Chapter 16: Tensions Rise

The corridors of Bloodfang High were no longer filled with just whispers. They roared with rumors of Dikun Silver's growing strength. Three members. Each one notable in their own right — Kellan the brawler, Tori the fallen Iron Fang, and now Lee, the sharpest strategist the school had ever known.

But even with this momentum, Dikun knew one truth — Graves wasn't idle.

> System Notification:

Gang Progress: 3/10 Members

Objective Updated:

Expand Your Gang (3/10 Members)

Establish Territory (0/3 Zones)

Prepare for Graves' Retaliation

The system's cold prompt rang in his mind. Dikun clenched his fists, knowing what was coming. Graves had been embarrassed, and a king never ignored a slight. The Iron Fangs would retaliate — it was only a matter of time.

"Time to move," Dikun muttered.

---

A Gathering Storm

The once empty storage room beneath the gym now served as Dikun's base. Dim light flickered from a single overhead bulb, casting shadows across cracked concrete walls. A makeshift table was spread with crude maps of the school grounds. Lee had already marked potential recruitment targets and weak points in the Iron Fangs' control.

Kellan leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "We can't stay on the defensive forever."

"Agreed," Lee added, adjusting his cracked glasses. "Graves thrives on fear. If we don't expand soon, the other gangs will lose confidence. We need a foothold — and fast."

"Then we take one," Dikun said. "But not by force."

Kellan raised a brow. "No fighting?"

"Not yet," Dikun clarified. "The Iron Fangs expect us to charge headfirst. But if we hit them where it hurts — their influence, their image — we can force their hand."

"Undermine their power," Lee nodded. "A classic destabilization tactic."

"Exactly."

> System Notification:

Mission Activated:

Undermine the Iron Fangs

Spread Fear Among Their Ranks

Sabotage Iron Fang Operations

Prevent Reinforcements

---

The First Move

"We'll start with the South Wing," Dikun said, pointing to the map. "It's not heavily guarded, but it's where most of the independents gather. We get them on our side, and we'll have eyes everywhere."

Tori grinned. "I know a few people there. Some of them hate the Iron Fangs more than they fear them."

"Perfect," Dikun replied. "We'll make our presence known. But no unnecessary fights. Not yet."

Kellan smirked. "But if they start one, I'm not holding back."

---

South Wing Tactics

The South Wing was a different world from the Iron Fangs' controlled territories. Gangs without a name roamed freely, causing chaos without purpose. It was a jungle of opportunists — exactly what Dikun needed.

The moment they stepped through the rusted double doors, all eyes turned toward them.

"Silver's crew," someone murmured.

"He took down Tori and Jax," another whispered. "And lived."

"Why's he here?"

Dikun walked with purpose, his presence commanding attention. Rico flanked his right, while Kellan and Tori loomed behind him. Lee remained quiet, his calculating gaze scanning every face.

"We're not here to fight," Dikun's voice rang out, silencing the chatter. "We're here to offer something better."

"Better?" a scrawny figure with bruised knuckles sneered. "You think you're some kind of savior, Silver?"

"No," Dikun answered calmly. "But I know what Graves is. A tyrant. And sooner or later, he'll come for all of you. Unless we stand together."

A murmur spread through the crowd. Some laughed. Others shifted uncomfortably.

"Why should we follow you?" the scrawny fighter growled. "You've only won a few fights. Graves has crushed dozens."

Dikun took a step forward, his voice unwavering. "Because I'm not offering protection. I'm offering freedom. No more paying tribute to the Iron Fangs. No more being their pawns. Fight with me, and we change the rules."

The scrawny fighter's glare faltered. Around them, others nodded, the seeds of doubt taking root.

> System Notification:

Influence Gained: South Wing (25%)

Reputation Increased: Fearless Leader

"Think it over," Dikun said, his gaze sweeping across the gathering. "But don't take too long. Graves won't wait."

---

Graves' Response

The news spread faster than Dikun anticipated. The Iron Fangs' influence was no longer unquestioned. The sight of students hesitating to bow, refusing to yield, was a slap to Graves' pride.

And Graves never took humiliation lightly.

> System Notification:

Event Triggered:

Iron Fang Retaliation Incoming

Survive the Ambush

Maintain Control of the South Wing

The system's words echoed ominously.

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Next Chapter:

Graves makes his first move, sending a brutal message to reclaim his dominance. Dikun and his fledgling gang must stand their ground. The battle for the South Wing begins — and Bloodfang High will never be the same.