'Status Tab.'

{Name: Max Ashwell}

{Age: 18}

{Level: 34}

{XP: 4,200 /20,000}

{Race: Dragon Hybrid}

{HP: 150/150} {MP: 400/400}

{STR: 99} {AGI: 99}

{INT: 79} {Partners: 5}

{Free stat: 5}

'Hmm… interesting, seems like I leveled up from that. Kek! And I got a plus two to all stats from the level up.

Honestly, that always comes randomly but hey, who am I to complain?' Max chuckled inwardly, giving himself a small, casual shrug as he stared at the screen.

Something immediately caught his attention.

'Oh! I even have some free stat points. Tch! I completely forgot about it. Better to assign them now. And I already know exactly what to do.' He grinned to himself.

[STR: 99>>> 100]

[AGI: 99>>> 100]

[INT: 79>>> 82]

'Perfect.' he thought with a quiet smirk.

He had assigned one point each to both his strength and agility while dumping the remaining points into his intelligence, leaving him with no free stats left.

'I wonder when my stats will hit their limits. Hopefully not anytime soon.

With these numbers, I'm curious how I stack up against dragons, hybrids, or regular humans… Nah! I'm leagues beyond normal humans.' he sighed softly, snapping himself out of his thoughts.

He then noticed the townspeople and the members of the Pincer gang slowly gathering around.

At that moment, Ava could be seen wiping away the last of her tears before rising steadily to her feet with a soft exhale.

She scanned her gang members first, then the townspeople, her eyes filled with a mix of resolve and exhaustion.

"Before you all begin to thank me, you should have realized this by now," she began, her voice calm but firm.

Jim stepped forward after tending to his leg, weaving carefully through the crowd until he reached Max's side.

"We all know that this town has had no true ruler. My gang maintained order, collected what was necessary, and protected everyone. That was until the dark forces appeared from nowhere, plunging this town into chaos.

I was powerless, unable to do anything, and in the process, I lost my brother—my only sibling."

She paused, the memory making her almost choke but she cleared her throat and continued:

"Some of you lost your relatives, and I also lost nearly a quarter of my gang members," she continued, her hands clenching tightly as her teeth ground together, reliving the pain of those memories.

The mood immediately grew solemn. The crowd of townspeople shifted uneasily, unsure where her words were leading.

"But everything changed when Max Ashwell arrived. He granted me power.

And in just half an hour, with that power flowing through me, you all witnessed how I was able to take vengeance for our town and honor the people we lost.

We all saw his strength. Each of us here has witnessed the might of Max Ashwell firsthand. That is why, with or without your consent, I have decided to pledge my complete loyalty to him.

Though he commands his own gang, he did not help me because of that.

He aided me because he truly despises the demons and will do anything to eradicate them." Ava's words rang out, clear and strong, carrying over the assembled crowd.

Max tilted his head slightly, eyebrows raised in confusion as he listened to her heartfelt speech.

"Even though I am now a hybrid and stronger than ever, I am not arrogant enough to believe I could face every threat alone.

What if a demon far stronger than Clint appeared? I cannot guarantee my ability to protect this town of Slough. That is why I am grateful to Max Ashwell and his friend for their aid tonight.

As a token of gratitude, I am officially handing over the leadership of my gang to him. From now on, he will guide and protect our people."

The crowd remained silent, absorbing the weight of her declaration.

For a moment, the streets of Slough were still, as if the world itself had paused to witness the passing of the torch.

Max's jaw slightly lifted into a small, modest smile.

He wasn't sure if he deserved all the praise, but he knew one thing—he now had a loyal ally who would stand beside him in the battles yet to come.

"We won't be known as the Pincer gang, but as Max Ashwell's gang, whatever the name ends up being." Ava said, bowing deeply toward Max, who stared at her with mild confusion.

"Didn't we say we needed more gang members?" Jim whispered to Max.

"Well, look at that. We've just absorbed another gang. Our reputation keeps growing with every move we make."

The members of the Pincer gang, hearing this, clenched their fists tightly, teeth grinding audibly.

Without hesitation, they all bowed toward Max and Jim, their expressions a mix of respect and determination.

"We will follow our leader in doing whatever she commands.

And if it includes joining you, we will pledge our full loyalty to Max Ashwell as well." All the men shouted in unison, their voices echoing like a chorus, as if they had rehearsed the declaration long ago.

"Oh no, no, no," Max muttered swiftly, waving his hands repeatedly while shaking his head.

His reaction left Jim and the others momentarily puzzled as they all stood upright, unsure how to respond.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I am not here to act as a dictator.

Yes, I accept your offer and all the loyalty, but let me make one thing clear.

Even though you all won't be called the Pincer gang anymore and will now be known as the Crimson Scales Gang, Ava will still be in charge of this town.

You are suddenly acting like I'm some kind of god, which I am definitely not.

Ava will lead and manage things here and report back to me if anything important happens.

So, yes, I accept your loyalty, but the hierarchy remains clear." Max replied with a gentle smile, his wings spreading wide as he lifted off into the sky, hovering above everyone.

All eyes were fixed on him as he floated majestically above the gathered crowd.

"I, Max Ashwell, am now in control of this town. It is officially under the protection of the Crimson Scales Gang.

Anyone foolish enough to attack here will face my wrath. I promise to safeguard every single one of you with all my strength." He declared proudly, his voice carrying authority.

A bright, beaming smile spread across Ava's face at his words, her chest swelling with pride and relief.

Max was about to continue speaking when a sudden ding echoed in his mind, causing him to pause mid-sentence.

He quickly turned his gaze toward the system screen.

[Hidden reward granted for accepting to take over the Pincer gang.]

[Reward: one new family skill.]

[Skill Name: Telepathy]

'Huh?' Max muttered under his breath, eyes widening in surprise.

[Description: This skill allows the user to communicate with all created draconic subordinates regardless of location. Distance is no barrier.]

'Oh my sweet system,' Max grinned inwardly, excitement rushing through him as he stared at the information displayed before him.

The possibilities of coordinating with his subordinates instantly filled his mind with countless strategic options.

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