NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 10: Stop Playing the Hero
As Felix's reputation grew, so did the expectations placed upon him. The Nine Dragons began to demand more from him, expecting him to collect levies that would further their agenda, regardless of the traders’ situations.
One night, during a routine collection, Felix faced a dilemma. A local vendor, an elderly woman, pleaded with him for mercy, explaining that she could barely afford to feed her family. “Please, I’ve worked hard for everything I have,” she cried.
Felix felt the weight of her desperation. “I can’t take from you this month,” he replied, his voice firm but empathetic. “We’re in this together, remember that.”
Later, he received a call from Japra, furious about Felix's decision. “You’re defying the syndicate’s orders! You’re making us look weak!” he shouted. “You think you can just play by your own rules?”
Felix stood his ground, aware that this could cost him dearly. “I’ll do what’s right, Japra. If the Nine Dragons don’t want to protect the people, then I’m not sure I want to be part of it.”
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Felix’s defiance caught the attention of higher-ups within the Nine Dragons. Unbeknownst to him, plots were brewing behind the scenes. A faction loyal to the traditional methods of the syndicate felt threatened by his ideals and sought to undermine his influence.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated with the rival faction. They were regrouping, led by a fierce woman named Mei Ling, who had ambitions of her own. Felix soon learned of a plan to sabotage his operations in IKN, aimed at discrediting him among traders and fracturing their newfound unity.
Feeling the pressure mounting, Felix sought the counsel of Zhu Fen. “You need to be vigilant, Felix,” Zhu Fen warned. “Your ideals are noble, but this is a dangerous game. Trust is a luxury we cannot afford.”
With Rhea by his side, Felix strategized how to counter the threat. They decided to hold a town hall meeting, inviting all traders to discuss their grievances openly, hoping to strengthen their resolve against any attempts at division.
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The town hall meeting drew a significant crowd, filled with tension and anticipation. Felix stood before the traders, passionately speaking about their struggles and the need for unity. “We’re stronger together, and we won’t let anyone tear us apart,” he declared, met with applause and cheers.
But the atmosphere shifted when Mei Ling appeared, flanked by her supporters. “You speak of unity, Felix, but what about loyalty?” she challenged, her voice cutting through the noise. “You’re straying from the path the Nine Dragons have laid out for us. You think you can change the rules?”
Felix met her gaze, feeling the weight of the moment. “I want to create a better future for all of us, Mei Ling. We can’t thrive on fear and oppression. We need a new way forward.”
The tension escalated into a heated exchange, with traders split between support for Felix’s vision and loyalty to the old guard represented by Mei Ling. The air crackled with the potential for violence as old grievances resurfaced.
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As the confrontation intensified, Felix knew he had to make a choice. He could fight for his vision, risking everything, or he could retreat and maintain the status quo, preserving his safety at the expense of his principles.
Rhea’s voice cut through the chaos. “This is our moment, Felix! We have to stand up for what we believe in!”
In that instant, Felix felt clarity wash over him. He turned to the crowd, his voice steady and resolute. “We can’t be divided! This isn’t just about us; it’s about our future, our families! We need to unite against those who would see us fail!”
The rallying cry ignited something within the traders, and they began to chant, drowning out Mei Ling’s protests. The tide was turning, and Felix felt hope rekindling within him.
But as the meeting reached a fever pitch, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the real battle was only beginning. The Nine Dragons would not easily relinquish control, and he would have to fight not just for IKN but for his very ideals of redemption and justice.
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Felix’s triumph at the town hall meeting earned him the trust of the traders and the attention of the Nine Dragons. As a reward for his rising influence, he was assigned to supervise the construction of a new building in IKN—a project that the syndicate hoped would cement their power in the region.
Standing at the construction site, Felix felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The new building was meant to be a hub for commerce, a symbol of growth. But he was aware that the Nine Dragons’ interests lay in profit and control, not necessarily in the welfare of the community.
As he surveyed the bustling site, Felix realized he had an opportunity to influence how the project unfolded. He could either adhere to the syndicate’s methods or push for a more equitable approach that involved local labor and sustainable practices.
