Anton Brotherhood

Chapter 3 Carl Johns

The next day, in the restroom of the No.2 Middle School.

“I heard that your face got hurt by a coward in your class. He is even your master now. Is that true?”

Bruce with a cigarette in his mouth asked.

Jasper was irritated. “I will beat you to death if you call him coward again!”

Bruce was surprised. He then pinched his cheeks and shook his chubby face. “Jasper, do you know

whom you are talking to?”

Jasper flicked his hand away and stared at him. “Bruce, f*ck. You thought I am afraid of you? Don’t

show off in front of me.”

Bruce smiled at his words, “Well, look who’s worked up today. Later after school, just wait in the

classroom. If you dare to leave the school, I will break your legs!”

Jasper stared at him and said, “I will wait for you. Just that you might not dare to turn up!”

In the classroom, Jasper told Anton everything.

Anton asked, “Who is Bruce? What is he doing?”

“He is the tall man who was often with me. The one robbed your money with me that day.” Jasper

paused for a while and glanced at Anton. Seeing that Anton wasn’t angry, he continued, “He joined a

gang since primary school and has his own men now. He is in Class 6, Grade 9.”

Anton nodded and asked, “How many people can we have?” Jasper thought for a while, “Five or six

men are completely trustable. The others are not really reliable.”

Anton replied, “Ok, then I want to meet them.”

Jasper agreed and rushed to summon those men.

At 6 p.m., in the classroom on the first floor.

Jasper stood at the back of the classroom, he held up a chair and dropped it to the ground. There was

a loud bang, and the chair was broken. Jasper picked a 66-centimeter-long log and passed it to Anton.

“Boss, hold it. You may need it after a while.”

Anton shook his head. “I don’t need it,” Jasper said nothing but put it under a desk in case he might

need it. A few minutes later, someone broke into the classroom. The sudden sound shocked Jasper

and drew his attention. Bruce came in with seven or eight people. “Well, very brave for you to wait for

me here.” Bruce looked back and laughed. “Ha, look at these fools!”

Anton just sat there without a word. Jasper was irritated by his words. “Bruce, Let's go head-to-head.

Whoever loses shall be the dumbass!”

“Who do you think you are?” Bruce turned to Anton. “You, come here!”

Anton walked towards Bruce slowly with Jasper behind him. Bruce showed contempt as he found that

Anton was shorter than him. “I know you. You snatched my people. Jasper is no more than a coward. If

you had asked for permission, I would have agreed. Now, I am angry. You need to apologize to me and

fulfill my orders.” Anton lowered his head and allowed his hair to cover his eyes. He smiled and said in

a serious tone, “You’d better let this matter go. Jasper had the freedom to choose.”

Bruce was intimidated by his voice but once he noticed Jasper was smiling, he shook away his fear.

“What kind of activities are you putting on now?” Bruce grabbed Anton’s hair, shoved him down, and

lifted his knee to kick Anton’s face. Anton knelt to the ground, his nose bleeding profusely. Jasper cried

in anxiety and dashed towards Anton but was controlled by Bruce’s men.

Bruce laughed cruelly and kicked Anton to the floor. “Well, you are one weakling, aren’t you?” Bruce

trod on his face and told Jasper, “Your master is a loser! Ha…”

Jasper fought to stand up but failed. The men pressed on his legs and hands. “Fuck…” He could not

finish his words and was beaten on the face by Bruce’s men. Jasper coughed and spat out blood.

Anton suddenly grasped Bruce’s ankle with his left hand. Bruce was surprised. Anton then pulled out a

sling blade and stabbed it into Bruce’s leg. “Ouch!!” Bruce bellowed in pain. He pressed on the wound

and moved backward. Anton stood up and walked to Bruce. He rained punches on him and beat him

black and blue. Seeing the blood splattering everywhere, Bruce’s men had no idea of what to do.

While they hesitated, Anton did not stop hitting Bruce hard. Within moments, Bruce was bleeding and

dropped unconscious onto the floor. At the same time, Jasper took the log and hit the head of the man

who had just hit him. The man knelt with his hands covering his bleeding head. Jasper shouted, “Guys,

come out!”

A lot of footsteps could be heard from the hallway. Then, seven or eight men came in. Jasper shouted,

“Let’s kick their asses!” Then, he took the stick and beat all the other men up.

Anton grabbed Bruce’s hair and pulled his head up. Bruce was in a blur. One of his eyes was swollen.

The other eye was fixed on the boy in front of him. “Boy, I admit defeat this time and I am not your

match. If you want to kill me, I won’t say anything!”

