URBAN VILLAIN SYSTEM-Chapter 33: Public Insult

The war jet descended through a narrow space carved into the mountains.

The Seventh Octopus House appeared in the distance. It’s not a single building but as an entire connected structure.

Red structures spread across the terrain like veins, each marked with a trident emblem that gleamed even under the pale light.

Tony stepped out first, hands in his pockets. Lily followed beside him with cold indifferent eyes, while Julie walked a step ahead, unable to hide her curiosity.

"This is... bigger than I expected," Julie said, looking around.

"There is more to see... control your drooping face." Lily elbowed her sister Julie.

They walked through the main entrance without obstruction. No guards stopped them, but that didn’t mean they weren’t being watched. Eyes followed them from every direction. Staff, buyers, martial artists, all subtly observing.

The whispers started early.

"That’s him... Tony Clark."

"With Lily Frost..."

"So it’s true. The engagement is real."

"Black Suitcase himself... What is he doing here? Isn’t he supposed to be useless in cultivation?"

"Yeah, but look at him walking like he owns the place."

Tony heard all of it... He didn’t react.

Julie glanced sideways. "They’re talking about you like you’re some villain."

"They’re not wrong," Tony said calmly.

"That doesn’t bother you?"

"No."

Lily stepped in without breaking her pace. "Ignore them. Let’s buy the things first and leave."

They entered the uniform hall first. Rows of academy outfits were displayed with precise order, each one varying slightly in material and design based on rank and specialization.

Lily moved ahead, scanning through them with clear intent. "You’ll need at least three sets," she said. "Standard, reinforced, and training wear."

Tony picked up one of the uniforms and examined it briefly. "They all look the same."

"They’re not," Lily replied. "Material density, resistance layers, internal weaving. This one can absorb impact better."

Tony handed it back. "Then pick for me."

Julie looked at him. "You’re not even going to choose?"

"I don’t care enough to," Tony said.

Lily didn’t argue. She selected three sets efficiently, checking size and quality without hesitation. "These are enough," she said. "You won’t need more for now."

Tony nodded once.

From there, they moved toward the medicinal section. The atmosphere shifted slightly. This area was quieter, more controlled. Shelves of pills, elixirs, and sealed containers lined the walls, each labeled with detailed information.

Julie’s eyes lit up. "Now this is interesting."

Tony picked up a small vial and read the label. "Enhances recovery speed. Temporary effect."

They selected several items. Basic recovery pills, energy stabilizers, and a few higher-grade ones that Lily insisted on.

Next came the pet section.

The moment they stepped in, the atmosphere became loud with beast cries. Sounds filled the air. Chirping, growling, fluttering. Creatures of all sizes and colors were housed in controlled enclosures.

Julie’s attention shifted instantly. "Finally."

She moved from one enclosure to another, completely absorbed. Small beasts, winged creatures, glowing-eyed animals, each more unusual than the last.

Tony walked through the area slowly, observing but not stopping.

"You’re not interested?" Lily asked.

Tony shook his head. "Nothing here stands out."

Julie turned back. "Are you serious? Some of these are rare."

"They’re not for me," Tony said.

Julie didn’t argue further. She had already made her choice.

A small bird with soft pink feathers perched calmly inside a glass enclosure. Its eyes were bright, intelligent, and it tilted its head as Julie approached.

"I’ll take this one," she said.

The attendant nodded. "That is a Whisperwind Parrot. It can mimic voices and sense emotional fluctuations."

Julie smiled slightly. "Then it’s perfect."

"What are you naming it?" Lily asked.

Julie thought for a second. "Rose."

The bird let out a soft sound, almost as if acknowledging the name.

Tony glanced at it once... Then they completed the selection and moved forward.

While they moved from one store to another, the whispers hadn’t stopped.

"If he’s really that useless, why would Lily Frost stand with him?"

"Maybe the rumors are wrong. Or maybe the Frost family has their own plans."

"Still... that’s Tony Clark... Black Suitcase... Evil boy..."

Tony walked through it all without a change in expression.

From a distance, the 9th prince of the Imperial family, Edward watched.

He stood on an elevated platform, partially concealed behind a structural pillar. His gaze remained fixed on Tony the entire time.

"So that’s him," Edward said quietly.

One of his guards stood behind him. "Should we move now, Your Highness?"

"Not yet," Edward replied. "Let him walk a little more."

His eyes shifted briefly to Lily, then back to Tony. "I want to see how he reacts."

They finally reached the weapon hall.

This section was vast, far larger than the others. Weapons of every kind were displayed in organized sections. Swords, spears, bows, blades, and more specialized equipment.

Tony stepped forward, his attention finally sharpening.

"Now this is something," he said.

He picked up a sword first, testing its weight, balance, and grip. He swung it once, then twice, then placed it back.

"Too light." Next, a spear... "Too slow." A pair of daggers... "Not stable."

Julie crossed her arms. "Do you like anything?"

"Not yet," Tony replied.

He moved from one weapon to another, testing each one with the same calm evaluation. Nothing held his interest long enough.

Lily watched quietly. She didn’t interrupt. She knew he wasn’t being careless. He was simply not impressed.

Then Tony stopped.

At the far end of the hall, a separate section stood apart from the rest. It wasn’t crowded. In fact, it was almost empty.

A faint barrier surrounded the display. Each weapon there carried a distinct symbol. A shield marked with the insignia of the Seventh Elder.

Tony stepped closer. "These are different and powerful," he said.

"They’re restricted," Lily replied. "Not for general purchase."

Tony’s eyes moved across the display until they settled on a pair of gauntlets. Dark, compact, with a subtle design that represented something more than simple craftsmanship.

He stared at them for a moment longer than usual. "I want to try those."

"You can’t," Lily said. "Those require an octopus token."

Tony looked at her. "What token?"

"The master of the octopus house distributes special coins," she explained. "They use them to grant access to restricted items. It’s a way to reward or favor certain individuals."

Tony looked back at the gauntlets. "So without that coin, I can’t touch them."

"Yes."

Tony didn’t move away. "Maybe my father has some coins..?" Tony muttered as he stared at the gauntlets in dark crimson colour.

At that exact moment, Edward shifted his stance slightly and spoke without turning his head. "Send him."

One of his servants nodded and immediately moved toward Tony’s position.

The man approached with deliberate confidence, loud enough to draw attention.

"So this is Tony Clark," he said, looking him up and down. "I expected someone more... capable."

Julie frowned immediately. "Who are you?"

The servant ignored her. His eyes stayed on Tony. "I heard a lot about you. Black Suitcase, right? The one with no martial talent."

The surrounding area grew quieter... People turned. The whispers paused, replaced by direct attention.

The servant continued, voice steady and clear. "Interesting. A man like you standing in front of restricted weapons... as if you could use them."

Tony didn’t respond.

The servant Kelvin smirked slightly. "Do you even understand what you’re looking at? You won’t be able to life them with your martial strength."

Tony finally looked at him. "Yes, what you said is right. These restricted weapons are really better than everything else here."

The servant’s expression tightened slightly. "And something you can’t have," he replied in the same arrogant tone.

Tony’s gaze didn’t change. "That’s fine."

The simplicity of the answer caught more attention than any reaction would have.

The servant paused for a moment, then forced a small laugh. "At least you understand your limits."

An evil grin appeared on Tony’s face as he turned towards the insulting servant.

"Yes..." From the distance, Edward watched closely, a smile forming as the situation unfolded exactly as he wanted.