The Invincible Arthur Gardner

Chapter 48 - The Power of the Five

Aston Scott, a 32-year-old man, was one of the three wealthiest individuals in Southlake. His influence

was not only a product of his substantial financial resources but also his connections to the highest

levels of the police force, as well as his well-developed network within the criminal Underworld.

The Underworld was not a specific place but rather an expansive network in the city that connected to

all parts of the dark underworld. This intricate web was managed by five influential figures, famously

known as The Five Underworld Leaders, one of whom was the notorious Aston Scott.

That evening, in a secluded private room, five individuals were seated on a plush sofa, facing one

another in a relaxed manner. A few of them had cigars in their hands, and some had glasses of wine.

A man with white hair, in his 50s and tall in stature, sat with his legs crossed, puffing on a large cigar

and looking serene. “So, Aston, The Goblin,” he said. “Don't tell me you brought all the Underworld

leaders to this place for some trivial matter? I'm a busy person, so whatever you have to say had better

be worth my time.”

He was Johan Monk, known as The King - an influential figure in the Underworld, running the biggest

drug business in Southlake. He was renowned as the wealthiest individual in the city, surpassing even

the publicly acknowledged hierarchy.

Even at fifty years old, with his towering stature of over six and a half feet, he was still immensely

skilled in physical combat. The King was feared not only for his influence but also for his capacity to

fight and kill multiple people at once.

The list of Underworld Leaders was arranged from strongest and most influential to weakest.

#1 Johan Monk (The King)

#2 Patrick Winter (The Demon)

#3 Eliza Peeze (The Witch)

#4 Estella Strong (The Kraken)

#5 Aston Scott (The Goblin)

Aston smirked sarcastically at The King's words, then he chuckled softly. "I take it some of you have

heard about the recent incident that was broadcast on television, correct?" he inquired quietly.

"Mr. Glitzy, isn't it?"

Estella Strong, better known as The Kraken, answered with a sultry face, shoulder-length black wavy

hair, and a deep shade of red lips. She appeared to be around 28 years old.

Estella earned the nickname 'The Kraken' because of her immense influence, which extended across

almost all industries and governments. She even had special access to the president and was capable

of moving the government to enact policies of her own will.

Estella was a young woman who was respected and admired by many; however, beneath her dignified

facade lay a much darker past unknown to most.

Aston smiled at Estella's words, The Kraken. "It appears this man has had some audacious dealings

with the Underworld, and I believe it's time he was taught a lesson. I've been investigating the man's

possible identity and I think I've found someone with a close connection to him. If you're interested, I

can give you the information."

"Aston, The Goblin!" The King, Johan, exclaimed firmly. "Are you going to tell us about your

misadventure? What interesting stories can I expect to hear from this unfortunate individual? Will he

provide me with some amusement? Is he affluent enough that the Underworld Leaders have to deal

with him all by himself?"

Aston smiled at Johan, The King's question, before shaking his head. "He appears to have a great deal

of money, and although I'm sure he isn't widely known, I'm confident he's well-off. He was audacious

enough to spend fifteen billion dollars on the night Claudina held an auction. That's why I believe it

would be advantageous to us if we can discover who he is and obliterate him, thereby gaining control

of his assets."

"So..." Estella The Kraken added, her lips curling into a suspicious smile. "Is it true that he's also good

at fighting, Aston? Or are your bodyguards just too stupid? Hmmm..." She paused for a moment, her

brow furrowed in thought. "I think I want that man," she declared.

Aston replied, "I will give you important information if you share your loot with me later."

Estella then touched her red lips, giving a sultry look to Aston. "I long to experience a man as brave

and strong as he is," she purred. "And when it comes to treasures, I will drink up every bit of wealth he

possesses, and then I'll be satisfied," she continued seductively.

Johan the King then rose to his feet, taking a deep puff from the cigar in his hand. "I want to make sure

that the Underworld Leaders are not subjected to further humiliation," he declared, then turning to

Estella.

"Estella, collaborate with Aston to discover who this man is. You may do whatever you deem necessary

to him, but be sure to dispose of him afterwards. I will not tolerate anyone attempting to challenge my

authority, be it the government, the police or anyone else."

Johan then stepped out of the room, confirming that there were indeed four remaining individuals

inside. Aston, not missing a beat, tossed a photograph onto the table. It was of a young woman with

black hair, appearing to be a mix of Western and Asian descent and looking to be about nineteen years

old.

“This girl's name is Alicia, and I think she has encountered that man in the past. I would appreciate

some solace if you have been able to uncover his identity.”

Estella then spotted a photograph on the table. "Ah, what a cute girl. But I'm quite convinced, if I'm

more alluring than this girl, I'll take this wager, Aston. Leave this matter to me."

***

Arthur had just woken up when his phone buzzed with a message from Alicia. He smiled when he read

it.

"Hi Arthur Oppa, good morning. I missed you so much, would you like to come over to my new house?

I wanted to talk about the job you offered me."

Arthur quickly replied. "Alright, Alice. Send me the address and I'll be there this afternoon. I hope you Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

prepared a nice meal for me, okay?"