Max and Sophia noticed about ten people surrounding them as soon as they stepped out of the merchant guild.
Feeling a bit nervous, Sophia grabbed Max's hand for courage and stayed behind him. Max, in turn, proactively shielded her and maintained a safe distance from the aggressors.
Max then faced with the two people who seemed like the leaders of the gang and asked, " Excuse me, could you please make way."
The two persons who are directly opposite frowned and step forward a little closer towards Max to intimidate them, but Max didn't budge a step and stayed right there.
Seeing Max remain unfazed, one of the group members raised his hand to place it on Max's shoulder. However, as he lifted his hand, Max caught it firmly, causing the man to grimace in pain from Max's tight grip.
This sight shifted the expressions of those behind him to fear, as the one who had raised his hand was known to be the strongest among them.
Even the strongest suffered from the physical confrontation between them so they looked towards the leaders and saw their faces black which shame.
Then took people then decide to introduce them and intimidate Max by words, so they to stay their purpose for coming and blocking them.
"Mister, you must be Max, the one at the top of the leaderboard. We are from the merchant alliance formed by me, Joseph, and Blake. We have invited you several times to join our group, but we haven't received any response from you." They asked in anger.
Max, understanding the details, said, "We're not interested in any groups at the moment, and if necessary, I can create a group on my own without joining one."
The answer left everyone around Max and Sophia red with anger. They knew he was right, but backing down now wasn't an option. They had to make him suffer, or they would lose face when others found out they had tried to intimidate Max and failed.
So, they tightened the circle and Joseph and Blake soon began to issue threats which they have prepared.
"Hey, create a group by yourself, who would join your group when our merchant alliance issue, we won't trade with anyone who joins your group." they threatened.
"Oh, it seems someone forgot that the world doesn't revolve around them. Previously, they made threats about not allowing others to trade or face sanctions, but what happened? No one paid attention to those threats. Threats need to come from strength, not from a so-called loose alliance that gets swayed by immediate benefits and jumps from one group to another." Max retorted.
"If you can take control of all the survivors in the region and declare yourself the sole ruler, then I'll cut off my head and serve it to you on a silver platter. If not, don't waste our time." Max warned.
"Mr. max talk after thinking for a sec, the next time you go to the ocean for a ride, beware you might be surrounded by some rouges and get attacked." Joseph threatened.
"Hehe, sure, come and take a bite if you can. I'll see how many of you are willing to risk your lives attacking me. After killing me and losing some of your own, I'd love to ask how the benefits get divided." Max asked.
Blake realized Max had set a trap with his question, which sent those nearby into deep thought. He knew that many among them might hesitate to step forward now if asked to form a group to attack Max. They understood that taking Max down would bring the challenge of dividing the spoils, and they didn't want to share the rewards easily, as it could strengthen others while they struggled to maintain their small group.
Joseph and Blake felt they were hit with a hammer on their face after seeing the group members backing down after reality hit them.
Then they felt were insulted heavily which made them breath heavily with rage which made them sprang into action to attack max.
But soon, they found themselves lying on the ground, groaning in pain, as Max, who was instantly alert, tackled them down with judo, a skill he was highly proficient in.
The others were astonished to see two grown up thrown effortlessly thrown down with simple action.
The other who was surrounding Max then made them feel threat which was issued by him was true as they witnessed his powers in combat.
Although they were intimidated, they gradually retreated, while others began to lift the fallen leaders, showing signs of hesitation and retreat.
Joseph and Blake, now standing in pain with red, glaring eyes and limping, immediately threatened to report the harm done to them to the Island Lord and ensure punishment according to the Island's rules.
As they were talking a group of guards silent crept behind them watching the debacle going on.
Joseph and Blake immediately felt they were rescued and went towards the guards and started complaining which made Max and Sophia watch it with interest as they saw earlier that the merchant receptionist who sent them off then sending a guard at the entrance to inform the city guards as soon, they were surrounded.
So now they were just watching them perform and watch how it will unfold.
After the Joseph and Blake immediately showed injuries which made the guards show the serious expression.
Sophia, standing behind Max, immediately tensed up. As the guards approached, the merchant receptionist suddenly stepped forward, spoke with the guards, and presented a crystal ball.
The guards expertly operated the crystal ball, revealing scenes from earlier showing the group being surrounded and Joseph and Blake springing into action to attack Max. All of it had been recorded, leaving Joseph and Blake stung by the realization that all their preparations had been for nothing.
The guards turned to the group responsible for the commotion and demanded their cooperation, warning that failure to comply would result in judgment by the island lord himself.
Joseph and Blake lost their strength after hearing that and cooperated with the guards and got arrested as they don't want to face the island lord judgement.