Chapter 2 A Run-In with Trouble

• Troy felt a bit let down. He thought maybe he'd just had a moment of destiny with that girl, but it turned out she was just another stranger passing by.
• Just as he was leaving, a piercing scream echoed down the street. He spun around and spotted a few flashy thugs obstructing the girl's path, one gripping her wrist.
• An old man with a cane shuffled by as the girl struggled. She desperately looked at him and pleaded, "Help me! Please!"
• The old man glanced at the scene and raised his cane like he might actually step in. For a moment, Troy thought he was actually going to fight. Instead, the old man turned tail and bolted, running faster than anyone in the crowd despite his age.
• Troy sighed. As much as he didn't want to get involved, he wasn't the type to watch and do nothing. Squaring his shoulders, he yelled, "Hey! Let her go!"
• The thugs and the girl all turned to stare at him.
• The girl's eyes brightened up, clearly praying he could save her.
• The thug leader spat on the ground and sneered. "You got a death wish or something, huh? You know who we are? Mess with us, and you won't leave here alive!"
• By now, Troy had already strolled up, completely unfazed. With a smirk, he mocked, "Blah, blah, blah. I’ve got places to be, so let's finish this."
• The thug leader was immediately ticked off. He'd been running the streets for years and never encountered anyone so bold. "Take this punk down, but don't kill him—just make sure he won't be walking again," he snarled.
• His henchmen charged at Troy, fists flying straight for his face. Yet, Troy didn't flinch. He threw a punch of his own, and with a sickening crack, one thug's arm twisted unnaturally. The thug hit the ground, groaning in pain.
• "You really think you can stop me? I've been training for ten years," Troy muttered, shaking his head.
• The rest hesitated as they witnessed their buddy laid out.
• The thug leader barked, "What the hell are you standing around for?! If you screw this up, the boss is going to have all of our heads!"
• With that, the rest of the thugs rushed forward. Before they could even swing, Troy struck again. He landed a powerful kick that sent one flying.
• He moved so fast, taking down each one with ease. In just a few minutes, all the henchmen were writhing on the ground and groaning in pain.
• When Troy was feeling proud of himself, he sensed movement behind him. The thug leader had pulled out a dagger and lunged at Troy's back.
• The girl gasped, "Watch out!"
• Troy smirked to himself, Really? You think I wouldn't notice a sneak attack like that? Amateur.
• With a quick spin, he grabbed the thug leader's wrist and twisted it sharply. The dagger swiftly fell to the ground as the thug leader's arm broke with a loud snap.
• "Ah!" the thug leader screamed, dropping to his knees. He then glared up at Troy, rage and pain twisting his face. "You're dead! I've got connections—you'll regret crossing me!"
• Troy chuckled. "Yeah? You've got connections? Well, I've got a bed with a nice view." He delivered one final punch to knock the thug leader out cold.
• After the thugs were taken care of, the tall, strikingly beautiful girl approached him. "Thanks," she expressed her gratitude softly.
• Troy couldn't help but notice her long legs, feeling a bit cheeky. He leaned in closer, backing her up against the wall with a grin. "Forget the thanks. How about we roll around in the bed tonight?"
• Her eyes widened, confusion spreading across her face as his lips got dangerously close to hers.
• However, a stern voice echoed from the alley's entrance before anything could happen. "Freeze!"
• Troy turned, surprised to see a second girl—a fair-skinned, sharp-looking one—pointing a gun right at him. She was dressed in the unmistakable uniform of the National Directorate of Security, a clear sign that she was someone important.
• Sizing her up, Troy felt a strange sense of familiarity, but he couldn't recall where he'd seen her before.
• While he was distracted, she approached, shoving the gun against his back. "Hands up, creep!" she ordered, patting him down.
• Always quick with a joke, Troy raised his hands and spoke, " Whoa, take it easy. This is my first time in this situation. How about cutting me some slack?"
• The officer's face was all business. "Don't even try it. I can tell from a mile away you're the kind of guy who's up to no good. A guy like you, preying on women—do you know how many of you I've locked up?"
• Troy was stunned. Preying on women? I'm handsome as hell; where'd she get that idea?
• Ignoring his thoughts, the officer reached for handcuffs and moved to slap them on his wrists.
• Troy groaned internally. Man, I just got back to Eldoria. Do I really have to get locked up the second I arrive?
• Dodging her grip, he begged, "It's all a mix-up. I just made a mistake, okay? One that all guys make. Can't you spare me for once, please?"