Chapter 508 Law Enforcement Team, Harl’s Mysterious Ident.i.ty!
Wow!
When those three arrogant sentences were uttered from Su Mo’s, an unbelievable commotion was stirred up amongst the crowd, regardless of whether they were level fours, level ones, or anything in between.
As everyone stared at the frightened expressions on each other’s faces and confirmed that what they had heard was not an illusion, their sights promptly focused on the subject of the commotion.
Except this time they were not fixated on Su Mo, who looked so excited that his entire body was “trembling”: Instead, their attention was on the mountain giant, Alec, who seemed as large as a small hill!
“Harl, Harl… you’re gonna die. You’re really gonna die at this rate, you know?” “Kneel down right now at my feet and repent! I can still look past your frivolous behavior on account of my friends.h.i.+p with your dead father.” “Quick, quick! Come and kneel down properly!” That grayish-black body of his was akin to granite that had been stained with blood-red specks.
His expression, which initially looked calm and tranquil, also transformed into one of anger, almost as if he wanted to devour Harl right there and then. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Alec seemed to enter a state of uncontrollable rage, exuding an aura of fury that looked like it could not be quenched.
The side of Su Mo’s mouth, however, displayed a hint of disdain.
As someone who could shamelessly and publicly claim another’s inheritance as his own, Alec was no fool. To an extent, he could be considered extremely smart. Even now, he still maintained the pretense of being Harl’s uncle, offering “Harl” a way to backpedal on his previous statements in order to retain his moral high ground. Had it been Harl here instead of Su Mo, he would have cowered and given in at this juncture.
Such behavior would have been equivalent to silently acknowledging this “uncle” of his, which would leave everyone present with a deeper and more distinct impression of Alec.
At that point, the situation would become hopeless. Even if one wanted to expose Alec’s lies then, there would be no avenue or opportunity to do so. “Alec! Since when did an old dog like you have such thick skin?”
“Who in their right mind gave you the courage to tell everyone that you’re my uncle? You’re a f*cking waste of s.p.a.ce! Would anyone in this city not be stronger than you?”
“Make your choice quickly! Your grandpa here will see for himself whether a mongrel like you can back up your nonsense!” Just like a lunatic who had lost his sense of reason, Su Mo came up with his own act in response to Alec’s poor acting skills.
In reality, ever since firearms made their debut on the wasteland, even Su Mo himself was not clear regarding the actual level and limits of his close combat capabilities. Compared to normal humans, he had an enhanced physical body, which was further boosted by an excellent reaction and response rate. At close distances, even if the opponent carried guns, he was confident that he could emerge victorious. This was even more so when it came to opponents using cold weapons. Based on sheer physical capabilities, he could no longer be categorized as “human”.
Thinking back, the last time he had given his all, in terms of physical combat, was two months ago.
As tensions rose, seeing that Su Mo’s “arrogant” face held no trace of fear, Alec’s gaze darkened.
At this moment, he had been forced into a dilemma by Su Mo.
Once they fought, if Su Mo lost, he would have killed his “nephew”. He would then have to shoulder the rotten reputation of someone who unreasonably claimed another’s inheritance as his own.
Furthermore, Venom Resources Exchange’s reputation would plummet and become the laughingstock of Freedom City, even if it managed to keep its doors open afterward. He himself would lose the potential for upward mobility in the eyes of those in power. He would end his life forever trapped in the lower rungs of society. As for losing to Su Mo…
As a Level 4 mountain giant, if he managed to lose to a Level 3 auxiliary dwarven craftsman, he would have no reason or face to continue living. He might as well slit his own throat. “Very well, Harl. You’ve made great progress and have impressed me. After a single excursion, you’ve truly reaped sizable benefits.”
“Your uncle’s pleased with your transformation. I believe that if your parents could see you now, they would no longer have any regrets.” “Let’s do it this way. If you return with me willingly, I’ll hand over ten percent of the profits of Venom Resources Exchange to you. As your uncle, I’ll hold on to rest for now until you reach level five. How’s that sound?”
