Chapter 785: Standing Up for Max
Omar glanced at Julio, his eyes narrowing briefly as though considering whether the man before him was worthy of even that chance. After a long moment, he waved a dismissive hand, lips curling into a sneer. "Fine. Do it quickly. Don’t embarrass the Thunder Monarch Hall."
Julio nearly shivered with relief and excitement, turning back toward Max, lightning swirling ever more violently around his arms. He planted his feet in a solid stance, jaw tight, eyes blazing with determination. He was no longer simply battling a stranger; he was fighting for his future, for his dreams of stepping into the inner circle of power.
But all Max did was tilt his head slightly, a cool, dismissive light in his eyes, as if he were staring not at an opponent, but at a child throwing a tantrum.
"Julio, Omar, Josh, what is the meaning of this?!" Gayle barked, his voice ringing out sharp and clear. His fists were clenched at his sides, knuckles pale. His normally calm face was drawn tight, eyes flashing like cold steel as he stared across the room at Josh, Julio, and Omar.
Around them, the murmurs of other warriors and geniuses hushed instantly, a heavy silence descending over the third floor of the restaurant like a suffocating blanket.
He shot a quick, troubled glance at Max, who remained seated, seemingly unfazed, as if watching a mild spectacle rather than a dangerous confrontation.
Julio didn’t even look at Gayle, his entire focus locked on Max, lightning continuing to dance in crackling bursts around his fists. Omar’s eyes were dark and venomous, fixed on Max as though nothing else existed. But it was Josh who answered, his expression cold, voice dripping with restrained aggression.
"Gayle, this is a matter between Thunder Monarch Hall and this kid," Josh said, his tone calm but the underlying threat unmistakable. "I will owe you if Absolute Sword Palace doesn’t interfere in this matter." His eyes narrowed, gauging Gayle’s reaction. He was well aware of the Absolute Sword Palace’s formidable reputation, and there was caution in his voice even as he tried to assert dominance.
Gayle’s lips tightened into a hard line. "Josh, I brought Max here. He is a guest of the Absolute Sword Palace." His voice grew colder, his aura slowly intensifying, blade-like energy starting to leak from his body in fine, sharp wisps. "So, it would be good to put away whatever your force is planning to do here." He drew himself up to his full height, his eyes locked on Josh, refusing to back down.
Josh’s face darkened at that, a scowl twisting his features. His brows drew low over his eyes, and for a moment, his aura flared so violently that the wooden beams of the restaurant ceiling above creaked under the pressure. But then he exhaled sharply, his sneer curling the corners of his mouth as he spat out his words like poison.