From Loser to Mighty

Don't Call Me Master

Markus turned to his guards. "Attack him! Finish him off! Don't let him get away!"

Isac hesitated for a moment, but an order was an order. "Charge!"

The guards, who had been surprised, now refocused. They lunged at Dave. This time, Dave didn't stand idly by. He was tired of the accusations and hostility. He had just saved Markus's life, only to be attacked. This time, he would fight back.

A fierce battle erupted. Markus's guards were trained fighters, but Dave was far beyond them. His movements were swift and agile, like an elusive shadow. He danced between punches and kicks, dodging with ease.

Dave didn't want to permanently injure them. He mostly used disabling techniques. He struck nerve points, locked joints, and redirected attacks. Every movement was efficient, without wasted energy. He was also careful not to damage anything valuable around him. Dave didn't want to be sued for damages.

The guards attacked in waves, trying to surround Dave. But Dave was too fast. He was like a ghost.

As one guard threw a punch towards Dave's head, Dave ducked, then quickly pulled a small pouch from his jacket pocket. With incredibly quick finger movements, he took a pinch of dark powder from the pouch and threw it into the attacking guard's face.

The guard gasped, his eyes stinging, then his body went limp. He collapsed to the floor, unable to move.

Dave repeated the trick. He moved among the guards, throwing powder into their faces one by one. The powder wasn't a deadly poison, but a special concoction that could temporarily paralyze motor nerves, a result of the knowledge he'd learned from Grandmaster.

One by one, Markus's guards fell to the floor, incapacitated. They could only groan in frustration; their eyes could still see, but their bodies were paralyzed.

Finally, Isac charged. He was the most skilled among them. Isac delivered a powerful spinning kick. Dave caught Isac's leg in mid-air, spun his body, and threw him into the corner of the room. Isac landed hard, but Dave didn't throw powder at him. He wanted Isac to see what was happening.

In a matter of seconds, all of Markus's guards lay helpless on the floor. Dave stood tall in the middle of the coffee shop, now filled with incapacitated bodies. He stood with his hands on his hips, staring at Markus, who was frozen in place.

"Is this enough?" Dave looked intensely at Markus.

Markus looked at his paralyzed guards, then at Dave. Fear appeared in his eyes. This man... this wasn't an ordinary man.

"I've saved your life twice," Dave said, his voice rising. "First, from the allergy that almost killed you. Second, from your own foolishness in ordering your men to attack me. I have no ill will towards you. But if you dare to bother me again, I won't hesitate to wipe you all out!"

Markus swallowed hard. He saw the burning anger in Dave's eyes. He knew Dave wasn't bluffing.

Suddenly, Markus did something unexpected. He knelt.

"Master!" Markus cried, his voice trembling. "Forgive me! I was foolish! I didn't know! Forgive me, Master!"

Dave was surprised. Master? Him? Dave Vogel, the loser, being called Master by a rich and arrogant businessman like Markus?

Dave felt a little proud. He was pleased. He felt cool. This was recognition of his strength, of his abilities.

"Get up," Dave said, his voice softening slightly. "I am not your master."

Markus rose, still bowing. "But you saved my life, Master! You displayed incredible power! I am willing to become your disciple! I will do anything you ask!"

"I don't need a disciple," Dave said. "I just want peace. And I want you to know, I won't let anyone harm the people I protect."

Marcus understood. "Then one day, I'll return your kindness."

Dave looked at Marcus. He knew Marcus was cunning, but also pragmatic. He respected power.

"Alright," Dave said. "I'll trust you for now. But if you break your promise..."

"Never, Master! Never!" Marcus swore. He then turned to Isac, who was still lying there. "All my men here are witnesses."

Isac, still paralyzed, could only nod.

Marcus looked at Dave again. "Master, as a token of my gratitude, and as a sign of my loyalty, I want to give you something."

Marcus reached into the inner pocket of his jacket. He pulled out a small velvet box. He opened the box, and inside, a large diamond glittered.

The diamond was the North Star. A rare blue-white diamond, the size of a thumb, with a perfect cut that radiated light like a star. It was one of the most expensive gems in the world, a family heirloom of Marcus's, passed down through generations, a symbol of their wealth and power.

"This is the North Star," Markus said, handing the box to Dave. "It's our family's most prized possession. I'm giving it to you, Master. As a sign of my boundless gratitude."

Dave looked at the diamond. He knew it was incredibly valuable, though he didn't know its exact worth. Grandmaster had once told him not to flaunt his wealth, to remain humble.

"I can't accept it," Dave said. "I don't need this."

Marcus was surprised. "But, Master, this is my gift!"

"Keep it," Dave said. "I don't need jewels."

"But I want to give it to you, Master!" Marcus insisted. "This is a sign of my respect! If you don't accept it, I'll feel unappreciated!"

"I don't need jewels," Dave repeated. "I just want you to keep your promise. That's enough for me."

Marcus didn't give up. "Master, this is our family tradition. If someone saves the family head's life, we offer the North Star as the highest honor. If you refuse, it means you're rejecting our honor!"

Dave sighed. He didn't like these kinds of arguments. He just wanted it all to be over.

"I won't accept it. You know I wander a lot, and I can't keep precious things. What if the diamond you give me gets lost?"

Marcus thought for a moment, then realized there was something else he could offer to repay Dave. "Then please accept this. This is a special Young family card. You can use this card to attend important business meetings with Young family associates, and you'll be treated as our equal. This card is exclusive; only certain people possess it. It will be useful. Please accept it."

Dave seemed to need that. "Alright." He took the card and put it in his pocket.

Marcus smiled broadly. "No problem, Master! Thank you, Master! I swear my loyalty to you!"

"Now," Dave said. "I want coffee."

Marcus was startled, then smiled widely. "Of course, Master! Any coffee shop you choose today, I'll treat you."

"Our meeting ends here. I'm still busy." Dave smiled and then excused himself. By the way, he'd been hearing the name Marcus, and it felt familiar. But where had he heard that name?

"Oh my god, why did I forget?!"