Evan Chu and Gavin Wei stopped and turned around. They saw a youth about their age, riding a Windfiend Colt and followed by dozens of attendants, striding toward them.
Evan Chu knew trouble was coming again. He glanced at Gavin Wei and noticed that Gavin looked tense—clearly afraid.
"Who is he? You look kind of scared," Evan Chu asked quietly.
"We've got trouble. That kid's Bastion City's infamous little overlord—arrogant, ruthless, and always bullying the weak. I never thought he'd come for us today. We need to lay low; his dad is one of the top figures in Bastion City." Gavin whispered.
A bitter smile flickered across Evan's face. Dealing with these rich, powerful clan brats always gave him a headache. If he messed up, he could forget about joining Bastion City's auction.
He looked at the stream of people coming and going. Everyone entering or leaving the city had to pay Starstones—and not a small amount, either. Just seeing all those Starstones showed how wealthy Bastion City really was.
The youth couldn't break the rules either, so he got off his Windfiend Colt and walked up to Evan and Gavin, saying, "You two know what's good for you. I want your Windfiend Colt. You can leave now."
Just one sentence showed how arrogant this guy was. Evan Chu smiled and said, "Since you think so highly of my Windfiend Colt, you must know its value. My Windfiend Colt is for sale, not for free."
His tone was neither humble nor overbearing, making it impossible to tell if he was scared or just mocking.
"Kid, don't be ungrateful! My young master is willing to take your Windfiend Colt, that's your good luck. Don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. In Bastion City, you won't even know how you died," one of the youth's attendants barked.
The lackeys really were a reflection of their master. Evan Chu didn't get angry—there was no point stooping to their level.
"Brother, if you really like my Windfiend Colt, I can give it to you. But you'll have to wait one day—I've got things to do in the city. With your strength and reputation, I'm sure you won't make things hard for us, right?"
Evan's words made the youth frown. He asked, puzzled, "Why wait a day? Why not now?"
"I don't have any money on me, and I need to hurry into the city. I could temporarily pawn the Windfiend Colt at an inn or restaurant, so I have somewhere to stay and don't go hungry.
If I give it to you now, where will I sleep tonight? What will I eat? I know you're famous for your chivalry and love helping others, so you won't make things difficult for me, right?" Evan said, putting on a troubled expression that left Gavin Wei baffled—he had no idea what Evan was up to.
The youth was caught off guard by Evan's flattery and didn't know what to say. Just as he hesitated, one of his attendants barked, "Kid, you've got guts—trying to trick my young master! Brothers, chop him up and take the Windfiend Colt!"
Evan burst out laughing, leaving everyone confused. The youth snapped, "Why are you laughing? You're about to die, and you're still laughing—are you scared stupid?"
"I'm laughing at how dumb you are—letting a lackey steal the spotlight. Want to bet? I'll give you the Windfiend Colt right now, and within two days you'll bring it back yourself." Evan said confidently.
"Hahaha! Did I hear that right? I’m supposed to bring it back to you?" The youth burst out laughing. This was probably the funniest joke he'd ever heard.
Gavin Wei’s face was turning green. What was Nate playing at? He seriously regretted tagging along—now it was too late to back out.
"How about we make a bet? If you don’t bring it back in two days, I’ll give it to you unconditionally. But if you do, you have to give me your own Windfiend Colt as well. With your status in Bastion City, I’m sure you’ll agree," Evan Chu said.
The youth laughed, "Alright, I accept. I’ve never seen anyone so gutsy, daring to bet with me like this. But I have a condition—if you lose, I want your life. Deal?"
"Deal. But I have a condition, too. Since I’m handing over the Windfiend Colt now and have nothing left to pawn, you have to give me two hundred Starstones up front. I hear Bastion City’s restaurants are famous—I want to try the food," Evan Chu said with a grin.
The youth immediately snapped, "Are you crazy? That Windfiend Colt would fetch at most a hundred Starstones at auction, and you want two hundred? You must be out of your mind."
Everyone stared at Evan Chu in shock. This guy really had guts—he was actually demanding two hundred Starstones from Bastion City's little overlord.
"Looks like you’re scared. If you’re afraid of losing, forget it—just take the Windfiend Colt. I’m heading into the city," Evan Chu said, smiling.
The youth hesitated for a moment, then said, "Fine, I’ll give you two hundred Starstones. I want to see what tricks you can pull. Don’t think you can escape me in Bastion City—if I want to find you, it’ll be easy. You know the consequences."
With a signal, the youth motioned to his attendant, who handed Evan a storage belt. "Kid, here’s two hundred Starstones. Remember what you said—you’ve got two days to live."
"Thanks. So, can we go now?" Evan Chu asked.
"Go on! I’ll enjoy watching you die soon!" The youth was furious but didn’t know how to vent his anger, looking frustrated.
Evan Chu and Gavin Wei swaggered straight up to the city gate guards, paid the entry fee, and walked in, leaving the crowd staring after them in shock and disbelief.
Gavin Wei asked anxiously, "Nate, can you really make that guy bring the Windfiend Colt back?"
"Nope," Evan said, unconcerned. "I just find keeping the Windfiend Colt around a hassle. Now I’ve got a little brother to watch it for me—and he even gave us Starstones. Where else could you find a deal like that?"
Seeing Gavin’s worry, Evan chuckled, "Don’t be scared. When soldiers come, generals block them; when floods arrive, earth contains them. Since I dared to gamble, I’ve got ways to handle it. Come on, let’s get a good meal—there’s still stuff to do later."
Once inside the city, Evan quickly noticed a few people tailing them—obviously sent by the youth to keep an eye on him. He didn’t care at all.
Bastion City truly opened Evan's eyes. He hadn’t paid attention while sparring with the bully, but now, seeing it for himself, he was genuinely impressed.
The streets were at least a hundred meters wide, packed with vendors shouting, and thousands of people coming and going. Buildings lined both sides in a tangled maze—Evan glanced down the street and couldn’t even see the end.
Soon, a restaurant called Savory Loft appeared ahead. Evan Chu grinned, "Let’s go in and see if the food here really lives up to its name."
Gavin Wei took one look at the restaurant and blurted, "We’d better not go in. The food here is insanely expensive—just one meal can cost dozens of Starstones."
"So cheap? All the more reason to go! Don’t forget, I’ve got two hundred Starstones on me. No way one meal could use it all up!" Evan Chu said, and strode right in.
Gavin hesitated, really unsure what would happen hanging out with a guy who feared nothing. Gritting his teeth, he followed Evan inside...