News channels, broadcast stations, and live streamers were on high alert as they had all heard strange rumors floating around. They had received a tip-off that spread like wildfire everywhere.
Because everyone was covering the news, the rumors had reached the general public as well.
Live chat forums buzzed with discussions about the rumors.
"Have you heard what's going on?"
"I heard a bit, but I don't see why it's such a big deal. Something about someone coming back to the AFC to fight or something, but don’t people say they're going to retire and then come back anyway?"
"This is different. We’re talking about Gary Dem!"
"Gary who?"
"Man, who is this guy? Is he a troll? Can the admins kick him out already?"
"Gary Dem was the top student in the AFC. He had a debut fight with a high-ranking AFC contestant. In his debut match, his opponent even turned into a crazed Altered, yet he still won."
"Ah, right. That did happen, and then he announced his retirement straight away."
"Yeah, it sucked because people thought he was going to be the next big thing, rising to the top."
"Ha, you guys don’t even know half of it. It’s not just because he was a future prospect. Gary Dem left to run his enterprise. He’s a business tycoon, and part of the reason why Slough has become a mega city."
"Right, and everyone saw the other stream, right? Apart from this troll above? About how he had beaten Sin, one of the kings. He’s the leader of the Howlers."
"Wait, and he’s coming back to the AFC now? Maybe since he’s done with improving Slough, he wants to become the king of the ring."
"For now, it's just rumors, but everyone’s talking about it."
"News alert! News alert! AJ Entertainment said that Clem is going to do a live broadcast in an hour!"
Gary's reputation had grown immensely from just being the rookie champion. He was one of the most well-known figures in the world after his fight with Sin.
That, combined with his past, had drawn all attention to him, and the entire AFC community, including those outside of it, were ready to tune into Clem's live broadcast.
Outside AJ Entertainment, a large number of new guards in black and gold stood watch.
The upcoming and current stars were a little confused by what was going on, but they quickly learned about the broadcast.
Those who usually had a few guards protecting them at all times were now learning what real power and fame brought.
They could practically see a hundred members of the Howlers inside and out of the building, and in Ash's office, Gary was sitting behind a desk on his own in his black-and-gold outfit.
"Are you sure you want to wear that?" Ash asked, while he and Clem set up the final details for the camera.
Since Gary didn’t have his own account, they were using their biggest star’s account to livestream the current event.
"No, I want to wear the Howlers uniform," Gary said. "The Howlers isn’t something I’m ashamed of. It’s a group that I, Kai, and everyone else built together."
"This message I want to send—I don’t want to hide behind anything."
Gary looked at the mask placed on the table—the masks he often wore to cover his face. He picked it up with one hand and snapped it in half.
"I think it’s the right choice, Gary," Clem said with a smile and gave a thumbs-up, indicating everything was ready.
Gary took a deep breath. This time, there was no Kai feeding him words to say. An agreement had been made with White Rose, and this was the plan he had come up with.
White Rose had agreed, and now perhaps the biggest collaboration in the current world was happening.
Between The Bree Family, White Rose, The Howlers, and even one of the founders of NIRV, all coming together to take down Harvor.
The AFC champion and head of the One Gang.
Gary looked at Clem’s fingers as she counted down: three, two, one. Another thumbs-up was given, and the red light on the camera lit up, signaling they were live.
Immediately, thousands of people began tuning into the stream. More and more, the numbers didn’t stop.
"Holy crap, it’s true! That’s Gary Dem, the rumors are true!"
"Look at how many viewers there are. I swear, even government officials wouldn’t get this many views."
"It must suck for them to know these guys hold more power, huh?"
The comments didn’t stop, but Gary couldn’t see them, nor how many people were watching. That made it a bit easier as he started his speech.
"I am Gary Dem. I am part of the Howlers organization and from the city of Slough," Gary declared.
"I am here today to make a public announcement: I will be coming back to the AFC. Some of you might remember my debut match, but at the time, I had important responsibilities to deal with."
"But now, one of those important responsibilities for me is the AFC."
"It’s true!" the comments read. "He’s really coming back! I told you, freaking hell! But what’s he going to do? I think the AFC will let him in, but he has no ranking."
"Yeah, and they can’t just let him face any low-ranking guys. I think maybe the promoters and commission can set up a special event."
A lot of the comments stopped, though, as they could see Gary was ready to speak. The look in his eyes was different.
"Some of you might be wondering why I’d come back to the AFC. I have a good life, and honestly, I do."
"But the answer is clear to me. There is only one reason I’m coming back to the AFC, and I’m making a public declaration right now."
"I’m coming back to face Harvor Ego. I will do everything in my power to take that crown off his head and strip him of his belt!"
As Gary spoke passionately, his eyes narrowed, and a red glow could be seen around them, along with his teeth changing.
"Harvor, be ready, because I’m coming for you!"