Man With Super Medical Skill (Matthew)

A steady voice rang out from the distance.

A man wearing dark sunglasses emerged from the factory ahead. Dressed in a form-fitting camouflage suit, he exuded a quiet menace with his commanding presence. "I've long heard about you, Mr. Larden," he greeted with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Matthew studied the man as he approached. In a calm tone, he asked, "Mr. Laurent?"

"Haha! That's just what my men call me," Laurent replied with a dismissive wave, indicating that Matthew could call him whatever he preferred. "You can call me Laurent if you prefer."

Matthew responded with a faint smile but offered no specific reply.

"Please, Mr. Larden, come in," Laurent said, gesturing toward the factory.

He led Matthew inside.noveldrama

The factory's interior was a stark contrast to the empty expanse outside. Everything was arranged with meticulous precision, reflecting Laurent's personality-disciplined and calculated. "Take a seat," Laurent offered as he motioned toward a plush couch.

He sat down across from Matthew, placing a cup of tea in front of him with a genial smile. "So, Mr. Larden, may I ask what brings you to my humble corner?"

Matthew took a moment, his long, slender fingers tracing the rim of the teacup. His voice was measured, almost casual, as he spoke.

"While browsing the building materials market recently, I stumbled upon a particular batch of tarps that caught my eye," he began. "Coincidentally, I'm on Ore Island to purchase construction supplies and assorted goods. When I asked, I learned that those impressive items came from you, Mr. Laurent."

His tone sharpened imperceptibly, like a blade sliding from its sheath. "So, I came here to ask-are those materials produced by you, or... obtained from elsewhere?"

His calm demeanor belied the chill that laced his final words.

The temperature in the room seemed to plummet, and Laurent's expression faltered for just a moment. He regarded Matthew closely, a flicker of unease in his eyes. This man is far from the simple merchant the rumors suggested. In fact, he is... something far more dangerous.

"Haha, Mr. Larden, you're making a big deal over nothing," Laurent said with a strained chuckle. "Those tarps are hardly anything special."

Matthew's fingers, which had been idly tracing the edge of the porcelain teacup, suddenly stopped. His gaze locked onto Laurent.

Since arriving at the West Montiria Islands, this was the most significant lead Matthew had uncovered. He had no intention of dancing around the matter any further. He lifted his hand from the teacup, leaving it on the table.

The next instant, a faint sound-szzt-cut through the air, drawing Laurent's attention.

At first glance, the porcelain teacup appeared unchanged. But as Laurent's curiosity grew, a sudden realization struck him-there was now a clean, precise cut across the table.

Laurent's expression shifted to

shock. This table wasn't just sturdy;

it was forged from reinforced steel Even gunfire would only leave a dent, not carve an opening. Yet, with nothing more than a casual stroke along the cup, Matthew had sliced into it like a knife through butter.

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Laurent's eyes darkened, a mix of awe and trepidation clouding his gaze as he looked at Matthew. Matthew wasn't just asking for answers-he was demanding them. And if Laurent hesitated, it was clear that the next "cut" wouldn't stop at the table.

Laurent's demeanor grew grave, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Finally, he spoke.

"Matteo," he began, his tone measured, "not long ago, Shaun from the Viper Crew suddenly sold me a large shipment of premium construction materials. Those tarps came with the shipment. That's all I know."

He had no intention of crossing someone as formidable as Matthew-a man whose strength was clearly leagues beyond anything he had encountered. He laid all his cards on the table, sparing no detail.

Matthew listened in silence, piecing

together the puzzle. Laurent's

account confirmed his

suspicions-Shaun was undoubtedly

connected to the stolen shipments.

But What role did the Viper Crew play

in this tangled web?

"Thank you," Matthew said, his tone earnest, his expression sincere. "I owe you a favor. If you ever find yourself in trouble, you can seek me out at Lopez Mining Group." He never left debts unpaid.