2023-11-02 01:53:18As Ruth struggled in vain, one of the henchmen spoke up. "Boss, the bitch hasn't paid the installment for six months. She owes ten grand every month to compensate the Coopers. But every time, she sent us off with old furniture instead. I just checked the house and found only thirty-two dollars in her stash."
The leader spat with disdain. "You filthy scum of a woman! Where are you hiding our money?"Ruth wailed in pain and tried to explain herself. "I'm sorry, mister. But my husband's wages are quite low. We don't have enough for three meals a day. Please forgive us...""Do you think this is a joke, wench? Is the Cooper family going to be fooled by your lies?"Ruth joined her hands, crying profusely. "Please, I am telling you the truth… Wait! I'll sell some cutlery to neighbors and try to arrange five hundred dollars. I promise! Please give me fifteen minutes."The leader's eyes were bloodshot in anger. "Five hundred? Have we come here to collect spare change, bitch? Maybe you aren't taking us seriously. I think breaking your arms will teach you a good lesson!"He extended out her arm and raised his foot to stomp her."Take your filthy hands off her!" Tyler warned with a commanding voice. "If you want to live, you will step away from her!"The leader turned towards the young man who had just walked onto the porch. "Who the hell are you?"Ruth's face put on a look of dismay. "No, Tyler! They are dangerous people! Gangsters! Save yourself! Run and hide!"The gang leader scanned him from head to toe. "So you are Tyler Grant? Are you out of prison already? Good thing we spotted you. Time to shell out one and a half million dollars you owe the Coopers!"Tyler's eyes became cold and distant, as if he was barely listening to the thug. Inside him, a volcano was about to explode."I won't pay you a single penny. Neither will my family. Today is the day your brutality ends. Now unhand my mother before you lose your life."The goons broke into hysterical laughter. "Do you know who I am?" the leader asked bashfully."I don't know who you are, and I don't care!"The leader guffawed. "Boy! Since you were gone for three years, you are ignorant. I am Huxley, the leader of the Hux gang. Everyone in this locality is scared to death of my name. Your machismo will disappear when I break all your limbs!"Tyler was unmoved by the gang leader's threats. "Are you good at terrorizing elderly and disabled people only? You don't scare me at the least!"Huxley gritted his teeth and let Ruth go. He felt emasculated for a moment since he was caught dragging and beating a crippled, helpless woman. It would do well for his reputation if he were to beat up a young man instead.Tyler straightened Ruth's wheelchair and helped her get on it. "Go inside the house, Mom. I'll deal with these punks."Ruth eyed her son nervously. "Is it necessary to get into a fight? If I grovel before the gangster enough and take some beating, he may give us an extension. Besides, you already have a criminal record. It may get you in trouble with the law. I don't want to see my son in prison again!"Tyler turned and gave her a reassuring nod. "You don't have to beg or even lower your head, Mom. From today onwards, no one will bother us. I promise."Ruth looked uncertain, but her son's conviction made her feel secure suddenly. She followed his instructions and entered the house."If your sob drama is over, it's time for you to become a cripple like your mother!" Huxley spat with a smirk."Bring it on!"Huxley signaled one of his men, and the latter lunged at Tyler with a swinging arm. The young man stepped out of the way dexterously and landed a powerful chop on the goon's back. The latter hit the ground like a bag of sand.Huxley looked stunned. What just happened? Could the loser guy really fight? Perhaps it was a fluke? He figured he needed to step up the attack by a notch.The gang leader gestured to all his five remaining men, and they gradually surrounded Tyler. "Let's see how you fare against all of us!"The goons rushed at Tyler together, aiming punches and kicks at him. There was no way to escape or evade.The young man's eyes shifted with lightning speed. He moved his limbs even faster.Bam! Bam! His attacks hit them like a whirlwind. The five goons bit the dust before they could realize what happened.Huxley's jaw was left hanging. How did a young man like Tyler learn to fight like that? It couldn't be a coincidence or fluke at all. The leader decided to try different tactics."It seems you learned a few tricks in prison. Good for you. But you're still a pathetic loser whose girlfriend is marrying another man. Shame!"
