Chapter 9 I Will Not Lower Myself

Suzanne couldn't believe what her grandmother had just said about Norton's abilities. At that moment, Emily was far from calm. In Yarburn, she only feared a handful of old freaks, and she had encountered one year ago. That encounter had left her defeated, but she had at least sensed the vast difference in their power. But now, Norton's abilities seemed utterly inscrutable to her. He was like a black hole, a mystery she couldn't comprehend. “There's always someone stronger out there,” Emily muttered. “And just because you can't do something, doesn't mean others can't. Never judge a book by its cover. I've always been spot on when it comes to reading people.” She turned to Suzanne, her voice firm. “You need to find Nort and make friends with him. Understand?” Suzanne's objections were obvious, but she had no choice but to agree. Meanwhile, Norton had just bought a storefront and was preparing to leave when someone blocked his path. The person was none other than Gunther, the chief bodyguard of the Zulker family. “Kid, I'm Gunther, the Zulker family's chief bodyguard. Mr. Zulker sent me to take your limbs, but I won't dirty my hands with trash like you. You should just do it yourself!” Gunther said, tossing a dagger toward Norton. Seeing Norton, Gunther was instantly disappointed. He had expected someone formidable, especially since Norton had crippled Howard, the Zulker family's young master, and others like Bjorn. But as soon as he saw Norton, he lost all desire to engage. “Pathetic,” Norton muttered, not even glancing at Gunther as he walked past him. “Didn't you hear me?” Gunther snapped, stepping forward. But before he could do anything, Norton turned, his voice cold. “I heard you loud and clear. I won't lower myself to engage with trash unless I have no choice.” Gunther let out a laugh, clearly angered. “You've really p*ssed me off now, punk. If you want to push me, I'll oblige.” Gunther started walking toward Norton, disregarding him completely, thinking he was nothing but an easy target. But Norton raised an eyebrow, as if assessing a fool. “What a dumb*ss!” Without further words, Norton pushed past him with a look of disgust. Gunther, now enraged, moved fast, grabbing Norton's shoulder with a powerful grip. “You're the most reckless piece of trash I've ever seen! Do you dare ignore me?” he growled. “Isn't it good to be alive?” Norton turned to face him, his cold gaze making Gunther freeze, a sudden chill overtaking him. The air around them seemed to drop in temperature, and Gunther stumbled back, a wave of fear washing over him. “Are you a combat artist?” Gunther asked, his voice shaking. “What stage are you at?” Gunther was terrified, but despite his fear, he couldn't sense any combat artist's aura from Norton. Still, that look in Norton's eyes had filled him with an overwhelming dread, making him feel as though he had come face to face with death. Norton spoke calmly. “Go back and tell the Zulker family this. In two days, I want to see Howard and Lillian kneeling before my mother, apologizing. And they better bring five million with them. Now, get lost.” With that, Norton walked away. It wasn't until several minutes later, when Gunther regained his composure, that he realized how shaken he truly was. Sweat drenched his body, his hands still trembling. “What just happened?” Gunther wondered. “That young man... How could he have exuded such terrifying murderous intent? Could he be a combat artist? But I didn't feel any aura from him...” Frustrated, Gunther was unwilling to accept what had just happened. He immediately straightened himself and chased after Norton. Before long, he had caught up with Norton. “Punk, stop playing games with me. I'm going to kill you!” Gunther yelled, his fists ready. But as soon as Gunther lunged toward Norton, the latter swiftly dodged and landed a single punch. A sharp crack sounded as Gunther's arm was instantly disabled. With a howl of pain, Gunther was sent flying to the ground, writhing in agony. “How could this be?” Gunther gasped, his face pale. “Are you a combat artist? Did you hide your real strength?” Norton didn't spare him a second glance. “Is this really the best the Zulker family has to offer? Pathetic.” With that, Norton turned and walked away, leaving Gunther on the ground in disbelief. Half an hour later, Norton arrived home. As he stepped through the door, he saw his mother, Martha, bustling around in the kitchen. His eyes welled up with emotion. “Mom!” Martha, who had been cooking, stopped at the sound of his voice. Tears immediately filled her eyes as she looked up at him, her face breaking into a wide smile. “Mom, I'm home!” Norton said, his heart filled with remorse. “I'm sorry for the pain and suffering I've caused you!” He dropped to his knees, filled with guilt for all the years he hadn't been there for them. His mother had raised him alone, and he felt he owed her everything. Martha quickly rushed to help him up, her face still wet with tears but now shining with happiness. “It's okay, it's okay, I'm just glad you're home! I'll have dinner ready soon, your favorites!” “I'll help you cook!” Norton helped his mother with the cooking, and when he examined her, he realized that she had already recovered—something he found almost unbelievable. Still, he didn't question it, only grateful for her well-being. Soon, the table was set, and the family of three enjoyed their meal. It was rare for them to have moments like this. “Want to have a drink with me?” Harlan asked. “Of course,” Norton replied. “I'll get the alcohol.” Norton stood up and fetched the wine, and by the end of the meal, he and his father had emptied a bottle of precious liquor his mother had been saving for years. Afterward, Norton told them about the storefront he had purchased. He thought about mentioning Lucille but decided against it. It didn't seem like the right time. “Norton,” Martha said, “now that you're back, your father won't be leaving again. Whatever you choose to do, we'll support you. But please, stay away from Lillian. She's just not right for you.” Martha had known about Lillian for years and had tried to approach her, but every time, Lillian and Howard had humiliated her. “I know, Mom,” Norton replied. “I'm fully aware of everything that happened during the five years I was gone. Lillian and I are done. But remember, the house was paid for by both of us. It's worth five million now, and I'm getting that money back. Also, Howard and Lillian owe you an apology.” “Don't worry about it, Mom. Now that Dad and I are back, I promise, I'll never let anyone mistreat you again,” Norton vowed. Harlan added, “Listen to your son, Honey. He's grown up now. We're getting old, but we can help by looking after the store.” Martha fell silent, but for the first time in years, she felt at peace. Their family was complete again. Just then, Norton's phone rang. It was Lucille. He stepped outside to answer. “Norton, can you come over now? I need to talk to you,” Lucille's voice said on the other end. “Sure.” After ending the call, Norton gave his parents a heads-up and left.