The Hidden Overlord Halston

Chapter 3

"What just happened?" one thug asked, his eyes wide.

"He was too fast. I couldn't even see his punch!" another replied, rubbing his neck as if feeling the ghost of the blow. "Who is this guy?"

"Quiet, all of you!" A loud voice cut through their hesitation.

Every head turned toward a figure they usually only saw from a distance. In the middle of the door, a burly man strolled in casually. In his right hand, a half-lit cigarette glowed.

This was Tom, one of the closest men to the Big Boss in the underworld. Smoke still curled from his lips as he extended his hand. A thug quickly handed him a long metal baton.

Tom dragged the baton across the floor. The scraping sound of metal echoed, making hairs stand on end. His steps stopped right in front of Halston.

They were so close that the smell of Tom's cigarette smoke stung. With a slow motion, Tom raised the baton and pointed its tip at Halston's chest.

"Are all of you," he said, his voice low but threatening, "scared of this courier?"

"No, boss!" the thugs answered in unison, though their voices still held traces of doubt.

"Good! He only attacked Colt when he was off guard. Who do you think he is? A hero?"

Tom's mockery sparked small laughs from his men. Kyra stood frozen behind Halston, her hands gripping the cashier counter to stop her trembling. This ordinary-looking Halston had just taken down Colt with one punch.

But Tom was a different story. He wasn't just a thug. Rumors said he was ruthless and had connections to big bosses in the underworld. Anyone who crossed him would meet a grim end.

Suddenly, Tom pointed the baton at Kyra. "Hey, you!"

Kyra swallowed hard. "Yes?" she replied, barely audible.

"Pay compensation for my injured man."

"H-How much do I have to pay?"

Tom's eyes narrowed. "Depends on your attitude and this courier's. If he acts tough again, I'll demand a big bill and make your family go completely bankrupt!"

Halston stepped forward, his expression unreadable behind the helmet. "You're the one who should pay," he said, pointing at the spilled food on the floor. "For my order that your men ruined."

"What did you say, you filthy courier?"

Kyra quickly grabbed Halston's arm, her fingers clutching his worn jacket. "Don't provoke him. You don't know who Tom is. He can ruin your life. For now, just go along."

Tom chuckled, tossing his cigarette to the floor and stomping it out. "Smart girl! You know your place. This courier should learn from you."

"Boss, let this guy go. He's just a customer. He's got nothing to do with my dad's debt," Kyra pleaded.

"Shut your mouth, you wench!" Tom snapped, his voice booming. He tapped the baton against Halston's helmet repeatedly.

"What should I do with this hero wannabe?" he said, his voice full of mockery. "Feeling strong just because you beat Colt? He's just a weak subordinate."

Tom turned to his men. "But everyone deserves a second chance, right?"

"We agree, boss!" the thugs cheered.

"Since I'm generous, I'll give you an opportunity," Tom said, pointing the baton at Halston. "If you kneel and beg for my forgiveness, I might let you join my crew. Good deal, isn't it?"

Halston stayed silent. The room filled with the thugs' laughter, their jeers echoing.

"Look! He's too scared to talk!"

"Acting tough in front of the boss!"

"He's lucky even to get an offer to be a lackey!"

One of Tom's men, a skinny thug with a scar on his cheek, stepped forward. "Boss, let me handle this guy first!" he said, cracking his knuckles.

Tom raised an eyebrow. "You, Jace? Do you think you can take him?"

A grin spread across Jace's face as he pulled out a short chain from his pocket. "He got lucky with Colt. I'll show him his place."

"You sure about this?" Halston asked, tilting his head slightly.

With a wild laugh, Jace swung the chain. "Shut up, courier! I'll break your legs!" He charged forward, aiming the chain at Halston's head.

Halston stepped to the side, smooth and effortless. The chain sliced through empty air. In the next second, he caught Jace's arm and twisted it sharply. A cry echoed through the room. Halston kicked Jace in the knee, sending him to the floor.

The other thugs blinked in disbelief. Kyra's eyes widened, her hands covering her mouth.

Tom's face turned red. "You dare fight my men?" he roared, gripping the baton tighter.

Behind the dark helmet, the corner of Halston's mouth curled. "Three seconds," he said.

"What are you talking about?" Tom growled.

"I'll give you three seconds to run. After that, I'll beat every single one of you!"

A brief silence fell before the thugs' laughter exploded louder than before.

"What did he say?" one asked, clutching his stomach.

"Gonna beat us all?" another mocked, pretending to tremble.

"One." Halston folded one finger.

"Damn, he's counting!" a thug shouted, their laughter growing wilder. "I'm so scared, haha!"

"Two." Halston folded a second finger.

Tom clenched his fist, veins bulging on his neck. How dare this lowly courier mock him in front of his men!

"Three! Time's up, old man," Halston said in a casual tone that made Tom's blood boil.

"You lowly courier!" Tom roared. "You're acting tough because I let you! Otherwise, I'd have killed you already!"

He raised the baton high, swinging it down at Halston's head with all his strength. The swing was so fast it sliced through the air.

But Halston simply tilted his body, and the baton hit empty air. Before Tom could strike again, Halston's fist landed on his cheek.

Crack!

The sound of bone colliding echoed, like a hammer hitting iron. Tom's large body flew back, crashing into a nearby table. A crack sounded as his head hit the wall. He slumped to the floor, blood dripping from his lips, unconscious from a single punch.

The thugs didn't dare mock anymore. Their eyes were glued to Tom's limp body. If Halston could take down Tom, crushing them would be no challenge.

"I've dealt with the flies," Halston said casually, as if he'd just swatted an insect. "Please prepare my food again. I need to deliver this order."