Chapter 33: Chapter 33: General Leon; The Legendary Ice Guardian

As Gideon charged towards Mirrel, his enormous form propelling him forward with a terrifying velocity, suddenly a shadowy figure darted past him with uncanny swiftness. The figure was almost too fast for the eye to follow, and with a precise and practiced motion, the blade connected.

"Slash!"

Gideon's head snapped to the side just in time and a deep gash appeared along his neck. The pain was immediate and searing, causing him to stagger slightly. With a guttural roar of agony and rage, he tried to shake off the impact, but the injury, though serious, didn't seem to faze him completely. His monstrous form was still very much alive and furious.

The attack was from Aria's father using one of his assassination skills.

"I will kill you all!" Gideon roared, his voice echoing through the auction hall like a death knell. His massive body began to shimmer with a dark, menacing energy. He stomped his foot onto the ground with such force that the entire hall trembled.

"Ape's Gravity Domain (S)," he rumbled, casting his S-Rank skill.

In an instant, the auction hall was enveloped in a crushing gravity field. The sheer force of the gravitational pressure bore down upon everyone present. The very air seemed to thicken, making it almost impossible to move.

Aria's father, previously maintaining his shadow form, was forced into visibility by the oppressive force.

"Bang!"

His figure was slammed to the ground, his shadowy form dissipating under the immense pressure.

"Father!" Aria cried out in desperation as she watched her father's injured body. Her voice was swallowed by the overpowering gravity that immobilized her as well. She wasn't even allowed to reach his side.

Ethan struggled against the crushing weight, his breath coming in labored gasps as he lay sprawled on the floor. The power of an S-Rank hunter was overwhelming, making him feel insignificantly small. "Is this the true power of an S-Rank hunter?" he thought in horror. The difference in power was stark and terrifying, with Gideon's single stomp effectively rendering everyone powerless.

"Hahaha! You miserable rats, know your place!" Gideon's laughter was filled with malevolent glee. "You should just grovel beneath my feet and beg for a quick death." His mocking tone was laced with cruelty as he relished in their helplessness.

He glanced down at the ancient key lying on the floor, a cruel smirk spreading across his face as he discovered it was a fake. With a contemptuous sneer, he crushed it under his enormous grip, the key splintering into pieces. "You dared to deceive me? I'll make sure you suffer for this!"

With a gentle touch of his flickering fingers, a wave of cooling sensation spread throughout the auction hall, making everyone's mind relaxed, and instantly freeing everyone from the ape's gravity domain.

Gideon's eyes went saucers as he finally recognized who the man was.

Gideon's eyes widened in disbelief as recognition dawned on him. "G-General Leon!" he stammered, his voice tinged with terror even in his formidable Devil Ape form. The mere presence of General Leon was enough to shake him to his core.

"A Transcendental Powerhouse!"

The other clan leaders, equally alarmed, struggled to fathom the presence of such a high-ranking figure in their midst. To them, he was more than just a leader; he was almost like a god, a being of immense power and authority. In his presence, they felt like mere mortals, his devoted followers in awe of his every move..

The realization that General Leon, a Transcendental, was present, added a new dimension to the unfolding events.

"Brother, did you really summon General Leon? I didn't know you have such influence." Aria's uncle marveled, his face reflecting awe and disbelief. "So that's why you were so enigmatic about the help we would receive. I didn't realize you had such an powerful ally."

Aria's father shook his head, his expression a blend of relief and astonishment. "No, you fool. How could I ever have the audacity? I only sent a letter to the capital requesting assistance. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect him to come in person. It's truly a mystery."

Aria's uncle, realizing the misunderstanding, felt a surge of embarrassment. "Regardless, it's fortunate that General Leon is here."

"Yes," Aria's father agreed, a note of relief evident in his voice.

"Father, are you okay?" Aria approached her father, her concern palpable.

"I'm fine," her father reassured her with a pained smile. His gaze then shifted to Ethan beside her, and a flicker of disapproval crossed his face. But in the presence of General Leon, he held his tongue, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

Before they could continue their conversation, their attention was drawn back to the most anticipated confrontation unfolding before them. General Leon's presence had undeniably altered the course of the battle, and the tension in the auction hall reached a fever pitch as the final showdown was near.

However, everyone could guess the result already.