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The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 004 Tyler’s Wrath
The words made Tyler stop in his tracks. "What did you say?"Huxley guffawed loudly and pointed a derogatory finger at the young man. "Didn't you know? Your girlfriend Erica is marrying Trent Cooper in the Marian Hotel today. What a joke you are! You should kill yourself!"Tyler furrowed his brows. Was Erica really getting hitched to Trent? That didn't make any sense! Trent tried to rape her, and he sent Tyler to prison under false charges. Why would she agree to marry him? Perhaps Huxley was lying?Tyler could read the gang leader's expressions. He was downright evil, but he wasn't a liar.Huxley saw Tyler was distracted and figured it was his chance to land a successful attack. He lunged at the young man, aiming a punch at his face. However, his fate was already sealed.Pow! Tyler caught Huxley's fist in his right hand without even looking in his direction. Then he turned to stare into the gangster's shocked eyes.Huxley broke into a nervous sweat. Tyler's hand on his fist felt like
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 005 Meeting the Andersons
"Do you know who I am?" the beauty snapped. "I'm Natalie Anderson! How dare you try to scam me? Are you aware of my family's influence? The Mayor, the Chief of Police, and the Chief City Attorney are our family friends! Get lost, or you'll end up in prison for the rest of your life!"The Anderson family was the wealthiest in Sapphire City and owned many businesses, hotels, and shopping malls. They practically bathed in money and, no wonder, had contacts in high places.Tyler narrowed his eyes. The cinematic bubble of running into an angelic beauty had popped for him. Natalie was just a spoiled heiress, and he hated such women with a vengeance.Billionaires who didn't raise their kids right created brats who thought they owned the world. Such ingrates believed their acts had no consequences; they trampled and abused everyone in their paths without mercy or sympathy.A tragic example of such a horrible brat was Trent Cooper, who destroyed his life and tortured his family over a petty inc
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 006 At Death’s Door
Silas' face darkened while Natalie looked like she would explode."What nonsense are you blabbering?" she said in exasperation. "Are you drunk or on drugs? My dad is going to be okay once we get to the hospital in ten minutes! A world-class cardiac surgeon is waiting for us there! Get out of our way before I punch you!"However, her father reacted differently. Silas realized that every word Tyler spoke was accurate. Moreover, the old man had lived a long, disciplined life and could tell when someone was lying. His experience told him Tyler's insights were miraculously genuine. It was a near-death leap of faith to trust the stranger."Young man, what is your name?""Tyler Grant.""How did you know I have two holes in my heart? It is medically classified information."Tyler stood silent and offered no response to the question. He believed there was no cause to reveal details of his abilities to a random billionaire.Realizing the young man wasn't inclined to answer his query, Silas conti
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 007 Ungrateful Woman
Tyler took a step back in surprise. He had been focused on healing and had not expected the heiress to assault him physically."I'll sue you into oblivion!" She screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You monster!""It's okay, Nat…" Silas said, stepping down from the car and getting to his feet. His skin looked more youthful, and his breathing had become normal.Natalie watched her recovered father with widened eyes. Did the homeless man really heal him? Were such miracles actually possible? She began to have an existential panic."Thank you, young man," Silas said, patting Tyler's shoulder. "You possess a special gift, and I am blessed to have met you. I owe you my life."Tyler, still annoyed by Natalie's slap, shook his head at the billionaire. "The healing is temporary. I merely extended your lifespan by a week. You can spend it in the hospital if you must. But even the most talented doctors can't help you."Silas laughed a hearty laugh. "I must thank you, regardless. It gives m
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 008 Saving Erica
The young billionaire raised an eyebrow. Then he let out a taunting chuckle. "Oh, it's you, loser! They finally let you go scot-free. I couldn't recognize you under the homeless man attire. It seems prison time didn't wash away your arrogance. Have you come back for more punishment? Or are you here to fall at my feet and apologize?" Tyler pursed his lips to control his fury. He could kill Trent with one blow, and his revenge would be complete. However, it wouldn't be satisfactory. "I am here to rescue Erica. You've arranged her wedding against her will. My life is in shambles, but I won't let you ruin her life as well!" Trent raised his arms in mockery and began guffawing. His friends and butlers also joined him in the laughter. "Did you just say that Erica's life will be ruined if she becomes my wife? Are you drunk or delusional?" Just then, the sound of a pair of heels came down the corridor and stopped by the entrance. "Never mind that. Why don't you ask Erica directly wha
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 009 Unfinished Business
