NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 4: Do You Think We Can Hold Them Off?
The tide began to shift. With Felix, David, Thalia, and Rhea leading the charge, the protestors found their footing, pushing back against the enforcers. The clash of fists, shouts, and the crash of metal filled the air as the tide of battle ebbed and flowed.
“Stay strong! We won’t back down!” Felix yelled, his voice ringing out like a rallying cry.
But as the conflict escalated, Wei Long’s eyes narrowed. “Enough!” he bellowed, raising a hand to signal his enforcers to retreat momentarily. “You think this is a game? I will not let this insurrection continue!”
A foreboding silence fell over the battleground, tension mounting as both sides paused to catch their breath. The true confrontation was just beginning, and the stakes had never been higher.
---
“Do you think we can hold them off?” Thalia asked, her breath heavy with exertion.
“Together, yes,” David replied, determination hardening his expression. “But we need to cut off their reinforcements. If we can do that, we might stand a chance.”
Felix nodded, resolve shining in his eyes. “Then let’s make it count. We fight not just for ourselves, but for everyone they’ve hurt.”
As the battle resumed, alliances forged in chaos and desperation began to crystallize. With every blow struck and every step taken, they knew they were fighting for more than just survival—they were fighting for a future free from the grip of the Nine Dragons.
---
The chaotic scene began to settle as the thunderous roar of IKN government vehicles approached. Flashing lights pierced through the dust and smoke, bringing a semblance of order to the tumultuous battleground.
Officers quickly stepped out, their authoritative presence forcing the enforcers and protestors to step back.
“Everyone, stand down!” an officer shouted, raising his hands to signal the end of the confrontation. “We need to assess the situation!”
David glanced around, heart pounding as he surveyed the aftermath of the clash. The energy of the protestors had dimmed, replaced by uncertainty and fear. As the officers cordoned off the area, he felt a wave of relief wash over him—at least for now, the immediate threat had receded.
“Felix, we need to regroup,” Thalia urged, looking at him with concern. “We can’t let them intimidate us.”
But before Felix could respond, two officers approached, taking him and several other protestors into custody.
“You’re needed for mediation at the police headquarters,” one officer explained, his tone clipped and professional. “We need to sort out what happened here.”
Felix’s eyes widened, confusion flashing across his face. “Wait! We were just—”
“Not my decision,” the officer interrupted. “Come with us. You’ll have the opportunity to explain your side.”
---
As Felix was led toward the waiting government vehicle, he caught a glimpse of David and Thalia exchanging worried glances. They were both caught in limbo, unsure of what would happen next. The officers ushered him inside, the atmosphere thick with tension as the doors closed behind him.
The car pulled away from the scene, leaving the protestors behind in a haze of uncertainty. Inside, Felix could hear snippets of conversations among the officers, discussing the protests and the involvement of the Nine Dragons.
“Another violent demonstration,” one officer muttered. “And now we’ve got to deal with their goons too.”
Felix felt a pang of frustration. He knew the Nine Dragons were deeply embedded in the construction workers' alliance, using their influence to suppress dissent and push their agenda forward. But now, they were poised to twist the narrative in their favor.
---
Upon arriving at the police headquarters, Felix was ushered into a stark, fluorescent-lit room. A long table dominated the space, with representatives from both sides—the protestors and the construction workers’ alliance—sitting tense and wary.
“Let’s keep this civil,” the lead officer said, eyeing everyone carefully. “We’re here to mediate, not escalate tensions.”
Felix took a seat at the table, the weight of his situation sinking in. The representatives from the construction workers’ alliance were visibly uncomfortable, knowing their connection to the Nine Dragons would soon come to light.
“Why are we even here?” one of them snapped. “We weren’t the ones instigating violence!”
Felix took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “You’re here because the situation spiraled out of control, and it’s our responsibility to find a resolution. The workers deserve better conditions, and we won’t back down from that.”
---
As discussions began, it became clear that neither side was willing to budge. Tensions simmered just below the surface, and Felix could sense the Nine Dragons’ influence looming over the proceedings.
“What do you want?” one of the Nine Dragons’ representatives sneered. “Do you think your little protest will change anything? We have the government in our pocket.”
Felix felt his pulse quicken. “No amount of money can silence the truth! The people need safety and justice!”
The lead officer interjected, attempting to bring order. “Let’s focus on solutions, not accusations. What can be done to improve safety on construction sites?”
But the conversation quickly devolved into shouting, with both sides unwilling to compromise. Felix could feel frustration mounting as he realized the gravity of their situation—the Nine Dragons were using every tactic at their disposal to maintain control, and the workers’ alliance was caught in the crossfire.
