Chapter 21: The Calm Before the Storm
The night air was thick with the lingering tension of the battle. Dikun Silver's knuckles still stung from the blows he had delivered. The Iron Fangs had been sent a clear message — one they wouldn't soon forget. But he knew better than to assume they'd stay down for long.
Back in the South Wing, the atmosphere was shifting. The once-chaotic territory had grown quieter. Students who once cowered from the Iron Fangs now exchanged nods of respect when they passed Dikun. Even those who remained wary couldn't deny the change. The whispers were no longer about fear. They were about hope.
> System Notification:
South Wing Influence: Dominant
Gang Members: 6/10
Reputation: Rising Force
"Boss," Blake's deep voice broke through the silence as he approached, the title rolling off his tongue naturally. "We've got eyes on the Iron Fangs. They've gone quiet, but Graves won't stay that way for long."
Dikun nodded. "He's regrouping. I'd be disappointed if he wasn't."
Rico, who had been lounging against the rusted lockers, let out a short laugh. "Yeah, well, I don't think he's the type to lick his wounds for long. Word is, he's calling in some of his top guys."
"Good," Dikun said simply. "We'll be ready."
But even as the words left his mouth, he knew preparation alone wouldn't be enough. The gang was still small. Six members — Kellan, Blake, Rico, and a few other recruits from the South Wing. They were loyal, but loyalty didn't mean invincibility.
> Objective Reminder:
Recruit 10 Members (6/10)
Establish Gang Hierarchy (Pending)
*Strengthen Combat Skills (Muay Thai F-Class 85% | Boxing E-Class 15%)
Dikun's gaze shifted toward Kellan, who sat on a bench, tending to his still-bruised face. The street brawler had proven his loyalty. After witnessing Dikun's strength firsthand, there was no hesitation in his decision to follow.
"I'll need all of you ready," Dikun said firmly, his eyes sweeping over the group. "Graves won't come alone. We're done playing defense. It's time we start building something more than just resistance."
Blake crossed his arms. "You're talking about a real gang. Ranks. Structure."
"Exactly," Dikun affirmed. "We're not just some crew fighting for scraps. The South Wing is ours now. It's time we act like it."
> System Notification:
Gang Formation in Progress...
---
Establishing the Ranks
The next morning, the South Wing buzzed with activity. Dikun stood at the head of the assembly, the worn concrete walls enclosing a makeshift meeting spot. His people gathered, anticipation thick in the air.
"Bloodfang High has always belonged to Graves," Dikun began, his voice steady. "He ruled through fear. But fear is a weapon that can break. We proved that last night."
A murmur of agreement swept through the crowd.
"But we're not just a rebellion. We're building something stronger. If the Iron Fangs want to call us an enemy, then we'll give them a reason to fear us."
He stepped forward, his gaze unwavering.
"From this day on, we're the Silver Fangs."
The name hung heavy in the air. Not just a name — a declaration.
> System Notification:
Gang Established: Silver Fangs
> Gang Ranking System Unlocked:
Boss — Dikun Silver
Lieutenants (2/2) — Blake, Kellan
Sergeants (4/4) — Selected from Senior Members
Foot Soldiers (Remaining Recruits)
Blake smirked, the weight of his new title already settling on his shoulders. "Lieutenant, huh? Has a nice ring to it."
Kellan said nothing, but the slight nod he gave spoke volumes. He'd earned his place — not just through strength, but through resilience.
> System Notification:
Blake Appointed as Lieutenant
Kellan Appointed as Lieutenant
"Rico," Dikun continued, turning to his grinning friend. "You're not a fighter, but you've got something just as valuable — connections and information. You'll handle recon and keep our eyes open."
"Boss," Rico grinned wider. "You know I've got you covered."
> Rico Designated as Intelligence Officer
The rest of the recruits stood tall, awaiting their assignments. Dikun nodded. "Train hard. Watch each other's backs. The Silver Fangs are more than a gang. We're a family. And we fight for each other."
A resounding cheer echoed through the courtyard.
---
A Growing Threat
But even as the Silver Fangs celebrated, shadows moved within the Iron Fangs' ranks.
In a dimly lit warehouse on the outskirts of town, Graves leaned against a rusted table. His knuckles were white from how tightly he clenched the edge. The bruisers who had been sent to deliver his message lay beaten, their injuries a mark of failure.
"Silver," Graves spat, the name laced with venom. "You think you've won."
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward. His presence was unsettling — calm, yet radiating power. Scarred knuckles and dead eyes. A fighter.
"Let me deal with him," the figure said, his voice low. "You know what I'm capable of."
Graves grinned. "Then do it. No more warnings. I want Silver broken."
> System Notification:
Event Triggered: The Reaper Approaches
Author's Note:
I will update this chapter soon after completing 100 chapters of my other novels. I'm currently managing multiple stories while pursuing my second year of college, majoring in AB Political Science. On top of that, I have to finish my thesis and handle numerous academic papers. Despite the challenges, I'll do my best to balance it all and continue delivering my stories for you, my readers. Thank you for your patience and support!
Next Chapter:
With the Silver Fangs firmly established, Dikun turns his focus to expanding their influence. But unknown to him, a new threat is already on its way — one who won't settle for mere intimidation. The Reaper has been unleashed, and Bloodfang High will never be the same.