Chapter 1536

Matthew's footsteps were steady and deliberate, each step echoing through the room like a countdown. His expression was ice-cold, his eyes burning with a predatory glint. The young man on the floor froze. A wave of cold fear washed over him, making his limbs tremble. He could feel the shadow of death creeping closer. Instinctively, he blurted out, "Stop! I get it! I give up!" Matthew's lips curled into a cold, sharp smile. "Mr. Mullins said you'd try to provoke me. And if you didn't back down, I should beat you into the ground. So don't blame me for following instructions." Standing off to the side, Ansel raised an eyebrow in surprise, wondering when he said that. He had not, but this was not the time to correct Matthew—not when his apprentice's pride was already in pieces. He knew it was better to let the lie slide. Matthew lowered the chair with a soft clink and set it down gently. Then, he crouched beside the young man and extended a hand. "Alright. Let's try this again. I'm Mat