The strike fell toward him like the final verdict from heavens but Nash seemed as calm as an ancient pond.
Thanks to his improved physical strength and the invisible confidence that came from both his Legacy and Domination Art, Nash knew that he will win this clash no matter what.
Bam!
With a slight push with his feet to the side, Nash avoided the Beast's assault with a surprisingly swift move and watched as the huge blade crashed into the spot where he just stood a second ago!
"What?" the Sky Beast seemed stunned that his target, that was only a mere slave without any power, was able to evade his assault, hence shifted his gaze at Nash who smiled back at him calmly.
"Considering that you are just an oversized chicken, your speed and power are truly exceptional."
'...'
Both Erys and the Sky Beast stared at Nash with a blank face, but soon the latter's complexion turned ashen while thick veins popped up on its neck and forehead one by one.
"Oversized... Chicken... Haha! HAHAHA!"
BAM!
In a wink, the muscles on the Sky Beast's body bulged and exploded with terrifying power, while its body began to leak suffocating killing intent together with a strong presence.
"I will fucking skin you alive!" hissed the Sky Beast with a hint of coldness flashing in its eyes whilst its sword was already withdrawn from the smashed ground.
Erys on the other hand upon seeing this didn't seem delighted at all but instead her eyes widened as she knew this was very bad news!
And just as she has thought, the worst-case scenario happened as Nash's mouth suddenly curved into a smile and his hand moved.
[Target's {Anger} reached Critical Level!]
[Attaching {Life String} on target now possible!]
"DIE, YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!"
With a swing that was twice as strong as the previous one that even twisted the air visibly, the Sky Beast stared at Nash with bloodshot eyes, wishing nothing more right now but to kill Nash brutally.
Yet, just as its blade could have reached its target, slicing him up into two equal half, Nash suddenly waved his hand as if he wanted to grab something and opened his mouth.
"Stop."
Swish!
In the very instant as Nash's voice fell, the weapon froze just an inch away from his face while the airwave carried by the blade blew Nash's face hard, even forming slight scratch marks on his cheek that began to bleed gently.
The Sky Beast's eyes shook from tremor as it was incapable of understanding why his body suddenly stopped moving forward; it felt as if an invisible wall was forbidding it from doing so!
"What... did you do to me?" asked in a hoarse voice the creature, struggling to move its weapon but only in vain!
"This scene... how familiar." thought Nash as he stared at the blade before him while the image of Erys doing the same appeared in his mind.
"Answer me you prick! What did you do to me!?" roared the Sky Beast, now angrier than ever before!
If the Beast could have killed with a simple stare then it would have sliced Nash up a thousand times a very long time ago!
Nash however just simply looked at the creature's face coldly and said, "Kneel."
"!?"
The Sky Beast wanted to sneer upon hearing this, but suddenly watched himself doing just as he was told! His body lowered and kneeled before Nash, his face in one level of Nash's!
"What? How is this possible?" asked the creature with thick sweat forming on its forehead, knowing that something must have happened with his body, and glanced at Erys on the side.
Though, when it saw her gaze that now had no hope and even showed pity toward it, the Sky Beast turned toward Nash and hissed, "Let go of me n-"
"Shut up."
'...'
With a quick move, the Sky Beast's jaw closed tightly together powerfully where even the sound as its teeth smashed together could be heard, turning the surroundings silent right away.
Nash stared at the kneeling creature before him and began to ponder while a smile began to form gradually on his face.
"Now that I have these two powerful beings in my arsenal, I should start my plan."
After seeing that with his Level 5 Legacy he was able to avoid attacks with ease, Nash knew he no longer needed to fear that his plan would fail to work.
With Erys and this creature, Nash was way too sure he can succeed with his plan no matter what.
"Both of you, stand up and follow me in silence," said Nash and walked toward the exit, Erys and the creature followed him closely.
Outside the cave, the slow and sharp sound of mining could be heard, while the air was filled with lost hope and grief.
Once out, Nash glanced around and clapped his hand, causing everyone to halt in their movements and glance at him with confusion.
"Everyone, come here!" shouted Nash, but instead of approaching him, every person remained still, their fear-filled eyes fixed on the Sky Beast behind him.
Nash understood right away what was happening so talked without even turning around, "Call them here."
The Sky Beast seemingly still struggling to resist Nash's power wanted to say 'fuck you' but what came out of his mouth was something completely else.
"Everyone! Here, now!"
The deafening roar that put fear into all human's hearts whenever they heard it made every people's body flinch, but knowing they will be punished if they won't do what they were told, they had no choice but to move.
Soon, every human stood before Nash, confused and curious why he seemed so calm and why they were called together during their work as they knew there was still time before the deadline.
"Perfect, it seems everyone is here." nodded Nash, and after glancing at each individual before him with a serious gaze ha talked, "Get ready, we are going to leave this place and start our new life!"
'...'
However, instead of cheers and shocked gasps what Nash saw were doubtful eyes, some even laughing quietly because of the lost hope as they found Nash's statement funny.
Nash obviously anticipated this reaction thus waved his hand and the Sky Beast stood next to him.
"?" everyone looked at this sight in confusion, but soon all of their expression changed one hundred and eighty degrees!
"Cut off your left thumb."
Swish!
When the Sky Beast heard this its face paled but couldn't help but move according to the order and cut off its left thumb without a second thought!
"You... mother... fucker..." groaned the creature like some kind of animal, but was muted by Nash the next second, giving it the only option to stare at his finger on the ground in silence and with deep hatred in its eyes!
Erys on the side seemed pale as she knew if Nash wanted to, he could have done the same thing with her too, but luckily he didn't.
Witnessing all this, people one after another began to stare at Nash like he was some kind of ghost, but with the sole exception that their eyes now held a bit of... hope and faith!
Moreover, the Indicator above their heads began to change too as their Level of Sadness began to drop drastically while their Happiness rose with record speed!
Upon seeing this, Nash couldn't help but nod with a slight smile and ask, "So? Will you follow me and get out of this hell or do you want to stay here, remaining a slave until your very last day?"
"The choice is yours."