Chapter 25: Gate
The sun shone high in the sky, casting its golden light upon the Gray Terminal, a chaotic and noisy place. Tents and stalls filled the area, each offering goods and information, while a cloud of dust rose from the crowded streets.
Chun-li entered the terminal with authority, dragging a line of tied-up thugs behind her. Their faces displayed fresh bruises and scars. The woman's blue eyes swept the place, challenging anyone who dared to look her way.
Across the street, hidden by the shadows of a tent, Satoru watched her. His starry eyes hidden behind his new sunglasses, he studied every move of Chun-li, a shadow of satisfaction playing on his lips.
The thugs murmured among themselves, clearly bitter about being defeated by this woman. They had tried to enslave her, a decision they now regretted dearly.
Pedestrians stopped to watch, whispers and gossip spreading quickly. Nearby guards, drawn by the commotion, approached with covetous looks.
In front of the Gate
Chun-li stopped abruptly, causing one of the thugs to trip and fall. She gave him a piercing look, immediately silencing any protest.
A portly guard approached, his eyes crawling over Chun-li. "Need some help, dear?" he asked with a lecherous smile.
Chun-li raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased. "I'm bringing these men to justice," she replied coldly.
"Please, help us! She attacked us for no reason!" one of the thugs shouted.
The guard laughed, clearly not believing him. "What did they do? Try to touch you? I can't blame them," he said, leering at Chun-li's body.
"They tried to enslave me," she explained, pushing the thugs forward. A guard looked at them, then at Chun-li, commenting, "One woman took all of you down? Pathetic."
"Take them inside. They'll be judged there, and you can collect your reward," another guard instructed, his demeanor somewhat more serious.
Chun-li nodded, not quite understanding the mention of a reward; Satoru hadn't mentioned anything about it.
But before she could leave, a portly nobleman, dressed in ornately decorated clothing and jewelry, appeared near the gate.
"Why are you clogging the street with this riffraff?" he growled, motioning to the guards.
Seeing the noble's reaction, the guards quickly released the thugs, cutting their ties.
"Get lost," one of them ordered, shoving them away.
Chun-li was stunned. "Hey! They're criminals!" she exclaimed, but the guards were no longer listening.
One of the thugs, upon being freed, approached her. "You'll regret this," he whispered, his eyes filled with hatred.
Chun-li looked at him, but before she could reply, he and the other thugs vanished into the crowds of the Gray Terminal.
Chun-li looked around, witnessing the misery and injustice everywhere.
What just happened?
She felt lost, unsure of what to think or do next.
"Hey, you!... You brought in those scoundrels, right?... Interesting. Are you a bounty hunter? A beauty like you shouldn't be doing such dirty work," the portly noble ogled at her, especially at her strong, muscular thighs.
Just one look made him lick his lips, imagining the things he could do with her.
His special chamber had been unused for a while, and now he had a perfect reason to use it.
"I was just doing what's right," she replied with evident distaste, still somewhat bewildered by all that had happened. She decided to leave, but before she could, she was stopped.
The portly noble laughed. "You know, maybe you'd serve me better at my mansion. I can pay mountains of gold. I'm known to be very generous. All you need to do is become one of my concubines," he suggested, looking her up and down lasciviously. In the end, he offered his greasy hand, beckoning her closer.
"I'm not for sale," Chun-li stepped away from the noble, clearly irritated.
He raised his thick eyebrows, and his pale face turned red. He rubbed the luxurious rings adorning his fat fingers, a gesture known by his closest servants and slaves as a sign of rising irritation.
His narrowed eyes fixed on Chun-li.
"Do you know who I am? Daring to refuse my offer? I'm the eldest son of the duke of this realm!" His voice, usually calm and measured, now had a sharp edge. "Can't you see the generosity I'm offering you!? I might forgive you for this indiscretion, but kneel now!"
"Well.. I'm a free warrior. My loyalty can't be bought or forced," Chun-li replied firmly, meeting the noble's gaze.
The noble let out a loud, scoffing laugh, but his eyes betrayed his growing rage.
"Guards!" he shouted, pointing at Chun-li. "Seize her! She'll learn that no one defies my power and goes unpunished."
All the nearby guards drew their swords and firearms, ready to obey his command.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone