URBAN VILLAIN SYSTEM-Chapter 37: Octopus Token

In the Weapon Hall...

Whispers spread like wildfire. All the crowd loudly made comments about Edward.

"I didn’t expect the 9th prince to back down..."

"Leave it... he can’t even stand against Tony in real value..."

"Yeah... I heard the 9th prince has no standing inside the Imperial family."

Everyone present began looking down on Edward... This confrontation had already gone beyond a simple challenge.

Pride, status, and reputation were now entangled, and neither side could walk away without leaving their pride behind.

Edward stood still with a dark expression. His mind raced as he tried to regain control of the situation that had slipped so easily from his grasp.

Just a moment ago, he had been confident, even arrogant, believing that everything would unfold exactly as he planned. But Tony had dismantled that confidence piece by piece, leaving him exposed in front of everyone.

At that exact moment, Kelvin, his personal servant, leaned closer and whispered something into his ear.

Edward’s eyes widened almost instantly as he heard the name Octopus Token...!

For a brief moment, hesitation appeared on his face. The suggestion was not a small one. It was not something to be decided lightly. The Octopus Token was not just a treasure... it was his future.

Every prince in the imperial family received only one octopus token before world tree blessing. It will allow them to purchase a powerful weapon to face the world tree blessing... A life and death trail.

And losing it...

Meant losing everything tied to it.

Tony noticed the shift immediately. His eyes narrowed slightly, and then, as if he had just discovered something amusing, he let out a soft chuckle that gradually turned into open laughter.

"What happened?" Tony asked casually, his tone laced with mockery as he looked around at the crowd. "Did our great Ninth Prince suddenly realize he came here empty-handed? What a Drama Queen..."

The words landed like a slap.

A few people in the crowd exchanged glances, their expressions turning strange. The confidence that Edward had displayed earlier was now visibly shaken, and Tony was exposing it without restraint.

Edward’s jaw tightened... His pride screamed.

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth, his voice heavy with suppressed fury. "If that’s what you want... then I’ll give you something worth your arrogance."

Slowly, deliberately, he reached into his bamboo bag and pulled out a golden object.

The moment it appeared... The entire hall reacted.

Gasps spread like wildfire.

"What... is that...?"

"Is that... an Octopus Token?!"

"I’ve never seen one in person...!"

People stood on their toes, some even stepping forward unconsciously, their eyes fixed on the shining golden coin resting in Edward’s hand. The token carried a faint aura, subtle but undeniable, a presence that marked it as something far beyond ordinary treasures.

Even Lily Frost’s expression changed slightly.

Her brows furrowed... She understood exactly what that meant.

Even within the Frost family, such a token would not be given casually. It was reserved for those with unquestionable potential, those destined to rise above others.

And now— Edward had placed it on the line.

The crowd shifted again.

Now, the assumption was clear... Edward was going to win.

There was no doubt left in their minds.

On the other hand, Tony... began making calculations.

"So you finally brought something interesting," Tony said, his tone softer now, but far more dangerous. "Now this... this is worth my time."

He looked directly at Edward. "Very well... I accept."

The reaction was immediate.

Lily and Julie both turned toward him, genuine surprise flashing across their faces. They had expected him to refuse until the very end, to continue cornering Edward, not step into the trap willingly.

Even Edward himself was momentarily stunned.

Then— He laughed... Loudly... Confidently.

As if everything had finally returned to its rightful place. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"At least you’re not as cowardly as they say," Edward said, his tone regaining its arrogance as he pointed toward the central sky ring- A fighting Arena of Octopus House. "Let’s settle this properly. Everyone will witness it."

The raised platform stood tall in the center of the octopus house, designed for high-level duels, a place where strength decided everything.

But—

Tony didn’t move.

He remained exactly where he was, standing beside Lily, his posture relaxed, his expression unchanged, as if Edward had just suggested something insignificant.

The silence returned.

Edward’s smile froze slightly.

"What now?" he asked, irritation creeping back into his voice. "Don’t tell me you’re afraid after all."

Tony glanced at him lazily, then waved his hand dismissively.

"Afraid?" he said. "You really think someone like you is worth that emotion?"

The words were not loud... But they hit harder than shouting.

Edward’s face darkened again, the anger he had barely suppressed rising once-more.

"Then why are you still standing there?" he demanded, his voice sharper now. "If you accepted the fight, then move."

Tony looked at him for a moment... Then spoke. "Before we fight... give me the token."

Edward frowned immediately.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" he said, his tone filled with disbelief. "You’ll get it after you win."

Tony shook his head slowly, as if disappointed.

"That’s where you’re wrong," he replied calmly. "I don’t deal in promises."

The hall fell silent again.

"I don’t trust words... Especially the Imperial family." Tony said, his gaze locking onto Edward.

Edward’s expression stiffened.

"I am the imperial prince," he said, his voice cold. "That token is genuine. Everyone here can see it."

Tony nodded slightly. "Yes, I can see it. I just don’t believe you."

The bluntness of the statement stunned the crowd.

Some even felt a chill.

Who dares to say that to an imperial prince?

"You might change your mind halfway during the fight," Tony added, his tone almost conversational. "Or suddenly get injured. Or simply walk-away. After all... what can I do then?"

The logic was flawless... And humiliating.

Edward stood there, silent, his mind caught in conflict.

If he refused— He would look like a coward.

If he agreed— He risked everything.

The Octopus-Token was not just a wager... It was his future.

The weight of every gaze in the hall pressed down on him.

And Tony watched like a predator that had already cornered its prey.

Finally—

Edward moved. Step by step, slow and heavy, he walked toward Tony. His expression was dark, his eyes filled with something far more dangerous than anger.

Killing intent.

When he reached him, he stopped.... For a brief second, their eyes met.

Then—

Edward placed the token in Tony’s palm.

"This is the Octopus Token," Edward said, his voice low, barely controlled. "Now fight."

Tony glanced down with a mocking smile. Without hesitation, he turned and placed the token into Lily Frost’s hands.

"Keep this safe... wife," he said casually, as if handing over something trivial. "Looks like my-luck improves when you’re around."

Lily held the token, her fingers closing around it as she studied Tony for a moment. In just a few encounters, he had already shattered every assumption she had about him.

He wasn’t weak... He wasn’t simple... He wasn’t predictable. And that made him dangerous.

Edward’s voice cut in again, filled with irritation.

"Are you done?" he snapped.

Tony stretched lazily, as if preparing for something insignificant, before finally stepping forward.

"Let’s go then," he said with a faint grin. Try not to disappoint me again... drama queen."