"You can have this woman," Tyler told him coldly. "She means nothing to me anymore. However, when your reckoning arrives, I will repay your offenses a thousand-fold!"Trent gulped anxiously and retreated into the safety of his bodyguards. "Don't act cocky! Prison may have made you loud-mouthed, but that doesn't change your social status or power level." "I can toy with your life while you can't even harm a hair on my head. I usurped your father's business; all it took was a phone call." "Stray dogs like you can only bark loudly and never understand what true power is!"The young man turned sharply and left the Sinclair premises."We'll see." Tyler took a deep breath as his mind settled on new priorities. Erica had betrayed him for Trent, but he felt nothing. However, he would give the rotten woman a taste of her own medicine at the right time. Trent Cooper would also get what was coming to him. Before that, there was another important matter to attend to. Tyler's father, Hug
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 010 Restricted Club
Abe sighed. “Ricardo knows nothing about business. He squandered the profits lavishly on parties and women. In one year, we were bankrupt. Ricardo sold GlobeMall to a billionaire and became a salaried caretaker of this establishment instead. He continues to incur losses, and I think the mini-mall will be shut down sooner than later.”Tyler gritted his teeth. “Ricardo stole the place from my father and ran it into the ground! Tell me. Where can I find him?”Abe pointed to the third-floor arena. “Mr. Ricardo built an exclusive club up there. It’s frequented by many billionaire heirs. The club’s income is quite handsome, but he wastes all the profits on his extravagant lifestyle anyway.”Tyler nodded and turned to leave. “Alright. I will talk to him.”Abe held back the young man anxiously. “I know Mr. Ricardo wronged your father. But don’t go around offending him. He has over a dozen ferocious security guards around him at all times. Moreover, he has connections with the Cooper family. Th
The Gilded Man With A Thousand Lives 011 First Transaction
Yara raised an eyebrow in irritation. What was the stranger playing at? She had been considerate with him all along, explaining why he couldn't afford to enter the restricted club. Wasn't he now taking advantage of her kindness? She considered for a moment to expel him with the help of her bouncers.Yara had been raised by parents who held values and morals above everything else. Their conservative beliefs led to their social status remaining middle-class.Yara's parents could not provide their daughter with the best things in life. However, she never resented them for the modest upbringing. In fact, she was grateful.The principles helped Yara become self-dependent and uncompromising. Growing up, she sharpened her mind and enhanced her body to get ahead in the world.Yara was a model, a part-time hostess, and had already graduated from business school. However, her job applications to five-star hotels and top companies were rejected primarily because she had no references.Yara's coll
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234 You Are Special
Maude Street was downhill on the city map, one of the middle-class housing areas. However, the night scenery from the terrace was fabulous for New Year's Eve. A sea of decoration lights ascended like a wave, rising to Sterling Hill, the highest point."You own Sterling Hill and yet live in this humble home," Natalie said, gazing at the illuminated uphill landscape. "I find that hard to digest."Tyler sighed. "It's for my Mom and Dad. I can't tell them how wealthy I am right now. It's too soon. Moreover, they are happy and comfortable where they live, and I am too."The beauty shrugged. "I guess that makes sense... I… Uh… I can also make up my mind to live here…"The young man did not respond, making her frown. "So… Do you have any?" she asked, trying to sound cheerful."Any what?""New Year resolutions…"The young man smiled thinly. "I don't… Well… As a matter of fact, yes.""Can you tell—""Wishes don't come true if you share them with others. Anyway, how's Silas?"Natalie nodded. "D
233 The Choice
Tyler considered it for a moment and then turned away. “Maybe some other day. Please enjoy the party. The girls are lounging in the living room.”He left, leaving the beauty hanging. Isabella arrived shortly after, excited to talk to him. Tyler exchanged pleasantries with her but again refused to engage privately.The final guest was someone in a hood. The veil lifted to reveal Gina Perry, the international celebrity.“You can’t imagine how difficult it was to dodge the paparazzi and come here,” she grumbled. “It’s in the middle of nowhere! At least give me a hug!”Gina’s ambition was shattered, and she had to settle for a handshake. Only Yara Mathews was missing from the picture, but it was known she was away on important business.After all party preparations were completed, Tracy, Maya, and Britta joined the other girls in the living room. They chatted wildly like old friends and played cards, board games, and charades to pass the time.The men gathered in the kitchen, drinking bee
232 (Free Chapter) New Year’s Special
The Grant household buzzed with noise and activity. Neighbors peeked from their windows and craned their necks from their gardens to know what the hell was going on. It was a three-bedroom home in Maude Street. Tyler had carried out some renovation, but it still looked ordinary. However, judging by the fanfare, one would think it was the Pope’s birthday party. The commotion started when expensive luxury cars arrived in the lane. Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Porche, Audi—you name it. They parked at the intersection for some reason. Guests got off and walked to the Grant house. What was happening? Were the Grants some bigwig family? Then why did they live in such a humble household? Inside the Grant house, energies were high. Tracy rushed from one room to the other, ordering everyone around. She was in charge of the New Year’s Party. Her underlings were older than her, starting with the tall Britta Salvatore. Then there was her boyfriend, Derek Sentinel, the Captain of the Indigo Knights.