Anton put the sling blade next to his neck. “Now you get two choices. Die or follow me.” Anton released

Bruce and took two steps backward. Others stood behind him. Another boy immediately moved a chair.

Anton glanced at him and sat on it with a slight smile.

Bruce wiped off the blood from the corner of his mouth, looked at his men lying on the ground, and

asked, “Brother, what's your name?”

“Anton.” Anton put the blade back into his pocket.

“Ok, boss. From now on, you are my master!” Bruce regarded him to be strong and smart and maybe

someday he would be famous.

Anton stood up and patted his shoulder. “Well, we are brothers now. Whatever I have, you shall get a

share too!” Then he got out of the classroom. Bruce watched him leave, still thinking about Anton's

eager eyes. He felt happy for no reason at all.

The people who came in later were stunned. They were well friends of Jasper. Jasper told them to

meet a man, whom he called master. After seeing him, they were disappointed because there was

nothing extraordinary about Anton. In front of Jasper, they went along with Jasper and called Anton

'brother', but in their hearts, they did not expect Anton who seemed to be an ordinary person to defeat

Bruce. At that moment, they were surprised by his strength.

Jasper broke the silence and said to them, “What are you guys waiting for? Hurry up and send Bruce

and your injured brothers to the hospital!” The others quickly carried Bruce and the others. Bruce

pushed away from the man who was helping him and struggled to stand up, “I can walk on my own!

Jasper, you call me brother this time. I will remember that!”

Jasper smiled awkwardly, “Bro, what do you say? From now on, we are brothers who follow our boss to

explore the world. Come on, let me help you!” Jasper held his shaking body. The group of people took

their way to the hospital.

Anton was on his way home. He walked slowly and recalled the things that happened in the past two

days. ‘How can I not be bullied? I must grow stronger. And how can I grow stronger? The answer is

supposed to be fierce. Now that I have controlled the dominant gang in school, I should have further

expanded my sphere of influence.’ Anton decided to create his own gang with the men in NO. 2 middle

school as its core members. They were all young and they fight without control. Bluntly saying, they

were tough enough. They were young and passionate, and most of them wanted to be heroes so they

were easy to control. Anton's mind was far beyond his age, and even some adults were not so

thoughtful as he was.

Anton behaved as usual at home. He was still a good boy, the pride of his parents. In school, he was

still a good student with high grades. However, more people have started to know him as a new bully

who fought cruelly and had a sling blade as a weapon.

That day, Anton went to school as usual. He listened carefully to the teacher. In his mind, no matter

what he would be doing in the future, knowledge was the most important for him. Having a good brain

with wisdom is more valuable than having a muscular body. After class, Jasper ran in and whispered to

Anton, “Boss, Third Eye’s men want to see you.”

Anton was doing an exercise. “Well, let them wait for a while. I will come after I finish my exercise.”

Jasper nodded and ran out. Third Eye, originally named Carl Johns, was a well-known gangster in the

No.2 middle school and was famous for fighting. Once, he had fought someone and obtained a scar on

his forehead, which was like he had a third eye. That was just how the nickname came.

Jasper ran downstairs. Two groups gathered on the school playground. One group is 17 or 18 people

led by Bruce; the other group is a dozen led by Carl. Bruce, who was crouching his head and squatting

on the ground to smoke, saw Jasper returning, extinguished the cigarette and stood up, “Jasper, where

is your boss?”

“Boss will come down later. Let them wait!” Jasper was panting from all the running.

Bruce seemed upset. “Fuck, look at yourself. Can you lose weight? You’re already panting!”

“Shit, you think I do not like to lose weight. It’s not as easy as you think!” Jasper looked at the impatient

men and said, “You have to wait a little longer. Our boss will come down in a moment.”

“Shit, he’s really good at putting on airs!” said a man with yellow sunglasses.

Jasper was burning with fury. He then walked up to the person and gave him a punch without warning.

The sunglasses he was wearing flew far away. Carl’s men did not think that he would do that. They put

their hands in their clothes and grabbed the knife hidden inside. The leader waved his hand to stop his

men and said to Jasper, “Well, forgive him. He’s new here..”

Jasper laughed, “Well!” Then stared at the taken away, saying, “Take the little brother out after

teaching, you know, don't spit nonsense!”

The leader looked at him, but soon grinned, “Well, brother, I will remember this.”

