"Hurry Up! Say Who Did It?!"
The Axe Gang members, their axes glinting coldly in the sunlight, barked harsh questions at the trembling villagers.
Fenric stood nearby, watching the scene unfold, and sighed inwardly.
Why do I feel like I'm drifting further and further down the path of a villain?
Just then, a timid voice called out from the side, catching his attention.
"B-Brother, we're on your side!"
Turning his head, Fenric saw a scrawny young man with messy hair and a pleading expression. Beside him stood a round-faced, honest-looking fat man. Both of them sported crude tattoos of axes, pretending to be Axe Gang members.
Before his men could beat the two impostors to a pulp, Fenric spoke calmly.
"Wait. Bring those two over."
At his order, a few gang members dragged the scrawny man and his companion in front of him.
"Brother! Are you the leader? My admiration for you is like a surging river—"
"Enough." Fenric waved a hand, cutting off Sing's flattery.
"What's your name?"
"Brother, just call me Sing!" the man said immediately.
Fenric's gaze swept over them. "You two have axe tattoos. Do you want to join the Axe Gang?"
"Yeah! Boss, that's been our dream!" Sing said with forced bravado, while the fat man nodded furiously.
Fenric smirked. "Good. I'll give you a chance."
He beckoned, and one of the underlings handed him an axe. Fenric placed it in Sing's hands.
"Go prove yourself. Find out who hurt my brothers."
Sing stared at the axe, frozen for a moment, before gritting his teeth and walking toward a middle-aged woman.
"Who attacked our Axe Gang brother?!" Sing shouted, trying to sound fierce. "I'll count to three! If the culprit doesn't step out, I'll chop her down!!"
His voice trembled despite his attempt to appear intimidating.
Silence. No one stepped forward.
"Three…!" Sing yelled, his face twitching in panic.
Still, no one answered.
Sing's hand shook as he looked at the terrified woman crouched on the ground, crying softly. His grip on the axe faltered. He simply couldn't bring himself to strike her.
"Who is it?!" The Second Master barked from the side. "Don't just stand there and embarrass the Axe Gang!"
Fenric watched the scene calmly, curious to see what Sing would do.
In the original story, Sing had wanted to join the Axe Gang, dreaming of becoming a feared figure, but deep down he was a kind-hearted man who eventually chose the right path—even striking down the Fire Cloud when it mattered.
Urged by the Second Master, Sing squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself, and raised the axe high—
But before he could strike, a voice cut through the tension.
"Let her go. I did it!!"
Everyone turned to see a towering, broad-shouldered man step forward. His muscles rippled beneath a rough linen shirt, and his stance radiated strength.
A martial artist!
Sing exhaled in relief, lowering the axe. Only now did he realize how difficult it was to take a life. Without a truly ruthless heart, one couldn't kill.
"Hack him!!" The Second Master shouted.
At once, more than a dozen Axe Gang members charged, axes raised high.
BOOM—! BOOM—! BOOM—!
The brawny man's legs lashed out like whips. He was a master of the [Twelve Kicks of Tam School], and in moments, the attacking gang members were kicked flying, groaning in pain on the ground.
Not far away, several Samsara Players huddled together, whispering.
"Damn, isn't that guy a master of Twelve Kicks?"
"Yeah, he's insane! Look at those kicks!"
"He's nothing compared to the Landlord and Landlady. When they step in, it's over."
"True… but with Shura here, we've got this in the bag. No need to panic."
Within moments, every Axe Gang member who had charged was lying on the ground, moaning in pain.
The brawny man stood firm, not a single scratch on him.
Just as a few more men prepared to rush in, Fenric's calm voice cut through the chaos.
"Stop."
Everyone froze, unsure why their leader had intervened.
Fenric turned his gaze toward the Samsara Players and spoke coolly.
"You lot. What are you waiting for? Isn't this the perfect target for your mission? He's not that strong. I'm leaving him to you."
The Samsara Players exchanged looks. Not strong? In Fenric's eyes, maybe, but to them, this man was already a monster.
Still, Shura was right. They didn't have much time left for their mission. If they wanted to earn merit and fame, this was their chance.
"Leave it to me!"
A small but wiry Samsara stepped forward. He moved to stand confidently before the brawny man.
"Twelve Kicks Expert, huh? My name is Black Hawk. Remember it. If I kill you, at least you'll know the name of the one who sent you to hell."
The brawny man's expression hardened.
He knows my technique? This guy is no ordinary thug.
Fenric leaned back slightly, as though watching a show.
To be honest, even if it was the Landlord or Landlady standing there, Fenric wouldn't bother lifting a hand.
This was the perfect chance to let the Samsara Players earn their keep.
"Quick fight," Fenric ordered casually.
At that signal, Black Hawk lunged.
His hands curved into claw-like shapes, his movements fluid and deadly. He sidestepped a powerful kick, closing in with a swipe toward the man's face.
Eagle Claw Technique!
The brawny man raised an arm to block, but Black Hawk's claws raked across it, leaving three deep gashes.
Shocked and angered, the man no longer held back, unleashing his full strength against his opponent.
The two clashed fiercely, exchanging blows and counters. Their movements blurred, drawing gasps of awe from the Axe Gang members watching.
In the end, Black Hawk's speed gave him the edge.
He feinted low, then struck high, clawing at the man's face—blinding one of his eyes.
"AAHHH!!" The brawny man roared in pain.
Black Hawk raised his claws again, ready to deliver the finishing blow—
SWOOSH!
A stick flew from a nearby shop, cutting through the air with a sharp crack!
Black Hawk's instincts screamed danger. He instantly abandoned his attack and leapt backward.
If that stick had struck him, he would've been seriously injured—or worse.