Before they could fight back, they heard the sound of footsteps drawing closer, and all the gang members fell silent—even the bald-headed thug, who, moments ago, had been laughing with wild arrogance.
Now he stood frozen, straightening his posture with a look of respect and fear, like a dog leg.
The gang members surrounding Ram and others parted, creating a clear path as a tall man in a sleek black suit strode forward, flanked by two men at his side.
Ram, Sid, and the others turned, their eyes narrowing as the man in black approached with a calm but imposing air.
Ram felt it like an invisible force, pushing down more and more as the man came closer, testing their strength and will.
Compared to others he was slightly better off thanks to his large amount of spiritual power, but he still couldn't do much because of the large gap between their strengths.
Mai's jaw and her hands instinctively tightened, she subconsciously knew what they were facing, a Tier 5 or higher professional.
Unlike Tier 1 to 3, each Level above Tier 4 has a huge gap, even if it was a Tier 4 creature, it's hard for them to face against a newly upgraded Tier 5 creature.
Only when they reach Tier 5 and above, can the huge spiritual power inside their bodies instinctively form such huge pressure.
She remained standing, resilient against the overwhelming spiritual power, that turned into spiritual pressure that radiated from the man ahead.
Each step he took seemed to increase the pressure in the air, like a heavy weight pressing down on their chests, when he was just a few steps away from them, the pressure suddenly increased to another level.
Even Sid, who was the first to rush forward, held himself gripping his fists tighter, feeling the weight sink into his bones, and his body bent unable to even lift their heads to look face to face.
The man in the black suit stopped a few feet away, his cold eyes sweeping over Mai and the others as if assessing them one by one.
He raised a brow, a faint, chilling smile appearing at the edge of his mouth, as the overwhelming spiritual pressure pressed heavily on them, like invisible chains tightening with each breath.
One by one, Sid and Liam dropped to one knee, struggling to resist the crushing force pressing down on their bodies and minds.
Even Mai, Ram, and Su Mu with higher attributes, felt unable to rise back as the intensity of the man's power continued to increase with each breath.
The man in black sneered, a flicker of amusement crossing his face as he looked down at them.
"Are you sure... are these the ones who stole it?" His voice was smooth, almost casual, yet it carried an undeniable authority that filled the air with tension.
He looked over at the bald-headed man, who flinched and quickly lowered his head in submission.
"Yes... yes, it's them boss," the bald thug replied nodding his head like a pig, his earlier smugness completely gone, as his face filled with cold sweat. "They've been troubling us for a while. But don't worry boss, we'll handle it—"
The man in black, Shane, tilted his head, an amused smile dancing on his lips.
"Oh? You still have a fight in you? Good... very good." He chuckled, his voice smooth but filled with a cruel enjoyment. "It makes things far more... interesting."
Shane turned to his remaining gang members, his voice calm yet dripping with malice. "Leave the woman," he commanded, a twisted grin forming on his face. "Kill the rest."
The gang members hesitated, glancing at each other with visible fear, yet his command left them no choice.
Steeling themselves, they drew their weapons, forming a loose circle around Ram, Sid, Su Mu, and Liam.
As the gang members moved in, their weapons glinting under the dim light, and suddenly the crushing pressure holding Ram, Sid, Su Mu, and the others finally began to ease, just enough to let them breathe.
Ram caught Shane's twisted grin, and immediately understood.
"Fuck, he's toying with us," Ram muttered, his jaw tightening. "He's letting us struggle... just so he can watch us die in slow motion."
But that brief release of pressure was what Ram was waiting for. He leaned in, voice low and urgent. "Listen, everyone," he whispered, barely audible over.
"I have a way to get us out of here—that can take all of us. But I need you to trust me. Don't resist, or it won't work."
Su Mu and Liam exchanged tense glances; their faces filled with doubt. Mai gave a slight nod, her jaw set, ready to trust him.
But Sid on the other hand was another story.
His face twisted in rage, his eyes blazing as his gaze locked onto Shane with a fiery hatred.
Ignoring Ram's words, he focused on the slight release of pressure. "Roar," With a roar that shook the ground, his body began to expand, muscles bulging and skin bristling with fur as he triggered his transformation into his Bearman form.
His frame grew massive, claws elongating as he bared his teeth, an expression of pure rage twisting his face.
"No one touches my sister!" Sid roared, his voice vibrating with raw fury as he charged forward, his claws extending, trying to tear through anyone who stood in his way.
Shane's smile only widened, eyes glittering with delight as he watched Sid's reckless advance. "Oh, finally," he murmured, amusement dripping from every word. "Let's see if you can entertain me."
But before Sid could close the gap, two of Shane's men sprang forward, intercepting him.
They moved with well-trained speed, and their swords raised, but Sid swatted them aside like rag dolls. He rushed forward, his eyes fixed on Shane, refusing to slow down.
"Fuck, I should have told it earlier," Ram clenched his fists, with frustration as he looked at Sid, who ran off into the chaos, not listening to his words.