“What the f*ck!” Bruce had been tolerating on one side for a long time, seeing the leader saying that, he

was triggered as well. He kicked the man in his abdomen. The man bent down and withdrew several

steps to let his men hold him. This time, Carl’s men draw out their knives. Jasper and Bruce’s people

also took out other logs behind them. Both sides were on the verge of fighting one another, they were

all staring at one another.

At this point, Anton arrived, with his hands in his pockets. He seemed to not be in hurry at all and

strolled from the classroom.

“Huh! So lively?” Anton came to the center of the crowd, neglecting the knives in their hands. Seeing a

common student in the No.2 middle school uniform, the leader of the other side rubbed his stomach

and asked, “Boy, why did you come?”

Anton did not speak. Jasper said loudly, “This is our boss!”

The leader came to Anton and observed him from head to toe. God, is there no one stronger that they

had to follow a malnourished-looking boss? Anton caught the glint in his eyes and stood while smiling.

After watching for a while, the man nodded and said, “Sir, our boss has something to discuss with you.

Can you please come out and get together at night?”

“No problem. You set the schedule. But it should not be too late.” Anton replied.

The man nodded again and said, “Come to the snooker center, Joy Billiards Hall, after school. Our

boss will wait for you there. What do you think?”

“Okay.” In fact, Anton had wanted to see them for quite some time already. He just never had a chance.

He had not expected them to look for him first. Finding that the group had left, he said to Jasper and

Bruce, “You two are too impulsive. Correct it.” Bruce bowed his head and did not speak. Jasper said

aloud, “Boss, they were too arrogant. If they did not scold you first, I wouldn't have done it.”

Anton smiled. “I'm not madding at you. I'm just reminding you that keeping a clear mind at all times can

make your life easier!”

Jasper and Bruce nodded together and said, “Got it, boss!” They consider their boss was right. If their

boss had not shown up and they fought, even though they had more hands, they might not be at an

advantage at all.

Bruce thought for a moment and said, “Boss, I think nothing good is up. Do you think if …”

“If we really want to be known here, we have to tackle this barrier tonight. It may be dangerous, but if

we don't have the guts to do it, why are we here?” he said. Bruce flushed and nodded. “Boss, just tell

me the plan. I’ll listen to you!”

Anton nodded, but he was silent.

The bell rang after classes were over in the No.2 middle school. Suddenly the gates of the school were

crowded. Somehow, all the students rushed towards the school gates. The first one who came out

yelled, “YES!” He was excited as if he had won the jackpot.

Inside the classroom building stood approximately two dozen students, each with their hands forked

and cigarettes in their mouths. They felt they looked phenomenal. Whenever they saw a beautiful girl

passing by, they would whistle and catcall, “Well, hello, Beauties! “

“Fuck you. She looks just like a pig! Ha-ha!” “Fuck…”

Jasper and Bruce were not so happy as they were. Jasper asked, “What time is it?” Bruce glanced at

his watch and patted him on the shoulder. “What time Qis it? Do not be nervous! I got your back.”

“You are talking shit. He is Carl! How can I not be nervous?” said Jasper.

“What's so great about him? He’s a human too.” Bruce's words caused a chorus of laughter. Jasper

laughed and said, “You sure are talkative.” Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

At that moment, Anton came downstairs from the second-floor corridor. Everyone put away their

smiles, stood at the base of the stairs, and bowed together. “Hello, Boss!”

Anton nodded and asked, “Have you brought everything?” Jasper answered, “Don't worry, boss,

everyone has one in their hands.”

“Well, let’s go. Now we can finally meet the legendary Carl!” Anton said jokingly. Everyone was looking

at him and felt more at ease. Along their way to the Joy Billiards Hall, they chatted and laughed merrily.

Joy Billiards Hall was on the left side of No. 2 High School. Students at the high school who loved to

play pool would visit this place as it was close to their school, and the charges were cheap (but the

tables were run down).

Anton and the others arrived at Joy Billiards Hall. There was not any guest in the pool hall as Carl had

booked the whole hall. He was playing with a young man when Anton led his group in with all smiles.

The billiard hall was dim, and Anton saw Carl when he approached the pool table. He was twenty years

old, about 170 cm tall, and had a flat head. Anton’s first impression of him was that he was quite

cheerful and was always smiling.

Carl was also looking at Anton, nodding and saying, “Are you the famous Anton?”

Anton smiled and replied, “You know me. I do not know if it is a blessing or a disaster?”

“You’re a smart guy! I like it! Ha-ha!” He took a club and handed it to Anton. “Are you interested in a

shot?”

