Chapter 25 : Playful scuffle with troublemakers

Soon, the brand-new Arthur and William Shaw mates walked out of the clothing shop.

According to Arthur, these suits feel a bit out-of-date, but in this era, they're more in vogue.

After spending some time together, William Shaw discovered that Arthur was fitting in well, so he eased up, purchased various items with the duo, and occasionally updated Arthur on the situation in Riverside.

Arthur only acquired two convenient outfit sets and requested the shopkeeper to reserve a few modern clothing styles for future use, to be picked up later.

Following a break, William Shaw enthusiastically guided Arthur back to the Dockland City.

The living standards in this era can't be compared to those of the 21st century.

There are high-rise buildings everywhere, and numerous small stalls line the streets.

"Arthur, I've hit the jackpot!"

"I knew Arthur had a bright future."

"Arthur, when you make it big, remember to treat our third mate to dinner!"

"Next time, I'll take my pals upstairs first, and we'll catch up with the third mate later."

William Shaw greeted familiar faces on the street, and it was evident that Arthur was well-liked.

Arthur observed this walled city, a frequent setting in British films, and it provided a unique sensation to be present.

The Dockland City falls within the Tri-City area, covering a mere 2.8 hectares with a population of over 20,000. It's among the most densely populated places globally.

Dilapidated hallways, poorly managed foul-smelling gutters, and people from all walks of life frequented the streets and alleys.

Various stalls selling goods such as illicit substances, gambling opportunities, and street food were scattered, creating a state of extreme disorder.

It leaves an impression of grime, disorder, and decay.

However, due to its cheap rent, many who drift here opt to reside in this area.

It's a slum, but also a lucrative spot.

Such a locale, where all sorts of people coexist, naturally attracts the presence of bold and aggressive individuals.

Arthur followed William Shaw into the city and soon noticed some hostile gazes fixated on him.

William Shaw carried a cash box and a few bags, explaining, "In the Dockland City, the Chelmsford Gang holds the most sway. It's far from peaceful at night, and disappearances are frequent..."

In truth, it's not just the nights; tranquility is a rarity throughout the day as well.

Arthur was empty-handed, paying no heed to the glares around him, attentively listening to William Shaw's explanation while observing his surroundings.

The cityscape was littered with debris, haze, and some unkempt individuals carrying out their routines, contributing to the loud clamor that permeated the atmosphere.

Turning a corner, a few young and daring individuals were extorting money from someone.

Arthur and William Shaw weren't keen on trouble, but upon noticing William Shaw's case on the other side, several young and daring individuals exchanged looks and headed their way.

"A smart bloke doesn't stand in the way."

Arthur wasn't looking for trouble, but that didn't mean he shied away from it. He glanced at the group and then disregarded them.

"You're quite the cheeky one, talking to me like that."

The individual leading them was known as Henry, or Mad Dog, a lesser leader of the Chelmsford Gang.

At present, several key figures managed the Chelmsford Gang, including: Edward Rizzo, Fatty Charlie, Doll Arnold, and Grizzly Bear.

The fellow confronting them was one of Fatty Charlie's associates. He collected protection fees in the Dockland City, harassing both men and women and was known for his ruthless nature. Although publicly referred to as a dog, he's secretly called a mad dog.

This troublemaker seemed particularly interested in the case held by William Shaw, kicking someone they had just victimized, placing a baseball bat on their shoulder, and adopting what he believed to be a chic stance, saying, "Drop the case, and you can leave."

"Hey mate, show some respect, we're all Chelmsford lads here."

William Shaw handed over the case to Doll Arnold and stepped forward to negotiate.

Henry shot a look at William Shaw, backhanding him across the cheek.

William Shaw had some basic self-defense skills and quickly dodged, evading the slap from the troublemaker.

Feeling embarrassed in front of his crew, the troublemaker grew furious: "You still dare to dodge, I'll teach you a lesson."

Grabbing the baseball bat, he aimed a blow at William Shaw's head.

William Shaw didn't want to escalate things further and tried to de-escalate, but Arthur wouldn't tolerate this belligerent behavior. He stepped forward, seizing the fallen baseball bat with one hand, and sternly faced the troublemaker: "What's your deal?"

"Sangdog, what's it to you?"

Initially fierce, the troublemaker attempted to wield a stick, only to find it unmovable despite his exertion.

Arthur's grin turned into a hardened expression as he scanned the group of troublemakers. "You touch one of us, you face us all! Let's see what you're made of!"

Derek, Max, Jake, and William Shaw locked eyes, recognizing the shift in atmosphere. In unison, they dropped their bags, their stance ready for a brawl, and charged toward the troublemakers.

With Arthur as their leader, they knew this was a moment to show their loyalty. Each of them had their own skills, honed through various experiences, and now they were ready to put them to the test in this chaotic situation.

Maintaining order among his allies was crucial for Arthur. He needed a cohesive team, not a scattered group of fighters.

William Shaw had a disciplined fighting style, agile and quick. He could handle himself in a group fight, maneuvering skillfully against multiple opponents.

Derek, Max, and Jake might have come from rural backgrounds, but their time in the city has toughened them up. Their work at the construction site had built their strength, and they were prepared to take on anyone challenging their group.

"You're about to regret messing with us!"

Henry, known for his troublemaking ways, made a sudden aggressive move, pulling out a fake blade and making a mock attack towards William Shaw.

Playing along, William Shaw dodged swiftly, displaying his own combat prowess. Henry, realizing it was all a game, shifted his attention to Arthur, feigning an attack with exaggerated theatrics.

In response, William Shaw rushed over, pretending to shield Arthur from the 'assault.'

Arthur, impressed by William Shaw's dedication, stepped in, lightly tapping Henry on the shoulder in a playful yet commanding gesture.

The tap, while seemingly gentle, conveyed authority. Henry, caught up in the act, staggered back, theatrically pretending to be wounded, adding a dramatic flair to the skirmish.

Witnessing their leader's camaraderie, the troublemakers couldn't help but join in on the mock combat, laughing along with the playful banter.

Derek winked at William Shaw, jesting, "Seems like Arthur's got this game mastered!"

"Yeah, that was quite a show; Henry's acting skills are commendable!" Max chuckled, enjoying the theatrics of the impromptu scuffle.

The battle might have been make-believe, but the camaraderie and shared amusement dissolved the tension, bringing laughter and light-hearted jests into the fray.

If you wish to support my work, you can do so here: Patreon.com/Greatsage5302"