Hels the Mad de, one of the kings of Notting City''s underworld, was, in Dean Bruce''s understanding, equivalent to a mafia boss—one of the more formidable ones at that.


    Other than showing respect to the City Lord''s Mansion, the Magic Guild, and some special faction branches, once night fell, everyone else had to live under their mercy.


    For a moment, even these powerful mentors had grave expressions, all turning their gazes towards Dean Bruce, puzzled as to why someone like him would attract the attention of Hels the Mad de.


    Dean Bruce himself was even more astonished. Since his arrival in this world, he had barely left the academy, so how could he have possibly crossed paths with Hels the Mad de?


    Could it be that Hels the Mad de was also ordered toe and make trouble for him?


    However, even as one of the rulers of the underworld, Hels the Mad de wouldn''t dare to kill someone in broad daylight, right?


    Hels the Mad de, with his notorious reputation, was certainly no fool. Noticing everyone''s attention on him, he immediately fixed his gaze on Dean Bruce and said coldly, "Kid, you''re Dean Bruce? Hmph, not bad-looking, for a dog in human clothing!"


    His eyes carried a hint of envy and jealousy, especially when he nced at Alita Miller, causing him to involuntarily swallow.


    Hearing this, Dean Bruce''s expression instantly turned icy, and a murderous intent flickered in his eyes as he stared at Hels the Mad de.


    After taking a life, Dean Bruce''s mindset had already shifted from what it once was. Now, his only focus was survival—if anyone dared to threaten him, he would eliminate them first!


    Slowly standing up, Dean Bruce released Alita Miller''s hand and calmly said, "The person you''re looking for is me."


    "Good, I''m d you''re brave enough to admit it," Hels the Mad de growled through gritted teeth. "You little punk, how dare you bully my sister? Today, if you kneel down, knock your head on the ground a few times, ande back with me, I might spare your life. Otherwise, I''ll make sure you''re properly taught a lesson!"


    As his words fell, the mentors and the hostesses all exchanged strange looks with one another, their gazes towards Dean Bruce bing curious.


    Hels the Mad de''s sister was renowned for her beauty—so much so that it was said to be otherworldly, making many men hesitant to approach her. The idea that Dean Bruce could have possiblyid a hand on her was simply unimaginable to them.


    Only Alita Miller rolled her eyes. What a joke! Dean Bruce had resisted even her charms; there was no way he would make a move on Hels the Mad de''s sister.


    It was clear that Hels the Mad de was merely using this as an excuse to target Dean Bruce.


    "Kneel down?"


    Dean Bruce grinned, revealing a smile, and said calmly, "I''m sorry, but I really don''t know how to kneel for anyone. How about you kneel first and show me how it''s done?"


    Hearing this, someone couldn''t hold back and burst outughing, causing Hels'' face to darken.


    With a swift motion, Hels drew hisrge de and struck the ground, sparks flying and a sharp ng ringing out. The hostesses were immediately terrified, their faces pale as they hid behind the other mentors.


    Hels said coldly, "You''ve got guts, kid. Even at this point, you still dare to mock me? Well then, don''t me me for what happens next!"


    With that, Hels cast a chilling nce over the other mentors and said in a frigid tone, "Anyone who doesn''t want to get hurt, get out now!"


    "You..." Barnis George suddenly stood up, gritting his teeth, and shouted, "Hels, don''t be so arrogant! We''re all mentors from Notting Primary Magic Academy, and this is the Moonlight Tavern. Do you really think you can cause trouble here?"


    "Primary Magic Academy?" Hels sneered. "A mere Primary Magic Academy means nothing to me. Talk to me when you''re part of the Nine Provinces Alliance. As for the Moonlight Tavern? It''s under my protection. Do you think anyone here would dare oppose me?"


    "I advise you all to stay out of this. The only person I''m after is that scumbag Dean Bruce, to avenge my sister! Now get out of my sight!"


    His words left the mentors exchanging uneasy nces.


    If Dean were someone close to them, they wouldn''t hesitate to stand together and take on Hels.


    After all, if they managed to involve the City Lord''s Mansion or the Nine Provinces Alliance, the oue wouldn''t be certain.


    But Dean Bruce wasn''t particrly familiar with them. They hesitated, weighing whether it was worth crossing Hels for his sake.


    The room fell into an uneasy silence, the air thick with tension.


    Alita Miller, however, remained indifferent. She knew that Dean Bruce possessed extraordinary power—Hels was nothingpared to him, and even if the City Lord of Notting City himself came, victory wouldn''t be guaranteed.


