Be it in matters of identity, stature, influence, or affluence, each individual present on this secluded island stood at the zenith of the world's hierarchy.
In this particular instance, the assemblage of individuals stood in unison, demonstrating reverence as they bowed their heads in humble submission.
Before them, presiding over the gathering, stood the proprietor of Dark Prison Island, none other than Randolph Truman himself.
With the power to pass judgment over the fates of all those present, Randolph commanded a potent blend of fear and reverence from the assembled multitude, who stood in a state of both trepidation and awe in his presence.
Half a decade prior, Randolph had managed to elude captivity and escape from Lorness.
He arrived here with his teacher, the previous proprietor of Dark Prison Island.
Commencing his journey as a mere prison guard on the lowest rung, Randolph gradually ascended through the ranks, painstakingly advancing to his current esteemed position.
Gazing upon the gathered multitude, a solemn countenance adorned Randolph's visage as he cast his eyes downward.
"In my absence, I shall return to my homeland for a while. Henceforth, all matters pertaining to the island shall be entrusted to the five appointed wardens," declared Randolph, his voice resolute and firm.
A wave of astonishment washed over the assembled crowd, leaving them collectively stunned and speechless in the wake of Randolph's announcement.
In that very moment, a resounding and commanding voice reverberated through the air.
"Sir," echoed a voice filled with conviction, resounding with determination, "I am prepared to relinquish my role as a warden and pledge my allegiance to you as a devoted servant!"
As Randolph cast his gaze upon the speaker, he recognized James Nguyen, a steadfast companion who had remained faithfully by his side throughout the passage of time.
Standing at an imposing height of seven feet, James possessed a striking appearance, characterized by his flowing blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.
Randolph harbored a deep familiarity with James. Acknowledging James's unwavering loyalty and dedication, Randolph responded with a nod, silently affirming his acceptance of James's offer.
In that very moment, a coquettish woman stepped forward, her voice laced with sweetness.
"Sir," she began in a dulcet tone, "I have managed to save a modest sum of funds privately. It is but a small amount, yet please accept it as a token of farewell from me."
Witnessing the woman's gesture, a wave of realization swept through the crowd below, prompting them to follow suit and replicate her actions.
"Sir!" Another individual stepped forward, presenting a sleek black gold card adorned with the insignia of thirty-two transnational banks. "Please accept this as a token of appreciation."
"Sir, this is the Hovenant Ring. By possessing it, you hold the authority to command all the members of the Hovenant Gang."
"Sir, I have officially transferred the ownership of my Royaltune Group to Mr. James Nguyen! Its headquarters are based in Crystalville, your place of origin."
Randolph collected each gift individually. Subsequently, he departed from Dark Prison Island as everyone bid him farewell.
His thoughts danced chaotically within the recesses of his mind.
In Crystalville, he once adorned the esteemed position of the Truman family's honorable second son.
Amidst the wealth and privilege of the Truman family, he had the opportunity to live a carefree life.
However, following the unforeseen tragedy that claimed the lives of his parents, he found himself thrust into the custody of his eldest uncle.
Growing up, Randolph's maturation revealed an extraordinary reservoir of talent and aptitude.
Upon his graduation, he wasted no time in establishing Worldtures Biotech Corporation, where he delved into groundbreaking research and spearheaded the development of "Antis", a revolutionary gene drug with the remarkable capability to fortify the human physique.
Through the widening web of his connections, Randolph serendipitously stumbled upon disquieting clues that cast a shadow of doubt upon the circumstances surrounding his parents' tragic demise.
Like converging arrows, all the clues unerringly directed Randolph's attention towards the very family of his uncle.
Before he could delve deeper into his investigation, fate dealt a treacherous hand as he found himself unwittingly drugged at a social gathering, subsequently awakening in the confines of his cousin, Doris' chamber.
A damning accusation befell him in the wake of his intoxicated state, as he was accused of committing the grievous act of rape against his own cousin.
The tumultuous events unfolded relentlessly, culminating in his eventual expulsion from the family fold. The Truman family seized control of his once-thriving company, transforming themselves into a pseudo-prominent dynasty that wielded influence within the confines of Crystalville.
