"Well, well, well, if it ain't the infamous Snow!" Larry Shadoway boomed, his voice dripping with malice.

The Shadoway Clan might rule Mountain View, but resources were limited amongst its many disciples. Larry, forever dissatisfied with his own allocation, targeted Snow. The Snow family lacked influence and talent within the clan, making Snow easy prey. Larry could potentially beat him to a pulp with minimal repercussions - just a slap on the wrist in exchange for Snow's share of resources. After all, with his grandpa's backing, he could easily convince the distributor to let him "pick up elixirs for Snow", while Snow was lying on bed. The only annoyance? This worthless Snow just wouldn't stay down!

"Larry! The nerve of ya!" Dreamy roared, her eyes blazing with fury. She lunged towards him, claws bared, but Snow reacted swiftly, wrapping his arms around her to restrain her. Against Larry's superior strength, they were hopelessly outmatched.

Larry nonchalantly dug his ear with a smirk. "Nerve? Why wouldn't I show up? Here comes the loser himself, a pathetic excuse for a warrior stuck at the third level of Forgin'. And why wouldn't I, a master of the eighth level, dare to grace ya with my presence?"

Like Snow, Larry was only sixeen. Yet, he had already soared to the eighth level of Forging stage, placing him among the geniuses of Shadoway.

"You're the real waste, Larry, Humph, my brother is now..."

Snow clamped a hand over Dreamy's mouth before she could reveal too much. His hidden abilities and newfound medical prowess were secrets he intended to keep. "We're here for the elixir. Arguing with 'em ain't gonna do us no good."

A loud, exaggerated laugh erupted from the lead servant, River. "Did I hear that right, Snow? You think you deserve the Ironhard Draught?"

River, Larry's loyal lackey, was the one who inflicted the most damage during their previous encounter. Though healed, the leg injury remained a cruel reminder of River's brutality. The fact that a mere servant felt empowered to torment him was a stark reminder of Snow's lowly standing within the clan.

Snow's voice turned icy, eyes narrowing. "A servant knows his place. When did a servant like you get the right to stick your nose in your master's business?" His cold gaze pierced River, who flinched and instinctively retreated.

Shame burned on River's face. He couldn't believe he was cowed by Snow's words. Fury simmered within him. Though a servant, his high standing earned him a monthly Ironhard Draught, a privilege he felt elevated him above Snow.

Dreamy, encouaged by her brother's words, parroted, "A servant should stay in his place!"

Larry shot River a cold glance, displeased with his earlier performance. River's head snapped down, his bravado vanishing in the face of his master's disapproval.

A mocking smile twisted Larry's lips, his eyes filled with disdain. "Master? You call yourself that, Snow? River, a servant at the fifth level of Forgin', is stornger than you. What makes you think you can act all high and mighty?"

Eager to redeem himself, River shoved himself between Snow and Larry, spewing venom. "You, Snow, ain't nothin' but a worthless piece of trash, even lower than a servant!"

Snow's brow furrowed. He gently ushered Dreamy behind him, fearing River's rage might lash out.

Seeing Snow's silence, River misinterpreted it as weakness. His confidence swelled, a grave mistake. "Listen here, Snow. You may be worthless, but your sister is a real looker. Maybe the elders will betroth Dreamy to me one day. You'll be callin' me brother-in-law soon enough!"

SMACK!

The sharp crack of Snow's palm against River's cheek echoed through the courtyard, leaving a red mark on his face. Snow, his patience exhausted, struck River across the face. The blow stunned River, who never imagined Snow would defy him after the previous beating.

A dark cloud settled on Larry's face. It wasn't the violence itself, but the audacity of it. That Snow, the boy he'd always dismissed, dared to strike a servant in his presence. Yet, a cold fury also simmered beneath the surface, directed at River. The servant's insolent remarks about Dreamy were a blatant overstepping of boundaries. Larry saw Snow as a mere pawn, but River's ambition was a threat. He would deal with River later. For now, he needed Snow's Ironhard Draughts.

"Know your place, servant. A servant coveting a master's status? A toad dreamin' of swan meat?" Snow's voice dripped with ice. He could tolerate their taunts, but daring to belittle Dreamy was a death wish.

