Man With Super Medical Skill (Matthew)

After watching Orla and Toliver lead their people away, Matthew shifted his focus to the spectators who remained in the stands, their faces pale and their breaths shallow. They were the ones who had managed to survive the chaos. "Do you all plan to linger here a little longer?" Matthew's calm yet cutting words shattered the heavy silence, pulling the dazed onlookers from their stupor.

The events of the day had been extraordinary, almost unimaginable.

Any one of them could have sparked a storm on Ore Island, yet today, they had collided like thunderclaps in a summer tempest.

Dominic's death, the governor's unanticipated arrival, the dramatic shift in leadership within the Viper Crew, and the governor's private meeting with Matthew-each incident was remarkable in its own right.

Together, they ensured that Ore Island would be abuzz with speculation and gossip for weeks to come.

As the crowd began to filter out, their murmured conversations fading into the distance, Matthew turned his attention to the kneeling members of the Viper Crew.

Their postures were low, their heads bowed, fear and uncertainty etched across their faces.

"Clean up the bodies," he ordered, his tone steady yet commanding.

The bodies he referred to belonged to those who had dared to plot against Orla, the governor.

Their betrayal had been discovered swiftly, and justice had been meted out with cold precision by Toliver and his men during the deadly skirmish at the Governor's Keep.

The gang members flinched at the command before scrambling to their feet and hurrying toward the gruesome scene. They were still grappling with the aftershocks of the day, Dominic's once-imposing shadow lingering in their minds even after his demise. Matthew's gaze settled on Corey, who knelt at the forefront, his expression unwavering in its respect. A faint smile tugged at Matthew's lips as he addressed him directly.

"Your name is Corey, isn't it? I've heard you're a clever man," Matthew remarked.

Corey raised his head slightly, his caution tempered by sincerity. "I am, Mr. Larden, and I wish to pledge my loyalty to you," he replied, his voice steady. "I want to become your vassal."

The declaration sent ripples of shock through the remaining gang members.

A vassal?

The term carried an unshakable weight. To become a vassal was to swear eternal loyalty, not just to the man before them but to his lineage.

Matthew's death would not sever the bond; the pledge would extend to his descendants.

Likewise, should a vassal fall, their family would continue the oath, bound across generations.

Matthew's expression grew serious as he regarded Corey. His tone was low but firm. "Have you truly considered this? Once you take this step, there's no turning back. Even if regret clouds your heart later, won't permit you to break this bond."

The weight of his words pressed down on Corey, the oppressive atmosphere making the man break into a cold sweat.

Yet Corey didn't hesitate. He lowered his head to the ground in a deep bow, the sound of his forehead meeting the floor echoing his resolve.

Matthew, satisfied with the display of unwavering determination, allowed the heavy pressure to dissipate. He extended a hand to Corey, helping him rise. "Corey, you're as intelligent as they say," Matthew said warmly. "I won't waste words explaining what's expected. You already know."

With a firm but reassuring pat on Corey's shoulder, Matthew solidified the bond between them.

Corey's eyes gleamed with

newfound purpose, his mind already

calculating the possibilities and

challenges that lay ahead. His

loyalty, like a seed planted in fertile soit, had begun to grow.

"Master," Corey asked humbly, "what role would you have me serve?"

Matthew's lips curved slightly, his approval evident in his gaze. "You will take the position of Inspector General for the Viper Crew," he declared.

Turning to the kneeling gang members, Matthew spoke with authority that brooked no dissent. "From this moment forward, Corey is the Inspector General. He will oversee internal affairs and ensure order is maintained. He will also..." Matthew's voice sharpened. "...have the power of execution without prior approval."

A ripple of shock coursed through the gathered men, their faces pale as the full weight of the decree settled over them.

The authority to execute without permission meant Corey could act without restraint, dispensing punishment as he saw fit and justifying it afterward.

"This is absurd! I don't accept it!" One voice finally broke the stunned silence, ringing out with bold defiance against the pronouncement.