Man With Super Medical Skill (Matthew)

The young man leading the Viper Crew hesitated for a brief moment, his gaze eventually locking onto Matthew, who stood composed and unshaken at the center of the arena. As his voice echoed through the space, an almost tangible silence swept over the audience. It was as though the entire world had collectively paused, holding its breath.

Among the spectators, Angus sat with a vacant expression, his thoughts momentarily paralyzed.

What on earth was happening?

Hadn't Matteo mentioned earlier that he wanted me to take the stage and open with a few words?noveldrama

Yet now, that opportunity had been snatched away-not once, but twice. First, by the commanding presence of Ore Island's governor, and then by the audacity of the Viper Crew.

The crowd wasn't faring much better, their nerves unraveling with every passing moment.

Whispered murmurings broke the oppressive stillness:

"This has to be a joke..."

"Didn't Mr. Romero just have a fight to the death with Matthew?"

"There's too much to wrap my head around-Matthew's enigma, Dominic's death..."

"From today onward, another name will be etched into Ore Island's hierarchy of power!"

Amid the mounting tension, Orla's gaze drifted toward the scene. Her eyes, dark and luminous like the night sky, sparkled with quiet intrigue. She parted her lips, her voice soft yet distinct, cutting through the crowd's murmurs like a silver thread. "Mr. Larden, is what they're saying true?"

Matthew's eyes flickered with the faintest trace of emotion, though his composure remained steadfast. He inclined his head slightly, his voice calm and measured.

"Yes. I decided to join the Viper Crew some time ago."

Without hesitation, Matthew pushed lightly against the ground with the tips of his toes, his movement graceful and effortless.

Like a swan gliding through the air, he soared across the expanse of five or six meters, landing smoothly before the assembled Viper Crew members.

The spectators froze, their collective breaths catching as they watched the astonishing leap.

Unease rippled through the crowd, and a single realization gripped their minds.

A martial artist!

The pieces began to fall into place. Of course, Matthew had been able to dispatch Dominic with such ease.

Dominic's training had barely scratched the surface, while Matthew's mastery clearly delved far deeper. With that understanding, the events of the day began to crystallize, forcing reluctant acceptance.

The Viper Crew's leader, Corey, was

the first to react. As Matthew landed

before them, Corey immediately

dropped to one knee, his voice steady and resolute as he

proclaimed, "Corey of the Viper Crew pays his respects to you, Mr. Larden!"

The others quickly followed suit, their voices ringing out in unison, a chorus of fealty:

"We pay our respects to you, Mr. Larden!"

Matthew tilted his head ever so slightly, his calm gaze sweeping over the kneeling figures. A faint smile touched his lips, his voice both warm and commanding as he said, "Stand up."

The unexpected kindness in his tone caught the gang members off guard, their initial apprehension giving way to relief. Unlike Dominic's harshness, Matthew's presence felt steady and reassuring.

Turning his attention away from the Viper Crew, Matthew looked toward Orla, who stood watching from a distance. Her expression was unreadable, but the spark in her eyes betrayed an undeniable amusement. "Many thanks, Governor," Matthew said, his voice steady and sincere.

The simple statement left the crowd bewildered.

Why was Matthew thanking the governor?

Had something significant transpired between them?

Curiosity crackled in the air as gazes flickered between Orla's striking features and Matthew's unshakable calm.

Only now did many in the audience take in the sheer presence of the two figures. Together, they seemed almost otherworldly-poised, elegant, and breathtakingly charismatic.

Orla's lips curved into a faint smile as she met Matthew's gaze. With a playful wink, she replied in a teasing tone, "If you're truly grateful, then come to the keep tomorrow." She paused, feigning a stern expression as she added, "If you don't show up, IP.. get mad!"

To the crowd, her words brimmed with unmistakable flirtation, a dynamic that only added to the intrigue of the moment. Matthew's expression remained unchanged, his response calm and unwavering. "If there is a request, I will do my best to assist."

Orla's smile widened, her delight unmistakable. It was as if she had anticipated that very answer.

"Good," she said, her voice brimming with satisfaction. "Then I'll be waiting for you at the keep tomorrow."

With that, she turned gracefully and began to leave, her regal movements as fluid as water.

Behind her, the towering figure of Toliver followed, his ever-stern expression casting a shadow of authority.

Yet even Toliver couldn't hide the

flicker of surprise that flashed in his

eyes. He couldn't fathom why the governor, who had always remained aloof and distant toward men, now seemed so uncharacteristically warm toward Matthew.

Could it be...

A thought, wild and implausible, crept into Toliver's mind.

Had the governor... fallen in love?