Chapter 55 - 55: Sacrifice

As Aron stated that rule, both Esmeralda and Anastasia wore a visible look of concern as Aron's trap became clear to them. Had no one been around, Brutas could refute the claim of having fought and without evidence an investigation couldn't be carried out, but with this many people he couldn't refute anything and thus would have to face the consequences, perhaps even expulsion... or so they thought.

Without warning Aron's muscles tensed up and a dim glow appeared in his eyes, that of a beast. Before Brutas could even ponder on the words Aron had said, he felt the air completely rush out of his body as Aron's fist connected cleanly to his gut. The sheer force from this one punch caused a shockwave and gust of wind to violently scatter towards the bystanders who could only squint their eyes as their clothes blew from the wind, and their bones trembled slightly from the shockwave.

"!!"

When they fully opened their eyes, Brutas was on his knees with blood trickling down his mouth and his hands shaking uncontrollably. Everyone had assumed this was already the end but once again, Aron made a move that few could track with the naked eye as his foot hit Brutas at the right side of his face but with less force than before. This hit, however, still sent Brutas right in the middle of the white paved road.

Henry and the others quickly rushed to Brutas's side while the bystanders now stood on both the left-and right-hand side of the road, observing from store fronts. "That's enough!" Henry stood in front of Brutas who laid down beaten, but Aron didn't once halt his movements.

"If anyone gets involved, I swear by my name that you will regret it." Aron's words were heavy, and his look showed he wasn't joking but Henry remained in his stance alongside Esmeralda while Anastasia quickly went to tend to Brutas.

"Three..." Aron didn't bother saying anything more and only started to count down.

"Two..."

"One..."

"That's quite enough, wouldn't you say?" The familiar gentle yet stern voice that Aron had been hearing during his interview resounded on the scene seemingly coming from no direction.

"I have observed enough and as an academy Inquisitor, I assure you this matter will be resolved. Any further actions from you will only implicate you as well," the voice advised but Aron didn't seem the least bit surprised. 'So, I was being monitored, by an inquisitor no less. A shame he didn't show himself.' Ever since his interview had ended, Aron felt he was being observed.

The runes and glyphs in his residence made it impossible for anyone to monitor him there but outside he was fair game. When Brutas had shown himself, it was only naturally Aron used him as bait. Despite the person not revealing themselves, confirming he was being observed was more than enough to call the strategy a success.

'All first-time offenders only receive a warning if ignorant of the rules, no need to make it seem like he'll face any grave consequences but that's fine,' Aron thought as he turned his gaze towards Henry and the others "Each encounter we've had, you all provoked me first but each time I spared your lives and only got my due compensation. But now? I will break you and everything you hold dear; you have my word," Aron spoke clearly for all to hear, his voice strong and domineering in its display.

Be it Esmeralda, Henry, or Brutas who still laid down injured, they all wore looks of great concern. Anastasia's expression was even worse as her mind began to imagine the worst-case scenarios. Without saying anything more, Aron left the scene and walked towards his home.

Meanwhile on a rooftop not too far away from the scene, the silhouette of a man observing the situation could be seen. 'Killing over a half the population of beasts in the Galos region, perfect scores in every test he took, and no allegiance to any nation. No wonder the arch-mage is so wary of him, but he's better here than joining another organization...' the figure thought to himself before leaving the scene entirely as well.

As that day went on, rumors spread all over Galos City of a contestant even stronger than the heirs of the grand families. His name, family background and origin unknown, the rumor took only a few hours to become the hottest topic around the city.

Aron, the center of the entire rumor, was quietly seated in his study, further increasing his knowledge when a knock resounded on his door. "Go let whoever it is in," Aron instructed Evanora who was seated on the floor with her arms hugging her legs as she watched the fireplace. "Evanora will do that," she muttered in a low tone before leaving the study to fetch whoever it was at the door.

A short moment later, she returned with a person wearing a large brown hooded cloak. Aron didn't bother raising his head from the book he was reading as he spoke once more. "Evanora, go sit in the living room," he instructed and almost immediately Evanora left without saying a word, leaving him and the cloaked figure alone.

"What brings you here?" he asked completely unfazed or on guard against this person who soon lowered their hood and revealed themselves to be... Anastasia. After lowering her hood, she seemed too conflicted to even utter a word as she looked at Aron. "I came here to try and amend the animosity between you, my friends, and me," she said in a somewhat hesitant tone before removing the cloak.

"And just how do you plan on achieving that?" Aron, still not raising his head, asked plainly as he flipped the page of the book he was so engrossed in.

"My body, my mind, my servitude, I'll willingly give it to you all..." As Anastasia said these words her eyes became teary, and she clenched her fists as she waited to hear Aron's response. Aron first put down the book he was reading and slowly approached her until he stood only mere inches away from her.

He then placed his finger under her chin and raised her head up so her gaze could meet his. "Whether willingly or unwillingly, I already hold power over you. Your body is simply that, a body and your mind is simply that, a mind. Don't think for a moment that you are one of a kind, I gave you and your friends enough chances and it's lead us to this point. I don't go back on my words." Aron's tone clear and every word he spoke carried the seriousness of the situation with it.

"I'm sorry... whatever it is I'll do it." Anastasia's voice was cracking, and her desperation showed clearly, this seemingly venomous woman was surprisingly willing to go so far to save those she cared for. Even if it meant giving away her maidenhood and freedom. To Aaron, however, this was a weakness; one he was going to make use of. "Prove your usefulness and I will spare your friends, for now your brother is safe but I will still actively destroy the others unless I see sufficient results from you. Yes or no? Answer quickly before I change my mind," Aron offered and caused Anastasia to gulp, purposely leaving her little time to think it over nor giving her a chance to negotiate.

"I'll do it... I'll do whatever it is you want me to do to the utmost of my capabilities," she muttered in a low tone and received a nod from Aron who then pulled away. A servant was a servant, one willing to serve however and actively seeking to breed great results was even better.. Whether Anastasia would do just that, remained to be seen.