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Determined to make a positive impact, Felix began working closely with the local workforce, emphasizing fair wages and safety regulations. He held meetings to ensure everyone felt valued and included in the construction process. “This building belongs to all of us,” he told the workers. “Your hands built it, and you deserve to benefit from it.”
However, the higher-ups in the Nine Dragons were less than pleased with Felix’s approach. Japra and Mei Ling watched from the sidelines, plotting to undermine his efforts. They believed Felix’s ideals could jeopardize their profits.
During a break one afternoon, Felix overheard a conversation between Japra and a few men from the syndicate. “We can’t let him make this a cooperative,” Japra sneered. “We need to remind him who holds the power here.”
Felix felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He knew he had to tread carefully, but he also realized he couldn’t back down.
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As construction progressed, tensions escalated. Mei Ling began to rally her supporters, framing Felix as a traitor to the syndicate. Rumors circulated among the workers, causing divisions. Some feared reprisals for supporting Felix, while others felt emboldened by his leadership.
One night, Felix received a threatening message: “Stop playing the hero or face the consequences.” He showed it to Rhea, who clenched her fists in anger. “They’re scared of you, Felix. They know you can inspire change.”
But Felix felt the weight of the threat. He understood that the stakes had risen dramatically. “I can’t let fear dictate my actions,” he replied, determination in his eyes. “We’re doing this for a reason.”
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The construction site became a battleground not just for bricks and mortar, but for ideals. One day, a serious incident occurred when a worker was injured due to unsafe conditions—a direct consequence of cutting corners by some of the higher-ups in the Nine Dragons.
Felix rushed to the scene, his heart pounding. He found the worker, groaning in pain, and felt a surge of anger. “This is unacceptable!” he shouted, rallying the other workers. “We can’t allow this to happen again!”
As Felix organized medical assistance, he realized this moment could either break or unite them. He addressed the workers, his voice steady. “We deserve better than this! If we don’t stand up for each other, who will?”
The workers rallied around him, their voices rising in agreement. This was a pivotal moment, a chance to show the Nine Dragons that they would not be silenced.
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Fueled by their newfound unity, Felix and the workers decided to confront the syndicate. They prepared to present their grievances during an upcoming meeting with the Nine Dragons. Felix knew the risks but felt it was necessary to demand accountability.
When the day of the meeting arrived, tensions were high. Felix stood before the syndicate members, including Japra and Mei Ling, and laid out their demands for safer working conditions, fair wages, and a commitment to community welfare.
“You can either choose to ignore us, or you can choose to work with us,” he said, his voice firm. “We want to build a future together, but we need your support.”
Japra scoffed, “And why should we listen to you? You think you can change decades of tradition just because you had one good idea?”
But Felix held his ground. “Because we’re stronger together. You can’t continue to exploit people and expect loyalty in return.”
The room was silent, and for a moment, it felt like the future hung in the balance. The Nine Dragons were not used to being challenged, and Felix could sense that the tide was turning.
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While some members of the Nine Dragons were resistant, others began to see the potential in Felix’s approach. They realized that aligning with the community could bolster their power in the long run.
However, Felix knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. The rival faction was still plotting against him, and the whispers of betrayal lingered in the air.
As he looked out over the construction site, Felix felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was not just building a building; he was laying the groundwork for a new way of life—one where power could be shared, and communities could thrive.
But he understood that true change would require sacrifices, and he was prepared to face whatever obstacles lay ahead in his journey toward redemption.
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Felix’s resolve to push for change in IKN quickly attracted attention, both good and bad. While some in the Nine Dragons began to support his vision, others, especially Japra and his allies, grew increasingly hostile. Japra, still seething from Felix’s defiance, plotted revenge, vowing to undermine him at every turn.
One evening, Felix received a warning from one of the workers. “I overheard Japra talking,” the man said, anxiety etched on his face. “He’s planning something. You need to watch your back.”