    Knowing Dean Bruce wouldn''t be at a disadvantage, what was there to worry about?


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Dean Bruce shook his head lightly and said softly, "Does your sister know you''re out here ruining her reputation like this? But no matter. Everyone, please leave. I''d like to see what this guy thinks he can do to me."


    With multiple spells and magic scrolls at his disposal, Dean Bruce was brimming with confidence. Even in this confined space, facing a warrior like Hels, he had no fear at all.


    "What nerve! How audacious for a mere mage!" Hels was enraged, his eyes flickering with fury.


    Though Meze was a world dominated by magic, with the most powerful individuals being mages, it was widely acknowledged that in closebat, warriors who trained in martial skills and physical strength were far more formidable.


    For a moment, the other mentors furrowed their brows, puzzled as to where Dean Bruce found the courage to speak so boldly.


    Screeech—


    Hels dragged his de across the floor, causing sparks to fly, which immediately frightened everyone. They quickly stood up and backed away, putting distance between themselves and Hels to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.


    Dean Bruce narrowed his eyes, preparing to cast a spell, but then he heard the sound of approaching footsteps.


    "Hels, what do you think you''re doing?" A familiar voice rang out, halting Dean Bruce''s spellcasting.


    The voice also stopped Hels in his tracks. He turned around to see a middle-aged man d in armor walking into the room.


    "Commander Pino!" Hels quickly saluted, shock evident on his face.


    But it wasn''t just Hels who was surprised. Almost everyone in the room disyed expressions of astonishment upon seeing the neer.


    Pino Field, themander of the City Lord''s personal guard, was essentially the second-inmand of the entire city''s military, a figure of immense authority!


    What surprised them was not just his power, but his status.


    Members of the City Lord''s household rarely made appearances in ces like this!


    As everyone was still reeling from this unexpected arrival, the sound of more footsteps echoed through the room as Nichs William strode in.


    "The Young Lord!"


    "Greetings, Young Lord!"


    As soon as Nichs William''s face came into view, both Hels and his gang of thugs, as well as the mentors like Barnis George, dropped to one knee in a show of respect.


    It couldn''t be helped. Within the academy, Nichs William was just a student, and the mentors not only didn''t need to show him deference, they had the authority to reprimand him. But outside the academy, their roles were immediately reversed.


    Even if Nichs William ordered their deaths, there wouldn''t be anyone to defend them!


    In an instant, the once tense atmosphere in therge room dissipated entirely, as everyone except Dean Bruce knelt before Nichs William.


    One of the mentors urgently whispered, "Dean, why are you just standing there? Why aren''t you paying your respects to the Young Lord?"


    "Dean has no need to bow."


    Before Dean Bruce could respond, Nichs William smiled, walked up to him, and respectfully bowed, saying, "Student greets the teacher!"


    "What?"


    The moment those words left his mouth, everyone in the room was stunned, especially Hels, whose pupils constricted, and his entire body began to tremble with fear.


    Dean Bruce was Nichs William''s teacher?


    That meant Hels had just picked a fight with a brick wall!


    No matter how much of a king he was in the underworld, there was no way he could stand up to the son of the city''s ruler!


    "Very well, rise," Dean Bruce nodded slightly, his heart secretly relishing the shock and disbelief in everyone''s eyes, but outwardly he remained calm. He asked casually, "Why are you here? Didn''t I tell you to go home and thoroughly study the new magic I taught you?"


    Hearing this, Nichs William smiled wryly, "Today happened to be a gathering for the new students. I couldn''t refuse, so I had to attend. However..."


    At this point, Nichs William''s expression turned cold as he looked at Hels, his voice bing sharp, "I heard somemotion next door and thought I''d check it out. I didn''t expect to find someone daring to be disrespectful to you, teacher!"


    "Teacher, let me handle this scum. There''s no need for you to dirty your hands—he''s not worth it!"


    As Nichs William finished speaking, Hels felt the world spinning around him. His legs gave way, and he copsed to the floor, trembling uncontrobly.


    Dean Bruce didn''t refuse Nichs William''s offer. Having his student take care of such matters for him would only elevate his standing.


    At least he could sense the admiration in the eyes of the other mentors.


    No one had anticipated the situation to take such a sudden turn!


    Moments ago, Hels had been brimming with confidence, looking ready to crush Dean Bruce. But in the blink of an eye, he was reduced to a quivering wreck on the floor. Anyone who witnessed this couldn''t help but be amazed, marveling at the sheer power Dean Brucemanded.