS, or any other series comes out, you will be able to see it there first, and you can reach out to me. If I’m not too busy, I tend to reply back.