The freckle-faced boy was rummaging through the man's belongings on the ground.
When he heard Arthur's voice, his face darkened and he turned his head. He hadn't even seen who it was yet, but he was usually ready to yell 'Beat him up'. However, when he saw Arthur, he was momentarily stunned and the words changed to: "We can't beat him…"
Indeed, they couldn't. Last night, Arthur had defeated several of them in a matter of seconds.
While he knew they couldn't win, his companions were confused.
They had been caught doing something shady, and 'beat him up' was understandable, but how did it turn into 'we can't beat him'?
Should they fight or not?
While they hesitated, Arthur had already approached them. He glanced at the freckle-faced boy, not recognizing any of the others.
The black artist he had admired last night was not among them.
"Good to see you," Arthur said to the freckle-faced boy. "Now, can you get off your same-sex friend?"
The standing boys exchanged glances. Was this a friend?
They all looked at the freckle-faced boy who reluctantly got off his same-sex friend.
His face was contorted with rage!
Arthur ignored him and looked at the guy lying on the ground, crouching down to pat his face, "Are you all right?"
"Not really, can you call the police for me?"
The guy on the ground said, looking disheveled and dirty.
Arthur's face darkened, "If you can still talk, then it means that you're alive. If your belongings haven't been stolen, get up and walk away. This is none of your business…"
"Are you going to fight them?"
The man on the ground stood up in confusion, "I admire your courage!"
Then he stormed off.
Arthur watched him go and then looked at the freckle-faced youth, "Where did you find this character?"
The freckle-faced youth swallowed hard, "What do you want?"
"Nothing much."
Arthur thought for a moment and said, "It feels a little strange to talk like that…"
Including the freckle-faced boy, they were all puzzled. What was wrong with the way he was talking?
Arthur sneered, "I don't like people talking to me standing up!
About ten seconds later, all four of them, including the freckle-faced boy, were lying on the ground, mouths agape and eyes slanted, having been beaten up again by Arthur.
"This is much better."
Arthur nodded in satisfaction after looking at his handiwork.
The freckle-faced boy and his crew were stunned. If you don't like people standing and talking to you, you should have just said so… If you had told us to lie down and talk, we would have done so. Was it necessary to beat us?
They were all very upset, and some of them looked at the freckle-faced young man reproachfully, as if to say, "What kind of friends do you have?
The freckle-faced youth felt even more insulted. Who the hell is this guy's friend? How unlucky can you get?
Arthur's next action made the freckle-faced boy realize that things could get even worse.
Seeing Arthur crouching in front of him and reaching out with his evil hand, the freckle-faced youngster almost screamed, "What are you doing?"
He let out a girlish cry of alarm.
"Be good and don't move or I'll hit you."
Arthur said very gently.
Tears welled up in the freckled boy's eyes, "Be gentle…"
Arthur twitched. What the hell, that trope again?
"So Young and so uncultured…"
Arthur shook his head and fished a wallet out of the boy's pocket, opening it to find quite a bit of money, "You're pretty loaded, huh?"
With a flick of his fingers, Arthur deftly pocketed a wad of cash.
The smooth operation left the freckle-faced youth speechless.
Arthur's attention then shifted to another young thug, his eyes pensive.
The others quickly understood, for few were as clueless as the freckle-faced youth.
They promptly handed over their wallets…
"Look at you, you guys are too nice!" Arthur said, feigning embarrassment. "Friends don't have to be so polite. Well, if you insist, I won't refuse."
The young thugs were furious. Who are your friends?
This is a robbery!
Robbery I Say!!!
Where are the police when you need them?! We want to call the police!!!
After collecting their money, Arthur patted his now bulging pockets, feeling quite satisfied. He still had to buy some underwear later!
…
Arthur didn't wander around for long. Although he didn't want to get lost, he strangely felt a bit lazy.
After a short walk, he longed for a cozy bed to take a good nap.
So, after about half an hour, Arthur went back.
When he opened the door, he saw Lily standing in the middle of the dojo, striking a strange pose.
Their eyes met… Neither spoke, their gazes locked, creating an awkward silence filled with tension.
Lily's embarrassment was almost palpable!
Arthur blinked, "Did I interrupt your practice?"
"No…" Lily huffed and stormed upstairs.
"Are you embarrassed because I caught you practicing?" Arthur scratched his head.
Lily suddenly turned around and glared at Arthur.
Arthur grinned.
Lily stomped over to Arthur and grabbed his wrist.
"Hey, hey… I was just joking, no need to get physical. Besides, you can't beat me…"
"Less nonsense, follow me. I need you for something!"
She dragged Arthur upstairs.
Feeling confused, Arthur followed her.
He watched as she kicked open her room door with a bang, leaving him speechless.
The room was simple, with a bed and a computer desk, the large room mostly empty.
There was a chair in the open area, with an easel set up nearby.
Lily pushed Arthur into the chair, took a deep breath, and said in an almost accusatory tone, "I need you to do me a favor.
"Fix the door?"
Arthur glanced at her room door and said, "Do you have a grudge against it because it's taller than you?"
Lily's mind went blank for a moment. "What was I going to say?"
"I once knew a friend with a bad brain. He always forgot what to say next when talking to me." Arthur sighed.
Lily was fuming. Who's fault is that?!
After a long pause, she remembered her purpose: "I need to paint the Instructor!!!"