From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36 Do You Even Qualify?

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Frankie had ruled Ravenridge for years, but when his eyes landed on the seemingly ordinary middle–aged man, his whole demeanor shifted. His face went dark, and he took a few steps back in panic.

Just six months ago, a new force arose in Mornwick, shaking up the martial arts world. This guy went on a tear, hitting up martial arts academies across 60 cities, challenging and crushing their masters. Not one stood a chance.

The rumors said he could bend steel with his bare hands, bust through iron gates with a punch, and crush stone slabs like they were nothing. It was all terrifying stuff, and it wasn’t just talk. The masters he fought could barely hold out for more than three moves before they were down for the count.

After his wild streak, he set up his own martial arts academy, Bolt Arena, in Ascendia. The place became famous, with people traveling all over to learn from him. His name? Bryce Duffy.

Frankie’s gut twisted. Judging by Gumus‘ arrogant attitude, the man quietly standing was none other than Bryce–the unstoppable force from Bolt Arena. Frankie never thought Gumus could get someone like Bryce on his side.

“Frankie, you’re a big name in Ravenridge, and I’ve got no beef with you. Since Gumus brought me in to settle this, I don’t leave loose ends.”

Bryce’s tone was calm, but his statement hit like a punch. “I won’t lay a finger on you, but if your boys try anything, I’ll handle each of them personally.”

When Bryce stood up, Jamero, who was standing next to Frankie, instinctively stepped back, looking like he’d just met his worst nightmare. The top–tier bodyguards flanking them stiffened, their breaths shallow, sensing the raw power radiating from Brycę.

While everyone around Frankie was tense, Leander, sitting behind them, let a small smile slip across his face.

“Jamero, do it!” Frankie’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. Always decisive, he didn’t hesitate once Bryce showed his cards.

Jamero knew what was up. He launched toward Bryce like a predator, aiming a punch at his chest. Meanwhile, Frankie’s other men drew their guns, locking them on Bryce in a split second. They all knew Gumus wasn’t here to play nice, and if they wanted a shot, they had to act first.

Jamero’s punch packed serious power–enough to snap bones in a regular person. Yet, Bryce barely flinched. In one lightning–quick move, he grabbed Jamero’s wrist mid–strike.

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Crack! The sound of bone breaking echoed through the room. Jamero dropped to his knees, a scream ripping out of him as Bryce shattered his wrist with one effortless move.

The pain was excruciating, but what terrified Jamero more was Bryce’s sheer strength. He’d fought alongside Frankie for years, taken on all kinds of fights, and survived. Now, with just one move, Bryce had wrecked him.

Frankie’s elite fighters were no less stunned. They snapped out of it and quickly readied their weapons, fingers hovering over the triggers.

“Don’t move, Bryce!” Three guns were trained on Bryce, but he didn’t seem to care. He sneered. “These toys don’t work on me.”

Before anyone could blink, cold flashes of metal zipped through the air. The bodyguards‘ guns clattered to the floor as small throwing knives embedded themselves in their hands, right through their palms.

The whole room was stunned, especially Frankie. The stories about Bryce had been circulating for a while, but seeing it with his eyes was different. The guy is even more terrifying than the rumors make him out to be. His throwing knives aren’t just accurate–they are deadly. If he aims for a throat instead of a hand, someone would be dead already!

“Are

you one of those ancient martial arts masters?” Frankie stammered, his voice unsteady as the truth hit him.

He didn’t know much about ancient martial arts, but he had heard whispers–stories of people with incredible, almost otherworldly abilities. Frankie had never trusted them thoroughly, let alone met anyone like that. Yet today, he knew without a doubt. The man standing before him, Bryce, was one of those masters.

Bryce laughed coldly. “Looks like you know a thing or two, Frankie.” He implicitly confirmed his status as an ancient martial arts master.

“Frankie, got any tricks left?” Gumus asked, thoroughly enjoying the chaos.

Jamero and Frankie’s top fighters were all down, making Gumus feel he was in complete control. He added, “Now, here’s the deal. Join my alliance and hand over your resources, or you die. Simple as that.”

With Bryce backing him up, Gumus was sure he had Frankie right where he wanted him.

Frankie’s expression grew grim. He thought, Just my luck, I was in control. With Bryce backing Gumus, the scales have entirely shified. There’s no way I can come out on top anymore.

He turned slightly and signaled to Jamero, who was still clutching his broken wrist. Jamero caught the gesture, then stepped back and whispered to Leander, “Mr. Leander, my boss wants me to get you out of here.”

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Leander raised an eyebrow, astonished. “Really? He wants me to leave now?” He hadn’t expected Frankie to react like this. In the middle of a crisis, Frankie’s first instinct was to get him out of harm’s way.

“Yes, sir. You’ve got to go.” Jamero replied urgently. His nerves were on edge. He knew Leander was skilled–maybe even more than himself–but this was Bryce they were dealing with, a master of ancient martial arts.

Masters like Bryce were on another level, their inner strength and precision making them far more dangerous than regular fighters. If Leander didn’t get out now and Gumus made his move, escaping would be nearly impossible.

Leander shook his head, smiling. “Nah, I’ll stick around and watch the show.”

Jamero was torn and unsure of what to do. He couldn’t force Leander to leave, but staying

didn’t feel safe.

While Leander stayed calm, Frankie was far from it. He knew time was running out.

Voice dripping with arrogance, Gumus pressed on, “Frankie, you’re out of options. With Bryce on my side, you’ve got nothing left. Just accept it. Join me, hand over your resources, and I’ll ensure you’re only second to me in the alliance. What do you say?”

Gumus was dangling a lifeline, but his real goal was to take everything Frankie had.

He wasn’t here to confront Frankie–his real plan was to seize control of Frankie’s assets in Ravenridge, strengthening his hand for the inevitable showdown with Tommy.

“Keep dreaming, Gumus!” Frankie spat.

“You think just because you’ve got a martial arts master on your side, I’ll fold? I’d rather die than hand everything over to you!”

Frankie’s defiance was clear. “There’s no way I’m submitting to you, handing over my resources, and letting you control me! You can kill me, but I won’t break!”

Although Frankie feared death, he had his own code. He could bow to Leander, who had given him everything and practically raised him. Without Leander, there wouldn’t even be a Ravenridge empire under his name.

Yet Gumus? That was different. They’d been rivals for years, locked in battle. Surrendering to an enemy like him? Frankie would rather die than bow to Gumus.

“Frankie, you’re asking for it. Since you’d rather die, I’ll grant your wish.” Gumus‘ patience had run dry. “Mr. Duffy, please finish this!”

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Bryce gave a nod, the weight of Gumus‘ payment pushing him to act. For someone like him, skilled in ancient martial arts, taking down an ordinary person was hardly a challenge–it was routine.

Unexpectedly, a glint of steel flickered from his sleeve. A knife appeared between his fingers in a flash, ready to fly. Just as he was about to throw it, a calm, confident voice rang out from behind Frankie.

“You? A mere Martial Master? You really think you can take me on?”

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