Uproar!
Chaos!
Everyone present at the overly-crowded long street witnessed Alec unexpectedly soften his approach.
Everyone was confused!
On such a normal day, seeing a Level 3 dwarven craftsman clamoring to fight a Level 4 mountain giant to the death was already shocking enough. Who would have thought that, instead of accepting the duel invitation, the Level 4 mountain giant would shy away like a weakling
At that moment, everyone’s common sense turned topsy-turvy!
For the small section of people at lower levels, witnessing Su Mo’s actions as he stood in front of the door of the Venom Resources Exchange left them satisfied, as it was akin to sticking up for people like them who were in similar situations.
It was a show of strength against a higher power; a retaliation of the weak against the strong.
It made their blood boil!
“What’s all the fuss about? Make way, don’t clog up the main road.” “Everyone, calm down! Those who wanna keep watching move to the side of the road. I’ll count to twenty. Whoever is still blocking the road after that will be punished for violating the law!”
Ding dong. Ding dong. As the atmosphere on the scene reached its apex, by which time Alec’s face had become swollen and as red as a pig’s liver, the long-overdue enforcement team arrived to manage the crowd and deal with the situation.
The two teams of fourteen silver-armored guards, wearing full face-covering helmets, were part of the city guard. They made their way onto the scene from a street corner.
Subsequently, the captain raised his voice and started berating the crowd loudly. As Freedom City’s law enforcers, they did not seem very strong; their ordinary appearances did not indicate any unusual capabilities, and they were only at level four.
However, if a fight really broke out, these city guards would absolutely tear the higher levels apart, even as level fours going against level fives.
They had the most suitable templates, were armed with sharp and deadly standard weapons and equipment, and also had the backing of law enforcement agencies of Freedom City.
They were considered to be among the top-notch combatants within the city!
Once they shouted, before the count even reached 20, the road had already been cleared by the 11th second. It was to the point the entire long road could be seen end-to-end. Seeing this, the captain nodded in satisfaction and brought the rest of the city guards to the scene of the unfolding situation. He first glanced at the “unruly” expression on Su Mo’s face, and then at Alec’s awkward expression, after which he nodded imperceptibly and spoke loudly, “Personal and private grievances should not be resolved in a public s.p.a.ce, and neither should it incite widespread commotion, otherwise you will be charged with the disruption of public order and taken into custody.”
“Judging by the fact that you’re both first-time offenders, and that there is an irreconcilable conflict between both parties, I will exempt you both from the penalty.”
“However…”
At this point, the captain thoroughly sized up Su Mo before continuing, “The conflict between you both is the first of its kind in Freedom City. As such, the higher-ups have given me full authority and jurisdiction over this matter so, from now on, the personal grievances between the two of you will be overseen by the city, and witnessed by the general population of the demon race members present.” “In dealing with this situation, we’ll do our utmost to treat the conflict in a transparent, fair and even-handed manner. We also will not abuse our authority to resolve the conflict forcefully.”
“Is this approach acceptable to you both?” As he fiddled around with the weapon at his waist, the captain looked una.s.suming but, in actual fact, his eyes were sharp as they scanned and examined both of them.
Despite this, Su Mo did not feel uncomfortable. Instead, he flashed a smile at him and nodded slowly. As for Alec, his entire body was s.h.i.+vering, almost as if he had encountered the final boss of a video game. Even his initially puffed up body, which had turned red, had deflated and turned a miserable white. Seeing that he did not receive a response from Alec, the captain placed his hand on his weapon and spoke in a low voice, “Alec, Harl has already agreed to our intervention. Given the expression you have now, I am unsure if you are willing.” It felt like a blade sliding across a stone surface.
