Sebastian interrupted. "With so many people showing up, I''m definitely not going anywhere. I''m still an adult, and I can surely offer something. Well, I can swing a knife."


    As Sebastian spoke, he picked up a short knife from the ground and waved it around with one hand. Finding it underwhelming, he grabbed a steel pipe with a thickness of one finger.


    So, he ended up with a steel rod in his left hand and a short knife in his right. Then, Sebastian walked up to the chair and stood guard next to Matthew.


    Seeing Sebastian all tense and clumsy, Matthew couldn''t help but how inept he was during his first fight in the prison.


    Sebastian might be able to handle himself in a scuffle, but getting into a fight to the death was a death wish.


    "This isn''t a game, you—"


    Right then, hurried footsteps came from outside, apanied by frantic shouting.


    "A nurse said the security went down to the basement."


    "He''s here at the first basement floor, so look around closely."


    Matthew sprang to his feet. Wielding a de, he made his way to the door with Sebastian behind him.


    Matthew turned to Sebastian and instructed, "Stay with Theo. Keep an eye on Das. I''ll be back soon."


    Sebastian had something to say, but he swallowed his words upon seeing Matthew''s firm expression. "Alright. I''ll do what you say. Just make sure to stay safe. If things get tough, just run. Staying alive is more important than anything."


    Realizing how genuine Sebastian was warmed Matthew''s heart. He nodded and confidently headed out of the door.


    Immediately after leaving the room, Matthew spotted around ten peopleing his way from a distance, carrying weapons in their hands. He just made a beeline for them.


    As Carlos was leading his squad in the search, he saw someoneing out of the nearby room. The light helped him see Matthew clearly, and he eximed, "Matthew!"


    Matthew sized up the group. Noticing their burly figures and sturdy posture, he sensed an unmistakable military vibe. It was clear as day that these people were soldiers.


    He looked conflicted. "I''m Matthew. What do you need from me?"


    Carlos'' face hardened. "You''re dead today, Matthew."


    After saying that, Carlos motioned with his hand, signaling for the others to circle Matthew. Watching the group approaching with steel pipes, Matthew sighed. He didn''t want to go up against soldiers.


    Taking a deep breath, Matthew dered loudly, "I actually look up to the soldiers the most. My dream as a kid was to be one of them."


    Seeing that Matthew was trapped with no way out, Carlos sneered with disdain. Matthew actually said something like that at this point.


    "So you figured out I''m a soldier, and now you''re scared? Are you saying all that to butter me up? Too bad. That won''t work. You''re dead meat today."


    Matthew shook his head. "I''m not trying to win you over. I genuinely respect soldiers, especially when I watch those war movies about fighting for the country.


    "Watching them risk their lives and shed blood just to protect the country and theirrades always brings me to tears. I''m grateful to them and have a lot of respect for every soldier."


    As the ten hefty men closed in, they slowed down, and their expressions softened slightly when they nced at Matthew.


    A hint of emotion flickered in Carlos'' eyes. "I have to admit. You sure know how to talk. Your ttery hit, the mark, and I''m pleased.


    some big shots. You still h


    Unfortunately, you''ve ticked off


    die.


    Matthew''s face gradually turned cold. "A soldier points their weapon to the outside. Yet, you want to take out someone like me, amon civilian. Do you think you''re worthy of being a soldier?"


    Carlos'' expression tensed up, and then he snapped, "I''ve taken off my army uniform already. Stop spewing nonsense."


    A hint of disappointment shed in Matthew''s eyes. "I just don''t get it. Why not just


    be a good soldier? Why do you have to work for the Wood family as a goon?"


    A bitter look crossed Carlos'' face. He gazed at Matthew with a menacing grin. "You''re not making it out alive today, Matthew. I''ll make sure you know exactly what''s going on before you kick the bucket.


    "Do you really think I wanted this? Are you aware of what I''m going through?


    "We''re living in peaceful times now, and that''s the saddest thing for the soldiers. I''m ready to give it my all.


    "My military skills are top-notch, and I''m willing toy down my life for my country. I''ve also earned a ton of awards. But with no wars going on, I''m basically nobody, and I don''t have any way to get promoted.


    "The day before yesterday, I ran into Dominic, Leo, and Lucien in Lambda


    City. As the kids from military


    families, they''re young and less


    experienced than me. All their put together don''t even add


    mine."


    Merits


    up to