The Almighty Dragon General

On December 13rd, 2024, which was Black Friday, the sky over Meriland's East Coast International Airport buzzed with helicopters, while thousands of armed soldiers secured every intersection nearby. This intense security was for the arrival of Justin Miller, a four-star general acclaimed for quelling the southern rebellion. Local officials from Riverwood gathered outside the airport anxiously, unaware that Justin had already arrived by taxi secretly. "Riverwood, I'm back," Justin said with determination. He muttered in a sarcastic voice, "Daniel Anderson, you never thought I would come back alive, huh? Five years ago, you raped my girlfriend, bribed the judge, and got me imprisoned. Now, it's time for you to pay the price." Seated in the taxi, Justin tightened his fists, fury blazing in his eyes. Five years ago, as a medical student at Meriland Medical College, he dated Emma Flores, the finest girl on campus. At a social event, Daniel, the city councilman's son, tried to violate Emma. Justin stopped him in time, leading to a fight with Daniel, but Daniel's guards quickly intervened, breaking Justin's legs. What's worse, Daniel wielded his power to bribe the judge afterwards and accused Justin of aggravated assault with a false injury report. Without any power, Justin was sentenced to five years in prison. During his time in jail, Justin befriended a mysterious elder from the East, who healed Justin's legs, taught Justin everything he knew, and gifted him a dragon-shaped ring. To further strengthen him, the elder sent Justin to the southern front. Throughout numerous battles, Justin dismantled the rebellious forces and stabilized the south region, rising to become the leader of the Thunderstorm Legion and the youngest four-star general in Meriland's history. Now, leaving the front, Justin had returned with glory to Riverwood harboring two intentions: reunite with his parents and girlfriend, and settle the score for his wrongful imprisonment by Daniel. A sudden cry broke his thoughts. "Please, stop beating us! We've paid back the 500-thousand-dollar loan, so how do we still owe you 800 thousand dollars?" Justin realized he had reached his home. Peering through the taxi window, he saw a gang beating a frail old couple mercilessly. His anger flared when he recognized his parents, Jacob and Olivia, being assaulted ruthlessly. "Shut up, you old f**k! Give us the money, or I'll cut off your hands!" the leader called Scarface barked, brandishing a knife. "Please, spare my husband. You have already broken his legs. We don't have any more money left!" Olivia pleaded, clinging to Scarface's leg. "Stop crying! You can't pay, huh? Then both of you will lose a hand today!" Scarface yelled, kicked Olivia aside, and pressed his foot on Jacob's head, poised to cut off his hand. "Stop!" Justin shouted, bursting out of the taxi. The sight of his parents brought him to tears. Just five years ago, his father was a robust man, and his mother was gentle and elegant. How did things turn so tragic? "Go to hell, you motherfuckers!" Overwhelmed by rage, Justin launched himself at the thugs, landing powerful blows. He sent several gang members flying when they clutched at Jacob and Olivia. Grabbing Scarface's knife, Justin severed his hand swiftly. "Ah!" Scarface's scream pierced the air. Justin pressed his foot on Scarface's head, his eyes burning with fury. "Tell me! Who sent you to do this?" "Please, don't kill me, sir! It was Daniel! He asked us to collect the debt!" Scarface cried out, wincing in pain and staring at Justin in terror. The rest of the gang members cowered, backing away at the sight of their leader's hand severed by Justin. "Who... Who are you? We're the Darkvipers!" Justin's glare was cold as he addressed them, "Go back and tell Daniel that Justin Miller is back, and I'll be coming for him soon. Now, get lost!" "Alright, wait and see, asshole!" The Darkvipers carried Scarface hastily and fled in a disordered rush. With the Darkvipers gone, Justin turned to Olivia and helped her to her feet. Olivia reached for Justin's face but couldn't see anything. "Justin, is that you? Are you back?" Justin waved his hand before her eyes and confirmed gently, "Yes, Mom, it's me. What happened to your eyes?" Olivia smiled softly, "It doesn't matter as long as you're alive. Now go help your father. It's been five years, and our family is finally together again." Justin moved to help his father up, but the next moment, he froze. Jacob's legs were crippled, and his once-strong frame was now hunched and frail. "Dad! What happened to your legs?!" Justin lifted his father from the ground, his voice trembling as he asked, "What happened here during these five years I was gone?" Jacob remained silent, and the three of them moved into the living room. The house was barren, with not a single piece of decent furniture. Olivia and Jacob kept the truth hidden until Justin pressed them for answers, and they broke down, revealing everything through tears. Five years ago, after Daniel framed Justin, he extorted over two million dollars from Olivia and Jacob for alleged medical, legal, and emotional damages. When Jacob and Olivia refused, Daniel used his father's influence to force a court order, which resulted in selling Justin's house. Daniel also conspired with the Darkvipers, coercing Jacob into a high-interest loan of 500 thousand dollars. The interest compounded over time, turning the loan into an 800-thousand-dollar debt. After Olivia and Jacob ran out of money, Daniel asked the Darkvipers to beat them regularly. A year ago, they broke Jacob's legs, robbing him of the ability to work, and Olivia resorted to collecting trash to make ends meet and support her crippled husband. Justin's heart ached as he absorbed the extent of Daniel's cruelty, leaving them without options. "Mom, while you were going through all this, where was Emma? I went to prison for her. Didn't she help you at all?" Justin asked loudly. Olivia's tears flowed freely at his question. Jacob took Olivia's hand gently, turned to Justin, and said in a choked voice, "After you were imprisoned, Emma ignored our struggles and came demanding 500 thousand dollars for emotional damages. When we couldn't pay, she pushed your mother to the ground. Olivia's eyes hit the table, and she went blind. Justin, that woman ruined you!" "This can't be true! Emma wouldn't do that!" Justin shook his head, refusing to believe that the woman he sacrificed so much to protect would hurt his family. "It's the truth, Justin." Jacob's words made Olivia burst into tears. Justin stumbled a few steps back in disbelief. It now made sense why Emma and his parents hadn't visited him during those five years. Gazing at his blind mother and crippled father, Justin felt a surge of rage, and a blue flame flickered in his hand instantly. Smack! Justin brought his hand down on the only table left, shattering it into splinters. 'Anderson family... Flores family...‘ he murmured inwardly. 'For what you've done to my parents, I promise you will pay tenfold!'