The heavy oak doors of the Autumn mansion swung open, revealing Miles standing beside Nigel. As they stepped into the grand foyer, the butler Kernel's eyes widened in disbelief."Mr. Nigel," Kernel sputtered, his face contorting with barely concealed disdain, "surely you can't be serious about bringing this... this ruffian back into our home?"Nigel's expression darkened. "Watch your tongue, Kernel. Miles is our honored guest."But Kernel, emboldened by years of loyal service, pressed on. "With all due respect, sir, this boy is nothing but trouble. He's beneath the Autumn family's standing. I've heard rumors about his background, and let me tell you—"The sharp crack of Nigel's hand against Kernel's cheek echoed through the foyer, cutting off the butler's tirade."That's quite enough," Nigel growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You forget your place, Kernel."Kernel stumbled back, his hand flying to his reddening cheek. "Mr. Nigel, I—""Save it," Nigel snapped. He turned to Miles, h
Argus chuckled. "On the contrary, my boy. On the contrary." He turned to Marcus. "You've found quite a gem here, old friend."Marcus nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Indeed we have, Argus. Indeed we have."Genos stepped forward, extending his hand to Miles. "I'm Genos. I look forward to seeing what all the fuss is about."Miles shook his hand, noting the firm grip. "Likewise, Genos. I'm sure it'll be... interesting."Lee Chen observed the exchange with keen interest. "Perhaps we'll have a chance to see these young men in action, eh, Mr. Autumn?"Marcus's eyes twinkled. "All in good time, Mr. Chen. But first, let's head inside. I believe Kernel has prepared some refreshments for us."As the group made their way into the mansion, Nigel fell into step beside Miles. "What do you think?" he asked in a low voice.Miles considered for a moment. "Interesting group. There's more going on here than meets the eye, isn't there?"Nigel smiled cryptically. "You have no idea, Miles. You have n
The tension in the room was palpable as Argus Lyons leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and calculation. He fixed his gaze on Marcus Autumn, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth."My old friend," Argus began, his voice carrying a hint of challenge, "I have a proposition for you."Marcus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And what might that be, Argus?"Argus gestured towards Genos, who straightened his posture under the sudden attention. "As you know, my grandson here is the heir to the Lyon family empire. A fine young man, wouldn't you agree?"Marcus nodded cautiously. "Indeed, Genos is a credit to your family.""Well then," Argus continued, his smile widening, "I propose a little wager. A duel, if you will. If we win, your granddaughter Racheal shall marry Genos, uniting our families once and for all."The room fell silent, the shock of Argus's words hanging heavy in the air. Marcus's face paled, his eyes widening in disbelief."Argus," he sputtered,
As the two patriarchs shook hands to seal the agreement, the room erupted into a flurry of activity. Nigel pulled Racheal aside, his face etched with concern."Racheal, are you absolutely certain about this? There's still time to back out."Racheal's eyes flashed with determination. "No, Father. I won't let our family be intimidated. I can win this."Caleb joined them, his expression torn between admiration and worry. "You're brave, sister. But this is a dangerous game we're playing."Meanwhile, Genos approached Miles, his curiosity evident. "You're not from around here, are you? What's your stake in all this?"Miles met his gaze steadily. "I'm just a guest of the Autumn family. But I have a feeling things are about to get very interesting."Genos nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. May the best family win, I suppose."As the groups continued to discuss and strategize, Argus pulled Lee Chen aside, speaking in hushed tones."Keep an eye on that Miles character," he muttered. "There's somethi
Argus nodded, gesturing to Lee Chen. "Very well. Lee, if you would."The two men stepped onto the training mat, bowing respectfully to each other. Zhang's eyes darted nervously, while Lee remained calm and focused."Begin!" Marcus called out.Zhang lunged forward with a quick series of punches, his movements precise but somewhat predictable. Lee effortlessly dodged each strike, his body moving with fluid grace."Come on, Zhang!" Racheal called out encouragingly from the sidelines.But her words seemed to have little effect. Lee, seeing an opening, suddenly went on the offensive. His movements were a blur of speed and power. Before anyone could fully register what had happened, Zhang was on the ground, gasping for air.A stunned silence fell over the dojo. Marcus's face remained impassive, but a flicker of concern passed through his eyes.Argus couldn't hide his smirk. "Well, well. It seems your third disciple needs a bit more training, Marcus."Marcus helped Zhang to his feet, patting
The match began, and for a while, it seemed like Chen Yong might actually stand a chance. His movements were fluid and unpredictable, keeping Lee on his toes. The spectators watched with renewed hope, cheering every time Chen Yong landed a hit.But Lee Chen was not to be underestimated. With a series of lightning-fast moves, he turned the tables. Before anyone could fully comprehend what had happened, Chen Yong was on the ground, defeated like his predecessors.A heavy silence fell over the dojo. Marcus closed his eyes, his shoulders sagging with the weight of defeat. Racheal stood frozen, her face a mask of disbelief and devastation.Argus's triumphant laugh broke the silence. "Well, well, Marcus. It seems the Autumn family isn't as formidable as you claimed. Now, about that marriage arrangement..."Marcus's eyes snapped open, blazing with defiance. "Now wait just a moment, Argus. The duel isn't over yet."Argus raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who else do you have to fight? Your disciple
The arena buzzed with anticipation as Miles strode confidently towards the ring. The crowd's chatter died down, all eyes fixed on the newcomer who had made such a bold claim."I can't believe he actually said that," Marcus whispered to Nigel, shaking his head. "One punch? Against Lee? He's lost his mind."Nigel nodded in agreement, his earlier excitement now replaced with skepticism. "I thought Miles had a chance, but this... this is just arrogance."As Miles approached, Argus stepped forward, a mocking grin plastered across his face. "Well, well, well. If it isn't our one-punch wonder. Care to enlighten us on your secret technique, champ?"Miles didn't even spare Argus a glance as he walked past, heading straight for the ring."What's the matter, tough guy?" Argus called after him. "Cat got your tongue? Or are you saving your breath for that miraculous punch?"Still, Miles remained silent, climbing into the ring with fluid grace.Lee, already waiting in the opposite corner, sneered a
As they made their way through the crowd, people reached out, trying to touch Miles, to congratulate him. Whispers and exclamations followed in their wake."Did you see that?""One punch, just like he said!""Who is this guy?""He's incredible!"Connie and her friends watched from a distance, their eyes following Miles' progress."Do you think he has a girlfriend?" Emma asked, her voice hopeful.Connie shook her head. "I don't know, but I'm definitely going to find out. A guy like that... he's one in a million."As they reached the exit, a reporter managed to push through the security cordon. "Miles! Miles! Can you tell us how you developed this technique? How long have you been training? What's next for you?"Miles paused, looking at the reporter. For a moment, it seemed he might ignore the questions as he had all night. But then, to everyone's surprise, he spoke."This isn't about technique or training," he said, his voice quiet but carrying clearly in the sudden hush. "It's about u