It took a moment for the slap to register on River's mind. A waste like Snow, a mere third-level Forger, had dared to strike him? Rage surged through him. "Snow, you little runt! You dare hit me?!"

"And I'll do it again!" Another stinging slap met River's face before he could react.

Dreamy, ecstatic at the tables being turned, clapped her hands and whooped.

River, seething with fury, dumb-founded as to why he wasn't able to dodge, clutched his throbbing cheek and turned to Larry. While he didn't fear Snow, Larry held his life in his hands. To act, he needed permission. He swore vengeance. This time, he'd beat Snow to a pulp, then manipulate Larry into finishing him off. Only death could erase this shame!

Larry, his voice devoid of emotion, spoke, "This is your squabble, River. A fifth-level Forger like yourself can't handle a third-level waste?" His words were a subtle green light for River to proceed.

Empowered by Larry's tacit approval, River whipped around, a sneer twisting his features. He cracked his knuckles menacingly. "Ready, Snow? Let's see what a weaklin' like you can do!"

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Dreamy, her courage flaring, stepped forward in a defensive stance. "Leave him alone! If you attack, once the Chieftain emerges from seclusion, I'll tell him everythin'! You'll all pay the price!"

Larry scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "The Chieftain? Who knows how long a powerful feller like the Chieftain will stay in seclusion. By the time he comes out, this will all be water under the bridge." He gestured impatiently for River to act.

Snow gently pulled a concerned Dreamy back. "Dreamy, don't you fret none. A mere servant can't harm me."

Dreamy hesitated, her brow furrowed with worry. She couldn't bear the thought of Snow being hurt again.

"Believe me!" Snow rubbed Dreamy's head and finally convinced the little girl.

A cruel smile displayed on River's face as he murmured, only audible to Snow, "You're askin' for it, Snow. I spared you last time, but not this time!"

"Really now?" A cold glint flickered in Snow's eyes. In his mind, River's fate was already sealed.

"Hey!" River roared, lunging for Snow with a slap aimed at his cheek. Two stinging slaps still burned on his face, and he craved payback.

SMACK!

A sharp crack echoed. Not the sound of River's slap connecting, but Snow returning the favor with a vengeance. This time, the blow was brutal, knocking several of River's teeth loose.

"How dare you, a mere dog yappin' at his master!" Snow's voice dripped with icy disdain as he unleashed a flurry of strikes on River's face.

Stunned silence gripped River. How could this supposed waste, a third-level Forger, overpower him so easily? He was putty in Snow's hands. This was impossible!

Click!

A sickening crack resonated through the air. Snow had mercilessly shattered River's left leg - the very same leg he injured during their previous encounter.

"Stop!" Larry bellowed, finally recognizing the surge in Snow's aura - already levitated to the fourth level! Surprise clouded his features. Not only had Snow healed, but his Forging level had raised. What secrets was he hiding?

Ignoring Larry's command, Snow raised his foot, and crippled River's other leg.

River's screams pierced the air, sending shivers down the spines of the nearby servants. They silently thanked their lucky stars they weren't the one provoked Snow's wrath.

Snow's foot hovered menacingly over River's head. His intent to kill was undeniable. Belonging to the Shadoway family granted him impunity for eliminating a servant, especially considering the provocation.

"I told you to stop!" Larry roared, charging at Snow with the ferocity of a tiger. His fist stroke, desperately to save his most cunning and capable servant.

Sensing the danger, Snow swiftly retreated, shielding himself with his arm.

BANG!

A resounding boom filled the air as Larry's attack connected. Though blocked, the force of the blow sent a jolt through Snow's body, causing blood to surge up his throat.

Snow stumbled back, coughing up a mouthful of blood. The disparity in power was undeniable.

Larry glared at Snow, his voice booming, "Snow, you attacked my servant for no reason, and now you're tryin' to kill him!"

Larry, along with his entourage, surged towards Snow like a pack of ravenous wolves.

"Wait!" Snow called out, his voice ragged. He knew a head-on confrontation with Larry, a seasoned eighth-level warrior, was a recipe for disaster.

Dreamy rushed to Snow's side, her face etched with concern. "Brother, are you alright?"