Just then, the door swung open, and a familiar face entered the room—Clarissa. Her presence commanded attention, and she immediately caught Felix’s eye, offering a reassuring nod.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I believe I have pertinent information,” she said, her tone steady. “The Nine Dragons are manipulating these workers for their gain, and it’s time the truth comes out.”
The room fell silent, eyes turning to Clarissa as she began to outline her findings. “I’ve gathered evidence of unsafe working conditions and the pressure being applied by the Nine Dragons to keep workers quiet. If we present this information, we might just shift the tide in our favor.”
Felix felt a surge of hope. Maybe this wasn’t over yet. With Clarissa on their side, they had a chance to expose the Nine Dragons for who they truly were.
As the discussion continued, Felix leaned in, determined to seize this opportunity. “We have to unite against this manipulation. The workers deserve a voice, and we won’t let the Nine Dragons silence us!”
---
The tension in the room shifted palpably as the Nine Dragons’ representative leaned back in his chair, a sly smile creeping across his face. “Let’s be reasonable,” he said, raising a hand to silence the murmurings.
“Perhaps it’s best to release our friend Felix here. After all, we wouldn’t want any more unwanted attention from the media, would we?”
Felix’s heart raced at the offer, knowing full well it was a tactic to appease him. They wanted to keep the situation under wraps, their motives cloaked in a guise of civility. But the moment Felix stepped outside, he knew they would tighten the noose around him in ways he could not yet comprehend.
“Fine,” Felix replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “But this isn’t over. The workers deserve their rights, and I won’t back down.”
---
With that, the lead officer nodded reluctantly, acknowledging the proposal. “We’ll release Felix, but he will remain under observation. Any further incidents, and we won’t hesitate to act.”
The Nine Dragons’ representative leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Consider this a warning, Felix. We’re watching you. You may think you’re invincible, but remember—there are consequences for those who cross us.”
Felix met his gaze squarely, unyielding. “I’m not afraid of you or your threats. You underestimate the resolve of the people you’re trying to intimidate.”
As he was escorted out, Felix felt the weight of their stares upon him, the air thick with an unspoken menace. He knew that while he had escaped, for now, the battle was far from over.
---Once outside, Felix took a deep breath, the crisp air filling his lungs with clarity. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the pavement. The streets of IKN were still buzzing with the aftermath of the protests, and a sense of unrest lingered in the air.
He spotted Thalia and David waiting by the entrance, their expressions a mix of concern and relief. “Felix! Are you okay?” Thalia rushed toward him, her eyes scanning him for any signs of distress.
“I’m fine,” he replied, though he felt anything but. “They let me go, but it’s not over. They’re still keeping tabs on us, and it’s only a matter of time before they strike again.”
David’s brow furrowed in thought. “We need to stay one step ahead of them. They won’t hesitate to silence anyone who threatens their power.”
Just then, a commotion erupted nearby—a group of construction workers, emboldened by the recent protests, had gathered, their anger simmering just beneath the surface. Felix could see a foreman among them, his demeanor tense and confrontational.
---
In the Streets--- As the workers exchanged heated words, Felix felt a pull toward the gathering. “We need to be there,” he urged his friends, instinctively heading toward the fray.
When they arrived, it became clear that the foreman was trying to assert his dominance, throwing around threats and belittling the workers’ grievances. “You think your little protests will change anything? You’re nothing without us!”
The workers bristled at his words, their anger boiling over. Felix stepped forward, sensing the rising tension. “Enough! We’re tired of being silenced. We have rights, and we won’t be intimidated!”
The foreman sneered, his fists clenching. “You think you can stand up to us? You’re just a bunch of whining cowards.”
Before Felix could respond, the foreman lunged at one of the workers, shoving him back. The fight broke out in an instant—punches were thrown, shouts echoed through the streets, and chaos erupted around them.
---
Felix watched as the workers fought back, their solidarity igniting a fire within him. He stepped into the fray, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he squared off against the foreman. “You want a fight? Let’s settle this!”
The foreman grinned, relishing the challenge. “You’re just another lost cause, Felix!”
The two clashed in a flurry of fists and shoves, each strike fueled by frustration and a desperate need for justice. Felix’s training with Bintang from their days in Black Sorrow surged back to him, and he felt his movements become instinctual.
As the fight raged around them, the noise of the street faded, and all that mattered was the confrontation—his determination against the foreman’s brutality.
But just as Felix landed a solid punch, the foreman retaliated with a knee to his gut, knocking the wind out of him. Felix stumbled back, feeling the weight of the fight pressing down on him, but the workers rallied behind him, their collective courage rising in response to his stand.
---
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the crowd—Clarissa, her camera in hand, documenting the chaos. “This is exactly what the Nine Dragons don’t want to see!” she shouted, snapping photos as she moved closer.
“Keep filming!” Felix gasped, regaining his footing. “We need to show the world what’s happening here!”
