The Rise of the Legendary Santhigar

Chapter 3: Powers Unleashed

Zoriel couldn’t believe what he had just heard from his friend.

So even without the doctor’s approval, he chose to leave the hospital and signed a waiver.

There was no way he would let them take his jeep when all its papers were complete.

His vehicle was legally registered, and he even had a business permit.

They couldn't claim it was operating illegally.

As soon as he arrived at the municipal office, he went straight to the help desk.

“What is your name?”

“Zoriel Del Cruz. I’m the owner of the Jeep they just took. It’s not illegal, Ma’am! I have the documents to prove it!”

The woman frowned but nodded.

“Oh, that was yours? Sorry, but the police already transferred it to the impound lot. You’ll need to go there and present your papers.”

Zoriel let out a frustrated sigh.

If they had already impounded it, he was in trouble.

But how?

He had just renewed his license. His OR/CR was updated. Even his business permit was valid.

So, how did this happen?

“Oh, look who’s here. Still alive, huh?”

Zoriel turned abruptly.

His eyes darkened when he saw Alfred and Jessa standing together, arms entwined.

They were smirking at him, clearly enjoying his frustration.

Alfred sneered.

“Something wrong, Zoriel?”

Zoriel clenched his fists.

He wanted to punch him, but the bodyguards standing behind Alfred were watching closely.

“It’s none of your business, Alfred!” Zoriel snapped.

Jessa frowned.

“Watch your mouth, Zoriel! He’s the mayor now!”

Zoriel turned to her, his jaw tightening.

“And? He’s still a wife-stealing bastard.”

Alfred’s expression darkened as he suddenly grabbed Zoriel’s collar.

“Watch what you say, Zoriel! Or your jeep won’t be the only thing you lose,” he threatened before shoving Zoriel back.

Zoriel narrowed his eyes.

“What did you just say?”

Alfred adjusted his coat, smirking.

“That’s what you get for going against me.”

Zoriel’s fists clenched even tighter.

From the beginning, he had a feeling that something was off about how his jeepney was suddenly confiscated without any valid reason.

His papers were complete. He had no violations.

Turns out, this man was behind it all.

He glared at Alfred, but the man only grinned back at him.

“What? Are you angry?”

Alfred stepped forward, making Zoriel feel even more cornered.

“What can you do, huh?”

He jabbed his finger against Zoriel’s forehead, pushing it slightly, forcing Zoriel’s head to tilt back.

“Do you really think you matter, huh? Zoriel, maybe it’s time you understood your place. Stay away from Jessa!”

With a final, harder push of his finger, Alfred knocked Zoriel off balance.

He fell to the ground.

Zoriel felt so small, so insignificant in that moment, crushed by Alfred’s words.

Yes, he was just a jeepney driver. Someone who worked the streets.

Someone who smelled like the streets.

But he gave Jessa everything she ever needed.

A high-pitched ringing echoed in his ears, leaving him momentarily deafened by the humiliation.

He could feel the judgmental eyes watching him all around.

Was this really what he had been reduced to? Was this how low his life had fallen?

As he regained his footing, Zoriel glared at Alfred again.

He wasn’t going to let him get away with this.

Slowly, he stood up, facing Alfred’s smug, grinning face head-on.

He was just about to charge at Alfred when—

BAM!

Alfred was suddenly thrown backward, crashing against the wall.

“Mayor!” Jessa shrieked.

Alfred groaned in pain, clutching his back where he had hit the hard surface.

But before he could recover, his own fist shot up—and he punched himself in the face.

“Alfred! What are you doing?!” Jessa cried, panic in her voice. “Stop that!”

Alfred struggled, his arms trembling as if he were trying to resist an invisible force. But his fists kept moving against his will, delivering blow after blow to his own face.

His bodyguards rushed toward him, trying to stop him, but his fists refused to obey.

The crowd of onlookers gasped in shock, whispering among themselves.

Meanwhile, beside Zoriel—where no one else could see—Lily hovered in the air, giggling as she waved her tiny hands.

“You are doing this, right?” Zoriel whispered, eyes widening.

Lily turned to him, grinning mischievously. “He deserves it. He’s evil.”

Zoriel swallowed hard.

He didn’t know whether to feel satisfied or horrified.

Alfred’s lip was now bleeding, and one of his eyes was swollen shut.

“Alfred! Stop!” Jessa pleaded, her voice desperate.

“I—I can’t!” Alfred gasped, still struggling.

Zoriel shook his head and smirked.

“Maybe it’s you who should think twice before messing with me, Mr. Mayor. Looks like karma is favoring me now.”

He cast a subtle glance at Lily and gestured for her to stop.

Alfred’s fists finally froze midair before dropping limply to his sides.

His body sagged, and he nearly collapsed from exhaustion.

Jessa turned to Zoriel, eyes burning with fury.

“You did this, didn’t you?!” she accused.

Zoriel merely smirked.

“I didn’t lay a finger on him.”

“You… I swear, Zoriel!” Jessa growled before turning to Alfred’s guards. “What are you waiting for?! Get him to the hospital!”

The bodyguards hurriedly lifted Alfred and carried him out of the municipal office.

Zoriel watched them go, unable to suppress his grin.

For the first time in a while, he felt a sense of relief.

Then, he turned to Lily.

“Alright, I might actually listen to you now,” he said. “But first—my jeep.”