Chapter Making 202
Chapter 202
Tristan, witnessing the brutal fate that befell his son, Sylas, was at a loss for words.
He hadn’t anticipated that his momentary delay in stopping his son would lead to such a disastrous outcome.
But aside from the heartache, he was helpless.
Even if Gilmore had acted against Sylas, if he desired Tristan’s life, it would be as easy as flipping his hand.
Consequently, Tristan could only watch the unfolding events, utterly powerless.
“Is there anyone else who wishes to challenge me?” At that moment, Gilmore, standing atop the stairs, scanned the hundreds of Star Gate martialists and disciples below him and posed the question.
Though his voice was soft, it sent chills down the spines of every Star Gate disciple and martialist.
They had just witnessed the gruesome fate that befell Sylas.
And if that wasn’t a testament enough, one only had to look at their severely injured leader Tristan, and the battered presbyters on the stage.
Everyone knew that the masked figure was responsible for all of it.
Couldn’t they discern how formidable this masked man truly was?
Moreover, when Tristan himself expressed his willingness to relinquish his leadership position, it was evident that he wasn’t too attached to it. So why would these disciples and martialists risk their necks?
Hence, when Gilmore threw out the challenge, the hundreds of martialists and disciples present remained silent, heads bowed. No one wanted to be the next martyr.
Witnessing this, a bitter chill ran down Tristan’s spine. After serving as the leader for over a decade, it pained him to realize that in the end, not a single soul would stand by his side, through life and death.
Tristan felt his tenure as the leader had been a dismal failure.
Consumed by overwhelming disappointment, he felt no lingering attachment to his former title. Addressing the crowd of martialists and disciples, he declared, “Since none of the disciples and martialists here have any objections, then, from this moment forward, this… distinguished martialist shall be the new leader of Star Gate.”
He initially intended to announce Gilmore’s name but realized he still didn’t know it, hence referring to him as “distinguished martialist.”
As the words left his lips, Phoenix and Steve, both supported by others due to their injuries, exchanged a quick glance,
In unison, harnessing every ounce of strength, they commanded, “All disciples and martialists of Sir Gate, pay your
new leader!” respects and bow to your
“Bow!
With the presbyters‘ loud exclamation, every disciple and martialist on the square knelt before Gilmore.
Even the injured Phoenix and Steve struggled to kneel before him with assistance
“Prostrate the two presbyters solemnly ordered again.
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Chapter 202
In response, all the disciples and martialists touched their foreheads to the ground in deep reverence.
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To Tristan’s surprise, Steve and Phoenix immediately facilitated the ritual of recognizing the new leader without waiting for
him.
He was painfully reminded of the transitory nature of loyalty as he had just relinquished his position, the two presbyters were already eager to ingratiate themselves with their new leader.
Despite the sting of their actions, Tristan too, aided by others, prostrated before Gilmore.
After completing their gesture of allegiance, everyone lay prone on the ground, full of reverence, not daring to move a
muscle.
Gilmore spoke, “Everyone, rise!”
“Thank you, leader?” The voices of the martialists on the plaza, along with Tristan and the two presbyters, echoed to the heavens.
Only then did they stand up.
Gilmore addressed them all, “Now that I am your new leader, let me introduce myself.
“You don’t need to know my real name, just know that my alias is ‘Black Eagle‘
“As your new leader, I promise to shield Star Gate from any form of humiliation or insult by other sects.
Furthermore, I will ensure that Star Cate flourishes, becoming renowned throughout Eldoria, and that each of you grows in strength, fame, and wealth.”
Almost immediately, all the disciples and martialist in the plaza clapped their hands.
An immediate and deafening applause erupted.
The disciples and martialists cheered, particularly buoyed by Gilmore’s vow to enhance their individual prowess, prestige, and prosperity.
Such a promise felt more tangible to them than abstract pledges of glory and legacy.
Many had joined Star Gate with the hopes of acquiring martial arts, fame, and fortune.
Gilmore’s words struck a chord, securing the allegiance of all present.
“I’ve said my piece, Gilmore continued, the crowd hanging onto every word. “If no one has anything else to add, you may disperse. And remember, tonight, everyone gets an extra meal, and a bonus as a token from your new leader. Consider it a welcome gift.
The plaza erupted in jubilation.
Shouts of “Long live Leader Black Eagle!” and “Black Eagle is so generous!” filled the air,
If Gilmore’s initial promise had captivated their hearts, the offer of a hearty meal and bonus had undoubtedly won their
stomachs and wallets.
In that moment, the new leader, Black Eagle, secured his place in the hearts of all the Star Gate martialists.
They chatted animatedly, laughing and jesting as they dispersed
Yet, amidst the celebratory atmosphere, the unconscious and severely injured Sylas lay forgotten on the plaza. No one approached or spared him a glance.
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Many cast disdainful and contemptuous looks his way, recalling the times when Sylas, relying on his status as the heir to the sect’s leadership, acted high and mighty.
While Sylas had enjoyed flaunting his power and position at Star Gate, he bullied many disciples who felt too intimidated to speak up against him.
Seeing him now, incapacitated and vulnerable, many disciples felt that this was poetic justice for his past actions.
Soon, the plaza was empty of the disciples and martialists, except for a few elite Star Gate members who patiently waited on the platform, awaiting further orders from their new leader.
At that moment, the second presbyter, Phoenix, addressed Gilmore, “Black Eagle, even though Tristan has relinquished his leadership, he still needs to be strictly punished for his previous affronts to you
“Moreover, the Treasure Map in his possession must be handed over to you. And to ensure the map’s secret remains within Star Gate, I suggest imprisoning him in the stone chamber within the mountain cave behind us, never to leave Star Gate.”
Tristan had never imagined that his former subordinate would turn against him so decisively.
He internally seethed with resentment.
Yet, he recognized the shift in power dynamics. If he continued to see himself as the leader, he’d likely meet a swifter end.
Thus, he dutifully pulled the Treasure Map from his pocket, offering it to Gilmore with a formal gesture, “Black Eagle, now that you’re the leader of Star Gate, this Treasure Map should rightly be under your control.”
Tristan thought about the fact that he had only recently acquired the Treasure Map from Denton and hadn’t had a chance to examine it thoroughly.
To give it up so soon stung deeply.
However, in the present circumstances, he realized that holding onto the Treasure Map would not only fail to bring him good fortune but could also lead to his demise.
Better to hand it over,
Gilmore and, in doing so, potentially spare his own life.
Yet, as Tristan hoped this gesture might mollify the tensions, Phoenix pressed on. “Tristan, now that you’re no longer the leader, aren’t you also going to hand over the martial arts secret manuals that have been passed down through generations of Star Cate leaders?”
Tristan’s fist clenched inside his sleeve, his emotions roiling
After a brief struggle with his pride, he slowly relaxed his grip and said, “Black Eagle, Phoenix is right. I do possess Star Gate’s martial arts secret manuals, handed down from leader to leader. They are also yours now…
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