With Clarissa’s presence, the fight transformed into a statement. The workers rallied together, pushing back against the foreman and his threats, emboldened by the knowledge that their struggle was being recorded.
As the confrontation escalated, it became clear that this was only the beginning of their fight against the Nine Dragons. The stakes were rising, and with each clash, they were drawing closer to a reckoning.
---
The sounds of the confrontation reverberated through the streets as Felix fought alongside the workers, their resolve growing stronger with every passing moment. Clarissa captured the chaos, her camera clicking away, documenting the struggle against the oppressive weight of the Nine Dragons.
As Felix landed another punch on the foreman, he felt the energy of the crowd behind him. The workers shouted slogans of defiance, their voices rising above the noise. “No more fear! No more greed! Together we stand!” The chant echoed off the walls, igniting a fire in Felix’s chest.
David and Thalia, sensing the tide of the battle shifting, joined the fray. “We have to protect each other!” David called out, grabbing a discarded piece of lumber to use as a shield against the foreman’s aggression.
Thalia moved through the crowd, her calming presence cutting through the chaos. “Focus on unity! Don’t let them divide us!” she urged, her voice ringing clear above the clamor.
---
The foreman, realizing he was losing control, roared in frustration. “You think this is a game? You’re nothing but pawns in a much larger scheme!” He lunged at Felix again, but this time Felix was ready. He sidestepped and countered with a swift kick to the foreman’s midsection, causing the man to stagger.
The foreman’s rage only fueled his attacks, but Felix stood his ground, knowing that this battle was not just for himself, but for the entire community. Every worker in that crowd was fighting for their future.
---
Clarissa continued to film, her presence empowering the workers. “This is our story! We won’t let them silence us!” she shouted, capturing the reality of their struggle. With every frame, she aimed to expose the truth behind the Nine Dragons’ grip on the construction industry.
As the confrontation reached a fever pitch, Felix saw Kiran, the journalist from Malaysia, pushing her way through the crowd. “I heard about the protest and came to help!” she shouted, brandishing her notebook. “Let’s get the message out!”
Kiran quickly began interviewing workers, gathering their stories and emotions. “We need to show everyone what’s happening here,” she urged, her voice filled with passion. “Your voices matter!”
Just then, the sound of sirens echoed in the distance, approaching rapidly. The crowd froze, uncertainty flickering through their ranks. Felix felt a surge of dread. “They’re calling in reinforcements. We need to move!” he shouted.
But before they could react, a group of henchmen affiliated with the Nine Dragons emerged from the shadows, their martial arts skills evident as they moved to flank the workers. Felix recognized them—former colleagues turned enforcers, now loyal to the syndicate.
“You’re all making a grave mistake,” one of them sneered, stepping forward. “You think you can stand against us? We’ll crush you!”
The workers looked to Felix, fear mingling with defiance. He took a deep breath, standing tall. “We are not afraid! We’re fighting for our rights, and our future! They can try to intimidate us, but they’ll never break our spirit!”
Inspired, the workers rallied together, creating a wall of solidarity. The henchmen moved in, but the combined force of the workers stood strong, refusing to back down.
“Let’s show them what unity looks like!” Thalia shouted, her voice ringing out over the chaos. The workers began to push back against the henchmen, determined not to let fear control their actions.
---
The fight erupted anew, fists flying and bodies colliding. Felix found himself caught in the midst of it all, exchanging blows with the henchmen. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, each punch echoing his conviction.
Clarissa continued to capture the moments, her camera a beacon of truth in the turmoil. “This is for everyone who’s suffered in silence!” she shouted, ensuring that every strike and every victory was documented.
---
The sounds of sirens grew closer, the clash escalating as more henchmen arrived, overwhelming the workers. Just when it seemed like the situation would spiral out of control, a familiar figure appeared through the haze of chaos—Bintang, accompanied by a few members of Black Sorrow, including Felix’s old comrades.
“Felix! Thalia! We’re here to back you up!” Bintang shouted, his presence igniting a wave of hope among the workers.
The sight of Black Sorrow members sparked a renewed vigor in the crowd. “We’re not alone!” Kiran shouted, her voice cutting through the din. “Together, we can take a stand!”
---
With Bintang and his allies joining the fray, the tide of the battle began to shift. Their combat skills and training provided the workers with much-needed support. The henchmen were no longer facing a disorganized crowd; they were up against a united front.
Felix fought alongside Bintang, their shared history and camaraderie propelling them forward. “We’re fighting for something bigger than ourselves!” Felix yelled, launching a powerful kick at a henchman.
The chaos of the street faded as Felix focused on the battle at hand. With every strike, he felt the weight of their shared struggle—a community standing firm against oppression.
As the battle raged on, the sirens blared closer. Felix knew they needed to act fast. “We can’t let them overpower us! We need to regroup and plan our next move!”