He considers summoning Skullbreaker as well, but shakes his head. "No need. This is overkill already." Skullbreaker is the leader of the thugs.
Bone Fist walks openly into the courtyard, Aiden following a few steps behind.
The sound of footsteps draws attention.
The first thug straightens up, squinting. "Brothers, we've got visitors."
The second thug stands and grips his weapon. "Hey! What are you doing here? We already claimed this place."
Aiden lets out a tired sigh. "I'm the one who wiped out the previous owners. By that logic, this house belongs to me."
The third thug narrows his eyes, uneasily scanning Aiden and the silent figure beside him. "Brothers… these two are weirdos. You can't even see their faces properly. Especially that one, he's wearing a mask."
The oldest of the three snorts and steps forward, rolling his shoulders. "Relax. If the three of us work together, we can even fight a martial artist."
Aiden tilts his head slightly. "Bone Fist. Break them. Don't kill them."
Bone Fist moves.
No warning. No roar.
He steps in with a short, explosive stride, his fist snapping forward like a battering ram. The nearest thug barely raises his weapon before a covered knuckle slams into his chest. There's a dull crack, and the man is sent flying, crashing into the wall and sliding down in a heap, gasping for air.
"Shit—!" the second thug shouts.
The remaining two don't panic. Instead, they split apart instantly, circling Bone Fist from both sides. One goes low, sweeping for the legs, while the other lunges high, aiming for the neck.
Their timing is perfect.
Aiden's eyes narrow. "Huh…"
Bone Fist pivots, planting one foot as the low sweep passes inches from his shin. He drops his weight, letting the high attack glance off his shoulder, then counters with a short elbow strike that slams into the attacker's ribs.
The thug grunts but doesn't fall. He twists with the blow, retreating just enough to avoid serious damage.
The third thug charges in immediately, using the opening, fists flying in a tight combination, left hook, right straight, knee to the abdomen. Each strike flows into the next without pause.
They really are coordinated.
Aiden watches closely, impressed despite himself. "They don't know martial arts… but their teamwork is solid."
Bone Fist absorbs the knee strike, sliding back half a step. He doesn't retaliate immediately. Instead, he raises his arms, guarding like a veteran fighter, reading their rhythm.
The two thugs attack again, switching positions mid-strike, forcing Bone Fist to turn constantly. For a brief moment, it almost looks like they're overwhelming him.
Then Bone Fist moves.
He steps inside their formation, ignoring a punch that glances off his shoulder, and drives a straight punch into the gut of the nearer thug. The impact knocks the wind out of him instantly.
Before the other can react, Bone Fist grabs his wrist, twists sharply, and slams a bone-hard forearm into the side of his neck.
The man collapses, unconscious before he hits the ground.
The last thug, the one sent flying earlier, tries to stand, legs trembling.
Bone Fist walks over and delivers a clean, controlled chop to the back of his neck.
Silence returns to the courtyard.
All three thugs lie on the ground, groaning or unconscious, alive but completely defeated.
Aiden lets out a low whistle. "Not bad at all."
He looks at the three men, then at the house behind them.
After some time, the three brothers wake up one by one.
Their first sensation is the rough bite of rope against their wrists and ankles. They're tied back-to-back in the middle of the courtyard, heads pounding, mouths dry. The house is quiet now, too quiet.
Aiden stands a few steps in front of them, arms crossed. Behind him, slightly to the side, Bone Fist stands motionless.
"You're finally awake," Aiden says calmly.
The oldest brother swallows hard. He lowers his head, then forces himself to speak.
"S-sir… please let us go. We were wrong to challenge you. We only wanted a place to stay in this city."
The other two nod hurriedly, fear plain on their faces. Their eyes keep drifting toward the silent figure behind Aiden. The way Bone Fist stares, empty, unblinking, makes their skin crawl.
Aiden studies them for a moment before asking, "How did you know this place was empty?"
The oldest brother answers quickly, afraid of hesitating.
"We… we used to run errands for the gang that lived here before. They gave us food, so we worked for them. After they disappeared, we thought the place was abandoned."
Aiden hums softly. "I see."
He takes a few slow steps, the gravel crunching beneath his boots. "Then how about this," he says. "Instead of fighting over scraps, you three work for me."
All three freeze.
"I'll make sure you eat every day," Aiden continues. "And if you do well, I can even give you martial arts manuals."