Nobilis of War novel Chapter 36

The tense air between Darren and several men was palpable. The charged atmosphere piqued the curiosity among the disciples. They gathered around them, wanting to have a good look at the commotion.

"This is going to be interesting," one of the disciples gestured towards the group from School of Blade Skill. "These guys often bully the newcomers."

"That guy is Darren, the fallen genius."

"I see. I heard he gets lots of resources each month. No wonder these guys are giving him a hard time."

Whispers and murmurs could be heard all around as the crowd started to scrutinize. They were eager to see what was about to unfold.

"Brat, it looks like you don't know what you're doing. If you mess with us, you will be in a lot of trouble," one disciple of the School of Blade Skill threatened.

"Shut up!" Darren snapped brashly. "Aren't you planning on stealing my resources? I'd like to see you try." Darren did not flinch one bit. He did not find those guys daunting at all. They were nothing but revolting scoundrels for him.

"Oh? You're one arrogant guy, aren't you? Let's see if you can still be haughty later," the disciple continued.

He pulled out his blade to attack Darren.

One person decided to put a halt to this madness. He rushed forward and interjected, "What are you doing? If you continue this brash display, the Elder is sure to know about this. Fighting on the square will get you severely punished."

Darren shifted his gaze towards the speaker. It was Keller, the one who led him to his place yesterday.

Keller walked towards his side and whispered, "Darren, get out of here. These are notorious tyrants. I will stall them for you. Go to the Sword Mountain. You'll be safer there."

"Who the hell are you, you bumpkin? Get lost!" One member of the group spat.

"Guys, it's best for you to let go of Darren. If you don't, the Elders are going to know about this. Disciples are not allowed to fight out of personal matters. I'm sure you know that," Keller continued grimly.

This made them uneasy. They were familiar with the rules of the sect, and they didn't want any trouble.

"Son of a bitch! You better watch your back. We will not spare you." They threatened before walking away.

"Get to the Sword Mountain and stay there in the next few days. I'm afraid they might return soon," Keller suggested, a concerned expression clear on his face.

"What about you?" Darren asked with a frown, looking at Keller. He had already considered him as his friend.

"Don't worry about me. They might hit me but I'll be fine as long as I don't fight back," Keller assured him. "I'm going to go out to buy some items. Take care of yourself." Keller headed down the mountain hurriedly.

"Let me know if anything happens," Darren urged. A small smile formed on the corner of Keller's mouth. Without looking back, he continued to walk down the mountain.

The guys who attempted to put Darren down went to a corner on the square. They talked to two ominous looking men in a low voice.

"You're a bunch of useless losers!" William, one of the two men, hissed. "All I ask is for you to provoke him and trick him into going to Life and Death Valley, but you couldn't even do one simple task!" William berated furiously.

"We almost made it but a bastard appeared. We were worried he might tell the Elder. That could mean so much trouble for us. Please don't be mad at us," one of them explained. All of them kept their heads down in terror.

"William, that jerk left cuts on my face. I want him dead no matter what," Karl, his brother, chastised. There was ferocity and hate etched on his face.

"Leave. I have a way to lure him to the Life and Death Valley!" William outraged to the petrified disciples. He turned to his brother and said, "Karl, take Jimmy here. Use him to goad Darren and beguile him to the Life and Death Valley. I will ask people to kill him there."

"Why don't you go challenge him yourself?" Karl asked dryly.

"I am much more powerful than him. He will not accept my challenge," William replied.

"You're right," Karl agreed, nodding his head. "You!" Karl boomed as he called for one of their subordinates, "Bring Jimmy to me."

"I am on it," the disciple obeyed and took off. Karl gathered himself and made his way to Darren.

Not long after, he came face to face with him.

"Loser, do you remember me?" Karl scorned

"What a bad luck! What do you want, you freak?" Darren replied coldly.

"How dare you!" Karl ground his teeth and stomped his feet furiously. "You little bastard, I bet you haven't forgotten Jimmy. Aren't you curious how he is doing?" Karl pointed at somewhere in close proximity.

His eyes followed the direction of Karl's finger. There, Darren saw a dirty and unkempt guy tied up in chains.

His face fell in recognition.

"You did this to me," Darren bellowed, anger swelling up within him.