Clearly, both people were at Level 4, but faced with the captain’s intense gaze, Alec could only speak in a trembling tone while nodding repeatedly. “I’m willing! I’m willing!” “Very well, since both parties have agreed, then from now on, the city guard will officially intervene in this conflict and start the reconciliation process.”
“May I ask both parties to start by declaring their demands with regard to this conflict?”
Setting his sights on Su Mo, the captain stretched out his hand and gestured toward the crowd. The street, which had been buzzing with whispers and murmurs, suddenly quieted down.
“Nice to meet you, Harl. I am the black-cla.s.s city guard captain, Xing Wen!” “Under the city guards’ protection, you can fully and freely describe your conflict with Alec, and then state your demands.” Although it was clear how differently the captain treated Alec and Su Mo, everyone on the scene was not surprised at all.
After all, every generation cherished their descendants. It was natural for people to dislike a villain like Alec, who had shamelessly claimed another’s inheritance as his own.
Coupled with the rumors about how both Harl and Turner’s parents’ deaths apparently had something to do with the city guard, the vast difference in the captain’s att.i.tude became easier to explain. Showing no sign of fear or trepidation, Su Mo straightened his back and walked forward holding his hammer. “Nice to meet you, Captain Xing Wen. I’m Harl, the conflict between me and Alec is very straightforward.”
“This man exploited devious and underhanded means to seize the inheritance my parents left behind. Even though I still retain a hundred percent of the legal rights over those a.s.sets, he forcefully evicted me and exploited my inheritance for his own benefit.”
“My demand is also a simple one, I wish for Alec to pay up ten times of the losses I suffered due to his actions, which amounts to three hundred thousand contribution points. Otherwise, he should fight me in a winner-takes-all deathmatch!”
It was just like he had stated previously.
Hearing the stubbornness in Su Mo’s speech in insisting on a fair and open deathmatch, Xing Wen nodded and turned his gaze to Alec. “Harl’s parents and I have gone through thick and thin with each other. Before they pa.s.sed away, they entrusted me with the responsibility of taking care of Harl and Turner, so I cannot stand being wrongfully painted as such a brazen and unsavory person.”
“My demand is that, before Harl reaches level five, I will hold on to their inheritance for safekeeping to prevent them from being exploited by those with unsavory intentions.”
“During this period, I will only receive a management fee. Once his strength reaches the required level, I will fully return the inheritance to Harl!”
Alec was indeed a sly person.
After taking a minute to adjust his emotions, he had already come up with such a great response.
Many on the streets witnessed how this villain had still managed to hold on to his composure, and could not control themselves from expressing their disgust continuously.
The law would not punish the crowd for expressing their sentiments. Under these circ.u.mstances, even some of the normal Level 1 template users dared to open their mouths to curse at Alec with vicious, colorful language.
The street that had just quieted down a moment ago suddenly erupted into an ocean of curses.
Despite hearing them, Alec turned a deaf ear to all the vitriol and ignored them, staring down at his own body while remaining silent.
“Silence!”
After the commotion had gone on for over a minute, and showed no signs of subsiding, Xing Wen moved to end the chaos with one word.
“Very well, since both parties have stated their demands, the conditions for the city guard’s intervention have been met.” “As such, from now on, before either of their demands are reasonably fulfilled, I hereby announce that…” “We will adjourn for deliberation over this matter. Owners.h.i.+p of Harl and Turner’s inheritance will be temporarily granted to the city guard for now, during which period Harl will have the right to use it as he pleases. Alec is not to interfere, occupy or damage said a.s.sets under any circ.u.mstances…” Xing Wen had set the tone and said the final word. Hearing the city guard captain’s unquestionable tone, cheering erupted among the crowd.
The law had won the people’s hearts.
Such a fair judgment would be an most important step in maintaining the sanct.i.ty of law and order in the territory.
Before both sides could come to a compromise, Harl received the right to use his inheritance, while the owners.h.i.+p was temporarily handed over to the city guard. There was not a more reasonable judgment that could be made here.