"Don't you worry, Dreamy," Snow reassured her, forcing a smile.

Larry tilted his head back, a haughty sneer twisting his lips. "Snow, any last words?"

River's wails of pain filled the air. Seeing Larry pause, he croaked out, "Master Larry, don't listen to him! Avenge me!"

Snow's gaze remained fixed on Larry, unwavering. "Larry, don't you act like this just because you want my share of the Ironhard Draught?"

Larry snorted, refusing to answer. Anyone with a discerning eye could see his motives. But admitting it would be a disgrace.

"Snow, you are a worthless waste, you ain't got no right to take those elixirs," a nearby attendant spoke on Larry's behalf.

Snow ignored the servant and looked at Larry. "I got an idea that could solve the problem."

"Oh?" Larry's expression changed, interest piqued by the unexpected offer. "What's the proposal?"

"You and I will have a gamblin' duel. If I lose, all future resources allocated to me by the family will be yours. The same goes for you, if you lose." A steely glint flickered in Snow's eyes, betraying a newfound determination.

Resources were the lifeblood of ascension, the key to unlocking greater power. This gambling duel wouldn't just settle the dispute with Larry, it could also secure more training resources for himself.

Before Larry could speak, Dreamy interjected anxiously, "No! " Larry's Forging is four levels higher. How can Snow possibly win? Isn't this a suicide bet?

"Brother, we don't need to be afraid of them. I'll tell the Chieftain and they won't dare bully us again!" Dreamy pleaded, convinced Snow was pressured into the duel.

After hearing Snow's words, Larry was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Did I hear you correctly, Snow? You want to challenge me in a match?" Larry reached up to scratch his ear, a mocking smile playing on his lips. The servants beside him chuckled along. A mere fourth-level neophyte like Snow daring to challenge Master Larry? It was like a fly challenging an eagle.

"You heard me right!" Snow said, then leaned in to whisper to Dreamy, "Trust me, if I wasn't sure, I wouldn't risk it."

Seeing Snow's confident demeanor, Dreamy held back from arguing further, choosing to believe in him. But a seed of doubt lingered in her heart. How could a fourth-level Forger possibly defeat an eighth-level one?

Hearing Snow's confirmation, Larry's laughter intensified. "Snow, Snow, I don't know what kind of luck you've stumbled upon to heal your injuries and improve your Forgin' so quickly. But you think a measly fourth level like yourself can fight me?"

River, still sprawled on the ground, croaked, "Master Larry, ignore this arrogant bastard and beat him to death, the resources are yours anyway! "

"Shut up!" Larry's voice snapped, his face hardening. While he desired Snow's resources, killing him would cut off the supply. The clan won't provide for a dead person. His plan was to beat Snow into submission, but a duel was even better.

"Why, don't you dare?" Snow taunted with a hint of sarcasm.

"Haha! What have I, Larry Shadoway, ever feared?" Larry declared, a confident smile plastered on his face. "You asked for it, Snow. Don't come cryin' to me later if you can't handle it. But of course, we need to set a time and place. A few years from now wouldn't do us much good, would it?"

"There's no need to wait that long," Snow countered. "One month. On the day the elixirs are distributed, we'll meet at the training field." One month was enough time for Snow to improve his strength. Any longer, and Larry might back out.

"Excellent!" Larry clapped his hands, excitement crackling in his voice. A ferocious grin twisted his features as he leaned forward. "There will be moments in the duel where holdin' back won't be an option, Snow. Don't come cryin' about mercy later if it comes to that." His gaze narrowed, and an invisible pressure slammed into Snow.

Snow met Larry's stare head-on, his jaw clenching. This man clearly aimed to ruin him. Mercy shouldn't be his consideration.

"Agreed," Snow said, his voice firm. Refusing wasn't an option. In fact, this might be his chance to eliminate Larry... definitively.

Dreamy kept tugging on Snow's sleeves, her eyes wide with silent pleas. But Snow seemed oblivious, his resolve solidifying with each passing moment.

"Enjoy your last handout, Snow," Larry scoffed, his smile wide and arrogant. With a final, contemptuous glance at Snow, he turned and strode away, his entourage following in his wake.