Chapter 252

At twelve years, Robert displayed a composure far beyond his years, even in grave danger. His mind raced, deducing who could have sent this group of men to ambush him. But before he could arrive at an answer, the men in black charged toward him. Robert had learned some self-defense techniques and managed to put up a decent resistance. However, he was still just a child, and his opponents were tall, well-trained adults wielding iron rods. As exhaustion set in, one of the men struck him hard on the back with a blunt object. A sharp pain shot through Robert’s body, and his knees buckled. He knelt on the ground, barely able to stay conscious. Another blow landed, and though he clenched his teeth, refusing to cry out, his body eventually collapsed. Iron rods, fists, and feet rained down on him. With his eyes closed, he felt a mix of rage, indignation, and despair. The men in black assumed he was on the brink of death. One of them sneered near Robert's ear, “Better if you are dead. Then the