The Ascent of Jeffery Flamel; Restoring Alchemy's Legacy

CHAPTER 3

Late at night, in the underbelly of the city, Jeffrey was slowly walking through the empty streets.

He had gone to a local bar and had a drink, trying to forget his sorrows, even if only for a little while.

He had nowhere to go now.

Suddenly.

"He's over there, boss."

"He's drunk. Catching him will be easy."

"He's headed for the alley—let's corner him there."

“Good! This money comes so easy.”

"Fuck... What’s the problem?"

Jeffrey blinked, trying to make out the figures in front of him.

The uneasy sense of danger sobered him slightly.

With the help of a flickering streetlight, he saw four men.

Whoever they were, they certainly weren’t here with good intentions.

"Who we are don’t matter at all, but we know exactly who you are," the leader said, stepping forward as the other three surrounded Jeffrey, cutting off any escape.

Jeffrey tried to stay calm. They must want to rob him. He shouldn’t stay out this late.

“Just go away. I don’t have any money on me.”

None of them replied. One even chuckled at his words.

It seems they are not robbers.

But why did they block him in the alley in the middle of the night?

"Ok, we don’t have to do this, bro." 

Jeffrey took a step back, trying to find an opportunity to leave.

"Heh. It’s not up to you, man. " the leader cackled.

“The Luke family is quite generous. They are willing to pay thirty thousand dollars to cripple you. Kid, you've offended the wrong people.”

"What?" Jeffrey lifted his head in shock but was kicked hard by the leader’s boot, sending him sprawling.

It was Adam!

"You’ve nothing to worry about," the leader said, laughing.

"Your life isn’t in danger. But I’m afraid you’ll have to live the rest of your days as a cripple."

"Reo, Max, Troy—get him. Don’t let him move. Let’s get this over with and get our money."

By now, all traces of alcohol had fled Jeffrey's system.

He forced himself to stay still, waiting for the right moment to act.

Jeffrey's body was very agile.

The three people rushed forward to try to catch him, but Jeffrey did not dodge; instead, he stood his ground and swung a powerful punch at one person's chin.

That person cried out in pain and fell to the side, exposing a gap.

Now’s my chance.

Without wasting a second, he bolted toward the end of the alley.

"That bastard's getting away! Go get him!" the leader shouted, cursing as they gave chase.

But Jeffrey was already nearing the exit.

Seeing they wouldn’t catch him in time, the leader stopped and pulled out a gun, aiming at Jeffrey’s back.

Jeffrey ran toward the street, where safety was within reach.

Bang!

A gunshot echoed.

The shot rang out, and Jeffery stumbled forward, clutching at the wound as blood stained his shirt.

He staggered a few steps before his legs gave way, collapsing onto the asphalt.

At that exact moment, a sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom purred to a stop a few feet away.

The car’s tinted window rolled down, revealing a young woman with striking features.

She had long, wavy black hair, delicate features, and a temperament that screamed nobility.

Rita Stirling frowned as she stared at Jeffery's unconscious body.

“Who is that?” she asked.

“It looks like he's been shot. Could be trouble, Miss Stirling. We better leave now.” the driver responded, glancing in the rearview mirror.

“Wait.”

Rita’s voice was firm.

She turned to the bodyguard seated next to the driver.

“Get him into the car.”

“Miss Stirling, there could be danger—”

“I won’t repeat myself.”

The bodyguard exchanged a reluctant glance with the driver but obeyed, stepping out of the car.

“Stay back, I will shoot you if you dare move.” the bodyguard barked, scanning the alley before crouching, picking up Jeffery, and carrying him into the car.