Alex called Max to sit beside him as he observed his wound and asked with a cold expression.

"Max, who beat your ass like this?"

Max scratched his head in embarrassment and said"Your highness, don't worry about me, I am fine."

"I let them hit me that's why I have these minor scratches," Max spoke as he smiled bitterly.

"Why?" Alex asked with a curious expression.

Knowing Max and his temper, he can tear down this entire town if he wanted.

"Your Highness, as you asked. I was looking for information about Aaron riders. But it was my bad luck that I stumbled across one of them."

"Finding the opportunity, I beat him and tried to ask the details but then many gang members came to fight me. Seeing the situation going out of hand. I thought of a plan and decided to surrender so that they can take me to the base."Max narrated.

" So, you came from their base just now," Alex asked.

Max nodded and started to narrate his story further"After I was taken to the base. I saw approximately 40 people there who are doing their usual activity."

"They are also involved in selling drugs and taking commissions for killing. I told them to stop these activities otherwise my lord will punish you."

"He laughed and said he has Marquise Sten's and Dorda's backing and Sten is openly supporting him and what can a punny human without a status do?"

"After that, I got beaten and he gave me a chance to redeem myself. He told me to ask my lord to come here and light his cigar."

"He was confident that we can't escape from the city without his permission as his men are all around the city. Without his permission, even a bird can't fly."

"Moreover, he was sure that we are just ants and he can crush us any time."

"Pfttttt..." Alex laughed along with the other soldiers.

Wiping off the tears and controlling his urge to laugh, he asked 'So, he wanted me to come and light his cigar.'

"Hey, did you all listen to what he said?"

The soldier laughed and pitied the man and prayed that the man may grow some brain in the next life.

These people had already burned incense for the boss of Aaron riders but they didn't think that the man's soul would be able to rest in peace even after dying.

Alex turned his head towards Ben and said"Now, do you understand why I don't reveal my identity and say that I am the king."

"If people of other Kingdom heard that I am fighting goons instead of soldiers on the borders, just what reputation would be left of me."

Ben nodded hearing Alex's words. On the way, he always pestered Alex to reveal his identity.

Not only this would make things easier but would also spread his fame around Nevan and people would see him in a new light.

But now he understands that doing this would just show the other Kingdome an ugly and weak side of the Kingdom.

A Kingdom where the King would have to take care of small matters like this is a laughable matter and Alex would be mocked all around.

"So my soldiers say, "Alex shouted.

"Shall we visit that man and give him some respect by lighting his cigar?"

"Shall we?"Alex asked.

"Yes."

"And some of you stay and guard Hugo and the others we brought," Alex spoke and ask them to make themselves feel better.

The soldiers shouted in a loud voice which shook the entire tavern.

Ben facepalmed seeing the soldier's excitement.

All of the men have been swayed by King's bandit nature. Ben feared that Alex might be a reincarnation of King of Bandits who ruled a huge bandit organisation in his previous life.

He knew that Alex was going to raid the place and take all the money.

The old man who was boss of the tavern ran towards Alex and spoke with a worried tone"Kid, please don't do something rash. I know your blood is boiling and due to your hot blood you wanted to fight Aaron rider."

"But please refrain from doing so. You will just be in trouble."

Alex shook his head and held his hand and said"Uncle, thanks for your kind treatment and hospitality. The thing I am going to do is my job. I can't shrink away from it."

"Don't worry I am not going to die, I promise, "Alex spoke with a genuine smile.

Alex didn't care too much about values. He just has a single belief.

Respect those who respect him, crush those who try to spit on you.

....

Inside a huge warehouse in the middle of the city.

A group of people had made their base.

Previously the warehouse was used for storing granaries and food but now it was used for doing all sorts of illegal activities.

On the other side of the warehouse, there was a huge pub that opened for those who wanted some recreation and entertainment while the inside was the hideout of the bandits.

All the money and lots were stored inside it.

Aaron was the Boss of the Aaron rider's bandit group. He was a squire ranked warrior who was a part of Marquise Sten knights before.

With no one to threaten his position in the town, he rose in power within a year establishing his mini-empire with his strength by forcefully making others submit to his power.

He poured a glass of wine and took a sip while smiling in satisfaction but his happiness didn't last long as he heard a loud sound that shook the whole building.

" Who!"He got up and shouted.

A man came inside hurriedly and spoke with trembling in fear.

"Boss, we have a problem. A group of bandits have raided this place."

Aaron choked and spat the wine that he was drinking and said"I am the biggest bandit here. Who the hell has grown the balls to invade my place?"

"I don't know my boss. They came in a group and are claiming themselves as Bandit Slayer."

"A group of bandits that kills other bandits. Let's go and see." Aaron muttered and pulled a huge machete given by Marquise Sten, he walked towards the upper floor with an expression to slaughter the enemy.

But as soon as he stepped inside a huge room which was a place for people to drink, he frowned to see that all his people had been flattened to the ground and were lying on the floor in a pool of their blood.

Inside the room, a man sat on the chair folding his leg and looked at him with a sinister smile that made him shudder.

"So Sir Aaron, you have finally graced us with your presence."

"Who are you?" Aaron asked.

"I am Rex. Your humble servant whom you wanted to light your cigar is finally here."

"Sir, you see this lad of mine didn't know the immensity of the sky and offended you and I have come to offer my services as an apology," Alex spoke as he pushed Max forward.

"Sir, please come. I'm going to give you a nice special service which you are going to remember throughout your life."

"Only if you remain alive after that," Ben added in a soft tone.

"Kekekekeke." Alex's eyes glowed fiercely and he laughed in a metal screeching tone that echoed in the whole building.