231 (Free Chapter) New Year’s Eve Special
Christmas was already history, and Sapphire City was preparing for the New Year celebrations. Restaurants, clubs, hotels, and homes were dressed like brides. There was an economic boom in Sapphire City that year. It created more billionaires and millionaires than in the entire last half-century. Almost every middle-class family was flush with cash, and they didn’t shy away from spending it on holidays. Almost every family. It was the evening of Christmas Eve. A little boy no older than seven walked along the street with an excited smile dancing on his face. A single coin was firmly lodged in his pocket. The boy’s family was poor, and his father struggled with his new garment shop. The man dreamt of building a mall, which was a distant dream. Moreover, the family recently had a baby girl. Money was tight. Christmas had been a lousy affair as they couldn’t afford a Christmas tree, turkey, or gifts. However, the kid’s mother generously gave him a fifty-cent coin as a holiday allowanc
230 Lazarus Briar
The Seraphim King’s mention induced a wave of muttering among the conference members. Lazarus raised his hand to silence them. "The last time I checked, the Seraphim King was dying in Montserrat Prison," he resumed with a louder voice than normal. "What the hell was he doing in El Abyssium? Tell me the truth!" A couple of shadows parted from the room's darkness and gradually slithered towards Dagon and Veronica. The hulk realized this and panicked. "When we reached the Hetacomb site, Butch Salvatore was already there! It was actually him who defeated Goliath!" "So you thought it convenient to claim the credit? You picked up the pieces and ran with the tail tucked between your legs?" The shadows moved faster, now only several feet from Dagon and Veronica. "No, my lord! I killed the Seraphim King with Kraken! He is dead!" Lazarus raised his brows. A gasp of surprise in unison rose from the conference members. It turned into scattered cheers. The Seraphim King was considered t
229 The Coronation Arc Begins
“You will certainly not die if you eat the forbidden fruit,” the serpent said to Eve.~Genesis 3:1-5.***Far off, a secret conference was under way in an undisclosed location. Selected individuals crowded a long table. Some faces were covered with hoods and masks, while others were shadowed. Regardless of the secrecy and covertness, the chatter was loud."What? We lost El Medalla? How could this happen?""Years of hard work and investments ruined? Shame!""What were the mercenaries doing? Did the Red Marauders give up?""Dagon has never failed us before! Does that dog's leash need to be tightened?""How dare the Prince of Petra launch a war against us? Who told him about El Medalla in the first place?""We must retaliate! We have no other alternative!"A man sat at the head of the conference table, paying no attention to the rabble. He looked engaged in deep meditation or profound thought. Suddenly, he stirred, his eyes turning to the side.A surge of incoming energy disturbed his in
228 Note To Readers
The previous chapter marks the end of the Ascension Arc. I applaud and congratulate all readers who have read this far. I hope you enjoyed the journey. However, this is just the beginning. The Ascension Arc will be followed by the Coronation Arc, where Tyler deals with more daunting enemies and situations. New characters will be introduced, and the focus will shift towards those I have ignored till now. We have had a lot of fantasy battles. It is now time to return home and face more down-to-earth challenges. Those who read so far, kindly leave a review under the story's main page. (Note: there is a difference between leaving a comment on a paragraph or chapter and under the main page) I hope you will still accompany Tyler further on his journey. Thanks again for the support and love. Yours fictionally, KAISER KEN P.S: Do read my other story, THE PEERLESS MAN WITH A THOUSAND GIFTS. It is set in the same universe with an equally awesome main character. Thanks.
227 The End
The Salvatore estate was situated in the hilly regions of Sapphire City. It was remote, accessible only by helicopters, ski lifts, and cable cars. Other billionaires of the city were rather unaware and uninterested in the massive terrain covered by the Salvatore estate. They dismissed it as waste hilly lands. Actually, the ancient estate was hidden from commoners through different geographical and magical means. However, the truth was far from it. The area was replete with mines and minerals. It was a treasure trove of riches. Moreover, a thirty-thousand-square-foot castle dominated the Salvatore estate. It was an ancient structure from where Butch used to rule when he was alive. Britta was raised within those premises. Tyler Grant touched down at a site specially selected for the old man’s last rites. As his wings retreated, he noticed a ceremonial gathering had been summoned. They were Salvatore loyalists, castle butlers and staff, and a few of Tyler’s acquaintances. Under Ty
226 Lilith
The resurrected Yara Mathews received no replies from the others. Instead, she was the object of shocked stares from the girls and a blank look from Tyler. She turned from one to the other in utter perplexity. Suddenly, Yara realized she was naked. She let out a feminine scream. With one arm, the beauty covered her breasts and her crotch with the other. “Someone help me…” she whimpered. “I don’t know what’s happening…” Tyler turned his eyes away from the nudity, instead focusing on the charred Hetacomb site. While he dwelt on his emotions, Kat and Britta rushed towards Yara to aid her. “Don’t worry, child!” the goddess called out the soothing words. “Everything’s fine. I’ll manifest some clothes on your body immediately!” “Stay right there, Yara!” the young Salvatore assured her. “We’re coming to help you!” Suddenly, Tyler’s senses tingled. His gaze whipped back to the girls. “Don’t look at her while she is naked!” Britta snapped at him. “What’s wrong with you?” The you