However, his name had become synonymous with notoriety within the very fabric of Crystalville.
As he departed from the confines of Crystalville, he found himself relentlessly pursued by various factions of merciless assassins. Fortunately, salvation came in the form of his steadfast girlfriend, Brinley Selleck, who valiantly intervened to rescue him from the clutches of danger.
Compelled by the urgency to establish his own innocence, he embarked on a journey abroad, driven by the need to gather evidence and unravel the truth behind the accusations that had tarnished his reputation.
His return to Crystalville was prompted by the impending anniversary of his parents' tragic demise, which loomed on the horizon, serving as a poignant reminder of the unresolved mysteries that still lingered in his heart.
Fixing his gaze upon the path leading to Crystalville, Randolph's eyes gradually hardened, betraying a growing coldness within him.
"Now is the moment to settle the score with the Truman family!" he declared, his voice brimming with unwavering resolve, as he set his sights on a long-awaited reckoning.
Inside the Truman residence in Crystalville, amidst the opulence, a grand banquet unfolded, filling the residence with an air of celebration and extravagance.
Every member of the Truman family reveled in the festivities, basking in the joyous ambiance of the banquet.
On this very day, the eldest son of the Truman family, Nolan Truman, paid homage to Austin Hewitt and respected the latter as his master. As the leader of the formidable Hovenant Gang, Austin reigned over the most dominant criminal organization in all of Crystalville.
Inebriated and brazen, Austin sprawled upon the central throne-like chair, his intoxication evident to all in attendance at the banquet.
Wearing a sycophantic smile, Cordell Truman, the reigning patriarch of the Truman family, addressed Austin with flattery in his voice, "Mr. Hewitt, today my son pledges his loyalty to you as his master. From this moment onward, we stand united! With our combined forces, no adversary in Crystalville can stand against us!"
Ebullient with anticipation, the remaining members of the Truman family mirrored Cordell's enthusiasm.
Over the course of the past five years, their ascent had been relentless, propelling them to the pinnacle of their influence and dominance.
By joining forces with the Hovenant Gang, they would elevate themselves to a greater level.
"Ha-ha!" In a booming voice, Austin declared, "Cordell, we're insignificant at this point. A prominent figure is visiting Crystalville today, and even the so-called influential individuals in this town are mere nobodies in his sight. Luckily, he has connections with the Hovenant Gang. I plan to utilize your banquet to extend him a warm welcome. It's imperative that you conduct yourself appropriately."
Excitement flickered in Cordell's eyes. "Really?"
Cordell had considered himself fortunate enough to have partnered with Austin. Little did he expect that Austin would be able to secure the presence of such a formidable figure.
If he could truly establish a connection with that influential individual, then his family would truly rise to fame.
The rest of the Truman family eagerly anticipated the arrival of this individual. Some women started touching up their makeup, and a few even lowered their necklines.
"How could that possibly be fake?" Austin sneered smugly.
Tap! Tap!
Just then, the sound of footsteps approached.
As the sound reached their ears, everyone turned their gaze toward the source.
Two individuals were making their way inside. Both of them exuded an imposing aura.
The presence of Randolph and James captured everyone's attention as they made their grand entrance. Although it was just the two of them, it seemed as though they had an army standing behind them.
In an instant, Austin's pupils constricted as he exclaimed, "It's him!"
Luck was on his side as Austin found himself fortunate enough to catch sight of James from a distance once in the past. At that moment, he was acutely aware that he lacked the qualifications necessary to approach James up close.
"So he is the big shot this time?"
Austin's face beamed with joy as he prepared to rise and greet James, only to discover that James stood half a step behind the person beside him, displaying an expression of utmost reverence.
Austin stood there, utterly stunned.
The youthfulness of the man left Austin bewildered. He wondered what kind of identity or status he possessed that commanded such profound respect from James.
Before Austin could make sense of the situation, Nolan, who stood beside him, stepped forward.
He extended a trembling finger towards Randolph's face and unleashed a torrent of furious accusations.
"Randolph, you heartless monster! We took you in with compassion, and yet you had the audacity to rape your own cousin! Did you think time would erase our memories after five years? How dare you show your face here now? You should be utterly ashamed! Leave this place at once!"