Chapter 41 Settled For Now

Dex did not even have the time to scream as he slowly fell on the ground, lifeless. The other bandits who saw what happened all trembled in fear; the others who already saw how merciless the man once was were already running for their lives but before they could reach far, they all dropped dead on the ground.

"What-what do you want?" One of them asked while he took a step back. They all looked at the mysterious man with pale complexions.

Cygnus tilted his head up without speaking. After a while, he looked at them with a smile, "If you serve me, I will spare this place."

Those words stunned the people but they knew that the person was not joking by what they saw, he was not a man whose words cannot be taken lightly. The remaining bandits let go of their weapons and kneeled on the ground to give respect to Cygnus.

"Hmm, that's more like it." He nodded his head in satisfaction because these people were decisive. "As for this young man whom you are calling the leader, I will let him live to manage this place." Cygnus stretched out his hand above the leader's body, and a black circle appeared below him.

His eyes gave a red glint then something dark slowly slithered from the black circle, it slowly covered the leader's body. Cygnus then created a small cut on his finger and let a small drop of his blood land on the covered man. The dark gooey liquid absorbed the blood as the body also absorbed the liquid.

The whole process was witnessed by the bandits, then they saw their leader moving his hands and opened his eyes. He sat up while panting and looking around then he saw that Cygnus was standing near him.

He jumped to his feet and backed away from him before he spoke, "You, why are you here? What are you doing here?" He looked around and saw that his comrades were kneeling on the ground. "What's happening?"

"This small village of yours is under my command now and so are you. I healed you and even gave you an incredible body so that you can continue to lead this village, in peace," Cygnus answered. He placed both of his hands behind his back to grin at the man.

The leader was still confused but when he met Cygnus's eyes, he automatically recognized him as his master as he also kneeled down. "Master, I am sorry for my earlier statement directed at you. I failed to recognize your greatness and generosity."

Whatever happened during their first meeting all disappeared and all that was left was the man's loyal gaze to the master. He was alive and although the fear did not leave him, the man was still the person who saved him.

"That's what I was talking about!" He clapped his hands then all of them finally stood up. "So, what's your name? It's a bit inconvenient to keep on calling you the leader."

"I'm called Fhen master." Fhen was standing in attention while waiting for the master's reaction. He might not like his name so he was ready to change it to whatever the master wants.

"Alright, that's better. Now Fhen, I will leave this place in your care. Your comrades had already surrendered and you don't have to change anything. Just continue to live like how you used to be until the moment I call you." Cygnus was looking at Fhen then he glanced at the bandits who had their heads bowed.

"I understand master. Do you have any more instructions for us?" Fhen accepted the command and so did the other bandits. They don't really have a choice at this point and it was much better to comply with the person since he was someone they can't defy.

"Oh, be more aggressive when you do your bandit work and please train your men properly. They can't even injure my butler. If any of you proved to be useless, I will personally eliminate all of you without leaving any single soul behind." The command and reminder were heard loud and clear.

"We understand master. I will make sure that all your requirements are met so as not to disappoint you." Fhen clenched his fist and made his promise. The others did as Fhen and simultaneously raised their fists in the air.

After everything was settled, the bandits escorted Cygnus to the leader's house where they prepared all kinds of food and wine to celebrate the fact that they were still alive and that their village now has another leader. Fhen also explained everything to the other villagers and with no other choice, they accepted that they have a new boss.

While all of this was happening, Nina and Astrophos were stuck outside the village since Cygnus erected a wall which prevented them from entering. They waited for over an hour before the wall was lifted and they were allowed to enter.

Nina laughed at what they saw inside, the bandits were celebrating with wine and singing and dancing. Their faces that were stricken with fear were now full of smiles but what caught Astrophos's attention was the leader who was supposed to be crippled by now. He was standing beside Cygnus and serving him wine.

They walked towards the gathering of people and Nina did not hesitate to join them while the man with him decided to stand on the side. He could not help but glance at Cygnus a couple of times before he focused on the bonfire they just lit.

"We will be staying here for the night," Cygnus came from the side and stood a couple of steps away from the mage. "Are you perhaps wondering what has happened? How can they celebrate in front of the person who killed many of their brothers? Are these questions perhaps torturing you now?"

The mage closed his eyes and chose to ignore the teasing man. Even though he had some questions, he did not want to ask the master because he was certain that he will not give him the answers that he wanted.

"No need," was his short reply.

Since Astrophos was not willing to entertain him, Cygnus left him be. This time, the butler finally arrived in low spirits. He looked at the joyous occasion and at his master who failed to inform him that such activity was currently happening. If not for him following them after his clean up then he would have missed the party.

"Aren't you going to drink wine too, Mr. Astrophos?" the butler stood beside him with a glass of wine in his hands. He was twirling it while his gaze was also on the blazing fire.

"I'm not in the mood."