Anton had never played pool, but he did have no hesitation in taking the club. “Okay. Even if I cannot

play, I must play. It’ll be rude for me to refuse.” Carl squinted. “Well, brother, I love the way you think!”

Carl held the club in his hands and started the game. “I shouldn't ask you about school, but since you

are in my territory, it would be a little impolite not to show a little concern.”

Anton had seen how others play pool and knew how to play. He took the club to hit the six and

responded, “I had just established my authority recently and there are a few things that I have yet to

understand. It’ll be good if you can provide me some guidance.” The ball did not score.

“Sure, we’re working together anyway!” Carl scored a goal. “You took a lot of money in school?”

“Not much. They are poor students. Just a few hundred each day!” Anton wiped his forehead.

Carl laughed as he played, “You must make at least 10 thousand a month!” The ball did not score. He

continued, “I was once in control here. Now that you have established your gang in No. 2 High School,

my gang cannot get in. Brother, you have to allow us to make a living!”

Anton smiled, “I do not dare agree! But since we are on this topic, I think we can talk about the few

options available?” Carl gazed at Anton across the table. “Oh, what options?” “Either you leave, or I

leave, or we work together.”

“Bro, tell the truth!” Carl’s eyes grew cold. “You mean to kick me out of here?”

Anton smiled and stared at him. “You do not need to scare me. I am not afraid of you since I am here.

We won't necessarily lose if we fight., but it's not good for everyone!” He stopped and continued

playing.

Carl did not dare to look down on the lanky teenager in front of him. His intuition told him that this teen

was not simple. Neither his mind nor his courage was any less than older men who have been in

society for a long time.

Carl took out a box of 'Red River' from his pocket and took two cigarettes out and handed one to Anton.

Anton smiled and uttered a “thank you” before putting it in his mouth. Jasper came up to light up the

cigarettes in their mouths. Carl looked at Jasper and said to Anton, “Good kid!” And then, he turned

back to Anton. “Dude, what do you want?”

“I say let’s work together. It will be best for everyone. No one will lose,” Anton puffed.

“Ha! Work together? Well, it is a nice idea. It's good.” He rubbed the club in his hand and added, “But.”

Anton knew his meaning. “Who will be the boss?” Carl was silent. He merely nodded, squinting at

Anton. “I’m not qualified to snatch this position from you, but if I give up, my followers will say I'm

spineless. Hence, there’s only one way.” Carl frowned. “What?”

“You and me, we duel. Whoever wins is the boss.” There was a cold glint in Anton's eyes.

Carl flared and could not believe his ears. He scanned Anton up and down again. There was nothing

special about him. He was barely 170cm tall, and very thin. Who was he? How dare he spoke in such a

way?

“Ha-ha!” Carl chortled, “You will keep your word?” “Oh, how can I lead a gang if I don’t?”

“Alright! When?” Carl said with confidence.

Anton looked around. “It’s a good place. I don’t get much free time. Let us do it now!”

“Okay.”

Anton took off his coat, and neither Jasper nor Bruce had expected that things would take such a turn.

Jasper was worried, “Boss, do you really want to duel? Carl is famous for his fighting skills!” Anton

threw his clothes to him and whispered, “This is the best solution. We are weak and we can’t compete

with his gang!” He then turned around and headed to the middle of the pool hall. Jasper and Bruce

simultaneously touched the knives strapped to their waists. If their boss were in danger, they would

chop that bastard up. Seeing that they were thinking the same thing, the two of them exchanged

glances and grinned.

Carl asked his men to move the middle pool table aside, and then turned on all the lights in the room.

Instantly, the house was blindingly bright. He took off his coat, and furled up the sleeves of his shirt,

ready for the fight. He inwardly felt funny for he went fight with a teenager half his own size. He did not

know if he would be laughed at when others heard about it.

Anton walked up to Carl and stood calmly before him as if everything were already in control. Silence

prevailed in the pool hall and everyone were watching the two men standing in the middle of the hall.

The air was thick with tension.

Seeing that Anton had no intention of making the first move, Carl spoke up, “Brother, may we start?”

Anton nodded.

“Be careful!” Carl lunged forward and aimed a punch at Anton. Anton took a step back to dodge the

punch. In the next second, he was caught off guard by a kick in his stomach. Anton wanted to get up,

but Carl did not give him the chance at all and kicked him in the stomach again. Anton’s body slid two

meters away before he came to a stop. Jasper could not help but pulled out his knife. However, Bruce

stopped him and whispered, “Wait!” Jasper stomped his feet with a frustrated sigh as sweat drenched

his shirt.