Felix appreciated the warning but couldn’t let fear dictate his actions. Instead, he decided to confront Japra directly, hoping to broker some kind of peace. He arranged to meet him at the local bar, a dimly lit place where the scent of sweat and smoke hung heavy in the air.
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As Felix entered the bar, he spotted Japra seated in a corner, flanked by a couple of burly men. Tension crackled in the air as Felix approached. “We need to talk,” he said, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach.
Japra looked up, a smirk playing on his lips. “Talk? Is that what you call it? I call it a waste of time.”
Felix sat down, maintaining eye contact. “You know this isn’t just about us. The workers deserve better. We can either fight each other or find a way to work together.”
Japra leaned back, crossing his arms. “You think you can just come in here, throw around ideas, and expect everyone to follow you? You’re not one of us.”
“I don’t want to be one of you if it means perpetuating this cycle of fear and control,” Felix replied, his voice firm. “We could do more—together.”
The conversation grew heated, drawing attention from nearby patrons. Japra stood up, his face flushed with anger. “You think you’re better than me? This is a warning, Felix. Back off, or you’ll regret it.”
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Felix left the bar, heart pounding, knowing that Japra wouldn’t take his threats lightly. He had stirred the pot, and now he needed to prepare for the backlash. He gathered a few trusted allies, including Rhea and Kiran, to discuss their next steps.
“We need to make sure our message reaches the workers,” Felix said, pacing the small room. “We can’t let Japra intimidate us into silence.”
Rhea nodded. “We should hold a rally. Show everyone we’re united.”
Kiran suggested, “And let’s use social media to spread the word. We can draw in more supporters from outside the market.”
With a plan in place, they set to work organizing the rally, determined to make their voices heard. But as the night wore on, Felix couldn’t shake the feeling that the real fight was just beginning.
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The day of the rally arrived, and Felix felt a mixture of excitement and dread. Workers from all over the region gathered, holding signs demanding fair wages and safe working conditions. The energy was palpable as Felix took to the stage, flanked by Rhea and Kiran.
“Today, we stand together to demand our rights!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the crowd. “No longer will we allow fear to dictate our lives! We deserve to be treated with respect!”
The crowd erupted in cheers, but Felix noticed a shadow lingering at the edge of the gathering. Japra had arrived with a group of his men, a dangerous glint in his eyes. As Felix continued to speak, Japra stepped forward, pushing through the crowd.
“You think this changes anything?” Japra called out, his voice laced with malice. “You’re just a puppet, Felix. The Nine Dragons own you, and you’ll learn your place.”
Felix stood firm, heart racing. “No, Japra. We are taking control of our future. We are done being your pawns!”
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The tension escalated as Japra’s men moved forward, attempting to intimidate the crowd. But Felix’s words had struck a chord, and the workers rallied behind him, refusing to back down. A confrontation was imminent, and Felix felt the weight of responsibility pressing on his shoulders.
“Stay strong!” he urged the crowd. “We have the power to create change!”
A brawl erupted as Japra’s men lunged at the workers, and chaos ensued. Felix fought alongside his allies, defending their cause with everything he had. The sound of fists hitting flesh echoed through the air as the struggle intensified.
In the chaos, Felix spotted Rhea grappling with one of Japra’s henchmen. He rushed to her side, pulling the attacker away. “I’ve got you!” he shouted, adrenaline surging.
Together, they pushed back against the wave of aggression, the crowd forming a protective barrier around the speakers.
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As the dust settled, both sides retreated, but the message had been sent. The rally ignited a fire in the community, sparking conversations about their rights and their future. Though bruised and battered, Felix and his allies emerged stronger.
In the following days, word of the rally spread, and support for Felix’s cause grew. People began to view him as a leader, not just a foreman. Yet, the threat of the Nine Dragons loomed large, and Felix knew that they wouldn’t take the challenge lightly.
That night, as he sat on the roof of the building under construction, watching the stars twinkle above, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of determination. He was fighting for something greater than himself, and despite the dangers ahead, he was ready to continue his journey toward redemption.