As for Alec, the previous “owner”.
Sorry, but who were you again?
You said that you went through thick and thin with them, and that you were brothers, but so what?
Did they leave their will with you? Did you possess a lease agreement validated by the city guard? You had nothing, and yet you said that all this belonged to you. If I then said that this entire city belonged to me, would you people not have to leave?
“Alec, when it comes to the distribution priority for inheritances, because your relations.h.i.+p doesn’t afford you higher priority or ent.i.tlement compared with Harl, your demands are secondary to his.”
“Now, you have two choices you can make.”
“One, accept Harl’s first demand and compensate him with three hundred thousand contribution points.” “Two, accept Harl’s deathmatch request, wherein the winner takes it all.”
“You have three New World natural days to contemplate on this decision and make a choice. If this time is exceeded, the matter regarding the owners.h.i.+p of Harl’s inheritance would be deferred by default, so this case would be automatically solved and closed.”
“After that, you will not be permitted to involve yourself in his inheritance by any means. If you’re reported and verified to have done just that, the city guard will…” “Kill without mercy!”
This time, no one forced the crowd to calm down.
As the city guard members entered formation, brandis.h.i.+ng their weapons, the crowd instinctually fell silent.
A black-cla.s.s team of city guards could subdue even the strongest Level 5 users, and two teams could take down a Level 6 user in just twenty seconds.
“This time, Alec has run out of luck!”
Even the previously arrogant rare Level 4 cyborg Yang Ning could not help but mutter in fright.
Although he was not explicitly implicated in the rising tide of disdain and anger, his blood still ran cold.
As for Alec, who was at the center of this debacle, he only managed to maintain his composure for three seconds before collapsing to the floor and kowtow-ing in submission.
“I-I agree.”
Those words were spat out in great angst, after which the city guard’s formation dispersed, and the atmosphere returned to its usual state. The security personnel, who had been standing inside the exchange the entire time, quickly came out and picked Alec up, after which they fled into the distance like a beaten dog.
Their momentum had been shattered, and they escaped crestfallen.
Compared to how the crowd had given way when the city guard arrived, those who came here to join in the fun no longer held themselves back when they saw Alec leaving.
They kept hitting a person who was down, publicly flogging him because they could. Before he could reach the end of the street, Alec’s body had been drenched in spit, and there were even unknown juices from fruits thrown his way. “Enough! Enough! There’s nothing else to see here. Everyone should disperse.” “If anyone wants to witness how this matter is resolved, they can refer to the city guard’s public notice in three days. Now get back to your business and quickly become stronger so that things like this won’t happen again.”
Seeing Xing Wen wave his hand, everyone that was here for the drama strongly felt the same and slowly left while nodding.
In just a moment, the traffic on the street, which had been packed and frozen for over half an hour, started moving again.
Other than stopping to reminisce by Venom Resources Exchange’s door, which had a large hole torn into it, the whole street returned to its previous state. The city guard also did not stay for long.
After Captain Xing Wen secretly used his mark to transmit a message, the whole team left just as fast as they came.
“Harl, we—we won?”
Turner was in a daze as he stared at the empty house which still contained stuff that the staff from earlier had not managed to take away with them in time.
He finally came back to his senses after standing and staring blankly for a long time, and plopped down onto the ground like his whole body had been drained of energy.
Within a second, hot tears gushed out of his eyes. He was thirty percent dumbfounded and seventy percent excited.
“We won?”
“No, this is only a temporary victory!” “Interesting, this really was interesting!”
Picking up Turner, who was still sitting on the ground, and ruminating on Xing Wen’s words, Su Mo’s eyes sparkled incessantly.
Before this, he had never thought of using Harl’s ident.i.ty to realize some of his audacious “ideas” within the city. However, if Xing Wen’s words were true, then Harl’s ident.i.ty might just be this trip’s greatest gain!