Evan Mitchell stood frozen before Sam, his prior arrogance and bravado reduced to dust in the face of this unexpected twist of fate.
The words Sam had uttered earlier now seemed like a chilling prophecy that had inevitably come to pass: "You want to tie me up, but once you do, there won't be a good outcome for you."
Faced with the overwhelming might of this unexpected ally, Evan Mitchell had no choice but to swallow his pride and assume the unenviable role of a subordinate to this young man.
The humiliation of losing face was undeniable, but the alternative—preserving his own life—loomed as a far graver consideration.
Evan Mitchell's countenance transformed swiftly, his initial arrogance replaced by a forced, disturbing smile as he addressed the situation.
"It appears that we have unwittingly stumbled upon two formidable individuals. Today's events were but a lamentable misunderstanding. I implore you to exhibit mercy and pardon our transgressions. Swiftly, release these two gentlemen from their bindings!"
Though Alex remained physically restrained, his gag was removed, allowing him to survey the rapidly shifting scene with a perplexed expression.
Sam had promised him surprises aplenty, but not even he could have foreseen the astounding turn of events. Was this the elusive and enigmatic master of whom Sam had spoken?
To Alex, the concept of such an overwhelmingly powerful and mysterious figure lay beyond the boundaries of his comprehension.
Nevertheless, with a protector of such an incomprehensible statue standing with them, there was no longer any reason to fear their adversaries.
Spewing a torrent of expletives, Alex unleashed his frustration upon the officers who were struggling to untangle the ropes that had restrained his substantial frame. He pushed them aside with newfound vigor, eager to reciprocate the humiliation he had suffered earlier.
Amidst the uproar, Alex's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of David attempting to sneak away unnoticed.
In a fit of anger, he barked, "Halt! Who gave you permission to allow that boy to escape? Return immediately!"
David nearly tumbled from his horse at this unexpected turn of events.
Fear had gripped him since Sam entered his life, and he was now determined to avoid any further encounters.
David was terrified of Sam's formidable presence and mystified by the extent of Sam's influence, which seemed to reach far and wide.
With his sole advantage slipping away, David realized the vast chasm separating him from Sam.
"What do you want?" David stammered, his voice trembling with trepidation.
"Did you think you could simply slip away? Do you believe the world is so forgiving?" Alex retorted, seizing the opportunity to regain the upper hand.
Helplessly, Evan Mitchell turned his pleading gaze toward Sam, fearing the dire consequences if David were subjected to further punishment.
Finally, Sam spoke, his voice slicing through the tension.
"Consider this matter resolved. There's no point in dealing with someone of his ilk."
Turning to David, Sam questioned, "When you came here to stir up trouble, I noticed someone spying on me from that blue carriage. Was that Max?"
David's heart sank. Did Sam have eyes in the back of his head?
After a moment's hesitation, David nodded.
"Did Max orchestrate today's incident as well?"
Once more, David nodded.
"Very well. You are free to go."
Sam had suspected as much.
Max had intended to prevent him from entering the Seven Profound Martial House, and David had been nothing more than a pawn in that scheme.
Sam had no desire further to entangle himself with an individual of David's caliber.
He had already left a hidden trace of his true essence within David, enough to confine him to his bed for a considerable period.
Relieved, Evan Mitchell swiftly moved to untie the captives, and Alex flexed his wrists, his gaze fixed on Evan Mitchell's prized black-maned horse.
Alex possessed a discerning eye for valuable assets, and this horse was no exception.
While it couldn't quite compare to the snow-white steeds of the Warlord's Haven, it is worth easily exceeding 500 gold.
"We're perfectly fine; there's no need for you to accompany us any further. Leave behind two horses. That black-maned horse is particularly appealing; I'll take it."
Despite the grimace that appeared on Evan Mitchell's face, he relented. "If you find my horse to your liking, please, feel free to ride her."
Seizing the opportunity, Alex leaped onto the back of the black-maned horse with a triumphant grin.
"Heh heh, let's be off!"
As they rode away, Alex's delight was palpable.
"This is worth more than gold! I've never felt this great in my life. Not only did that fool David learn his lesson, but the captain even handed over his own horse. This is what they mean by living the high life!"
Sam smiled, sharing a profound lesson with his companion.
"Today, we borrowed the power and influence of others, but anyone can do that. To truly feel great, we must become strong and rely on our own abilities to command respect. That way, no one will dare challenge us."
"Command respect? Haha, Sam, I'm perfectly content to ride on the coattails of others. How about this, when your name becomes renowned throughout the world, you can vouch for me. I'll simply mention your name, and that should be enough to send them running."
"Agreed!" Sam laughed heartily.
With a sense of accomplishment and newfound resolve, the two galloped back to the bustling square, where the Strength Trial had just commenced.
However, Sam couldn't help but notice the blue carriage still stationed at the side. Max had disembarked and now bore a gaze that radiated determination and frostiness.
"It appears I underestimated you," Max transmitted his thoughts to Sam from a distance, showcasing his extraordinary mastery of true essence.
"But reaching the Second Stage of Body Transformation doesn't make you special. Beating up some equally insignificant potatoes hardly qualifies as an achievement. You once declared that you'd surpass me. I'll be waiting to reveal the true gap between us, to demonstrate that you are not destined to be a world-class elite."
Sam responded to Max's challenge with a knowing smile. "Elite of this world? Perhaps not of this world..."