8 Let's Brawl

Ivan exclaimed in surprise "WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT DOESN'T WORK?"

Realizing his actions were guilty of being stressed Dean calmed himself, taking a deep breath and answered

"The talisman isn't working. It's not glowing and burning away. I don't even sense any qi in it anymore."

To him the ink scribbled on the paper didn't look special and made it out to be a children's poor handwriting. Having few experiences with inscriptions Dean was confused, relying on his friends for clarification.

The golem acknowledged their difficulties "I am certainly surprised you children have yet to discover it. The young man's sword was clearly highlighted with runes yet you never came to the conclusion why his sword wasn't effective?"

The 'young man' the golem was referring to was of course Christian who lay on the mat with low growls echoing once in a while due to blood exiting his body and the intolerable pain.

Dean dismissed his suspicion as nothing more than skepticism but never knew his doubt was very accurate.

The golem professed information the children were ignorant to "This room is covered with an array that suppresses the addition of runes. Unless given special permission like the fire orb you may have found only then will the runes work."

"The only way to get into this room was a teleportation inscription on the wooden slabs. To get out... the only possible way is to beat me. If you so wish to save that person then you'll have to remove my core, killing me and take the key inside of the core."

There was a very awkward silence. No one made a move, not even the golem. He allowed the children to slowly accept what he said but he inwardly desired something.

'Desperation is a scary weapon my master has used that can make a man change for the better. For others it is nothing more than suicide if they are reckless. I can only give them my best wishes'

Dean gulped at the realization he was just generally told.

To escape from this hellhole.

You need to take away a life.

It was quite strange, the notion of a golem is equal to a life. For any normal person this would be a thought of a fool but that requirement fit perfectly for Dean.To him the thought of a man-made creature was equal to a life with years of heritage.

This golem has lived for who knows, guarding an inheritage with that one job being his only meaning in life. Surely he has gained his own experience after living for a long time.

This was quite the opposite for Anne and Pierre

To them they currently launched a barrage of attacks against the golem after the subtle peace. They didn't care about the sacrifice needed and the golem was nothing more than a piece of rock in their way.

This type of ruthless thought could be contributed to the competitive nature of great clans but to make a child devoid of sensible thoughts was... cruel in the kindest of words.

Ivan analyzed his situation very carefully.

Dean was tending to Christian who is already very injured.

No matter what grudge they may have had, to wish upon Christian's death was far too childish. Even his pride wouldn't just allow his friend to die.

Dean was still as ever gentle as he remembered. If the reason he made friends was only because of connections then Dean would break that principle.

His pure kindness is the only thing that makes him reassured in the future he'll have a good brother to rely on. To tread against a house a home full of wolves that aren't afraid to eat their own kind can make a man heartless but Ivan was the opposite.

He yearned to be a the top, free of all his worries. Working hard to meet the expectation of the next generation was what he hoped to accomplish but being at the top is a lonely journey.

Without friends how painful must the process be?

He noticed the strange attitude of Anne and Pierre. Their rash actions were unusual and Ivan felt there was something off about their sudden apprehension to their situation.

If he had to guess what it was then he would guess they were afraid of death. A thing that barely anyone human can explain what it feels like. It is an excellent fuel for accelerating the growth of the geniuses but also a fuel for a person to drive into their death.

Their recklessness was worrying but the both of them were still weary with the evidence of failure to dodge being Christian.

Ayesha had no perceivable change as she remained true to her quiet nature and left resting on a wall.

Rose on the other hand... she seemed more calm than usual.

Was the notion of death freezing her in her tracks?

Her deep breaths acted as a reminder for her to keep her cool but Ivan didn't understand how her suddenly change in attitude worked.

Rose can be frightened of many things yet she doesn't just sit there in fear. Even if she has been spoiled by her uncles it doesn't mean she is that immature to a situation like this.

Letting out a sigh Ivan was not sure what to think of the golem.

'Was he using a ruse? Did he purposely predict this would happen and just waited for the right moment. That might've been the reason why he started targeting Christian.'

'He was trying to create a rift between us!'

The golem was wronged in his attempt to purge a scoundrel but didn't know that in Ivan's mind he was an insidious mastermind who already planned all of this.

Ivan could only let go of his premature thoughts and aid Pierre and Anne.

He had no time to waste.

Rose crept behind Dean, patting his back "Is Christian fine? I'm pretty sure he has a rare pill in his space ring."

Dean didn't question why Rose knew exactly the situation of Christian but was more focused on the task.

His task being to save Christian

In the distant parts of the space ring there was a small jar with green glass. The translucence allowed Dean to just have a peek of a small round pill inside the bottle.

Taking it out he gently took it out onto his palm and made the pill roll down into Christian's mouth. Without the need of water he ate the whole pill and before Dean's eyes he saw Christian's small cuts heal at a visible speed.

It may not be fast but it was enough for the time being.

This raised another question.

Who's going to protect Christian?

The medicine may be great enough to heal Christian's broken rib but if he is left to rest on the ground he is nothing more than an open target.

Dean already witnessed how deadly the golem can get if he targets a person and what'll stop him from aiming at his target once more?

Rose looked at the emotional struggles Dean was having and hugged him "Don't worry. I've got him"

Dean gave a nod to gesture his thanks and left to go against the golem.

Christian already has someone to protect him and there was only one way to get out of here.

To reassure everyone else he yelled "Christian is currently healing. Don't fight recklessly."

As if an echo Ivan joined "If the golem is alive then Christian might die. We need to make sure he doesn't get a chance. If we don't focus on him now he'll slowly kill us one by one."

"In a game of endurance the golem has infinite stamina. If we wait it out we will tire to our deaths and die by his hands."

The golem grumbled inwardly 'Do I look that dumb? He does know I understand his words, right? He is definitely a great potential leader but to say a plan that the enemy can take advantage of is stupid. If he works with that girl, their success is imminent.

Ivan was extremely decisive with his words while Dean found it much more difficult.

This was the moment.

He was going to need to kill the golem

Despite the short moment he felt that the golem still had a life he deserved. Dean had no right to just suddenly take it away from him.

It was a conflicting situation Dean was in but with glossy water flowing down his cheeks he resolutely said to golem in the most foolish announcement

"Golem, Let's brawl"